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Loosestrife, Purple

Herbaceous Perennial Flower

Lythrum salicaria
Lythraceae Family

While it is temptingly attractive, this plant is highly invasive and should only be planted in areas where it is known to not be invasive. Purple Loosestrife is a serious plant pest in most parts of New York State, and has done much to upset the ecology of native wetland habitates. Gayfeather (Liatris sp.) is a good substitute for this plant, as it has a similar appearance and is not invasive.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

full sun
part shade

Soil conditions:

tolerates damp soil

Hardiness zones:

4 to 9

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 2 to 5 feet

Spread: 1 to 2 feet

Bloom time:

mid-summer
late summer

Flower color: violet

Foliage color: dark green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Flowers borne along erect stems.

Special Considerations

Special characteristics:

deer resistant
aggressive
invasive - A highly invasive plant that has already infested moist areas in most of the northeastern United States. Prefers wetlands, and has done much to destroy already fragile populations of native plants.
not native to North America - Native to Europe, Asia.

Growing Information

Maintenance and care:

Avoid planting this invasive species.
Deadhead immediately after flowering to prevent seed spread.
More growing information: How to Grow Perennials