Parrot Feather Watermilfoil
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Description
Aquatic weed with feather-like leaves arranged around the stem in whorls of four to six. Has both submersed and emergent leaves, with submersed leaves often confused with Eurasian watermilfoil. The emergent leaves are stiff and dark green, growing up to a foot above the water surface, giving the appearance of small fir trees - the most distinctive characteristic of the plant.Habitat
Freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and canals; appears to be adapted to high nutrient environmentsDistribution
Coastal lakes and streams in Washington, and the southwest Washington portion of the Columbia River; western Oregon; Latah, Nez Perce, and Gem counties, IdahoImpacts
Changes physical and chemical characteristics of lakes and streams, alters ecosystems by shading out algae that is important to the food web, provides ideal habitat for mosquito larvae, clogs waterways, impedes recreationDispersal Methods
Plant fragments, often spread long distance by boat activity, and intentional plantingPrevention
Look for the fir tree-like emergent leaves.Listings
Not listedFactsheets
Photos
Distribution Map
Distribution in Washington
Distribution in Idaho
Other Links
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Fact Sheet (Good images for identification)