Aquatic Nuisance - Eurasian Watermilfoil
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Where did it come from?
- Originates from Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa and was introduced into North America in the 1940's.
Where can it be found in South Dakota?
- Currently found in Lake Sharpe and Lake Lewis and Clark.
What does it look like?
- They produce small red flowers on top of the water in mid-summer. They have about twice as many leaflet pairs(12-21) compared to native watermilfoil(5-10).
Why are Eurasian Watermilfoil a problem?
- Forms dense stands of vegetation in the water column and thick mats at the surface, shading out native vegetation and reducing oxygen levels during decomposition. This dense vegetation also takes away from recreational activities.
How are Eurasian Watermilfoil spread?
- Reproduces by fragmentation, plant fragments easily transported in livewells, bilge water, and on boat trailers.
Check out Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention on ways to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Eurasian Watermilfoil links
Link to Evasive Species Info on Eurasian Watermilfoil
USGS Eurasian Watermilfoil Fact Sheet and Distribution Map
Pictures of Eurasian Watermilfoil
South Dakota Eurasian Watermilfoil Distribution Map
Click here to report Eurasian Watermilfoil
SD AIS Species
A.I.S. Fish
Asian Carp
Common Carp
Western Mosquitofish
European Rudd
Snakehead
A.I.S. Invertebrates
Zebra & Quagga Mussels
Rusty Crayfish
Asian Clam
New Zealand Mudsnail
Red-rimmed Melania
A.I.S. Plants
Brittle Naiad
Didymo
Curlyleaf Pondweed
Flowering Rush
Eurasian Water Milfoil
Purple Loosestrife