The water-milfoil family refers to a group of aquatic plants that are characterized by their finely divided leaves and branching stems. There are several synonyms for this plant family, including the Myriophyllum family, the Haloragaceae family, and the water-starwort family. These synonyms are often used interchangeably to describe the same group of plants. Water-milfoil plants can be found in freshwater habitats all over the world, and are known for their ability to quickly spread and form dense mats that can interfere with water flow and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Despite their invasive tendencies, water-milfoil plants are also valuable sources of food and habitat for aquatic animals.