Invasive Watermilfoils
Watermilfoils are rooted, submerged
aquatic plants found naturally in
lakes and streams. Two
non-native watermilfoils threaten
the quality of Maine/NH fresh waters;
Variable leaf milfoil
(myriophyllum heterophyllum
and Eurasian watermilfoil
(myriophyllum spicatum),
the more aggressive colonizer
of the two, has been found in several
Maine water bodies.
Milfoil Types in Balch Lake
Native Watermilfoils
Maine/NH are home to six
native water-milfoil species. Five of
these are leafy milfoils, bearing some
resemblance to one or more of
the invasive milfoils, Alternate-flowered
water-milfoil (Myriophyllum alterniflorum),
Farwell’s water-milfoil (Myriophyllum farwellii),
Low water-milfoil (Myriophyllum humile),
Northern water-milfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum),
Whorled water-milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum).
The sixth native species, dwarf water-milfoil
(Myriophyllum tenellum),
is a diminutive bottom dweller.
Lacking true leaves, and not bearing any
resemblance to the invasive milfoils.
