Cutleaf Water-Milfoil
Myriophyllum pinnatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Myriophyllum pinnatum is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial with finely divided, feathery foliage that grows in wet conditions. This native water milfoil produces small flowers during summer months and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It typically forms spreading colonies in marshes, pond edges, and other wetland areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cutleaf Water-Milfoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized wet conditions that may appear unkempt
- Spreading growth habit can look uncontrolled
- Aquatic nature unsuitable for typical landscaping
Wildlife value
While pollinator data is limited, the flowers likely attract small flies and other aquatic insects. The dense foliage provides shelter for amphibians and aquatic wildlife in wetland settings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cutleaf Water-Milfoil need?
- Cutleaf Water-Milfoil grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Cutleaf Water-Milfoil bloom?
- Cutleaf Water-Milfoil blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Cutleaf Water-Milfoil native?
- Cutleaf Water-Milfoil (Myriophyllum pinnatum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Cutleaf Water-Milfoil HOA-friendly?
- Cutleaf Water-Milfoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Cutleaf Water-Milfoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz