Lythrum salicaria

Lythrum salicaria Common Names purple loosestrife Family Loosestrife Flower Color Purple Plant Type Herb Native No Weed Noxious

This beautiful noxious weed is native to Europe and was accidently introduced to North America in the 1800s. It is a perennial wetland herb that grows in wetlands, farm ponds and other wet areas that have been disturbed. It's average height is 5 ft and it blooms in late June to late August with each flower having 5-7 petals. One plant can produce 300,000 seeds a year, as well be able to reproduce by offshoots and cuttings. It is a noxiouse weed because it crowds out our native plants and it can eventually destroy marshes and choke waterways. Although there are over 40 wild populations, 7 are considered non-aggressive and are available to purchase. Those seven are: Morden Pink, The Rocket, Rose Queen, Dropmore Purple, Columbia Pink, Morden Rose and Morden Gleam. purple loosestrife