Myriophyllum spicatum aka Eurasian Water Milfoil

Taxonomy

Myriophyllum spicatum, also known as Eurasian watermilfoil or spiked water-milfoil, is a highly invasive submerged aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa. It has a wide geographic distribution across 57 countries, ranging from northern Canada to South Africa. This perennial plant grows in still or slow-moving water and has slender stems that can reach up to 250 centimeters in length. The leaves are pinnately divided into hairlike segments and are arranged in whorls of four, with each leaflet measuring approximately 4-13 mm long. The plant is monoecious, producing inconspicuous orange-red flowers on a vertical spike that can reach 5-15 cm in length. The flowers are borne in the leaf axils, with the male flowers positioned above the female flowers. The dull red flowers bloom above the water surface during the summer. It is important to note that Myriophyllum spicatum can hybridize with the northern watermilfoil M. sibiricum, resulting in hybrid plants that may cause taxonomic confusion due to overlapping leaf characteristics.

Common names

Eurasian Water Milfoil, Spike Water Milfoil, Eurasian Watermilfoil

How to care for Eurasian Water Milfoil

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Eurasian Water Milfoil is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Eurasian Water Milfoil should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Eurasian Water Milfoil, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Eurasian Water Milfoil is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Eurasian Water Milfoil will thrive!

Lighting

Eurasian Water Milfoil requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spike Water Milfoil is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Eurasian Water Milfoil’s native range is Europe, including Britain, Asia, N. Africa, N. America..


More info:
Wikipedia