Various-leaf Water-milfoil
Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Various-leaf Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Various-leaf water-milfoil is an aquatic perennial that grows submerged or emergent in ponds, wetlands, and water gardens. It produces feathery, finely divided leaves and small spikes of flowers above the water surface during summer months. This plant requires consistently wet or aquatic conditions to thrive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Various-leaf 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 water feature or bog conditions
- May be considered invasive in some areas
- Aquatic growth habit unsuitable for typical landscaping
Wildlife value
This aquatic plant provides habitat and food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic insects. It offers shelter for small fish and amphibians while contributing to pond ecosystem health.
Common questions
- How much sun does Various-leaf Water-milfoil need?
- Various-leaf Water-milfoil grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Various-leaf Water-milfoil bloom?
- Various-leaf Water-milfoil blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Various-leaf Water-milfoil native?
- Various-leaf Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Various-leaf Water-milfoil HOA-friendly?
- Various-leaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Various-leaf Water-milfoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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