New Invasive Plant Found in Berks County

Berks County, PA - The Pennsylvania iMapInvasives program received information in July 2020 regarding a finding of Java waterdropwort (Oenanthe javanica) in Berks County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Lobachsville. This is an invasive species never before found in the state, and is one to be on the lookout for! Photos of this finding are to the right. 

Species Profile

Java waterdropwort is native to East Asia and Queensland, Australia. It grows in wetland habitats, moist areas along streams, and on the edges of ponds. It prefers slow-moving or stagnant water. It was first introduced into North America by the horticultural industry and marketed as an ornamental wetland plant, an exotic vegetable, and a medicinal herb. It has escaped from cultivation into natural areas.

Aggressive Ground Cover

Java waterdropwort is an aggressive ground cover and can form dense colonies, quickly spreading into wetlands. Broken fragments are able to form adventitious roots, thus increasing its chances for spread. It can choke streams once established in a waterway. Other locations impacted by this species see a decline in ecological integrity and decreased recreational value.

Look-Alike Species

Look-alike species include Bishop's goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria), wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), and caraway (Carum carvi). In addition to Pennsylvania, Java waterdropwort has also been found in Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, and Georgia. This information about Java waterdropwort was listed in the "Be an Early Detector: Protect Pennsylvania from these Emerging Invasive Species" brochure, created in 2017 by staff from the PA Natural Heritage Program.

 Expert Confirmation

This finding, reported to iMapInvasives, was confirmed by Steve Grund, Botanist with the PA Natural Heritage Program, who examined a specimen taken from the site. 

Location Sensitivity

Please note that the specific location of this finding cannot be released due to landowner privacy and other data sensitivity issues. As such, information regarding this finding is listed as confidential in iMapInvasives, meaning that the data record is not viewable to the general public and can only be seen by iMapInvasives administrators and registered users who are designated as confidential data viewers. 

Plans for Management

Other invasive species including phragmites and purple loosestrife were also found at this location, and treatment and management of the site are ongoing. 

Questions