State targets invasive parrot feather plant

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to be on the lookout for parrot feather.

That's not the bright plumage of large tropical birds — parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an invasive aquatic plant that is sometimes sold for use in aquariums as Brazilian water milfoil.

It has been prohibited in Michigan since 2005, according to a DNR news release, but has been found in three private ponds, including a storm water detention pond in Wayne County’s Brownstone Township,

Parrot feather is related to Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), an aggressive aquatic invasive plant  that has spread throughout Michigan.

According to the news release, parrot feather prefers slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes and tributaries. Plants rooted in lake or stream beds can grow to 6 feet and extend above the surface as dense mats of vegetation.

Those dense mats can block native plants and make fishing and boating difficult.

New plants can spread from plant fragments, so raking or pulling the plants can actually contribute to their spread, according to the news release. Not removing plant material from boats and trailers can allow parrot feather to spread.

According to the news release, the plant has been eradicated at one location and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is doing control work at the other two sites with the goal of eliminating it before it can spread.

Parrot feather cannot be legally possessed, imported or sold in Michigan. It is available for online purchase, however and might be in water gardens and aquariums in the state.

If someone finds what appears to be parrot feather, they should photograph it and send the photo, date and location to the Michigan DEQ's Aquatic Nuisance Control Program at DEQ-WRD-ANC@michigan.gov or call (517) 284-5593.

People who find they have parrot feather in an aquarium can remove the plants, seal them in a plastic bag and dispose of them. Do not compost, as parrot feather can survive the composting process, according to the news release.

People who find they have large amounts of parrot feather can contact the MDEQ's Aquatic Nuisance Control Program for help.

For more information about parrot feather and other invasive plants, go to www.michigan.gov/invasives.

Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or rgross@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477.