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Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a nuisance aquatic plant that has infested many Michigan lakes. As its name implies, Eurasian milfoil is not native to Michigan. It was first introduced into the United States from Europe and Asia in the 1940's. Eurasian milfoil can spread very rapidly by a process called vegetative propagation in which small pieces of the plant break off, take root and grow. Eurasian milfoil is especially problematic in that it often becomes established early in the growing season and can grow at greater depths than most plants. Eurasian milfoil tends to form a thick canopy at the lake surface that can degrade fish habitat and seriously hinder recreational activity. Because of its ability to spread by fragmentation, mechanical harvesting (in which plants are cut and removed from the lake) is not an effective method of controlling Eurasian milfoil. In fact, harvesting can actually promote the spread of the plant. Eurasian milfoil can be controlled with herbicides (some of which are selective for milfoil) and, in some lakes, the biological control of Eurasian milfoil is being attempted.
