Purple Loosestrife

( Lythrum salicaria )

Square stalks, five or six-sided, woody, with several stalks on mature plants
Downy, long, narrow leaves with pointed tips, smooth edges and heart-shaped bases
Showy 1-inch flowers; 6 purple-pink petals and yellow-white centers
Height 4 to 6 feet

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Type	Information
Toxicity	Non-toxic.
Control	Cultivation, biological and aquatic herbicide. Contact your County Weed District or local Applicator for more information.
Habitat	Riparian areas including sub-irrigated pastures, cropland, ditch banks, lakes and rivers.
Root	Extensive root system.
Leaf Shape	Lance-shaped with smooth edges.
Lifespan	Perennial; two years or longer.
Priority 1B Weed	Limited presence in Montana.
Similar Looking Plants	Blazing star and fireweed.
Important Information	Plants emerge in very early spring and have bloomed and set seed by mid-summer. The plant was introduced as a medicinal herb and an ornamental. One mature plant can produce more than 2 million seeds annually.