![]() ![]() The similarity of loosestrife leaves to those of the willow (Salix spp.) resulted in the species name of salicaria. Awareness of the medicinal properties or the flowering spike resemblance to blood or gore from a wound led to the name. History: Lythrum salicaria derived it?s name from a Greek medical man in Nero?s Roman army when he called the plant Lytron, Greek for blood. Therefore, outside of its native range, purple loosestrife of any form should be avoided. "Guaranteed sterile" cultivars of purple loosestrife are actually highly fertile and able to cross freely with purple loosestrife and with other native Lythrum species. Many new stems may emerge vegetatively from a single rootstock of the previous year. ![]() Purple loosestrife also readily reproduces vegetatively through underground stems at a rate of about one foot per year. A mature plant may have as many as thirty flowering stems capable of producing an estimated two to three million, minute seeds per year. The flowers require pollination by insects, for which it supplies an abundant source of nectar. The highly invasive nature of purple loosestrife allows it to form dense, homogeneous stands that restrict native wetland plant species, including some federally endangered orchids, and reduce habitat for waterfowl.īiology & Spread: Purple loosestrife enjoys an extended flowering season, generally from June to September, which allows it to produce vast quantities of seed. As it establishes and expands, it outcompetes and replaces native grasses, sedges, and other flowering plants that provide a higher quality source of nutrition for wildlife. Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Purple loosestrife.Įcological Threat: Purple loosestrife adapts readily to natural and disturbed wetlands. Leaves: 1 1/4-4" (3.1-10 cm) long, narrow, opposite, notched at base lower ones downy, clasping the stem. Flowers: 1/2-3/4" (1.3-2 cm) wide petals 4-6, nearly 1/2" (1.3 cm) long, attached to a purplish calyx-like tube with several pointed teeth stamens as many or twice as many as petals flowers of 3 types, each with different stamen and pistil lengths. Leafy, angular stems have crowded spikes of brilliant pinkish-lavender flowers at top, opposite or whorled, unstalked leaves below.
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