Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrotfeather)

Parrotfeather

Photo courtesy John Randall, The Nature Conservancy

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrotfeather) is a stout aquatic perennial (family Haloragaceae) that forms dense mats of intertwined brownish stems (rhizomes) in water. Myriophyllum aquaticum can be found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and canals with slow-moving waters in northern and central California. This invasive plant may compete with native aquatic plants, eliminating them or reducing their numbers in infested sites. It forms dense mats that can entirely cover the surface of the water in shallow lakes and other waterways. The species does not produce viable seed and its distribution is limited to vegetative dispersal mechanisms.

Cal-IPC Inventory rating: High

Cal-IPC Resources on Myriophyllum aquaticum

• California Invasive Plant Inventory Assessment Form (pdf) - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.
• Species account from Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands - Includes biology and management information.
• Cal-IPC News - Articles from our quarterly newsletter. Each issue is available as a pdf. List of articles on Myriophyllum aquaticum.
• Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings - Presentations and papers from our annual Symposium. List of articles on Myriophyllum aquaticum.

Cal-IPC News Articles

• Connick, S. and M. Gerel (2005). Don't sell a pest: A new partnership to prevent plant invasions through horticulture. Cal-IPC News. 13: 4-5,14.

Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings

• Anderson, L. (2003). Aquatic weeds: Policy, prevention, and control. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2003. Kings Beach, California, CA.
• Connick, S. and M. Gerel (2004). Partnering to prevent invasions of plants of horticultural origin. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2004. Ventura, CA.

Other Resources on Myriophyllum aquaticum

• USDA PLANTS database - Federal database with information on identification and distribution, and links to websites in individual states.
• Jepson Online Interchange for California Flora - Information on taxonomy, biology, and distribution from the UC Berkeley Jepson Herbarium.
• CalFlora - Distribution information by county based on submitted observations and herbarium specimens.
• The Nature Conservancy Element Stewardship Abstract - Information compiled by TNC land managers. Photos included for some species.
• CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
• Natural Resource Projects Inventory - State database with information on resource management projects throughout California. Query by the species of interest.

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