Water soldiers
Alert
Have you seen Water soldiers?
Be on the lookout for Water soldiers and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Water soldiers from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Water soldiers flower
© Stadtkatze Creative Commons
Water soldiers clump
© Margrit Creative Commons
Water soldiers infestation
© Andrej Chudy Creative Commons
Water soldiers leaves and flowers
© Margrit Creative Commons
Native to Europe, water soldiers is a small, aquatic plant that has become a serious weed in wetlands overseas. It forms dense stands and destroys native wildlife habitat. It has not been recorded in Queensland to date.
You must take reasonable action to minimise the risk of spreading Water soldiers to ensure the situation isn't worsened.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Description
- Small, aquatic plant.
- Leaves are sawtooth-edged, serrated, very brittle when handled.
- Flowers are white.
Distribution
- Not yet recorded in Queensland
Life cycle
- Rises to surface at flowering time.
- Flowers appear in summer.
Affected animals
- Native animals
Impacts
Environmental
- Potential to become serious pest if introduced and planted in aquariums or outdoor ponds.
- Forms dense stands and destroys native wildlife habitat.
Prevention
Control
- Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact our Customer Service Centre.
Legal requirements
- Water soldiers is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by water soldiers.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by water soldiers.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Further information
- Contact the Customer Service Centre