Photo credit: Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
Management Category
Squamish
Whistler
Pemberton
Vectors of Spread
Synonyms
Spiked Milfoil
ID Characteristics
General: Eurasian Watermilfoil is a submerged, rooted, aquatic perennial.
Flowers: Are small and yellow, with 4 petals, growing on reddish spikes that rise above the water and are 5 – 15 cm long. Flowers are usually arranged in whorls.
Stem: Mostly grow underwater and branch near the surface.
Leaves: Bright green, feathery leaves are arranged in whorls of 3 – 5 off the stem; each whorl has 12 – 21 thread-like leaflets.
Fruit: Segmented capsules containing 4 nearly round seeds.
Similar Species
Native
Photo credit: Samuel Brinker, iNaturalist
Northern Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), which has 11 or fewer leaflets, compared to the 12 or more of Eurasian Watermilfoil.
Invasive
Photo credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), which has white flowers and longer petioles.
Habitat and Origin
Eurasian Watermilfoil is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It was introduced to North America either through the aquarium trade or in ships’ ballast water.
It is often found in still or slow-moving water bodies, such as lake shorelines, sloughs, irrigation canals, marshes, and streams. Water bodies that have experienced disturbances like nutrient loading, intense plant management, or abundant motorboat use are especially susceptible. Eurasian Watermilfoil can also tolerate the brackish water of tidal creeks and bays.
How it Spreads
Eurasian Watermilfoil primarily reproduces vegetatively through rhizome and stem fragmentation. Fragments of plants can grow into entirely new individuals. It can also reproduce by seed; however, germination rates are poor.
Eurasian Watermilfoil is most commonly spread from one water body to another by water currents and animals as well as boats or trailers and fishing gear. Boat propellers can break off plant fragments and spread them to new areas. The seeds can also spread in the wind.
Impacts
Ecological:
- Tolerates cold water temperatures, allowing Eurasian Watermilfoil to photosynthesize before native species, reducing light penetration early in the season.
- Shades out native species.
- Creates stagnant waters, increasing mosquito breeding areas.
- Decreases oxygen levels in the water due to the decay of the large mats of Eurasian Watermilfoil in the fall.
- Decreases available habitat for large predatory fish.
Economic:
- Clogs waterways, irrigation ditches, and drainage canals, adding to maintenance costs.
- Decreases aesthetic appeal of the shoreline, decreasing desirability and value of adjacent residential areas.
- The decreased aesthetic value of lakefront properties also negatively impacts tourism.
Prevent the Spread
Eurasian Watermilfoil is not yet found in the Sea to Sky region, but is found in neighbouring areas and may arrive here soon. The goal is to prevent Eurasian Watermilfoil’s introduction by focusing on education and awareness. If prevention fails, the goal will become immediate eradication following the proposed SSISC EDRR protocol.
Learn to identify Eurasian Watermilfoil: Use the images presented in this profile page to learn how to identify Eurasian Watermilfoil.
What to do if you spot it: You can report any Eurasian Watermilfoil sighting by clicking here.
DO:
- Clean, Drain, Dry all watercraft. Rinse all mud, debris, and plant fragments from all equipment, wading gear, and boats.
- Ensure all plant parts are bagged and covered during transport to the designated disposal site (e.g. landfill).
DO NOT:
- Do not plant Eurasian Watermilfoil in an aquarium or water garden.
- Do not dispose of aquarium plants in water bodies.
- Do not compost!
Control
Mechanical
- Removal by hand (by raking and seining) or with machines is possible but not recommended due to the risk of spreading stem fragments.
- Bottom barriers, which consist of sheets of material like fiberglass, polypropylene, or PVC that are anchored to the lake bottom, are most appropriate to control growth in localized areas. They prevent plant growth by blocking sunlight.
- The BC Government has also developed a barge-mounted device called a rotovator, which tills the roots from the sediment. Floating roots then have to be removed from the water.
Chemical
Herbicides cannot be applied in aquatic environments in Canada. Herbicide control is not recommended for this species.
Biological
- Some biological agents exist, including a weevil (Eurychiopsis lecontei) whose larvae bore down through the stems, introducing diseases that suppress growth and a midge (Cricotopus myriophylli) whose large feeds on the plant stems, reducing overall plant integrity and suppressing plant growth.
- However, no single species is known to make enough impact to be helpful as a biocontrol agent.
Cultural
- In waterbodies where it is possible to manipulate the water levels, dehydrating the root crown for several weeks has been successful in reducing the biomass of the infestation.
- Water manipulation in the winter can also be used to freeze the plant to death.
Sea to Sky Distribution
Eurasian Watermilfoil Factsheet
Having trouble viewing the factsheet? Don’t worry, all the information is included on this page. You can also contact us with any questions.
Additional Resources
Invasive Species Centre Factsheet
References
- Alberta Invasive Species Council, Eurasian Watermilfoil Factsheet
- Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Eurasian Water Milfoil
- Global Invasive Species Database, Myriophyllum spicatum
- Gull Chain of Lakes Association, Eurasian watermilfoil
- Invasive Species Compendium, Myriophyllum spicatum (spiked watermilfoil)
- Invasive Species Council of BC, Eurasian Watermilfoil
- Lake George Association, Eurasian Watermilfoil
- New York Invasive Species Information, Eurasian Watermilfoil
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program, Eurasian Water-Milfoil