Parrotfeather is an aquatic weed that has feather-like leaves in whorls of 4-6. The leaves are 1-3cm with 20-30 divisions per leaf. It has both submersed and emergent leaves and stems and is easily mistaken for Eurasian Watermilfoil. The plant is bright green and may grow up to 12” above the surface.
Parrotfeather is native to the Amazon River in South America but has been transported to North America through the shipping industry and the aquarium plant trade. It now inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams where it will easily spread by fragmentation and take over the body of water. It is difficult to control due to its thick, waxy cuticle and woody stems.
