Purple
Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum,
and all hybrid crosses)
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Purple loosestrife is a rhizomatous perennial forb that was introduced from Europe as an ornamental. It has since spread and is typically associated with moist or riparian habitats. One plant can produce many stout, 6- to 10-feet tall stems. Stems are square or octagonal and may be hairy or smooth. Clasping lance-shaped leaves, with a notched base and smooth margins, are arranged opposite or whorled on the stem. The leaf shape is similar to that of a willow, which accounts for the Lastin name salicaria which means willow-like. Flowers are clustered on an elongate terminal spike that can extend 2 inches to 3 feet down the stem in long vertical clusters called racemes. One or more flowering branches may be present. Rose-purple flowers have four to eight petals. Small brown capsules contain many seeds. |
