Plants & Weeds in the Lake

Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyiium spicatum):

This plant is not native to Washington State. Some facts about this plant are…

Ø Leaves are usually found in whorls of four around the stem.

Ø 12-16 pairs of leaflets on each leaf; no emergent leaves; spreads by fragmentation.

Ø Will grow in almost any fresh water body-lakes ,streams, rivers, small ponds, and beneficial vegetation; impacts recreational uses, fish and wildlife habitat and impacts hydroelectric power generation; infestations lower dissolved oxygen and raise water temperature; shades out algae, altering the aquatic food web.

All these facts can be found in the Selected Noxious Weeds of Washington State hand book.

This noxious weed has been found and treated in the summer of 2003 but still poses a threat in the future.

Elodea:

This plant is native to Washington State. Some facts about this plant are…

Ø It is a fast spreading plant.

Ø It has long strains which have three leafs on each section of the stem (as seen in the figure in the left)

Ø Grows in areas in which there is sun light. (the shore line)

Ø Is good for fish habitat.

Ø Can cause problems for swimmers if not looked after.

This plant is currently in Lake Wilderness. It is likely to be seen the most.

Purple Loosestrife:

This plant has been found around lake wilderness and action has been taken against it.

Some plant facts…

Ø striking magenta flowers found on flowing spikes (usually 5 or 6 petals per flower)

Ø Plant can reach 9 feet tall; stems are squarish; leaves are willow like.

Ø Long-lived perennial with persistent tap root and spreading root; spreads by seed and root fragmentations.

All these facts can be found in the Selected Noxious Weeds of Washington State hand book.