EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL

 

Eurasian water milfoil is an extremely well adapted plant, able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions. It grows well in still and flowing waters, tolerates mild salinities, and can even survive under ice.  Eurasian water milfoil grows rooted in water depths from 1 to 10 meters, generally reaching the surface in depths of 3 to 5 meters. Adaptable to a wide variety of substrate types, this species seems to favor fine textured, inorganic sediments. The plants grow rapidly, branching profusely at the surface where they form dense floating mats, choking and shading out all other plants in the area.  Infestations render waters unsuitable for boating, swimming, and other recreational uses.