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Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum (Myriophyllum)
Myriophyllum are aquatic perennials that are popularly used for aquariums and ponds. Although a cosmopolitan genus, some species hailing from Eurasia are considered invasive in parts of North America where they form dense mats that impede sunlight for native species. Some members of the myriophyllum genus appear to be tolerant of various water pollutants.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
info

Key Facts About Myriophyllum

Attributes of Myriophyllum

Leaf type
Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Myriophyllum

distribution

Distribution of Myriophyllum

Distribution Map of Myriophyllum

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Myriophyllum

how to grow and care
Myriophyllum is a hardy genus of mostly aquatic plants. Basic care needs include moderate light, regular watering, a consistent temperature range of 62-75°F, and loamy, well-draining soil. Pests like spider mites pose a common challenge, besides potential susceptibility to fungal infections. The plants crave slightly more light during the winter and retain their foliage throughout the year. Seasonal considerations encompass adjusting watering for humidity changes, especially during the hot summer months to prevent drying out.
More Info About Caring for Myriophyllum
species

Exploring the Myriophyllum Plants

8 most common species:
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Parrot's feather
Parrot's feather (*Myriophyllum aquaticum*) is a perennial that gets its name from its leaves, which are vaguely reminiscent of a parrot’s feathers. It comes from the Amazon River basin in South America. However, it has been imported to every continent on the planet, except Antarctica. It came to North America in the nineteenth century, first reported in the United States in the 1890s.
Myriophyllum alterniflorum
Alternate water milfoil
Alternate water milfoil is an aquatic plant found growing submerged in streams and ponds. It is considered invasive in many temperate regions because it removes vital oxygen from the water it inhabits and obstructs water flow. It spreads quickly via vegetative stem fragmentation.
Myriophyllum verticillatum
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil is an aquatic species that grows primarily in slow-moving or still waters and is hardy enough to overwinter even under ice. Unlike many aquatic plants, all of its leaves remain submerged in the water. It is considered invasive in some areas; in others, whorl-leaf watermilfoil offers advantages because it helps oxygenate the water and creates a refuge for young fish and amphibians.
Myriophyllum spicatum
Spiked water milfoil
Widely distributed in almost 60 countries, the spiked water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aquatic plant that can be extremely invasive. Spiked water milfoil can crowd out the native plants and damage the habitats of native fish.
Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Twoleaf watermilfoil
Twoleaf watermilfoil is a fast-spreading water plant that is classed as an invasive species in locations such as the state of New England, USA. Its import and sale are banned in the European Union. An Eastern USA native, this plant has spread across many countries in Western Europe and its profuse growth starves ponds and lakes of light and oxygen. In good conditions, this plant's stems can grow as quickly as 2.5 cm per day.
Myriophyllum sibiricum
Shortspike watermilfoil
It generally grows over a meter long, its green stem drying white. It is lined with whorls of fanlike green leaves divided into many narrow, feathery lobes. The erect inflorescence is a spike of small flowers up to 8 cm long which grows above the water's surface.
Myriophyllum tenellum
Slender water-milfoil
Slender water-milfoil is a delicate aquatic plant with finely divided, feathery leaves that give a soft, wispy appearance underwater. Its slender stems allow flexibility among gentle currents, while its rooted nature gives it a firm anchor in substrate-rich environments. The plant’s submerged growth adapts well to various water conditions, playing a critical role in aquatic ecosystems by providing oxygenation and habitat.
Myriophyllum pedunculatum
Myriophyllum pedunculatum
Myriophyllum pedunculatum is known for its feathery, whorled underwater leaves that fan out in delicate arrays along its stems. Above the water's surface, myriophyllum pedunculatum displays emergent flower spikes, easily recognized by their tiny blooms. This adaptation allows myriophyllum pedunculatum to thrive in submerged conditions, as it can draw nutrients from water rather than relying solely on soil. Its dense foliage provides hiding places for aquatic organisms, signifying a healthy underwater ecosystem.

