No images found for this plant ID: 29606.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "29606" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
parrot feather watermilfoil
Scientific Name: Myriophyllum aquaticum
Family: Haloragaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Parrot's Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Myriophyllum aquaticum, commonly known as parrot's-feather or parrot feather watermilfoil, is a distinctive aquatic plant recognized for its feather-like leaves and emergent growth.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant can be found floating on the surface or submerged.
- Parrot's feather has both submersed and emergent leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc.
- Family: Haloragaceae (Water Milfoil family)
- Synonyms: Myriophyllum brasiliense, Myriophyllum proserpinacoides.
Common Names
- Parrot's-feather
- Parrot feather watermilfoil
- Brazilian water milfoil
- Water-feather
- Diamond milfoil
- Thread of life
Distribution and Habitat
Parrot's Feather is native to the Amazon River in South America. It has since been introduced to and can be found in aquatic habitats throughout much of the United States and even in Belgium.
Ecological Role
- M. aquaticum is considered an invasive submerged/emergent aquatic plant.
- It can seriously alter the physical and chemical characteristics of water.
- This species is easily confused with native water milfoils and the invasive Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum).
Morphological Characteristics
- Parrotfeather has both an emergent and submersed growth form.
- Emergent leaves are whorled, stiff, and feather-like.
- It is heterophyllous, meaning it has both emergent and submersed leaf forms.
- Stems are rooted and herbaceous.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Grass carp can be used to control parrotfeather, with stocking rates typically ranging from 7 to 15.
- Parrot feather is related to Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum).
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Plants of Hawaii (Forest and Kim Starr) provides images and information for Myriophyllum aquaticum.