Myriophyllum verrucosum

Red Water-milfoil

Sparsely branched perennial herb, rooting at leaf nodes. Submerged and emergent leaves different. Plants growing in mud stunted and fertile, sterile in fast-moving and deep water.

Additional information

FamilyHaloragaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizestems 0.1-1.5 m
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesSubmerged - 6-12 mm long in rings of 3-4, round leaves divided to midrib with narrow segments like teeth on a comb; Emergent - blue-green to reddish-purple in rings of 3-4, lower leaves ferny, lance-shaped, 3-9 mm, becoming entire.
Flower colourMale - yellow
Flowering timeAll year
FlowersSingle stalkless male and female flowers in upper leaf axils. Minute sepals and petals on female flowers, white stigmas. Fruit cubic, straw-coloured, red or grey.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsAquatic to a depth of about 2 m in permanent water or semi-aquatic in swamps and mud. Full sun, semi-shade. Rare within the Shire.
Garden useInteresting plant for muddy to wet areas. Grow in and beside pools and dams.
Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.