Each plant can grow as many as 30 flowering stems that can produce up to 2.7 million seeds each year. The stands reduce nutrients and space for native plants and degrade habitat for wildlife. The plant forms dense stands with thick mats of roots that can extend over vast areas. Since it was brought to North America, purple loosestrife has become a serious invader of wetlands, roadsides and disturbed areas. The plant was also spread by early settlers and is still used in flower gardens and occasionally sold in nurseries today. This highly invasive plant was likely introduced when its seeds were included in soil used as ballast in European sailing ships and discarded in North America. Special rules apply to herbicide use in or near wetlands and water bodies - consult the Maine Board of Pesticides Control.Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant native to Europe and Asia that was brought to North America the early 19 thcentury. Regardless of the method chosen, cutting and bagging any flower heads is suggested since this is a prolific seed producer. Cut-drip applications report less success than foliar applications and are extremely tedious and time-consuming. Foliar applications of aquatic triclopyr can control loosestrife while avoiding harm to grasses and sedges. Herbicides † are effective as foliar applications (aquatic glyphosate solution) or cut-drip applications (aquatic glyphosate applied immediately after cutting). * Persistent cutting or pulling multiple times during the growing season over several years (before flowering) may kill the plant, but diligence is required (at least 3x/yr for 3 yrs is recommended). Small plants or isolated individuals may be dug up by the roots when soil is moist, but re-sprouting may occur. Purple Loosestrife: What You Should Know, What You Can Do - 4 MB pdf.Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Minnesota, Identification Video (4:29).Maine Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet for Purple loosestrife.Similar non-native species: None in our area. Blue vervain ( Verbena hastata) has spikes of blue-purple flowers and opposite leaves, but leaves are toothed and the flowers are very small (< 1⁄ 3") and consistently have 5 petals. Fireweed has alternate leaves and tends to grow in uplands. Similar native species: Fireweed ( Chamerion angustifolium) also has spikes of pink-purple flowers, but flowers are large (~1") and 4-petaled. Most prolific in full sun, will survive in partial shade. Tolerates saturated conditions (organic/peat) and damp mineral soils. Habitat: Wetlands, rivershores, lakeshores, and wet open areas such as roadsides, agricultural swales, and powerline corridors. Seeds are readily transported by water and can float for up to three days, or they may hitchhike on wildlife or in soil or fill. Reproduction: By seeds, which are viable for several years. How arrived in U.S.: As an ornamental, and as contaminant in ballast, livestock bedding, and possibly wool. Fruit: Brown, dry capsules persisting on stem. Asynchronous flowering - bottom of spikes open first. Flowers: In long, crowded spikes, deep pink-purple, 5-7 petals, ½-¾" wide, mid-late summer in Maine. ![]() Leaves: Simple, opposite or whorled, lanceolate to oblong, entire, sessile. ![]() Very Invasive.ĭescription: Robust, perennial herb, 4-6', base of mature plant feels woody. Purple loosestrife Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicariaĢ019 Status in Maine: Widespread.
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