|
Scientific Name |
Lythrum salicaria L. |
|
Common Name |
Purple Loosestrife |
|
Family |
Lythraceae (Loosestrife) |
|
Class |
Dicot |
|
Description |
Erect herbaceous perennial, overwinters by root crown, showy purple
flowers, prolific seed production |
|
US Distribution |
Northern two-thirds of US and southern Canada |
|
Worldwide Distribution |
Temperate northern hemisphere and Australia; not a nuisance in Europe;
native to Europe |
|
Ecology |
Moist soil to emergent shallow water areas, may even grow in moist
upland areas |
|
Economic Importance |
Imported for honey production and as an ornamental |
|
Ecological Importance |
Major negative impact on wetlands in North America; reduces waterfowl
food and nesting |
|
Notes |
Seedlings established best on moist soil or mudflats |
