Parrot Feather

Description

Parrot feather is a submersed/emergent aquatic perennial, rooted to the bottom, with stout stems up to 8 feet long. Parrot feather is unusual among milfoils because most of its leaves can emerge above the surface about 6 to 10 inches, rather than being submersed. It has green-gray leaves resembling feathers that are 1 to2 inches long, with 6 to 18 pairs of thread-like segments. Leaves are arranged in whorls of 3 to 6 around the stems. The plant seldom flowers, and only plants with female flowers are known to occur in the United States. Propagation is solely through fragmentation in North America.

Habitat

Parrot feather is a non-native plant from South America. It grows in cooler lakes, ponds, springs and canals in scattered areas of the southeastern United States. In the Tennessee Valley region, parrot feather is commonly found in springs and small, spring-fed streams. It can also be found in shallow backwater areas of reservoirs and sometimes in deeper waters in cooler riverine areas.

Identifying Features

What It Looks Like—Parrot feather can be identified by its greenish-gray leaves that resemble feathers. In most situations these will rise 8 inches or more above the water surface, although these leaves may be shorter and less prevalent in deeper areas.

Max Depth—6 feet

Where to Find It—Parrot feather can be found in shallow water areas around reservoirs as well as springs and spring-fed streams.

Similar Species—Parrot feather’s submersed portion is similar to other milfoil species. The segments above the water’s surface are unique to parrot feather.

Drawbacks

Parrot feather usually doesn’t impact water use, but it can in some areas and is difficult to treat if it becomes necessary.