Eurasian Watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil. Photo by Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
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Common Name: Eurasian watermilfoil
Scientific Name: Myriophyllum spicatum
Origin: Europe, Asia
Description
Eurasian watermilfoil is a submerged perennial that looks like many native aquatic plants, including native milfoil species. Eurasian watermilfoil usually has four feathery leaves whorled around the stem. Each leaf is finely divided, has greater than nine leaflets, and leaf tips are flat. The plant can reach lengths of 20 feet and branches near the surface. Tiny pink flowers may occur on an emergent spike during late summer.
Habitat
This plant grows in a variety of depths, sediment types, and flowing conditions.
Threat
Plant fragments, which break off easily, can be transported from lake to lake on boat trailers or fishing gear. These fragments can start new populations, which form dense mats that degrade habitat and reduce recreational access.
Management
Once milfoil becomes well-established within a waterway, it is very difficult to remove. A variety of control methods used nationwide to manage milfoil infestations include physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical techniques.
Distribution: View Map
Distribution
This species is prolific in the Finger Lakes region.
