Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc.

Parrot's Feather

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Parrot's Feather is a non-native herbaceous aquatic species in the Water-Milfoil family (Haloragaceae). It is native to the Amazon River in South America, but has been introduced on every continent except Antarctica. In Alabama, it can be found throughout the state. Parrot's Feather occurs in ponds and lakes, in streams and rivers, and in canals and water-filled ditches. It is a perennial rooting in the mud on the bottom of the water body and forming rhizomes. Stems are partly submerged with up to 2 feet emerging above the surface. The submerged stems are often reddish in color. Stem leaves on submerged portions of the plant are whorled and pinnately dissected into 20 or more filiform (thread-like) divisions. Submerged leaves are often reddish-brown in color. Leaves on aerial portions of the stem are whorled and pinnately dissected into linear divisions giving them a “feather-like” appearance. The emergent leaves are thicker than the submerged leaves and are grayish green in color. The aerial stems are green in color. The aerial stems and leaves have a waxy surface that causes water to bead-up on them. Flowers are produced in the axils of the aerial leaves. Individual flowers have 4 green sepals and 4 small green petals. All flowers in our plants are pistillate, so no fruit is formed. Reproduction is by fragments of the stem rooting. Parrot's Feather is listed as a Category 1 Invasive species in Alabama by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council. Parrot's Feather was introduced by the aquarium trade and has spread rapidly in this country. It forms dense mats that interfere with water flow, boat traffic, fishing and other water activities, and crowd out native species. Parrot's Feather is very difficult to control or eradicate. Its waxy cuticle makes herbicide application difficult, and underwater portions of the plant are not affected by herbicide sprays. Mechanical control by cutting has the potential to spread the plant by loose fragments. No biological control agents

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Not Native OBL (NWPL)

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