Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil (Native)
Myriophyllum heterophyllum

Common Names:  Water milfoil, Coontail, Coontail Moss

Distribution and Habitat: 

Milfoil is found predominately in the upper and lower coastal plain. It thrives in older, more stabilized systems with clear, acidic water, where it may be rooted in depths up to 10 feet. It is very common in impoundments located in the sandhills region of the midlands. The dense growth characteristics of this plant often dominates all other aquatic growth and can seriously restrict utilization of the water body for recreation or other purposes.

Description: 

Milfoil is a rooted aquatic species possessing a long, robust stem which is usually deep red or brownish red in color. This plant may exhibit two distinctly different leaf forms. The submerged leaves are fine, numerously dissected and are located in whorls along the stem, giving milfoil a delicate feather-like or “coontail” appearance. This portion of the plant is usually a reddish or greenish brown in color. The emergent leaves are found in whorls on a stalk-like portion of the stem which extends 6-8 inches above the water. These small leaves are bright green and oval in shape. This growth aspect of the plant is so different from the submerged portion that it is often mistaken as being another plant altogether. This emergent growth is generally associated with mature stages of milfoil and may not be evident until late summer. The flowers of water milfoil are located on the emergent shoots and are very small and inconspicuous, thus are not considered a good identifying characteristic for the untrained observer.

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.