Carole is part of an HOA here in South Carolina. She came to us with what she thought was Hydrilla in her pond. She described it as having very long stems with leaves that had a reddish tint. She asked if she could remove it by raking it.

We quickly realized what she had in her pond was not Hydrilla, but Eurasian Watermilfoil; a submersed perennial plant that is very aggressive and can spread faster than a cheetah who just spotted a limping gazelle can run.

Eurasian Watermilfoil was originally native to Europe but was brought over to the U.S. As a highly adaptable plant; it can thrive in many environmental conditions such as warm and even icy water and pHs from 5.4-11.

Its stems can reach up to 33 ft with leaves as long as 2 inches. It forms thick, dense colonies and spreads by fragment pieces or roots making it one of the most problematic aquatic weeds. It intertwines under the water blocking sunlight, creating a thick mat making it hard for other species to survive.

For a little background on Eurasian Watermilfoil.

For some help identifing Eurasian Watermilfoil.

For description of Eurasian Watermilfoil.

For more facts about Eurasian Watermilfoil.

It can also interfere with fishing, swimming, and boating in shallow waters. Not only that but ponds and lakes infested with Eurasian Watermilfoil tend to have a reduced fish spawning and lower fish growth rates. Not only that, it has the potential to destroy any native ecosystems (including plants, animals, fish, birds, other inhabitants).

Carole was shocked when she found out her “small problem” was Eurasian Watermilfoil.

In Summary:

• Eurasian Watermilfoil grows quickly underwater out of sight.
• Require an aquatic herbicide like Aquathol to kill it.
• Milfoil can regrow after aquatic herbicide treatments.
• Milfoil can choke your fish from reproducing.
• Lake Management is the key to success.

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