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Eurasian Watermilfoil in the Great Lakes Region Overview | General Resources | Related Resources Select a species: Crustaceans: Cercopagis pengoi | Rusty Crayfish | Spiny Water Flea Fish: Common Carp | Goby | Ruffe | Sea Lamprey | White Perch Mollusks: Zebra Mussel Plants: Curly-leaf Pondweed | Eurasian Watermilfoil | Flowering Rush | Purple Loosestrife [Invasive species home page] 
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Overview 
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe. Spread westward into inland lakes primarily by boats and also by waterbirds, it reached midwestern states between the 1950s and 1980s.
In nutrient-rich lakes it can form thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water's surface. In shallow areas the plant can interfere with water recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The plant's floating canopy can also crowd out important native water plants. 
A key factor in the plant's success is its ability to reproduce through stem fragmentation and underground runners. A single segment of stem and leaves can take root and form a new colony. Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake. The mechanical clearing of weed beds for beaches, docks, and landings creates thousands of new stem fragments. Removing native vegetation creates perfect habitat for invading Eurasian watermilfoil.
Eurasian watermilfoil has difficulty becoming established in lakes with healthy populations of native plants. In some lakes the plant appears to coexist with native flora and has little impact on fish and other aquatic animals. Likely means of spread: Milfoil may become entangled in boat propellers, and may wrap around other external parts of the boat. Stems can become lodged among any watercraft apparatus or sports equipment that moves through the water, including boat trailers. References: A Field Guide to Aquatic Exotic Plants and Animals, University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program
General Resources Biological Control of Eurasian Watermilfoil Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Minnesota Background on the Eurasion Watermilfoil and biocontrol research for safe, cost-effective control measures. Habitattitude U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Adopt a conservation mentality: Protect our environment by not releasing unwanted fish and aquatic plants into the wild. Find out what you can do to help this growing problem on this site. Invasive Plant Council of New York State This group provides coordination and guidance on the management of invasive plants to protect biodiversity in New York State. Includes a list of the state's top 20 most invasive species, along with photos, and information on biology, range and habitat. Myriophyllum spicatum U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Factsheet with occurrence details and map.
Related Resources GLIN: Agencies and Organizations, Flora GLIN: Fish and Fisheries in the Great Lakes Region GLIN: Plants of the Great Lakes Region
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