Lythrum salicaria
Description
- Introduced from Europe and Asia to the Atlantic coast of North America in the early 1800’s.
- Up to 2 meters tall with several stalks covered in pinkish-purple spike-like flowers.
- Flowers bloom from late June through to September.
- Square 4-sided stem, lance shaped leaves that are arranged opposite from each other.
- Grows in wet/riparian areas.
Consequences of invasion
- Forms dense stands with thick mats of roots, which degrades wetland habitats.
- Decreases biodiversity.
- Large infestations can clog irrigation canals, degrade farm lands and reduce forage values of adjacent pastures.
Status in the CKISS region
- Purple loosestrife is classified as Eradicate/Annual Control on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- There are numerous purple loosestrife sites in the Nelson and Slocan Invasive Plant Management Areas (IPMAs), so it is considered a Contain species in those areas, and the goal is to prevent it from spreading further.
- Several IPMAs in the CKISS region have very little purple loosestrife or none at all, so for these areas it is considered a Regional EDRR species
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.
Integrated pest management options
- The best time to remove purple loosestrife is June, July and early August, when flowers can be seen but before seeds have formed.
- Dispose of Purple Loosestrife by bagging and disposing at your local landfill. See our In the Garden page to learn more about proper disposal.
- Biocontrol agents are available in BC for this plant.
- Become PlantWise and use Grow Me Instead to choose non-invasive lookalikes for your garden.