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Parrot’s-feather

Myriophyllum aquaticum

Non-Native

Parrot's-feather in water

Parrot's-feather drawing


USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Parrot’s-feather?

Other common spellings and names include: parrot feather, parrot-feather, parrotfeather watermilfoil, water-feather, Brazilian watermilfoil.

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Light-green to blue-green
  • Long
  • In whorls of 4 to 6
  • Stiff
  • 0.78-2 inches long
  • Divided into 10 or more linear, thread-like sections
  • Upper divisions: 0.13-0.25 inches long
  • Less lower divisions than upper divisions

Stem:

  • Branching

Flowers:

  • Located in the axils of the leaves
  • White or pinkish branches that look similar to feathers

Fruit:

  • 0.06-0.13 inches long
  • Not fertile in the United States

Reproduction:

  • Only female plants in the United States
  • Seeds are not produced in North America
  • Fragments of rooted plants can produce new plants

Where Does it Grow?

EDDMapS. 2024. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed January 28, 2024.

Non-Native

Parrot’s-feather is a native of South America and was probably brought to the U.S. for the aquarium industry.

Parrot’s-feather can be found in freshwater streams, lakes, rivers, canals, and on seepage slopes.

Pros and Cons of Parrot’s-feather

This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present. Negative effects include clogging waterways, hindering recreational activities, out competing native species, and providing a breeding ground for unwanted insects. 

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

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Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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