Water Milfoil, Eurasian watermilfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
Family: Haloragidaceae
What it is like
Myriophyllum spicatum is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) 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): 0
Where it is found
Lakes, ponds, ditches etc, to 450 metres. Locally common, especially in calcareous waters.
Europe, including Britain, Asia, N. Africa, N. America..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root - raw or cooked. Sweet and crunchy, the roots were a much relished food for several native North American Indian tribes.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is demulcent and febrifuge.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Requires a sandy medium, rich in decaying organic matter, in full sun. Plants overwinter as resting buds at the bottom of the pond. Another report says that the plants do not form winter buds, but persist at the bottom of the pond. This species is considered to have the potential to be invasive when introduced into some areas such as Texas. A good water oxygenator.
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: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Water