Is Parrot Feather Watermilfoil invasive?
Yes, Myriophyllum aquaticum is considered invasive in many parts of the world due to its aggressive growth and ability to displace native aquatic plants.
Parrot Feather Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Parrot Feather Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an emergent aquatic perennial with feathery foliage that resembles parrot feathers.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Watering
Keep consistently moist or submerged.
Soil
Prefers nutrient-rich, silty or muddy substrate. Can tolerate a range of aquatic soils.
Temperature
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
Habitat
Aquatic, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly.
Care Requirements
Light
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Bright light encourages best growth and density.
Water
Keep consistently moist or submerged.
Essential for aquatic life, do not let dry out.
Soil
Prefers nutrient-rich, silty or muddy substrate. Can tolerate a range of aquatic soils.
Temperature
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Habitat
Aquatic, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly.
Excess nutrients can cause problems.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Aquatic, Herb
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground
Plant Environment
Aquatic, Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.3-1 m
Spread
1-3 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
None in tropical climates, may die back in cooler regions
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Feathery, whorled
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Feb
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Enydria aquatica Vell.
Myriophyllum brasiliense Cambess.
Myriophyllum proserpinacoides Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderSaxifragales
- familyHaloragaceae
- genusMyriophyllum
- speciesMyriophyllum aquaticum
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Additional Care Tips
Maintain water levels to keep roots submerged or soil consistently waterlogged. Water evaporates quickly in warm weather, so check frequently.
Prune regularly to control spread and remove dead or yellowing foliage. Trim stems to maintain desired height and prevent overcrowding in ponds.
Easily propagated by stem cuttings or division. Simply place healthy stem sections in water or moist substrate; they will root readily.
Repotting is generally not necessary for pond-grown plants. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 1-2 years if they become root-bound.
FAQs
How do I control the spread of Parrot Feather?
Regularly prune the plant to remove excess growth. In contained water features, physical removal of stems and roots is often necessary. Avoid planting near natural waterways.
Can Parrot Feather grow in a pond?
Yes, it is well-suited for ponds, water gardens, and water features, where it can be grown submerged or as an emergent plant.
What kind of light does Myriophyllum aquaticum need?
It prefers full sun to partial shade, with bright light generally promoting the most vigorous growth and dense foliage.
Does Parrot Feather need fertilizer?
Fertilize sparingly, as too many nutrients can lead to algal blooms. Use a slow-release aquatic fertilizer only if growth appears weak.