There are a variety of milfoil species that occur commonly in South Carolina. While the Variable leaf watermilfoil is a common native species, the Eurasian watermilfoil is a non-native, highly invasive plant and can be problematic. Read the information below to in an effort to determine which species you have.

Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil(Native) Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Common Names:  Water milfoil, Coontail, Coontail Moss

OR

EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL(Invasive)
Myriophyllum spicatum

This introduced species is readily distinguishable from its native counterparts. The growing plant will have a red coloration or tint with leaves in whorls of 4. There are up to 12 pairs of capillary segments (stalks) which help make these segments stiff and rigid unlike the native species. This species has the potential to become a major problem in the state because it is spread by fragmentation.

Control:

South Carolina Law requires individuals to possess a Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 5, Aquatic Pest Control, before they apply aquatic herbicides if the work is done for compensation on the property of another.  A license is also required, regardless of ownership, if the application is made to an area where public access to the treated site is expected.  Private swimming lakes, where the public would exposed to the treated waters, are the most obvious example of the latter requirement. On all public facilities, such as golf courses, driving ranges, subdivisions, condominium/apartment complexes and mobile home parks, applicators are required to possess a Category 5 License to apply aquatic pesticides.