Species › Plants › Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

CommonPlant
Illustration of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Purple Loosestrife is a tall, showy plant with striking purple flowers arranged in dense spikes. It is often found in wetlands and along riverbanks, where it can form dense stands. This invasive species can displace native vegetation and alter habitats.

Habitat
It thrives in wetlands, marshes, and along waterways.
Diet
Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Purple Loosestrife

The best time to see a Purple Loosestrife is July–August, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 43,362 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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