Purple Loosestrife
Loosestrife invades both natural and disturbed wetlands and alters their ecological structure and function.
Common Name: Purple loosestrife
Scientific Name: Lythrum salicaria
Native Range: Europe, Asia
Background
Purple loosestrife is an erect, herbaceous perennial that grows 3-7 feet. It is easily identified by its showy, magenta flowers from July to September. Linear shaped leaves grow oppositely along square stems. This aggressive plant spreads both vegetatively and by abundant seed dispersal.
Habitat
Purple loosestrife grows in a variety of wet habitats, including wet meadows, marshes, riverbanks, and the edges of ponds and reservoirs. It tolerates a wide variety of moisture, nutrients, and pH conditions.
NYS Distribution Map
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Identification
Purple loosestrife has angular, square-shaped leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow opposite one another along the stem. The showy, bright-purple flower stalks present from July-August.
Impact
Loosestrife invades both natural and disturbed wetlands and alters their ecological structure and function.
Prevention and Control
Manual pulling of individual plants or small infestations can be effective. Selective herbicide treatments can be selective for larger infestations, but there are also biological control options available that are effective in suppressing large infestations.
