Eurasian Watermilfoil

Myriophyllum spicatum 

Eurasian watermilfoil was introduced in the 1950s; it has spread throughout the United States’ waterways causing the displacement of native plant communities.  It grows in still or slow-moving waters, and has been reported in a few counties in North Carolina. The plant can reproduce from small fragments dispersed through the water or on boats.  It is much easier to control an invasive species if we can manage infestations when they are still small. So, please watch out for Eurasian watermilfoil and report infestations outside of Halifax, Northampton, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Warren counties to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Weed Specialist at 1-800-206-9333.

Eurasian watermilfoil forms submersed rooted mats which are formed from a tangle of stems – stems can grow as long as 10’. The leaves grow in whorls of 3 or 4 around the stem. They are compound with tiny delicate leaflets of 12 - 21 pairs. Small yellow flowers emerge from the water on a spike (2 – 4” tall). 

Fact Sheet: Eurasian Watermilfoil

Photo credit (left to right): Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org; Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org