About Milfoil

Milfoil is an often used term that actually encompasses several different species of plant. New Hampshire has native milfoil that is actually beneficial in the aquatic environment. The problem is the non-native or exotic species of milfoil  (as well as other aquatic plants). Many are invasive and can thrive better than the native plants thus taking over space, nutrients, and sunlight. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) currently has recorded several exotic species in New Hampshire waters: Variable Milfoil, Eurasian Milfoil, Fanwort, Water Chestnut, and Brazilian Elodea.

From the New Hampshire DES:

Facts and Figures:

  • Over 40 of New Hampshire’s waterbodies are impacted by various species of EXOTIC aquatic plants.
  • The dispersal of plant fragments poses the greatest threat to our waterbodies. Each fragment is capable of producing another plant.
  • EXOTIC aquatic plants can reduce the diversity of native plant, animal, and insect species.
  • Most NATIVE plant species are very beneficial to our waterbodies, providing food, shelter, and oxygen for organisms in and around the water.
  • EXOTIC aquatic plants can reduce the value of waterfront properties.
  • EXOTIC aquatic plants can make boating and swimming difficult and dangerous.
  • Dense growths of EXOTIC aquatic plants can stunt fish growth, impacting the fisheries in our waterbodies.
  • Milfoil and Fanwort can grow as tall as 20 feet in waterbodies they infest.
  • Of the fourteen species of prohibited exotic plants, eight are currently found in New Hampshire. Others are already present in neighboring states!
  • YOU can help prevent the spread of exotic aquatic plants.

Unfortunately, exotic milfoils have entered many of New Hampshire’s waterbodies. In short, if left unchecked, it will choke out the natural, native aquatic life. We have to deal with the issue now. Leaving it uncorrected will cost untold dollars and loss of a great resource. It will not go away on it’s own.

It will not go away on it’s own.

The best way to deal with exotic aquatic plants is prevention. If they are kept out, they do not cause problems. Once they are introduced, they have to be dealt with or they will overtake the shoreline and body of water.