What is milfoil?

Milfoil infests most of the lakes in NH resulting in expensive efforts to save lakes and waterways. Only a few of Maine's lakes have been invaded by this nasty weed and we are working hard to keep it that way.

Eurasian Water-Milfoil

Eurasian water-milfoil is a submerged plant with feather-like whorled leaves. It grows in extremely large dense mats in depths up to 15 feet. This plant produces a flower spike that emerges from the water's surface.

Milfoil, a native plant of Europe and Asia, is a serious threat to lakes and ponds throughout the United States. This species of water-milfoil was first discovered in a small pond in Maine in 2003. It is also found in nearby Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and the Canadian Provinces.

Once introduced into a lake, Eurasian water-milfoil is virtually impossible to eradicate. It grows rapidly and aggressively, reproducing primarily through fragmentation. The introduction of one single fragment of this plant can result in the infestation of an entire lake.

The impacts of an infestation have the potential to be devastating. Dense mats of Eurasian water-milfoil impair boating, fishing, and swimming. Reduced lake water quality is another concern along with the potential decline of shorefront property values.