According to Methe et al. (1993, in CBP, 2002), T. natans is an annual aquatic plant with a submerged flexuous stem that anchors into the mud and extends upward to the surface of the water. T. natans features a rosette of floating, fan-shaped leaves, each leaf having a slightly inflated petiole (stem); the roots are fine, long and profuse. The small, 4-petalled flower is white and the fruit is a large nut with four sharp spines.

VDEC (2002) states that as a true annual, T. natans reproduces by overwintering seeds. Ungerminated seeds may remain viable for up to 12 years. However, most seeds probably germinate in the first two years.

Trapa natans produces a nut-like fruit that can be cooked, eaten out of hand, or used in other foods (Magness et al. 1971).

Trapa natans can be found in lakes, ponds, canals, and slow water. T. natans grows best in shallow, nutrient-rich lakes and rivers and is generally found in waters with a pH range of 6.7 to 8.2 and alkalinity of 12 to 128 mg/L of calcium carbonate (Methe et al. 1993, in CBP 2002).

According to Haber (1999), flowers are produced singly on stalks arising from the center of the floating rosette of leaves. Each flower is bisexual, bearing a two-chambered ovary, four stamens and four white petals. Four triangular sepals surround the flower and develop into barbed spines in the mature fruit. Once the ovules of the insect pollinated flowers are fertilized, the flower stalks curve downward with the result that the fruit develops under water. The fruit matures into a nut-like, barbed spiny fruit. VDEC (2002) states that the single-seeded woody fruits produced from the previous year germinate in early spring. A single seed may give rise to 10 to 15 plant rosettes. Each rosette can produce up to 15 to 20 seeds.

According to VDEC (2002), T. natans is a fierce competitor in shallow waters with soft, muddy bottoms. Uncontrolled, it creates nearly impenetrable mats across wide areas of water. In Vermont, USA, many previously fished bays of southern Lake Champlain are now inaccessible, and floating mats of T. natans can create a hazard for boaters. It is also a human nuisance because mature T. natans nuts drift to shore where their sharp spines may hurt bare feet (Haber, 1999). VDEC (2002) states that this noxious plant also severely limits the passage of light into the water, a critical element of a well-functioning aquatic ecosystem. It reduces oxygen levels, which may increase the potential for fish kills. T. natans outcompetes native vegetation and is of little value to wildfowl.

Physical: According to CBP (2002), hand removal is an effective means for eradication of smaller populations; T. natans roots are easily uplifted. Their removal is imperative because floating uplifted plants can further spread seeds downstream. The potential of T. natans seeds to lay dormant for up to 12 years makes total eradication difficult. Hand harvesting from canoes and raking have been effective and are a means to promote community involvement.

Chemical: For large-scale control of T. natans populations, which can form dense, thick mats capable of covering miles, herbicides and mechanical harvesting can both be effective. Aquatic plant harvesting boats are often employed in instances where waterways are blocked and herbicide (2,4-D) has been tested and deemed safe for use by federal and state agencies.