Transcript Water Chestnut Trapa natans L.

Water Chestnut
Trapa natans L.
Brady Seeley
Distribution
Distribution cont.
• Prefers shallow water in lakes or streams.
• Distribution is limited.
Basic Info
• Also called water nut or
water caltrop
• Native to Eurasia
• Introduced in late
1800’s
• Noxious
Description
• Rooted, annual aquatic
plant
• Glossy, green leaves
• Single small, white
flowers
Reproduction
• Seeds germinate in the spring
• Produce hard, nut like seeds in July
• Seeds can remain viable in the sediment for
up to 12 years
• Seed dispersal by water, animals, and humans
Threats and Management
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Aggressive, prolific reproducer
Creates light impenetrable mats of vegetation
Coordinate with PA state agencies
Public education
Include on invasive species list
Questions?
References
• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. AIS Action Plan:
Water Chestnut. [Internet]. 2011 June. Pennsylvania Fish and
Boat Commission. [cited Oct. 1, 2012]. Available from:
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/ais/ais-action-water-chestnut.pdf