Common Name(s): | Parrot’s-feather, Water feather |
Scientific Name: | Myriophyllum aquaticum |
Family: | Haloragaceae |
Growth Traits: | Introduced, perennial, warm season |
Description: An introduced plant in the watermilfoil family. A large portion of parrot’s-feather can extend above the water’s surface, unlike Eurasian watermilfoil. The leaves are whorled and resemble the shape of a bird’s feather. Parrot’s-feather is a problematic plant in many bodies of water because it can form dense colonies. It usually spreads from fragments. Parrot’s-feather provides good habitat for invertebrates, which are eaten by fish and waterfowl. However,
due to its ability to displace native plants, it is considered an undesirable plant. |
Chemical Control Options: 2,4-D, copper with diquat, endothall, fluridone, diquat, imazamox, imazapyr, flumioxazin or triclopyr. |
Mechanical Control Options: Physically removing parrot’s feather is only temporarily effective due to its ability to come back from remaining fragments in the water. |
Biological Control Options: Diploid grass carp are fairly effective at controlling parrot’sfeather, but the effectiveness of triploid grass carp is less certain. |