Myriad-leaf (Myriophyllum verticillatum, Sp. Pl.: 992 (1753))

Family: Haloragaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 992 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Myriophyllum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Myriad-leaf, scientifically named Myriophyllum verticillatum, is an aquatic plant that thrives in freshwater environments across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This species falls under the family Haloragaceae, known for its diverse range of water-loving plants.

Originally categorized in 1753, this intricate plant species boasts widespread recognition due to its striking appearance and adaptability. The myriad-leaf, aptly named for its visually complex foliage, features whorled sets of feathery leaves, which give the plant a delicate, almost lace-like look underwater. These leaves are strategically designed to capture light efficiently, making the plant an adept performer in its aquatic ecosystem.

One of the fascinating aspects of the myriad-leaf is its versatility and resilience. As a true aquatic plant, it can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies, from tranquil ponds to slow-moving streams and rivers. This adaptability ensures that the myriad-leaf plays a crucial role in providing shelter and oxygenation for aquatic fauna, as well as stabilizing sediment with its extensive root system.

Throughout the seasons, Myriophyllum verticillatum demonstrates a rapid growth pattern, which contributes to its effectiveness as a biofilter in water purification processes. However, despite its beneficial roles, it’s essential to manage its growth in controlled environments to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Given its extensive history, dating back to its significant mention in Sp. Pl. (Species Plantarum) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, myriad-leaf continues to be a subject of botanical studies and ecological importance. Linnaeus’ classification has allowed for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this plant’s characteristics and its role within freshwater habitats.

In summary, the myriad-leaf (Myriophyllum verticillatum) stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its critical contributions to aquatic ecosystems across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its detailed foliage and role in ecosystem functioning underscore its valuable presence in the plant world.

Common Names

Dan: krans-tusindblad
Nor: kranstusenblad
Eng: myriad-leaf, whorl-leaf watermilfoil, whorled water-milfoil, whorlleaf watermilfoil, whorled leaf water milfoil, bracted water-milfoil, green water-milfoil, verticillate water-milfoil, whorl-leaved water-milfoil, whorled milfoil
Deu: quirlblütiges tausendblatt, quirliges tausendblatt
Swe: kransslinga
Nld: kransvederkruid
Fra: myriophylle verticillé, volant à fleurs verticillées
Sme: gierdosuovvi
Cym: myrdd-ddail troellennog, myrdd-ddail troellog, myrddail troellog
En: Myriad-leaf, Whorled water-milfoil, Whorl-leaf watermilfoil, WHORLLEAF MILFOIL, Whorlleaf watermilfoil, Whorled leaf water milfoil, Whorled milfoil, Bracted water-milfoil, Green water-milfoil, Verticillate water-milfoil, Whorl-leaved water-milfoil, Whorled Water Milfoil, Water milfoil
Be: Шышняк мутоўчаты
Bg: Прешленолистен многолистник
Ca: Volantí verticil·lat
Zh: 狐尾藻
Cs: Stolístek přeslenitý
Da: Krans-tusindblad
Nl: Kransvederkruid
Et: Männas-vesikuusk
Fi: Kiehkuraärviä
Fr: Myriophylle Verticillé, Volant à Fleurs Verticillées
De: Quirl-Tausendblatt, Quirliges Tausendblatt, Quirlblütiges Tausendblatt, Tausendblatt
It: Millefoglio d’acqua ascellare
Ko: 물수세미
Se: Gierdosuovvi
No: Kranstusenblad
Fa: پرطاووسی
Pl: Wywłócznik okółkowy
Ru: Уруть мутовчатая
Sv: Kransslinga
Cy: Myrdd-ddail troellennog, Myrdd-Ddail Troellog, Myrddail Troellog

Synonyms

• Myriophyllum limosum (Hectot ex DC.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. terrestre (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. aquaticum (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. pinnatifidum (Mérat)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum subsp. pectinatum ((Wallr.) Piper & Beattie)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. intermedium (W.D.J.Koch)
• Myriophyllum pectinatum (DC.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. pinnatum (Wallr.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. pectinatum (Wallr.)
• Potamogeton verticillatum ((L.) Walter)
• Myriophyllum siculum (Guss.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. limosum (DC.)
• Myriophyllum verticillatum var. lacustre (Gaudin)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Texas (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2014 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 16, 2020 by Gerard Bessone (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Jiří Hroch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Jiří Hroch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Jiří Hroch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2019 by Michele Albert (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 30, 1850 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361779)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:430479-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Myriophyllum verticillatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 6