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| New Members' Meeting | Watershed Enemies | |
The European Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) by Matthew DelMonte The European Water Chestnut is an aquatic, non-native, invasive species common to shallow freshwater streams and ponds in Massachusetts -including our own watershed. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to water resources. These non-native plants have few natural controls and have great potential for rapid colonization. The European Water Chestnut significantly impacts the biodiversity of aquatic habitats in our watershed by shading out native plants and offering very little value to wildlife. This is not the same water chestnut used in oriental cuisine. Water chestnut is a rooted plant with both submerged and floating leaves. Floating leaves form a rosette shape and the plant stem resembles a thick string. The water chestnut reproduces by very sharp, spine-like seeds. Seed dispersal is aided by drifting parts and water fowl. Destroying one seed can actually prevent the growth of over 100 new plants. Controlling the water chestnut is very difficult and early detection is vital. Small populations of the plant can be hand-pulled while larger ones may require mechanical harvesters or herbicides. Once removed, plants should be disposed of away from water. Complete eradication can take years and, in large ponds, may never be achieved. Many states, including Massachusetts, have laws prohibiting the distribution of the water chestnut. Report sightings of this plant to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials or to the state DEM. |
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