Aquatic Plant Profile: Water milfoil

Water milfoil (Myriophyllum crispatum) is a perfect indigenous border plant for any pond, however it can be grown in ponds at a depth of up to 1m. Water milfoil roots into most mediums like gravel or pebble and it will spread to 0.8-1m along the water's edge and grow above and below the water's surface. Growth above the water's surface will be lacy and straight, it will clump and spread along the border and out into the pond. Milfoil can be propagated quite easily from cuttings, when your plant is mature it will send off aerial roots from some stems, cutting below these roots and replanting in a medium like gravel or sand will create new plants. 

The fluffy foliage of this plant can soften edges and give a lush, healthy aesthetic. When used on pond margins, milfoil provides an excellent habitat for frogs and small fish to lay eggs, find food and seek shelter within. Due to the plant's dense habit it will also provide habitat for various water bugs to reproduce and live within, therefore providing food to those baby fish and adult fish, completing a natural ecosystem food chain within your own backyard.

Milfoil does not have a dormancy period and will be lush and purposeful throughout the year.

Myriophyllum 'Dragonfly' is a variety of milfoil with striking bright red stems and is worth a look for any pond for year round colour and habitat availability.