Purple Loosestrife

Lythraceae

LIFE FORM: Perennial

NATIVITY: Eurasia

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

A tall perennial with square stems that can grow to 6 feet tall; leaves are opposite or produced in whorls; new stems arise from a large, tough root crown; forms large stands in sunny wetlands.

FLOWERS:

Conspicuous purple-magenta flowers are produced on 6 to 18 inch long terminal spikes from July through September; very showy.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Reproduction is from seed, from sprouts from a perennial crown, and from root sprouts.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Prefers freshwater wetlands, ponds and streams; river banks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Nutrient absorption in wetlands; salt tolerance along roadways; food and/or habitat for wildlife; stream and river bank stabilization.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This conspicuous plant is widespread across eastern and central North America; Darwin studied the flower structure of this plant. Introduced as an ornamental species. Invasive species in minimally managed habitats.