Parrot's Feather
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Description: This Amazon River species is an aquatic perennial herb with stout stems. Parrot’s feather prefers high nutrient content freshwater and warmer climates. The leaves of this invasive are finely divided, pale green, and occur mostly in whorls of five. Though most of the plant is submerged, tips of leaves and stems may protrude above the water. This plant has pinkish-white flowers.
Ecological Threat: This invasive can form dense mats that compete with native aquatics.
Biology & Spread: Parrot’s feather is spread vegetatively from either whole plants or fragments. The dispersion of this plant is due to people dumping aquaria species into rivers and ponds as well as from animals carrying the plant’s fruits or fragments on their bodies.
Threat in Oklahoma: This invasive provides a habitat for mosquito larvae, has the ability to clog drainage ditches, and can cause problems for boats.
Image Credit: Graves Lovell, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org - See more at:
References:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States
