Eurasian Watermilfoil
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Common Name: Eurasian Watermilfoil
Scientific Name: Myriophyllum Spicatum Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum) is a plant native to Europe and Asia that was first documented in North America in the mid 1940s. Since its introduction, it has spread to more than 40 states in the US and to three Canadian provinces. Unfortunately, Eurasian watermilfoil has invaded many Northern Michigan lakes including Burt, Long, Paradise, and Walloon Lakes. As Eurasian watermilfoil takes hold in a lake, it causes problems for the ecosystem and for recreation. It tolerates lower temperatures and starts growing earlier than other aquatic plants, quickly forming thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water's surface. These dense weed beds at the surface can impede navigation – and no one likes to swim in areas thick with aquatic plants. The lake ecosystem suffers because Eurasian watermilfoil displaces and reduces native aquatic plant diversity, which is needed for a healthy fishery. Infestations can also impair water quality due to dissolved oxygen depletion as thick stands die and decay. A key factor in the plant's success is its ability to reproduce through both stem fragmentation and underground runners. Eurasian watermilfoil spreads to other areas of a water body by fragmentation. A single stem fragment can take root and form a new colony. Locally, it grows by spreading shoots underground. |
Eurasian watermilfoil at Paradise Lake.
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Boat traffic is responsible for the majority of introductions into new water bodies and for spreading the plant. Watermilfoils commonly become entangled in boat propellers, attach to keels and rudders of sailboats, and get caught up in boat trailers. Stems that become lodged in watercraft and trailers are transported to other water bodies, which is all that is needed to colonize new water bodies. Boats also contribute to unnatural seasonal fragmentation and the distribution of fragments throughout infested lakes.
Eurasian watermilfoil has difficulty becoming established in lakes with well established populations of native plants. In some lakes, the plant appears to coexist with native flora and has little impact on fish and other aquatic animals. Removing native vegetation, whether physically or with herbicides, creates the perfect opportunity for invading Eurasian watermilfoil. |
Identifying Eurasian Watermilfoil
Identifying Eurasian watermilfoil can be tricky since it looks similar to native watermilfoils. Native watermilfoils usually have less than 12-14 leaflets on one side of the leaf, whereas Eurasian watermilfoil has more than 12-14 leaflets. The Eurasian leaf is conspicuous in that it appears to have a "clipped" end and somewhat of a "fish bone" appearance. Floral features also help distinguish species; floral bracts being longer in native milfoils and the flowering top of the Eurasian typically has a reddish hue.
Identifying Eurasian watermilfoil can be tricky since it looks similar to native watermilfoils. Native watermilfoils usually have less than 12-14 leaflets on one side of the leaf, whereas Eurasian watermilfoil has more than 12-14 leaflets. The Eurasian leaf is conspicuous in that it appears to have a "clipped" end and somewhat of a "fish bone" appearance. Floral features also help distinguish species; floral bracts being longer in native milfoils and the flowering top of the Eurasian typically has a reddish hue.
Eurasian Watermilfoil - 2007 Aquatic Plant Survey of Thumb Lake, Michigan
As shown here, Eurasian Watermilfoil forms thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water's surface.
Eurasian Watermilfoil has small reddish flowers above water in mid-summer.
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What you can do to prevent the spread of this invasive species
- Learn to identify Eurasian watermilfoil
- Inspect and remove aquatic plants and animals from boat, motor and trailer
- Drain lake or river water from livewell and bilge
- Rinse boat and equipment with high-pressure hot water (104° F), especially if moored for more than a day, or dry everything for at least 5 days
- Report sightings of Eurasian Watermilfoil to Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council by calling (231) 347-1181 or by e-mail at [email protected] . Please note the exact location in which you saw the species.
Photo courtesy of Lycott Environmental
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Control Methods
There are several techniques used to control nuisance aquatic plants, but most are not effective or practical for Eurasian watermilfoil. Manual or mechanical removal can exacerbate the situation because of the plants ability to colonize through fragmentation. Benthic barriers (shown left), placed over the plants, have been installed in Higgins Lake with fairly good results. Herbicides may be suitable for spot application, but are not recommended for large infestations due to ecosystem-wide impacts and uncertainties regarding the impacts of chemicals on non-target aquatic organisms and humans. Biological control using a native weevil is the safest ways to control Eurasian watermilfoil, but can be costly depending on the degree of infestation and effectiveness of treatment. Ultimately, prevention is the most effective and least expensive strategy for controlling Eurasian watermilfoil, as well as all other invasives. |
Benthic Barriers
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Education and Prevention
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Protecting What You Love
Video #11 - Eurasian Watermilfoil This is video #11 in the "Protecting What You Love" series created by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum) is a native to Europe and Asia that was first documented in North America in the mid 1940s. Since its introduction, it has spread to more than 40 states in the US and to three Canadian provinces. In this video you will learn how to identify Eurasian Watermilfoil and learn about control methods to prevent the spread of this invasive species. Funding for this video was provided by: Charlevoix County Community Foundation Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Crouse Entertainment Group |
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