Water Chestnut Discovered in New Hampshire Waters [exit DNR] Global Invasive Species Database: Trapa natans [exit DNR]. European water chestnut (or water chestnut) is an invasive aquatic plant that has been introduced to the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario within Voyageur Provincial Park. Dense growth of water chestnut may harm native species and ecosystems, and limit boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. European water chestnut is a non-native aquatic plant that is highly invasive and, if left untreated, can quickly take over a waterway. Water chestnut (Trapa natans L.) (Fig. 2). Abstract: With a floating-leaf growth form and an explosive growth rate, water chestnut (Trapa natans) can grow to completely dominate water surfaces, prompting large changes in ecosystem functionality.The lack of success controlling water chestnut with chemical and physical methods prompted renewed research in biological control, and we are evaluating the potential of Galerucella … In: Van Driesche, R., et al., 2002, Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States, USDA Forest Service Publication FHTET-2002-04, 413 p. Pest Status of Weed. Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a rooted submerged aquatic plant that quickly forms dense floating mats and outcompetes native plant communities. Last updated Sept. 28, 2005. Water Chestnut … Appearance Trapa natans is a rooted, floating plant that invades shallow to deep, fresh water habitats in the northeastern United States. One is commonly thought to be invasive while the other may be grown and eaten in a number of Asian dishes and stir-fries. Water chestnut is hardy and can survive across a range of climates. • The green triangular 2-4 cm wide floating leaves form rosettes, which are attached to … There are two plants referred to as water chestnut plants: Eleocharis dulcis and Trapa natans. Water Chestnut 101 What is water chestnut? It grows in lakes, ponds, canals, and other slow-moving water bodies. It can grow in 12-15 ft. (3.6-4.6 m) of water and forms dense, floating mats, often three layers deep. Introduced in the United States in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant, water chestnut was soon found growing in Collins Lake near Scotia, NY. The plant also has submerged leaves which are deep under the surface of the water. Once water chestnut takes over a creek or pond, it can cut off important nutrients for our native wildlife as well as impede recreational activities such … 1), also known as horned water chestnut or water caltrop, is an aquatic weed of the northeastern United States that can dominate ponds, shallow lakes, and river margins (Fig. Water chestnut is an invasive floating-leaved plant that can form dense mats at the water’s surface, crowding out native aquatic species. Keep reading for more information on these water chestnut plants. Water Chestnut: An Exotic Invasive Aquatic Plant Trapa natans Description • Water Chestnut is an annual, rooted floating leaved non-native plant that can form dense impenetrable mats at the water’s surface. Water chestnut is an aquatic, floating plant, which grows in floating mats and has white or light purple flowers. 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