Purple LoosestrifeLythrum salicaria
BACKGROUND: Purple loosestrife is a European plant probably introduced to the United States as an ornamental. It reproduces by both seed and creeping rootstocks. Infestations can impede water flow and replace beneficial plants and thus displace wildlife. It can be found in shallow marshy wetland areas and ditches.
Other common names: Purple lythrum.
DESCRIPTION: Purple loosestrife is a semi-aquatic perennial growing six to eight feet tall. There are five to seven petals on rose-purple flowers that appear in columns along the upper end of stems. Leaves are lance shaped with smooth margins up to five inches long. Bloom is in midsummer.
CONTROL: Biocontrol is limited in availability but control can be good to excellent. Herbicides with an aquatic label can offer fair to good control. Contact your local state or county weed specialist for specific updated information.