Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria
  • Vigorous perennial growing to about 2m tall
  • A Single root stalk can have from 30-50 stems arising from it
  • Striking magenta flowers, originally a horticultural introduction
  • When young it can be confused with the mint family because of its square stem and opposite or whorled leaves

The Problem

  • Rapidly colonizes wetlands forming monotypic stands leading to declines in wetland birds and other fauna
  • Capable of invading many types of wetlands
  • Alters the biogeochemical & hydrological processes of the wetlands
  • Hard to control, pulling is not useful as it can regenerate from a small piece of root left in the soil

Distribution

  • Found in alomost all provinces and states
  • Biological control agents seem to be keeping it incheck in some jurisdicitons
  • Still appears to be on the increase in NB