SPECIALIST PARROT’S FEATHER CONTROL SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE PARROT’S FEATHER USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

treatment & removal

Parrot’s feather can be treated with a suitable aquatic herbicide or manually removed by hand-pulling. With large scale colonies excavation may be required in order to completely remove any remaining roots systems. As the plant waste is deemed as special ‘controlled waste’ it will need to be taken to a suitably licensed landfill.

To find out the best way to remove Parrot’s feather and the best time of year to have treatment or excavation carried out get in touch.

WHY IS PARROT’S FEATHER A PROBLEM?

First brought to the UK in the 1870s as an aquatic plant to aerate garden ponds. After being discarded, it found its way into the wild and can quickly establish large colonies that out-compete other aquatic species. Parrot’s feather will easily re-establish from its roots that remain in the bed even when the above water growth has died back. Due to it’s dense structure, Parrot’s feather could be considered a threat to leisure activities such as angling and boating as well as causing issues with hydro-electric power stations.

ABOUT PARROT’S FEATHER

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

ORIGIN: North America

Parrot’s feather is a partially submerged perennial aquatic plant that has become highly invasive in the UK. The leaves are usually around 2cm long and are finely divided, giving them a delicate appearance.

• Distinctive leaf arrangement with a feathery appearance.
• Bright green leaves often with a bluish sheen.
• Leaves can grow up to 2cm long and whorl around the stem.
• Flowers from May to August with very small flowers that form at the base of the leaves.
• In winter it dies back and is only found in its submerged form.

HABITAT

Parrot’s feather thrives in non-tidal, freshwater, slow-moving water bodies including tributaries, ponds, lakes and canals but will grow in any still water habitat including reservoirs. It is abundant in southern England.

IMPACT: HIGH

It is highly invasive, choking water bodies and out-competing native species by blocking out their natural light source. Its dense growth blocks drainage systems and can also cause flooding by impeding water flow.

TOXICITY: ZERO

Parrot’s feather presents no physical danger to either humans or animals.