Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.)

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PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

(Lythrum salicaria L.)

 

GROWTH HABIT:  Perennial, erect to 8 feet tall, associated with moist or marshy areas.

LEAVES:  Simple, lance-shaped, smooth margins, opposite or whorled.

STEMS:  Branched, terminating in flowering stalks.

FLOWERS:  Rose-purple flowers having 5 to 7 petals and numerous stamens, in long, vertical racemes.

ROOTS:  Large, fleshy, adapted to aquatic sites.

OTHER:  Dense infestations can impede water flow in canals and ditches.