Myriophyllum crispatum

Upright Water-milfoil

Robust erect perennial herb with soft curly hairs on stems and leaf bases, rooting at leaf nodes. Submerged and emergent leaves different.

FamilyHaloragaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.25-0.6 m high
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesSubmerged - egg-shaped, 10-40 mm long in rings of 5-8, leaves divided to midrib with close narrow segments like teeth on a comb; Emergent - rings of 6-9, decreasing from broadly lance-shaped and divided to toothed, to needle-like & entire to 20 mm.
Flower colourCream to reddish-brown male flowers
Flowering timeOctober to April
FlowersSingle stalkless male and female flowers in upper leaf axils. Female flowers lack sepals and petals, white stigmas. Fruit cubic, yellow-brown to dark red.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsAquatic to a depth of 1 m or semi-aquatic in swamps and mud and still to slow flowing streams. Full sun, semi-shade.
Garden useInteresting plant for muddy to wet areas. Grow in pools and dams.
Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions