Plants That Invade Our Waterbodies

The following is the text of a handout from the CRE Laurentides, kindness of Bryan.

A plant is considered exotic when it is found outside of its natural range. The newly colonized environment is often devoid of predators of this foreign plant. This factor, combined with other advantages linked to growth and reprodution, makes exotic plants feroicous competitors of indigenous plants, to the point where they become invasive.

Aquatic exotic invasive plants (AEIP) can represent a serious threat to the environment. They alter the compostiion of natural ecosystems and disturb local biodiversity. Their proliferation has negative repercussions on the economy and on society, mainly by reducing tourism and the development of cottages. Recreatonal activities such as fishing, canoeing and swimming can be limited by an infestation of AEIP. The multiplication of AEIP can also negatively affect the value of lakeshore properties.

Controlling and managing AEIP is difficult. Once in place, it is almost impossible to limit their propagation. That is why it is crucial to insure that they do not enter our lakes.

In Quebec, many species of AEIP are present and established at varying levels. These include:

European frog bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata)
water chestnut (Trapa natans)
curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

Further information can be found on the Web at:  www.crelaurentides.org