2024-Aug-19
Invasive Species Alert: Water Soldier Found in Lake Simcoe
The Water Soldier Working Group confirmed the presence of water soldier, an aquatic invasive plant, in Lake Simcoe waters for the first time on August 15, 2024. It is a highly invasive species that could significantly threaten the lake’s ecosystem and possibly spread into the Great Lakes.
Floating water soldier
What is Water Soldier?
Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) is a perennial aquatic plant with long, thin, serrated leaves that grow in a circular pattern. It forms dense mats that crowd out other vegetation and can alter water chemistry, impacting native aquatic species. Water soldier can be submerged up to 5 meters under water but floats to the surface in the summer.
Potential Impact
Submerged water soldier
If left unchecked, water soldier has the potential to invade lakes and rivers throughout Ontario and the Great Lakes basin, negatively affecting biodiversity and impacting navigation in aquatic systems.
What Can You Do?
To prevent the further spread of water soldier:
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Read the water soldier fact sheet to learn how to recognize water soldier and report any potential sightings through iNaturalist the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711
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Always Clean, Drain, Dry your boat when moving it between waterbodies
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Water soldier was previously used as an ornamental plant in water gardens so never buy or keep water soldier in your water garden
Additional Resources
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