Lythrum salicaria
Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife
![Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/WildIcon.png)
![Plant is invasive in PA Plant is invasive in PA](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/InvIcon.png)
This highly invasive plant is often seen covering swampy meadows with spikes of magenta. Small, 6-petaled flowers grow in long tapering spikes. Downy leaves are opposite, sometimes whorled on a square stem.
Habitat & Range
Grows in wet meadows and swamps.
Present in most counties in the state.
Range is from southern Canada to the central U.S.
Wetland codes
EMP: | FACW |
---|---|
NCNE: | OBL |
Phenology
Flowers July to Septmeber.
Characteristics
Flowers magenta/purple color, 6 petals.
Leaves stalkless, downy, opposite or in 3s.