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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
  • Myriophyllum crispatum - Upright Water Milfoil

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.

Hybrid Water Lilies
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Hybrid Water Lilies
Nymphaea hybrids
Aquatic Plants
 

There is a wide array of hybrid Water lilies available providing many different flower colours. These hybrids are bred for their flower colour and size and many are not considered an invasive threat.

Native Water Milfoil
Photo: Nita Lester
Alternative Plant Native Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum gracile
Aquatic Plants
 

Strong growing aquatic or semi-aquatic native milfoil, with stems growing 10-20cm in height. The alternate leaves are heavily toothed, particularly the lowermost with the uppermost being less so. The plant is an important food source for Waterfowl. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.

 
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