![]() It is commonly planted as an ornamental species, but can quickly infest wetlands, marshes, and streamsides. Purple loosestrife’s showy, upright clusters of purple flowers give it the nickname – the beautiful killer. alatum and their cultivars, commonly referred to as purple loosestrife.Also known as: Purple lythrum, spiked loosestrife Barre Hellquist, both copyrighted by The University of Wisconsin Press, shall be prohibited from being offered for sale, distributed, sold, imported, purchased, propagated, transported or introduced in the state, pursuant to RSA 487:16-a, because they pose a substantial threat to native species in the state: (h) Lythrum salicaria, L. Fassett and "Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America" by Garrett Crow and C. Biological control is being introduced in the southern part of the state where the infestation is greatest.įROM THE RSAs: The following exotic aquatic weeds, identified in "A Manual of Aquatic Plants" by Norman C. pusilla and Hylobius transversovittatus show promise as biological controls for purple loosestrife. Monitor the dig site for a couple of seasons to ensure no new plants are growing and, if so, remove promptly.īIOLOGICAL CONTROL: Three species of plant feeding beetles, Galerucella calmariensis, G. Cut off the top of the plant in midsummer before the flowers set seed. For large scale infestations and when digging is not feasible, removing the flower head is an easy alternative. Wherever permitted, plant material should be burned. Place all purple loosestrife plant material in a dark colored garbage bag and ensure that the bag is tightly secured to prevent it from spreading in the landfill area. Root masses can be treated with a herbicide, such as Round-Up. Make sure that all pieces of root tissue are removed and dry out the plant material thoroughly before disposal. ![]() REMOVAL: The best way to remove purple loosestrife is by hand digging. Purple loosestrife is a widespread and serious problem, affecting both coastal and inland wetlands, lakes and waterways. While strikingly colorful in flower, dense stands of loosestrife also impair recreational use of wetlands and rivers, impede water flow in drainage ditches and invade right-of-ways, requiring costly management efforts. Of primary concern is that purple loosestrife displaces native plants eliminating food and shelter for wildlife and other species. Once established, purple loosestrife can become the dominant vegetation, forming monospecific stands which significantly reduce biodiversity and degrade habitat quality. THE PROBLEM: However, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an aggressive invader of North American wetlands, lakes and rivers. It's stunning in leaf and flower, and grows just about everywhere." Unfortunately, characteristics that make the plant a formidable invader - hardiness, tolerance of many moisture and nutrient regimes, and virtual freedom from insect pests and disease - also have made this plant an attractive garden perennial. Southern Living magazine stated, "Loosestrife is a perennial every garden needs. This is an invasive plant species and should be removed from where it is found and not used for garden plantings. It has been spotted along the Wildcat at Eagle Mountain and close to the park as well as in private gardens. INTRODUCTION: An invasive plant species - purple loosestrife - is taking up residence in Jackson.
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