Lythrum salicaria (Non-native)

Common Name
Purple loosestrife
Plant Form
Herbs
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Considered Invasive?
Yes
Threat Level
High
Additional Info

Notes: This plant is still available for sale. It was introduced as a contaminant in ships’ ballast and as a medicinal herb and has spread along roads, canals, and drainage ditches to degrade wetlands since the early 1800s. Nearly all states and many Canadian provinces have been infested, and it is listed as invasive in Arlington and Alexandria.

Method of removal: Pull up by roots

Photographer: jim3995
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Marilynn Miller
Licensed under: CC BY 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Lisa Kerr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Bill
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo