Water Chestnut
Trapa natans
| Common Name: | Water chestnut |
| Scientific Name: | Trapa natans |
| Family: | Trapaceae |
| Growth Form: | Aquatic plant |
| Native Range: | Europe and Asia |
| Invasive Range: | Northeastern United States |
| Introduction: | This plant was introduced to North America in 1874 and was cultivated in the |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Two types: below surface of water, leaves alternate and simple. Above water leaves toothed and triangular shaped; form rosettes resting on inflated petioles.
·Stem: Can grow up to 5 m long; submerged. ·Root: Two types of root: lower roots threadlike; upper roots rough and fibrous with few branches. ·Flowers: Form above surface of water. Single flower, 4 white petals. About 8 mm (.4 in.) long. ·Fruit: Hard nut with a diameter of about 3 cm (1.5 in.) and 4 sharp protruding spines. |
| Threats: | Water chestnuts grow densely, impacting fisheries and impeding navigation in bodies of water. They produce sharp seedpods that are painful when stepped on. This makes the water chestnut a particularly unpleasant addition to swimming beaches, where the seedpods can wash ashore and make the beach unusable. |
| Fun Facts: | There are two types of Water Chestnut. The other kind, a sedge, is a common component of Chinese cuisine. |
Root
Nut
Plant at water's surface