Parrot Feather

Description

Parrot Feather is a submerged plant that frequently trails along the ground or water surface of ponds, lakes and canals. It is native to South America and blooms from the spring to fall. It is easy to see why this plant is called Parrot Feather: its delicate, feathery, bright green leaves grow in profusion. Leaves are oblong, deeply cut and feathery looking. The leaf color is bright blue-green. Like most Watermilfoils, Parrot Feather leaves are arranged in whorls about the stem. Its leaves are in whorls of four to six. Stems can be five feet long. Stems trail along the ground or water surface, becoming erect and leafy at the ends.

Mechanical Control

Parrot Feather can be removed by cutting and raking from the pond. It will regrow from remaining roots and seeds.

Pond Dye can be used to limit sunlight into the pond. With reduced sunlight, photosynthesis cannot occur so growth will be stunted.

Chemical Control

Selective herbicides, such as Aquathol, should be used to treat Parrot Feather.

Chemical Application Best Practices

Anytime you use chemicals treat weeds or algae, please keep in mind the following:

  • Treat your pond in sections. Treat only half the pond's surface at a time. During hot weather or when treating heavy growth, it is important to treat no more than ¼ of your pond at a time and wait the full 14 days before re-applying. This helps lower the risk of fish loss during hot weather or when treating heavy growth.
  • Once the weeds have browned & died, use a weed cutter & rake to remove as much dead material as possible. This prevents an accumulation of dead plant material and muck.
  • Take a proactive approach to pond management. Use PondClear, MuckAway and Pond Dye to keep your pond looking great. For more information, see our article on the Airmax Ecosystem.

Ask an Expert

If you are unable to identify your pond weed(s) using our Weed ID Guide, follow this article to email us a photo.