Though Northern Milfoil is a native plant and common in Wisconsin lakes, Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM) is not native to our state and is very difficult to control once it becomes fully established. Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots, and settle in a new location. Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces beneficial native plant life. It makes swimming difficult and can devalue waterfront property. Where this species grows in its native environment, insects and fish may feed on this plant at such a rate as to control its growth. Milfoil has no natural predators to keep its population in check. Under optimum temperature, light and nutrient conditions, milfoil may grow up to an inch per day.
How Did Exotic Milfoil Become Established in This State? It was most likely a “stowaway” fragment attached to a boat or trailer that came to this region. Milfoil can live out of water for many hours if it remains moist. Check out the video below to see how an upstate New York lake was forced to manage a EWM infestation. We don’t want to have to do this at Lake Owen!
