Ability to Respond Total:5 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:Medium
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Spreads: by the rosette and fruits detaching from the stem and floating to another area on currents or by fruits clinging to objects, birds and other animals. If unmanaged, populations can increase dramatically.
5
Spread Amount
Has the ability to survive in colder climates. Currently invades the eastern US as far south as Virginia.
3
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Trapa natans grows best in waters that are nutrient rich and moderately alkaline. It can grow in water up to 5 m deep, but prefers shallow waters (0.3 to 2.0 m deep).
4
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
3
Cultural
When the plant occupies a site, most recreational activities such as swimming, fishing from the shoreline, and the use of small boats are eliminated or severely impeded.
4
Health
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
Was introduced as a garden pond ornamental, but this is likely not important today.
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
19
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Fairly easy to detect because of the distinct look on the floating leaves.
1
Control
Specialized methods of control are required to handle water chestnut infestations. Eradication is difficult because water chestnut seeds may lay dormant for up to 12 years.
4
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
Nothing in place. In Michigan, knowingly possessing or introducing the plant can be considered a felony, fine up to $1,000,000.