All Species of Myriophyllum

Parrot's feather
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Parrot's feather
Parrot's feather (*Myriophyllum aquaticum*) is a perennial that gets its name from its leaves, which are vaguely reminiscent of a parrot’s feathers. It comes from the Amazon River basin in South America. However, it has been imported to every continent on the planet, except Antarctica. It came to North America in the nineteenth century, first reported in the United States in the 1890s.
Alternate water milfoil
Myriophyllum alterniflorum
Alternate water milfoil
Alternate water milfoil is an aquatic plant found growing submerged in streams and ponds. It is considered invasive in many temperate regions because it removes vital oxygen from the water it inhabits and obstructs water flow. It spreads quickly via vegetative stem fragmentation.
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil
Myriophyllum verticillatum
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil is an aquatic species that grows primarily in slow-moving or still waters and is hardy enough to overwinter even under ice. Unlike many aquatic plants, all of its leaves remain submerged in the water. It is considered invasive in some areas; in others, whorl-leaf watermilfoil offers advantages because it helps oxygenate the water and creates a refuge for young fish and amphibians.
Spiked water milfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
Spiked water milfoil
Widely distributed in almost 60 countries, the spiked water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aquatic plant that can be extremely invasive. Spiked water milfoil can crowd out the native plants and damage the habitats of native fish.
Twoleaf watermilfoil
Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Twoleaf watermilfoil
Twoleaf watermilfoil is a fast-spreading water plant that is classed as an invasive species in locations such as the state of New England, USA. Its import and sale are banned in the European Union. An Eastern USA native, this plant has spread across many countries in Western Europe and its profuse growth starves ponds and lakes of light and oxygen. In good conditions, this plant's stems can grow as quickly as 2.5 cm per day.
Shortspike watermilfoil
Myriophyllum sibiricum
Shortspike watermilfoil
It generally grows over a meter long, its green stem drying white. It is lined with whorls of fanlike green leaves divided into many narrow, feathery lobes. The erect inflorescence is a spike of small flowers up to 8 cm long which grows above the water's surface.
Slender water-milfoil
Myriophyllum tenellum
Slender water-milfoil
Slender water-milfoil is a delicate aquatic plant with finely divided, feathery leaves that give a soft, wispy appearance underwater. Its slender stems allow flexibility among gentle currents, while its rooted nature gives it a firm anchor in substrate-rich environments. The plant’s submerged growth adapts well to various water conditions, playing a critical role in aquatic ecosystems by providing oxygenation and habitat.
Myriophyllum pedunculatum
Myriophyllum pedunculatum
Myriophyllum pedunculatum
Myriophyllum pedunculatum is known for its feathery, whorled underwater leaves that fan out in delicate arrays along its stems. Above the water's surface, myriophyllum pedunculatum displays emergent flower spikes, easily recognized by their tiny blooms. This adaptation allows myriophyllum pedunculatum to thrive in submerged conditions, as it can draw nutrients from water rather than relying solely on soil. Its dense foliage provides hiding places for aquatic organisms, signifying a healthy underwater ecosystem.
Myriophyllum votschii
Myriophyllum votschii
Myriophyllum votschii
Myriophyllum votschii boasts feathery, whorled leaves that lend a delicate, soft appearance, characteristic of many aquatic species. Its submerged growth habit often forms dense mats in freshwater habitats, providing shelter for aquatic organisms. This plant adapts to varying water conditions, revealing its resilience and essential role in its ecosystem as both a provider and a purifier.
Water milfoil
Myriophyllum triphyllum
Water milfoil
Water milfoil is an aquatic herbaceous plant with a feather-like appearance, often found submerged in freshwater environments. Its whorled leaves are typically in sets of three, resembling a trifoliate pattern that assists identification. These fine, multi-divided leaves provide ideal habitats for aquatic organisms, indicating water milfoil's ecological importance. The plant's preference for still or slow-moving waters hints at its adaptive strategies for growth and reproduction in such niches.
Myriophyllum robustum
Myriophyllum robustum
Myriophyllum robustum
Myriophyllum robustum is an aquatic species characterized by its feathery, bright green leaves that resemble underwater plumes. These leaves grow in whorls along the stem, which can stretch towards the water's surface, indicating a preference for still or slow-moving water bodies. Its robust form allows it to thrive and often dominate in its freshwater habitat, providing shelter and oxygen for aquatic life.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum
Myriophyllum are aquatic perennials that are popularly used for aquariums and ponds. Although a cosmopolitan genus, some species hailing from Eurasia are considered invasive in parts of North America where they form dense mats that impede sunlight for native species. Some members of the myriophyllum genus appear to be tolerant of various water pollutants.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
info

Key Facts About Myriophyllum

Attributes of Myriophyllum

Leaf type
Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Myriophyllum

distribution

Distribution of Myriophyllum

Distribution Map of Myriophyllum

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Myriophyllum

Myriophyllum is a hardy genus of mostly aquatic plants. Basic care needs include moderate light, regular watering, a consistent temperature range of 62-75°F, and loamy, well-draining soil. Pests like spider mites pose a common challenge, besides potential susceptibility to fungal infections. The plants crave slightly more light during the winter and retain their foliage throughout the year. Seasonal considerations encompass adjusting watering for humidity changes, especially during the hot summer months to prevent drying out.
More Info About Caring for Myriophyllum
species

Exploring the Myriophyllum Plants

8 most common species:
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Parrot's feather
Parrot's feather (*Myriophyllum aquaticum*) is a perennial that gets its name from its leaves, which are vaguely reminiscent of a parrot’s feathers. It comes from the Amazon River basin in South America. However, it has been imported to every continent on the planet, except Antarctica. It came to North America in the nineteenth century, first reported in the United States in the 1890s.
Myriophyllum alterniflorum
Alternate water milfoil
Alternate water milfoil is an aquatic plant found growing submerged in streams and ponds. It is considered invasive in many temperate regions because it removes vital oxygen from the water it inhabits and obstructs water flow. It spreads quickly via vegetative stem fragmentation.
Myriophyllum verticillatum
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil
Whorl-leaf watermilfoil is an aquatic species that grows primarily in slow-moving or still waters and is hardy enough to overwinter even under ice. Unlike many aquatic plants, all of its leaves remain submerged in the water. It is considered invasive in some areas; in others, whorl-leaf watermilfoil offers advantages because it helps oxygenate the water and creates a refuge for young fish and amphibians.
Myriophyllum spicatum
Spiked water milfoil
Widely distributed in almost 60 countries, the spiked water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aquatic plant that can be extremely invasive. Spiked water milfoil can crowd out the native plants and damage the habitats of native fish.
Show More Species

All Species of Myriophyllum

popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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