Oxygenating pond plant
Spiked water-milfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum L.
A native submerged aquatic perennial and oxygenator, spiked water‑milfoil is grown in baskets at about 1 m depth and provides submerged habitat for pond wildlife.
PLANT PROFILE
About Spiked water-milfoil
Spiked water‑milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a native submerged aquatic perennial recommended for garden ponds by RHS and included among tolerant submerged species by Freshwater Habitats Trust. Plants form branched submerged shoots bearing whorls of finely divided, hair‑like leaf segments along the stems. RHS lists it as an oxygenating submerged plant and as suitable for wildlife gardens, where it provides important submerged habitat for invertebrates and other pond life.
RHS cultivation guidance advises growing M. spicatum in baskets of loamy soil placed in water at approximately 1 m depth in full sun. The plant is described as having a maximum visible height of up to 10 cm and a spread of about 1–1.5 m when established. RHS notes the foliage is deciduous; the species dies back seasonally and persists as submerged material or dormant segments over winter.
Propagation is straightforward according to RHS: propagate by cuttings of root segments. Routine maintenance is simple — cut back regularly to avoid excessive growth — and Freshwater Habitats Trust guidance for submerged plants applies: thin if required, manage seasonal dieback, compost removed material (do not dump plant debris on banks) and wash plant material when moving between ponds to avoid transferring organisms.
Legally, the GOV.UK invasive‑plant listings consulted show some other Myriophyllum species (for example M. aquaticum and M. heterophyllum) are regulated, but Myriophyllum spicatum was not identified on those statutory lists in the supplied sources. For any commercial, transport or disposal activity, consult current legislation and the relevant statutory body for definitive advice.
POND SUITABILITY