Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Photo by Bill Houghton

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Scientific Name: Myriophyllum spicatum 

Distinguishing Characteristics: 
Leaves whorled around stem similar to coontail; but each leaf is limp and deeply divided giving it a feather appearance similar to M. aquaticum; each leaf has at least 24 leaflets.
Stem thick and green.
Forms thick, underwater mats that can become topped-out.

This is an exotic plant.  If you observe this plant growing in the southeastern U.S., please take the time to report its location on the EDD Maps database at http://www.se-eppc.org/index.cfm.

Myriophyllum spicatum taken by Graves Lovell

Myriophyllum spicatum taken by Graves Lovell

Myriophyllum spicatum taken by Graves Lovell

Myriophyllum spicatum taken by Graves Lovell

Myriophyllum spicatum taken by Graves Lovell