Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum spicatumfam. Haloragaceae
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Pl. 1F65 — Myriophyllum spicatum
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IOverview
Overview
Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to Angola and known for its edible roots. This plant thrives in light, sandy to medium soil with a pH of 7.5–8, making it well-suited to environments with moderate moisture. It has a habitat range that includes Angola, where it can be found growing in various settings. While primarily recognized for its culinary uses, Water Milfoil also serves as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive feathery leaves and branching stems. Its light energy requirement of 6/10 indicates it prefers some shade but can tolerate full sun.
Quick answers
What is Water Milfoil?
Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to Angola and known for its edible roots. This plant thrives in light, sandy to medium soil with a pH of 7.5–8, making it well-suited to environments with moderate moisture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Milfoil thrives in light to medium soils and requires ample water, making it ideal for ponds or bog gardens. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. The plant is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 5 to 9. For best results, provide full sun to partial shade. Propagate through root division in early spring. Harvest the edible roots for culinary use.
Light
6/10
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Milfoil for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple water garden to grow Water Milfoil, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or pond, aquatic planting medium, and Water Milfoil plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when water temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with at least 2 feet of water depth, filled with aquatic planting medium.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Water Milfoil directly into the prepared container, ensuring roots are covered.
- 5
First two weeks
Monitor water quality and ensure consistent light exposure. Keep the water clean and aerated.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade to full sun, keep pH between 7.5–8, and trim back excess growth as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or overgrown parts to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overcrowding, using too much fertilizer, and neglecting water quality are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Water Milfoil is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is typically prepared by boiling to enhance its flavor and texture. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyRussiaSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Africa7 regions
native (7)AlgeriaAngolaBotswanaCameroonEgyptEritreaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Cape Provinces, East Aegean Is., Aleutian Is., Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1f65226b-0442-4529-bf65-20b0a982e1cb
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