New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has recently been made aware of a new invasive species in New York and the United States: water soldier. Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) looks similar in appearance to an aloe plant, spider plant, or a pineapple plant; however, it is only found in water and has characteristic serrated teeth along the leaf edges, making it easy to distinguish from these smooth-edged, terrestrial plants.
Water soldier was found in a small pond on private property in Putnam County, and DEC is working with the landowner to plan for its removal next year.
Water solider is used as an ornamental plant in water gardens and can spread to natural waterways where it can form dense mats of floating and submersed vegetation that can crowd out native plants and hinder recreational activities. Its sharp edges also make it a potential hazard to water recreationists.
Be on the lookout for water solider. If you think you’ve seen the plant, send pictures and location information to isinfo@dec.ny.gov or report it at at NY iMapInvasives website.
Photo of invasive Water Soldier courtesy Nicholas Turland via Flickr.
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