Common Name:
Purple Loosestrife

Scientific Name:
Lythrum salicaria L.

Family:
Loosestrife (Lythraceae)

Plant Description:
Purple Loosestrife is a perennial plant reaching 1-4 feet in height. The plant has square stems which may or may not be smooth or hairy. Lanceolate leaves are arranged on the stem in an opposite or whorled fashion. Spikes consist of 6 petaled red-purple in color flowers. The plant flowers during the months of June-September.

Remarks:
Purple Loosestrife is common to marshes, wet meadows, lake shores, and streams statewide. It often occurs in areas that are disturbed by agriculture, drainage, or fluctuating water levels. The plant was introduced from Europe and does pose a serious threat to North American wetlands. It readily reproduces and replaces native vegetation. It can be observed growing along drainage ditches and reservoirs on some cranberry marshes.