The invasive alien species water wisteria has been discovered in Sweden for the first time, according to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (HaV).
Water wisteria – an aquatic plant – originates from South America and was a popular aquarium plant. Since 2016, water wisteria has been included in the EU's list of invasive alien species and has therefore been prohibited from being imported, cultivated, or released into the wild.
The species can form dense stands that outcompete other vegetation and affect the ecosystem. Smaller watercourses can become completely overgrown.
In an inventory in Säbylundssjön in Kumla – where the discovery was made – water wisteria was found at all inventory sites around the lake.
The County Administrative Board and Kumla Municipality will now consider possible measures against water wisteria.
