Thomas Woolf, Aquatic Plants Program Manager for the Idaho Department of Agriculture, describes Parrotfeather Milfoil.vIt is an aquatic weed that is found in shallow waters, but is capable of growing up to eight feet. It is very resistant to treatment and an ideal habitat for mosquitoes.
- Native to South America
- Found at water’s edge in rivers and canals
- New infestations from plant fragments and rhizomes; all female plants
- Interferes with water movement, prime mosquito larvae habitat
- Found along Potlatch River and irrigation canals in southwestern Idaho
- Bright green, emergent leaves and stems.
- Leaflets arranged in whorls (4-6) around the stem.
- Each leaflet has a feather-like pattern.
- Dense mat of intertwined brownish stems (rhizomes) in the water.
- Reddish, feathery-leaved, limp, underwater leaves may be present
Note that there are several video "hot spots" available which provide more detailed information.
Panorama and video taken 7/08