Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria. Quick Facts Species Invasive Size 6 feet tall Habitat Grows in colonies in disturbed fresh and brackish wetlands and other moist or marshy sites, including ditches, roadsides, wet meadows, and along the edges of ponds, rivers and reservoirs. Status Stable. Related Critters Rose Mallow Hibiscus moscheutos.
Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis. Passionflower Passiflora incarnata. Range Purple loosestrife was first introduced to the Atlantic coast of North America. Flowers have five to seven pink-purple petals arranged along long flower spikes.
Photo: Dave Britton, U. Fish and Wildlife Service European leaf-eating beetle, a natural enemy of purple loosestrife. Photo: David Voegtlin Impacts of purple loosestrife The plant forms dense stands with thick mats of roots that can spread over large areas, degrading habitat for many native birds, insects and other species. By crowding out native plants it reduces biodiversity. Large stands of purple loosestrife can clog irrigation canals, degrade farmland and reduce the forage value of pastures.
Stems are woody and square with opposite or whorled leaves. Stems are woody and square, and each one can form a plant up to 2. Individual flowers have five to seven pink-purple petals about 10 millimetres long, arranged on long flower spikes at the top of stems.
Leaves are opposite or whorled and three to 10 centimetres long, with smooth edges. What you can do Learn how to identify purple loosestrife and other invasive plants. The best time to remove purple loosestrife from your garden is in June, July and early August when it is in flower. Small areas can be dug by hand. Cutting the flower stalks before they go to seed ensures the seeds will not produce future plants.
The guide to Best Management Practices for Purple Loosestrife also describes the most effective and environmentally safe control practices for this species. To dispose of purple loosestrife, put the plants in plastic bags, seal them, and put the bags in the garbage.
Do not put them in the compost or discard them in natural areas. Discarded flowers may produce seeds. Avoid using invasive plants in gardens and landscaping. Buy native or non-invasive plants from reputable garden retailers. When hiking, prevent the spread of invasive plants by staying on trails and keeping pets on a leash.
Purple Loosestrife - Brochure Download. It can live for many years, usually becoming tough and fibrous at the base. Purple loosestrife has narrow leaves that are arranged opposite each other on the stem. Each plant can produce from one to 50 flowering stems.
Flowers are magenta pink and have five to seven narrow petals. Purple loosestrife may bloom from July all the way into early September. How can I control purple loosestrife? Prevent the spread of purple loosestrife by inspecting equipment, boats, shoes, and other items that have been in contact with purple loosestrife-infested areas.
Small infestations can be removed with a shovel. Be sure no portions of roots or stems remain. Glyphosate-containing herbicides are recommended for chemical control.
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