Lythrum salicaria L., purple loosestrife, salicaire commune
Persistent perennial; stems 1 to 9 feet (3 to 27 dm.) high;
sometimes 30 to 50 stems from a single root; flowers purple;
throughout, but most common in the maritime-east, east, and
maritime-west; in areas that are temporarily flooded in the
springtime when the roots are dormant; it is not an aquatic, not
being able to survive if submersed during its active growing
period; introduced from Europe. It first appeared in North
America in the early 1800s, and has since become a dominant
plant in some habitats. Fireweed is sometimes mistaken for purple loosestrife (see photos of fireweed under Onagraceae-evening-primrose family).
Click on a photo to view an enlarged image.
Weed Name |
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Weed Name |
Photo |
purple loosestrife, salicaire commune |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune (inflorescence close up) |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune (flower close up) |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune (seedling) |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune (in field) |
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purple loosestrife, salicaire commune (a large stand) |
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