Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil is an aquatic, submerged perennial that has a well-developed, delicate appearance, giving a feathery impression. It boasts a series of fine, thread-like leaves arranged in whorls around its stem, typically in groups of four. Each leaf is divided into numerous thin, hair-like segments which can make it look dense and bushy, creating a lush underwater foliage. The plant's stems are long, slender, and usually flexible, capable of reaching toward the water's surface. When it flowers, Eurasian watermilfoil produces small, reddish or pinkish flowers that emerge above the waterline, arranged on a spike that protrudes above the surface. These spikes are slender and can have one or several flowers. Overall, the plant tends to form dense mats in the body of water it inhabits, giving it a characteristic fuzzy underwater landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Haloragaceae.
Synonyms
Eurasian Watermilfoil, Spiked Watermilfoil, European Watermilfoil.
Common names
Myriophyllum spicatum var. typicum, Myriophyllum spicatum f. typicum, Myriophyllum spicatum var. spicatum.
ToxicityTo humans
Myriophyllum spicatum, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is generally not considered a hazard to human health in terms of toxicity.
To pets
Eurasian watermilfoil is not commonly recognized as a toxic plant to pets. There are no well-documented cases of pet poisoning from ingestion of Myriophyllum spicatum. Nonetheless, it's always wise to prevent pets from eating large quantities of unknown plants, as they might cause gastrointestinal upset or other non-toxic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Green
Height
3-10 feet [0.9-3 meters]
Spread
3-5 feet [0.9-1.5 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support â Myriophyllum spicatum, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, provides important habitat for aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates, by offering shelter and breeding grounds.
- Water Clarity â The presence of Eurasian watermilfoil can stabilize sediments and reduce turbidity in the water, leading to improved conditions for aquatic life.
- Oxygenation â Through photosynthesis, Eurasian watermilfoil releases oxygen into the water, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Erosion Control â The plant's roots can help to stabilize the sediment at the bottom of a water body, preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of shorelines and banks.
- Nutrient Uptake â Eurasian watermilfoil is capable of absorbing excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, thus helping to maintain the nutrient balance in aquatic ecosystems and prevent the proliferation of harmful algal blooms.
- Aesthetic Value â Adding visual interest and natural beauty to ponds, lakes, and water gardens, Eurasian watermilfoil can be an attractive feature in controlled aquatic environments.
- Recreational Benefits â In some settings, healthy populations of Myriophyllum spicatum can enhance the habitat for fish, potentially supporting recreational activities like fishing where the plant is not overly abundant.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that Myriophyllum spicatum, also known as Eurasian watermilfoil, may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds with antioxidant effects, helping in the removal of free radicals from the body.
- Antimicrobial: Extracts of Myriophyllum spicatum may have antimicrobial activities against certain pathogens.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aquarium Addition: Myriophyllum spicatum, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is often used in aquariums to provide a natural habitat for fish and other aquatic species, helping to mimic their natural environment.
- Soil Erosion Control: This aquatic plant can help reduce soil erosion around pond margins and lakeshores by stabilizing the sediment with its root system.
- Biomonitoring of Water Bodies: Eurasian watermilfoil can be used as an indicator species for nutrient levels and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems due to its sensitivity to pollution and eutrophication.
- Competition against Algae: By providing shade and competing for nutrients, Eurasian watermilfoil can help in controlling the growth of certain algae in ponds and lakes.
- Agricultural Mulch: When harvested, this plant can be used as an organic mulch in agriculture to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Bioplastics Production: Research has suggested the potential of using Eurasian watermilfoil in the production of bioplastics due to its biomass composition.
- Education and Research: Often used in educational settings and research to demonstrate the impacts of invasive species on local ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
- Wastewater Treatment: Eurasian watermilfoil can be incorporated into constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment due to its ability to uptake nutrients and contaminants.
- Craft Materials: The stems of the Eurasian watermilfoil can be dried and used in making small handcrafted items or decorative pieces.
- Composting: As green waste, Eurasian watermililfo can be composted to create a nutrient-rich compost for gardening and agricultural use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Eurasian watermilfoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Eurasian watermilfoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Invasiveness - Myriophyllum spicatum, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is often associated with the concept of invasiveness. It is an aggressive aquatic plant that can quickly spread and dominate water ecosystems, crowding out native species and altering habitats.
- Persistence - The plant demonstrates a remarkable ability to persevere and thrive even in adverse conditions, which can symbolize persistence and determination.
- Adaptability - Eurasian watermilfoil has the ability to adjust and adapt to various water conditions, which can be seen as a symbol of adaptability and resilience.
WaterThe Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, is an aquatic plant and thus requires a constant supply of water as it grows submerged. It should be planted in a water body where it is not required to add water regularly; the surrounding water provides the hydration it needs. If in an aquarium or pond setting, maintain the water level to compensate for evaporation and perform partial water changes of about 10-20% every two to three weeks to ensure quality, which amounts to several gallons depending on the size of your setup.
LightThe Eurasian watermilfoil thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth, it should receive a generous amount of light, but it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Placement should be in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for several hours a day, but be mindful that too much direct sunlight in shallow, clear water can promote excessive algal growth that might compete with the plant.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Eurasian watermilfoil is between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as freezing and as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining temperatures within this range encourages healthy growth; sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided especially in artificial water bodies like aquariums.
PruningTo maintain the health and appearance of the Eurasian watermilfoil, pruning is necessary to control its growth and prevent it from overshadowing other plants or clogging waterways. Prune back excess growth during the growing season as needed, ideally before the plant begins to produce flowers. This may be every few weeks to every few months depending on the growth rate and the density of the planting.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEurasian watermilfoil requires an aquatic soil mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 7.0 to 8.0, composed of inert sand or a designed commercial substrate suitable for pond plants. It thrives submerged in water and does not require traditional soil.
RepottingRepotting is generally not applicable for Eurasian watermilfoil as it grows submerged in water and typically spreads by fragmentation rather than being repotted.
Humidity & MistingEurasian watermilfoil does not require specific humidity levels as it is an aquatic plant, fully submerged in water which acts as its humidity environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Can't grow Eurasian watermilfoil indoors; it's an aquatic plant.
Outdoor
Plant in water bodies or ponds with calm waters.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleMyriophyllum spicatum, more commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring under appropriate water temperature and light conditions. The seedling then grows into a submerged aquatic plant, initially developing a root system and slender stems before starting to produce feathery, whorled leaves that grow toward the water's surface. As the plant matures, it forms dense underwater mats due to rapid stem elongation and extensive branching. In summer, Eurasian watermilfoil produces small flowers that emerge above the water surface on spikes, leading to wind-pollination and subsequent seed production. However, the plant primarily spreads vegetatively through fragmentation, where pieces of stems break off and root to form new plants, enabling rapid colonization and sometimes creating monoculture stands. The plant overwinters as root crowns in the sediment, with new growth resuming from these crowns as the water warms up in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, is commonly propagated through a vegetative method known as fragmentation. This process usually takes place during the growing season, from late spring to early summer, when the plant is most vigorously growing. In this method, sections of the stems are cut or break off naturally, each containing one or more nodes. These fragments can then float away or be deliberately planted in sediment where they take root and quickly establish new plants. This ease of propagation through fragmentation means that even small pieces of the plant can generate an entirely new population, which contributes to its invasive character in non-native environments. Care must be taken when managing and controlling the plant to prevent its spread via these fragments.