Parrot-feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) Parrotfeather. Robert Johnson, Cornell University. Ruthanna Hawkins, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Used with permission. Parrotfeather Drawing, University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Line Drawing DVD Master. Used with permission. Plant Characteristics Emergent, rooted perennial Woody stems can grow over 5 feet long, often extending outward onto the bank Leaves are less than a quarter long, rigid, deeply serrated and profuse Leaves are divided into 12-16 leaflet pairs Emergent leaves are bright, blue-green and stiff in whorls of 4-6. Emergent leaves may protrude a foot above the water's surface, looking like miniature fir trees Submerged leaves are reddish and have 20-30 segments per leaf Each spring pink white flowers develop Prefers slow moving waters of streams, rivers and ditches: also found in shallow lakes and ponds Parrot-feather Location Map, USGS, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Back Page updated on August 12, 2005.