Below the waterline, the leaves of the water milfoils are divided into threadlike segments and look almost like feathers. Above the water, they are bladelike with serrated edges. The rooted stems may be up to six feet long. Missouri has two native species of water milfoil and one or two that are introduced. The introduced species, especially Eurasian milfoil, can cause serious problems in Missouri ponds and lakes.
Eurasian milfoil stems and closeup of a single leaf.
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