Invasive Aquatic Plants: What Every Plant Enthusiast Needs to Know
Invasive Aquatic Plants: What Every Plant Enthusiast Needs to Know
You Can Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Plants: What Every Plant Enthusiast Needs To Know
Characteristics of
Invasives
Most invasive species have certain traits that make
them successful in habitats that they invade.
Invasive aquatic and wetland plants generally:
tolerate a wide range of environmental
conditions including soil and water acidity,
water and air temperature, water salinity,
water level fluctuations, and dissolved oxygen;
reproduce early, often, in large numbers,
and in multiple ways (e.g., by fragmentation,
seeds, and rhizomes);
grow rapidly;
resist management control efforts.
Vectors of
Spread
Mother Nature
Invasive plants are generally spread to natural
waterways accidentally. These unintentional introductions
are more likely if a water garden or a
retention basin containing invasive plants is built
near a natural body of water. The natural waterway
may flood into the artificial pond and carry away the contents, or the pond may flood and have
its
contents swept away into the natural waterway. In addition, seeds and plant fragments of
invasive
plants can be spread by wind or by traveling wildlife.
Plant Enthusiasts
Water gardeners and aquarium hobbyists can unintentionally spread potentially harmful plants
when they 1) share specimens among friends, neighbors, and gardening and aquarium clubs, or
2)
dispose of aquatic plants by releasing them into a natural waterway. Invasive plants are also
spread when gardeners moving to warmer climates take plants with them that would otherwise
have been controlled in colder climates (i.e., killed during winter). Instead, these plants thrive
and
become invasive in their new warmer habitat. Some plant enthusiasts even sneak novel plants
into
the country illegally. By introducing these exotic plants, they run the risk of causing great harm.
(Note: Any plants that are brought into the country should be declared to quarantine
officials.)
Retail Outlets
Retail outlets may also contribute to the spread of
invasive species. These outlets can sell invasive
plants unless the state or federal governments
specifically prohibit their sale. In some cases, even prohibited plants may end up being sold if
retailers are 1)
unaware of the restrictions, or 2) unfamiliar with a plant's scientific name and only know it by a
non-invasive alias.
Retailers may also sell plants (or use packing materials!) with "hitchhiking" plant fragments or
invertebrates (small
animals) that may themselves be invasive.
Before building & choosing plants for your
water garden
Build your water garden away from natural
waterways
When planning your water garden, choose a site
that is isolated from any potential flooding situations
(i.e., a lowland area adjacent to a river
is likely to flood). Remember, use of invasive
plants in a water garden that is near a lake,
river, stream, or even a retention basin could
increase the risk for spread of those species.
Familiarize yourself with invasive plants of regional
and national concern
Consider using regionally native or non-invasive
exotic plants
There are many non-invasive plants that can be
used in place of an invasive species to achieve the
same effect whether balancing pH, providing
vertical interest, or adding a particular color.
Use invasive plants only outside of their hardiness
zone
Those plants whose temperature and precipitation
requirements are far outside the limits of
your agricultural zone are less likely to become
invasive if they escape to natural waterways.
When buying aquatic
plants
Choose a reputable nursery (whether you shop at
a store, through a catalogue, or via the Internet).
Ask if the vendor is aware of what species are
regionally and federally restricted.
Verify that the plant identifications and their
scientific names (i.e., genus and species) are
correct. Common names are sometimes used
interchangeably for several different species, so
you could accidentally buy an invasive species
labeled with a harmless pseudonym.
Ensure that your purchases are free of any
hitchhikers.
Rinse plants in a bucket of tap water until they are clean. The dirtier the plant,
the more
likely
it is to have hitchhikers. Be on the lookout for
snails and plant fragments. Use a light colored
bucket to help you see the hitchhikers.
If it seems likely that your plant has hitchhikers,
use a chlorine dip. Dip the plant in a 10% chlorine
solution, swish it around, and then shake it
off. After 30 seconds, rinse the plant with tap
water. This method will not harm emergent
plants such as Sagittaria spp. (arrowhead), but
is not recommended for submerged plants such as
Vallisneria americana (wild celery).
Disposing of aquatic
plants
Dispose of aquatic plants if they are 1) in a habitat
where they could spread into nearby waterways, or
2) in a water garden that is being emptied for the
winter.
Completely dry or freeze the plants, and then
add them to the household garbage that does
not get composted. Composting should be avoided
because many seeds can withstand drying
and freezing. An alternative method of disposal
is to burn the plants if backyard burning or trash
incineration is an option.
Expanding your
efforts
Inform others about the problems of invasive
aquatic plants and the methods to prevent their
spread.
Report sightings of invasive plants in natural
waterways to your local or state agricultural agent,
extension office, or natural resource management
agency.
Volunteer to help remove invasive plants from
vulnerable natural areas. Call your state natural
resource agency about volunteer opportunities.
A joint project of Sea Grant and other offices of the University of Connecticut,
University
of Florida, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, North Carolina State University and Purdue
University