Eurasian water milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum.
Photo Credit: Alison Fox-University of Florida |
Eurasian water milfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
Description: A submersed, rooted, perennial herb. Consisting of long underwater stems that branch and produce many whorled, finely divided leaves upon nearing the surface. Distinguished from the native M. sibiricum primarily by the overall shape of the leaf and then by the number of leaflets. Leaves are divided in to threadlike leaflets, usually in pairs of more than 14. Leaflets are uniformly tapered so that the leaf shape is more like an equilateral triangle with a curved base. Leaflets stand at acute angles (less than 45 degrees) to the rachis and are parallel to each other. (USGS/NAS)
Habitat: This species occurs as a submerged aquatic weed, generally in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. It can tolerate brackish water as well.
Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. This species has been introduced to many areas of the country nationwide (MAP).
Status: One of the most widely distributed of all nonindigenous aquatic plants; confirmed in 45 U.S. states.
Resources:
USGS/NAS factsheet
USDA PLANTS profile
Western Aquatic Plant Management Society Factsheet
