| European water chestnut |
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European water chestnut (Trapa natans L)
ODA rating: A
Other common names
Singhara Ling, bullnut
Description
Annual aquatic plant. Upper floating leaves diamond-shaped with toothed edges, arranged on inflated, spongy stalks and occur in clusters up to 20 inches across. Submersed leaves long and narrow or often replaced with green feather-like structures. Flowers small, solitary and white to light purple. Fruit a large swollen nut with two to four sharp spines.
Impacts
This plant is a fierce competitor in shallow bodies of water possessing soft, muddy rooting substrates. In the Northeast it creates nearly impenetrable mats across wide areas of water creating barriers to boaters, swimmers and fisherman alike. Spiked nuts drift to shore where their sharp spines may hurt bare feet. Mono-cultures severely limit light penetration and water mixing, creating conditions of reduced oxygen levels which may increase the potential for fish kills. It is of little value to waterfowl.
Click on photo below to view larger image
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Image courtesy of alfred Cofrancesco, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Image courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
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Image courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Distribution in Oregon
No sites have been identified in Oregon at this time.
Biological controls
Biological control agents are not used on "A" listed weeds in Oregon.
Informational links
WeedMapper
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