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Water Soldier
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Scientific Name
Stratiotes aloides L.
Appearance
Perennial, submerged aquatic plant with flowering and non-flowering forms; the flowering form
often rises seasonally to the water’s surface and is semi-emergent (above water surface) when
fully flowering. Roots are unbranched and do not always attach to the substrate.
Leaves
Long, linear or narrowly triangular, stalkless, sharply serrated, length 40-110 cm (approx. 16-43
in.); leaves form a large rosette (whorl) with submerged leaves flaccid, brittle, thin and longer
than the thick, rigid, emergent leaves that rise above the water surface.
Flowers and Fruits
When present, flowers rise above the plant and have 3 white to greenish sepals and 3 white
petals. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants and look similar. Fruit is a barrelshaped, berry-like capsule containing up to 24 seeds.
Similar Species
Resembles an aloe plant.
Habitat
Often found in ponds and ditches at depths up to 5 m (approx. 16.5 ft.). Not tolerant of high
flow velocity or great fluctuations in water levels. Also found in fens, oxbows and inlets of lakes.
Introduced Range
In Ontario: in southern Ontario in the Trent River portion of the Trent-Severn Waterway near
the hamlet of Trent River, Ontario. This is the only known population in North America.
Native Range
Western Asia, east to central Siberia; eastern, central and northern Europe; possibly western
Europe as far west as Ireland.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
May be part of the ornamental garden trade. Spread is by plant fragments that break off and
travel in water currents. May be unintentionally spread by watercraft.
Impacts
Sharp, serrated leaf edges easily cut swimmers and individuals who handle water soldier plants.
Aquatic Invasive Plants Monitoring Program
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations
Web: www.foca.on.ca/invasive-species/ | Email: [email protected]
Forms dense mats of floating vegetation that crowd native vegetation. May modify surrounding
water chemistry and impact phytoplankton and other aquatic organisms.
References
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010. Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, 3rd
Edition. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada.
Aquatic Invasive Plants Monitoring Program
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations
Web: www.foca.on.ca/invasive-species/ | Email: [email protected]