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Class B Noxious Weed

Eurasian Watermilfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
 

Eurasian watermilfoil close up


Plant family:
Haloragaceae
Year listed:
Native to: Europe, Asia and Northern Africa
.

Why is it a noxious weed?

Eurasian watermilfoil is another ornamental aquatic plant that has escaped cultivation. Infestations can alter aquatic ecosystems. It forms dense mats that shade out other native aquatic plants, inhibits water flow, and recreational activities.

 

How would I identify it?

General Description: Eurasian watermilfoil is a submersed aquatic plant.

Leaves:

  • finely dissected
  • whorls of 4
  • each leaf has 12 or more leaflet pairs

Flowers:

  • tiny
  • pinkish
  • occur on reddish spikes

Stems:

  • stem tips are tassel like
  • often red

How does it reproduce?

Eurasian watermilfoil spreads mainly by stem fragments.

Where does it grow?

Eurasian watermilfoil is highly adaptable, it is found in streams, ponds, lakes and ditches.

What is the distribution in Washington State?

 

 

 

How do I control it?

General control methods: Eurasian watermilfoil control can be difficult. Since it spreads by stem fragments, care must be taken to ensure entire plant is removed if mechanical methods or hand pulling is used.

Cultural: Small infestations may be able to be controlled with the use of an opaque fabric that blocks light from the plant. Hand pulling may be employed, but entire plant must be removed or it will resprout.

Herbicide: Because herbicide availability and regulation differ between States, as well as between countries, we recommend the Washington Department of Ecology web site for information on aquatic weed management and herbicides.

Mechanical: Not advised unless area is entirely invaded by plants. Otherwise, mechanical methods may increase infestation.

Biological: Triploid grass carp will eat Eurasian watermilfoil, but it is not very palatable and is not preferred food for the grass carp. Research into other biological methods is being done.

Are there plants that may be confused with Eurasian watermilfoil?

There is a native watermilfoil (myriophyllum sibericum) that may be confused with Eurasian watermilfoil. Eurasian watermilfoil also looks similar to Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), a Class B noxious weed in Washington. If you need help with identification, please contact your county weed coordinator.

 

For more information

For more information, download our Written Findings.

 

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infestation mat
Eurasian watermilfoil infestation close up. Eurasian watermilfoil mat.

 Last updated October 01, 2008