Lucas Land
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
From Nearctica
Alien: Native of Europe.
Identification: Flowers violet to lavender, large and conspicuous, with 6 petals. Six elongate stamens nearly equaling the petals in length. Calyx elongate with pointed apices, forming a elongate receptacle for the petals. Flowers arranged in terminal spikes. Leaves downy, in opposite pairs, elongate, sessile to the stem, nearly clasping, and tapering to an elongate apex. Plant 2 to 4 feet.
Distribution: Throughout North America.
Habitat: Purple Loosestrife is found in swamps and wet meadows.