Myriad Leaf, Whorl-leaf watermilfoil
Myriophyllum verticillatum
Family: Haloragidaceae
What it is like
Myriophyllum verticillatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Ponds, lakes and slow streams of lowland districts, especially in base-rich waters. It is not common in Britain.
Most of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa, Asia, N. and S. America..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The plant is used as a potherb.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sandy medium, rich in decaying organic matter, in full sun. Hardy to about -15°c, the plants overwinter as resting buds at the bottom of the pond. A good water oxygenator, it is also ideal in providing a repository for fish spawn.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but the seed is quite probably of limited germination, especially if it becomes dry, and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise store the seed in a cool place in a jar of water and sow in the spring. Keep the pots in trays of water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the spring. Cuttings can be inserted directly into the soil of the pond at any time in the growing season. Division.
Best place to grow: Pond;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Water