Description
Myriophyllum – Milfoil –
There are about 45 species of submerged or marginal aquatic annuals and perennials in this genus. They occur in wet ground, ponds, and streams with representatives worldwide. The foliage is highly decorative, with long, submerged, delicate stems and alternate, opposite, or whorled leaves. The submerged leaves are linear to oblong or rounded, and pinnatifid, with fine, hair like segments, the emergent leaves are smooth edged or toothed, and lance shaped to ovate or linear. They provide refuge from predators, as well as oxygenating the water.
Grow in containers of loamy soil in full sun although tolerant of part shade, at a depth of 6″ for M. aquaticum 18″ for M. hippuroide and 3′ feet for M. verticillatum. Top growth may be damaged by frost, but should reemerge below the surface in spring.
Prone to be eaten by fish, and algae may cover the plants.
M. aquaticum – M. brasiliense – M. proserpinacoides – Diamond Milfoil – Parrot Feather – This aquatic perennial from Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and South America has an indefinite spread. From rarely branched stems to 6′ long, that become woody at the bases and creeping out of shallow water. Rounded,, pinnatifid, bright yellowish green submerged leaves, to 1 ½” long, have 4-8 segments and are arranged in whorls of 4 or 5, rounded, bluish green emergent leaves are shorter. In summer, tiny minute, monoecious, bright yellow-green flowers are borne in spikes from the leaf axils of the submerged leaves. Invasive in earthen ponds.
Zones 6-11
