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Parrot Feather

Parrot Feather
Photo: Terry Inkson
Invasive Plant
Parrot Feather
Myriophyllum aquaticum
 

A feathery leaved, perennial aquatic plant with stems that grow up to 2m in length. The tips of the stems frequently protrude up to 30cm from the water. Seeds that are produced in Australia are infertile as only female plants are recorded here.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Parrot feather reproduces by fragments of stem breaking from the parent plant and is moved by water currents.
  • Once also commonly found in home aquaria as the plant was once sold as an attractive fish tank plant. Inappropriate disposal of aquatic plants leads to choking of waterways, excluding all native flora and fauna.
 
 
Grow Me Instead
 

Other superior selections include;

  • Myriophyllum papillosum 'Red Dragonfly' - Red Dragonfly
  • Nymphaea hybrids - Hybrid Water Lilies

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Banded Nardoo
Photo: Norwood
Alternative Plant Banded Nardoo
Marsilea mutica
Aquatic Plants
 

This aquatic fern has interesting foliage resembling a four leafed clover. The long rhizomes trail under the surface with the leaves floating on the surface. This plant provides an excellent cover for fish and other aquatic life as well as suppressing algal growth.

Upright Water Milfoil
Photo: Glenfield Nursery
Alternative Plant Upright Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum crispatum
Aquatic Plants
 

This native aquatic plant has delicately divided plumes which grow out and float on the water surface. Submerged up to 60cm deep, it provides excellent spawning environment for fish. Adaptable to either full sun or semi-shade.

Water Milfoil
Photo: Glenfield Nursery
Alternative Plant Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum papillosum
Aquatic Plants
 

A vigorous native milfoil with foxtail like stems held above the water. Provides shelter and spawning areas for fish. Suitable for full sun to light shade situations. Submerge up to 60cm.

 
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