Eurasian Watermilfoil

Myriophyllum spicatum

Eurasian watermilfoil has:

• Long, tough, branching stems that can grow to about 8 feet tall.
• Feather-like leaves that grow in whorls of about four to five. The leaves lose their shape when taken out of the water.
• A rooted base.

Where does Eurasian watermilfoil grow?

Eurasian watermilfoil is found in non-tidal fresh to moderately brackish tidal waters. It grows in sandy mud in quiet areas, such as slow streams or protected coves. It cannot withstand strong currents or waves because of its fragile leaves.

How does Eurasian watermilfoil reproduce?

Eurasian watermilfoil usually reproduces asexually from stem fragments.

It can also reproduce sexually:

• Each plant contains both male and female flowers.
• The reddish-purple flowers bloom during July and August, poking above the surface of the water like spikes.
• The female flowers are pollinated through the air.
• This creates nut-like seeds that sink to the bottom and can remain viable for years.

Other facts about Eurasian watermilfoil:

• Eurasian watermilfoil is native to Europe and Asia. It was accidentally introduced in the Bay region in the early 20th century. By the late 1950s, thick mats of Eurasian watermilfoil covered thousands of acres of the Bay and its tributaries. The plant died back by 1970 and now grows in moderation.
• Eurasian watermilfoil can be confused with coontail. You can distinguish Eurasian watermilfoil by its root system and feather-like leaves, which become limp when removed from the water.
• Eurasian watermilfoil is an important bay grass species because it provides cover and habitat for largemouth bass and young of other fish species, as well as crabs and other aquatic invertebrates.