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Parrot Feather

Parrot Feather
Photo: Terry Inkson
Invasive Plant
Parrot Feather
Myriophyllum aquaticum
 

A feathery leaved, perennial, aquatic plant with stems that grow up to 2 m in length. The tips of the stems frequently protrude from the water up to 30 cm. Seeds are infertile in Australia due to only female plants being recorded here. However, Parrot Feather reproduces by fragments breaking from the parent plant and moved by water currents. This species may also occur in home aquaria and ponds as the plant was once sold as an attractive fish tank plant. This aquatic plant is capable of totally choking water ways, dangerously excluding all other flora and fauna.

 

Please note: Do not dump aquatic plants into waterways as they may become invasive.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Water Milfoil
Photo: Glenfield Nursery
Alternative Plant Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum papillosum
Aquatic Plants
 

A vigorous native perennial aquatic species with foxtail like stems held above the water. Plants occur in shallow waters and provide shelter and spawning areas for fish. Thrives in full-sun to light shade at a depth of 60 cm.

Water Ribbons
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Water Ribbons
Triglochin procera
Aquatic Plants
 

This robust perennial aquatic has strap like leaves up to 50 cm long, is rather fleshy and often floating. Flowers spikes are small and greenish. They are usually found in still or slow moving water and depressions.

All species are recommended for attracting frogs into the garden.

Wooly Frogsmouth
Photo: M Fagg, ANBG
Alternative Plant Wooly Frogsmouth
Philydrum lanuginosum
Aquatic Plants
 

An emergent tufted succulent herb to 1.5 m with showy, yellow flowers. This species is fairly common in swamps and pond edges and prefers full-sun or shade.

 
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