Key Facts:

Physical Characteristics:

Water Chestnuts are an invasive aquatic plant found in shallow water of nutrient-rich lakes. They appear as green floating rosettes resembling strawberry plants containing long hollow stems that connect to sharp black horned fruit at lake bottom.

Ecological Impact:

Water chestnuts form dense floating mats which limit light, reduce oxygen levels and negatively impact fish and other plants. They can disrupt the ecosystem balance.

Removal:

The most effective approach to removal is manually pulling in June and early July by kayak or canoe before the plants produce seeds.