The Eurasian watermilfoil is a fast growing, submerged, perennial, aquatic plant that can be found growing in water as deep as 10 metres, but 1 to 3 metre depths are preferred. This invasive plant can quickly take over and form thick mats in lakes and rivers. Even a small piece of the plant can be transferred to a new area and form new plants. This non-native plant reduces the ecosystem biodiversity as it crowds out native species and decreases recreational value. As it grows in dense patches it creates stagnant water that attracts mosquitoes which can impact recreational activities. The leaves of Eurasian watermilfoil have 12 or more thread-like segments. Native species may look similar but have less than 12 leaf segments.
Eurasian water-milfoil was introduced to North America in the 1940s, originally coming from Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa and has spread rapidly developing a very wide distribution. It is believed that this plant was first introduced to North America by ballast water of ships or from aquarium activities.
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