Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Family: Lythraceae

Description and Life Cycle:

A perennial wetland plant, spreading by seed and root stock; floating seedlings are the main mode of dispersal. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years. Mature plants range between 0.5-2 m high, with a maximum of 30-50 shoots emerging from a common root stock. Three forms of purple flowers are produced prolifically throughout the summer, occurring in equal frequency. The profuse, showy flowers have given rise to the plant's use as a garden ornamental.

British Columbia Biological Control Agents

• Galerucella calmariensis - Beetle
• Galerucella pusilla - Beetle
• Hylobius transversovittatus - Beetle (weevil)

References

Cranston, R., D. Ralph and B. Wikeem. 2005. Field guide to noxious and other selected weeds of British Columbia. Gov. of BC. 94 p.

Powell, G. W., A. Sturko, B. Wikeem and P. Harris. 1994. Field guide to the biological control of weeds in British Columbia. B.C. Min. For. Res. Prog.