Eurasian watermilfoil
About This Species
Eurasian watermilfoil (Spiked watermilfoil) is an aquatic plant which has been let loose from aquariums from its native range in Europe. It prefers still or slow-moving water with silty or sandy bottoms. It spreads by roots, seeds, buds, and stem fragments. Eurasian watermilfoil can quickly take over waterways, causing sluggish water that attracts mosquitos and reduces the recreational potential of the waterway such as swimming and boating. Eurasian watermilfoil is designated as a Management Species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify
Eurasian watermilfoil is an aquatic plant with long, slender reddish-brown stems.
Flowers are small, red or yellow, and stick out from the water 5-10 cm. Fruits are small capsules.
Its leaves are very thin, feathery and green-black. They grow in numerous small leaflets in whorls of four off the stem.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
- Eurasian watermilfoil Factsheet PDF
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
Don't Let It Loose
Learn about best practices
Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!
Clean, Drain, Dry
Learn about best practices
The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
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Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
