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Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Non-foodZones 39herb

Lythrum salicaria or purple-loosestrife is a flowering plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. It should not be confused with other plants sharing the name loosestrife that are members of the genus Lysimachia in the family Primulaceae. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and eastern Australia.

Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

At a glance

Sunlight
Full sun
Water need
High
Mature height
1.2 m
Maintenance
Low
Hardiness
USDA 3–9
Layers
herb

Functional roles

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagation

How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.

divisionseedeasy

When: Divide spring

Tall magenta spikes for a pond edge, superb for long-tongued bees. Native here, but a serious invasive elsewhere, so site responsibly.

Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.