Haloragaceae - watermilfoil family

Gerald A. Mulligan (1928 - 2022)
Research Scientist and Research Institute Director (retired).
Honorary Research Associate (1987 - 2022), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada

Awarded the George Lawson Medal by the Canadian Botanical Association in 2006.
Awarded the Faculty of Macdonald, McGill University, Most Distinguished Alumni Award on October 18, 2014.
Read his biography "The Real Weed Man" available in print and ebook.

Myriophyllum spicatum L., Eurasian water-milfoil, myriophylle en épi
A submersed perennial aquatic herb introduced from Eurasia. Spreads and becomes established by seeds, running rhizomes, and most often by stem fragments. Known to be present in the Pontiac River below Washington D.C. prior to 1881 (Ward, L. F, 1881, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 26). It was probably first introduced there in ballast discarded from ships. Water-milfoil now grows, in water from 3 to 30 feet (1 to 10 meters) deep, from Florida to Quebec and Ontario in the east, and from California to British Columbia in the west. It is often introduced from one body of water to another by plant fragments adhering to boats and other means of transport. Once established, water-milfoil often forms a dense mat of vegetation that inhibits all kinds recreational activities. Water-milfoil has clogged pipes in irrigation canals and water and power intakes. Its establishment also has a very deleterious effect on the biology of the resident flora and fauna. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. A very nasty customer.

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Weed Name Photo Weed Name Photo
Eurasian water-milfoil, myriophylle en épi Eurasian water-milfoil, myriophylle en épi
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