What is Milfoil?
Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a long slender plant that grows underwater. It has a round light colored stem with flat, feather-like leaves containing 12 or more pairs of tiny thread-like leaflets. The leaves branch from the stem in a whorl pattern. Milfoil forms dense stands that often reach to the surface, creating thick floating mats of vegetation. A non-native species, milfoil was probably introduced to Skaneateles Lake by a boat or boat trailer from another body of water. With no significant natural enemies, the plant has spread unimpeded at water depths of approximately 8 to 15 feet. This results in long, dense patches of milfoil running parallel to the shore up to 30 feet across. Viewed from the air, the infestation appears as a dark stripe just inside the perimeter of the lake.
