Naturalization of invasive Elodea canadensis Michx. in waters of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Abstract

The data on the distribution of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis), an invasive aquatic plant native to North America, in the Republic of Bashkortostan are presented. This species has widely expanded in Bashkortostan and poses a threat to the Southern Ural ecosystems. Canadian pondweed is naturalized in waters of this region and occurs in various aquatic vegetation types; it often replaces native species and forms monodominant communities of the Elodeetum canadensis association. The species is present in many other aquatic communities, including 32 associations and six unions of the Lemnetea and Potametea classes of aquatic vegetation. A map of the secondary range of Elodea canadensis on the territory of Bashkortostan is charted.