Harmful Exotic Aquatic Plants

What every water gardener and shoreline restorer should know; Exotic species are plants and animals that are not native to an area. While most exotic plant species are not a problem, a few, such as purple loosestrife, flowering rush, and Eurasian water milfoil, harm ecosystems and impede water recreation. Purple loosestrife, once sold and used because of its beautiful flowers, has invaded thousands of Minnesota wetlands, displacing native plants and reducing food and habitat for native species. Other exotic plants, such as yellow iris and pink water lilies, have spread in a few Minnesota waters and appear to have invasive characteristics. Once introduced, harmful exotics can spread to new areas and can rarely be eliminated. Once established, the costs to reduce their harmful impacts can be considerable.

How to avoid harmful exotics:

Don't use illegal species. Minnesota Prohibited Exotic Species and aquatic Federal Noxious Weeds are likely to cause problems and may not be legally sold, purchased or possessed in Minnesota (see list below).

Use all other exotics species cautiously. Most aquatic plants available for sale are exotic. These exotic aquatic plants can be possessed but must be kept out of public waters, which include most lakes, wetlands and streams.

Plant clean material. Wash off loose pieces of vegetation and debris in a bucket of tap water before planting. In some cases, a fragment of a harmful exotic will cling to the rootstock of another desirable plant. Make sure you don't plant any "hitchhikers".

Use native plants. Native plants are adapted to an area and to each other. Ask your local plant seller or contact the Minnesota Department of Resource (DNR) to find out the best native plants to use in your area.

If you are planning to plant in a natural water body, contact your local DNR office:

Native species may be planted in natural waters, but a permit is needed to plant below the ordinary high water line in public waters. If you wish to plant in a natural water please contact your DNR Area or Regional Fisheries Office or the DNR Info Center (toll free 1-888-646-6367) to find out if the body of water is public, to find out if your plants are natives, and to obtain a permit if needed.

Illegal Exotic Aquatic Plants

Minnesota Prohibited Exotic Species and aquatic Federal Noxious Weeds may not be sold, purchased or possessed in Minnesota.  Nevertheless, some of these species are available for sale through catalog and internet sales.  The following is a short list of some of these species known to be sold for water gardening.

If you see any Minnesota Prohibited Exotic Species and aquatic Federal Noxious Weeds for sale in Minnesota please report it to the DNR, so these sales can be stopped.

Regulated Exotic Aquatic Plants

In Minnesota, all exotic aquatic plants available for sale are regulated in some way. Even exotic species that are legal to buy and possess may not be placed in public waters, nor in ponds connected to public waters. The following are examples of some commonly sold exotic species.

For more information contact the DNR Info Center at 651-296-6157 or toll free 1-888-646-6367 and at www.dnr.state.mn.us

This article courteous of  the MN. DNR  ©December 10, 2002 Minnesota. DNR Division of Ecological Services

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