Family: Ceratophyllaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad native distribution and climatic range
  
• Grows in temperate and tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu
  
• An aquatic weed that can reduce stream flow, interfere with navigation, fishing and hydro-electric output
  
• Spiny fruit
  
• Can accumulate water toxins
  
• Can act as a host of disease-causing organisms
  
• Able to smother water surfaces
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetative fragments
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to reproduce in first year of growth
  
• Propagules dispersed by water and externally on fur, feathers, or feet of animals as well as by on clothing or water craft
  
• Sold as an aquarium or pond ornamental
  
• Mechanical control can result in inadvertent dispersal

Low Risk Traits:

• Palatable to fish and other aquatic animals
  
• Ornamental
  
• Does not produce prolific numbers of seeds (although able to spread vegetatively)
  
• Seeds presumably do not form a persistent seed bank
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control