Two-leaf Watermilfoil

Myriophyllum heterophyllum





Description

An aquatic, submerged weed that has a raccoon-tail or pipe cleaner-like appearance. The delicate green leaves are feather-like and arranged in whorls of four to six leaves. Develops a four to six-inch emergent bract in late summer that has serrated leaves at the bottom and non-serrated leaves at the top. The stems are thick and reddish.

Habitat

Slow-moving, freshwater bodies of water

Distribution

Has been reported in Washington and on the Oregon coast

Impacts

Displaces native species, reduces biodiversity, impedes recreation, decreases water quality

Dispersal Methods

Fragmentation, turions (young shoot), root division

Prevention

In late summer, look for the emergent bracts.

Listings

Not listed

Factsheets

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Fact Sheet for Two-leaf Watermilfoil

Photos

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/myrhet.html

Other Links

Species Profile from the Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants' Virtual Herbarium
Control Options from AQUAPLANT of the Texas Cooperative Extension

CWMA Warnings

Four County