Parrotfeather

Myriophyllum aquaticum

Family:
Haloragaceae

Lifecycle:
Perennial

Native or Introduced:
Introduced

Nutrient Removal Rating:
Low

Wildlife Value:
Low

Invasiveness:
High

Rooted or Floating:
Rooted - can be submersed to a depth of 3 feet

Site Requirements:
Full sun to part shade

Maximum Water Depth:
n/a

Plant Description:
Parrotfeather is an herbaceous, annual, submersed, aquatic plant. It can grow up to 3 feet beneath the surface. Stems may be somewhat orange or red while heavily dissected leaves are light green. Leaves appear as feathers. Leaves are attached to the stems in whorls (many leaves attached at same level on the stem).

Flowers are very difficult to observe because of the plant's habitat and the flower's small size.

Parrotfeather is regularly found from fall to spring. It can form a large mat on the surface of the water or a tangled mass beneath the surface. The plant can grow in shallower areas along the margins of lakes, ponds, and streams. It can also be found in swamps.

Sources:

• Audlbach-Smith, C.A., deKozlowski, S.J. 1996. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Additional reading:

• USDA