Spiked Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aquatic perennial plant native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Haloragaceae family. It is a common sight in freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and canals, throughout the UK.

Spiked Water-milfoil thrives in nutrient-rich, alkaline waters, often favouring habitats with slow-moving or still water. It can tolerate a wide range of water depths, from shallow to relatively deep areas, making it adaptable to various aquatic environments.

Predators of Spiked Water-milfoil include herbivores such as waterfowl, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, which may feed on its foliage. However, its dense growth habit and tangled stems often provide habitat and refuge for small aquatic organisms, offering some protection from predation.

As a perennial plant, Spiked Water-milfoil can live for several years, forming dense underwater mats of finely divided leaves and producing spikes of small, inconspicuous flowers above the water’s surface in summer. It reproduces via seeds, which are dispersed by water currents, and also vegetatively through stem fragments.

Culturally, Spiked Water-milfoil does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, it plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various species of fish, invertebrates, and waterfowl.

An interesting fact about Spiked Water-milfoil is its ability to quickly colonise and dominate water bodies, often forming dense mats that can impede water flow, interfere with recreational activities, and reduce biodiversity. As a result, it is considered an invasive species in some regions and may require management to control its spread.