"The entire plant must be removed or it will re-sprout"-- more invasive species

UP, and it's 35 degrees warmer this morning than it was yesterday. But the constant is the snow. It's still snowing. There are other constants as well-- chaotic ones-- that I'm not able to process as yet. Head down, blinders on, keep moving... that's my mantra. 

Today is Friday, and I am grateful. It's been a long week, one fraught in so many ways. I need a quiet space in my life, especially in my head. There's been a few bright spots, but mostly, I just want to creep into my own little hidey hole and stay there for a bit. I'm sure you do, too. 

I'm still pondering on the large-ish writing project I have buzzing in my head. I'm pretty sure I don't have the time or mental "bandwidth" to work on it yet, but I'm accruing information. 

Have a good day, and here is today's fun fact.

Stay warm,

C

 Types of Milfoil:

• Eurasian watermilfoil (𝑀𝑦𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑦𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑚)

A non-native, invasive species that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has bright green leaves with 12 or more segments, and white to reddish stems. It can grow in acidic or alkaline waters.

• Variable milfoil

An exotic species that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has a green spike-like flower that grows above the waterline in late June or July.

Impact of milfoil

• Crowds out native species: Milfoil can form dense beds that crowd out native species, reducing biodiversity. 
• Deoxygenates water: When milfoil decomposes, it can suck oxygen out of the water, creating an anoxic environment that can threaten native fish species. 
• Damages boat motors: Milfoil can damage boat motors. 
• Impacts swimming and fishing: Milfoil can make swimming difficult and negatively impact fishing. 
• Increases mosquito habitat: Milfoil can increase suitable mosquito habitat. 

Control methods 

• Hand pulling: The entire plant must be removed or it will re-sprout.