Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian watermilfoil is an exotic species. Its leaves are feather-like and sometimes produce reddish flowers that extend above the water. The stems are red to brown in color and can grow up to the surface of the water. It can dominate a pond very quickly by fragmentation, with pieces of the plant growing roots that develop into a brand new plant.

Impact

  • 1

    Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating can be impaired and even prevented.

  • 2

    Dense mats of Aquatic weeds can block sunlight from native submerged plants.

  • 3

    Aquatic weeds greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water.

  • 4

    Excessive growth can lead to fish stunting and overpopulation. This occurs because the production of too much habitat prevents effective feeding of small fish by larger fish. Aquatic weeds can cause fish kills.

  • 5

    Aquatic weed growth provides quiet water areas ideal for mosquito breeding.

  • 6

    Weeds impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts and cause water to back up.

Location

Eurasian Watermilfoil can be found in most of the contiguous states.

Similar or Related Plants

It is frequently misidentified as Hydrilla .

Solutions

  • BEST SOLUTION