Though we may think this newfound resource is wonderful, it has it's dangers and associated problems. Eurasian milfoil was introduced from Europe in the early 1900's. It is found from mid-America eastward and also on the West Coast. It is a perennial that blooms from June through August. Milfoil grows very rapidly and forms dense mats that will grow to the surface.
Eurasian milfoil is kin to our native Northern milfoil.
As with most organisms introduced into an unnatural environment they can wreak havoc once they are established, take zebra mussels for example. Once Eurasian milfoil has established itself it can become very difficult to control or remove. Because it grows so rapidly and creates such thick mats it can wipe out native plants by blocking sunlight and eventually killing them off completely. It can eventually dominate the entire water system. The method that Eurasian milfoil utilizes to reproduce is what makes it so successful.