European water-clover

lschultz • January 21, 2020

European water-clover(EWC) is an aquatic fern that can be located on “slow-moving waters like oxbow lakes, floodplains of major rivers, stream banks, flood channels, ditches, man-made fishponds, clay-pits, gravel pits, pig pastures, rice fields, hemp- and flax-steeping places, and water bodies polluted with heavy metals (Ahmad et al. 2010; Strat 2012; Schneider-Binder 2014). It had also been found to tolerate light to medium saline conditions (Kiran et al. 2007; SchneiderBrinder 2014). European water-clover grew in water bodies near-neutral pH 6.9 – 8.0” (Stepán and Otahelová 1986; Kiran et al. 2007; Ahmad et al. 2010). It has four leaflets that are a green-blue color and slightly resembles a four-leaf clover. European water clove (EWC) grows in dense mats that can impede local waterfowl and boats from moving through the area.

European water-clover(EWC) is on the “Watch List” for invasive species in Michigan at this time, this means that it is considered to have a limited distribution in Michigan. As a species on the Watch List European water-clover doesn’t have restrictions or prohibitions on the possession, introduction, importation or selling of this species. The following actions can be taken to possibly prevent the spread of EWC recommended by the State of Michigan.

• Classify EWC as a “restricted” or “prohibited species” in Michigan under the Natural
Resources and Environmental Protection Act 413
• Build a coalition of local, state, and Great Lakes regional partners to monitor for
EWC and other aquatic invasive species
• Identify and monitor waterbodies that have a high-risk of invasion using known
distribution and dispersal knowledge
• Encourage water garden and aquarium enthusiasts to use native or non-invasive
species
• Educate water garden and aquarium enthusiasts on the proper disposal of unwanted
plants and waste
• Increase stakeholder awareness of available prevention and control methods
• Actively manage sites where EWC is found

The known range of European water-clover(EWC) is patchy throughout the Great Lakes and Canada, and it was first spotted in the Huron River in 1961. So far it has been documented in four counties in Michigan. It is native to much of Europe and is also considered a weed around the world.

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