Eurasian Water-Milfoil

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Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is present in the Madawaska River and throughout the Saint John River. This submersed aquatic plant creates dense mats that interfere with recreational activity. It out-competes native plants which negatively impacts our fish and wildlife.  This invasive plant can spread when fragments cling to boats, motors, trailers and gear like hip waders, which then are immersed in different lakes or waters.  Please do not pass through mats of vegetation and follow the guidelines below when moving from one body of water to another. (Note: Some water-milfoils are native to New Brunswick.)

 

How to identify Eurasian water-milfoil

 

• Feather-like leaves arranged in whorls of 3 to 6 around the stem

(4 leaves most common)
 

• Whorls are openly spaced (1 cm or more) on long spaghetti-like stems
   

• Average 12 to 24 leaflet pairs per leaf
   

• Tip of the plant will be reddish in colour and

small reddish flowers appear above the water surface in mid-summer

 

What you can do

   
Every time you move from one body of water to another, aquatic invasive species may travel with you. You can help! Please do the following:

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• Make sure to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat and trailer
   

 

• Check, clean, and dry all personal gear, including waders, fishing lines and lures.
   

• Dispose of unused bait responsibly.
   

• Never release plants, fish or other animals into a body of water unless they came out of that water!