Lythrum salicaria
Lythraceae
June to August
It is found throughout the country except for parts of the North.
For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway
Purple-loosestrife grows at the margins of fresh water streams,
rivers, lakes and canals, and in wet non-acid soils.
It is a striking, native, perennial herb, growing up to 150cm.
Flowers are in whorls in the axils of bracts on flowering spikes up
to 30cm long.
Flowers are purple / pink, up to 15mm across with 6 petals, one
style and 12 stamens.
There are three types of flower:
a. Style short, stamens short and medium.
b. Style medium, stamens long and short.
c. Style long, stamens short and medium.
The calyx is a tube with conspicuous teeth.
Leaves are up to 7cm long, lanceolate and sessile.
Fruits are capsuls 3-4mm.
Purple-loosestrife is an importantr invasive alien in the
US and Canada.
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Purple-loosestrife by Carter lake, Lancaster
Flower spike
Flowers in whorls in axils of bracts
Flowers with stamens longer than style
Flowers with long stile and medium stamens
Flower - long stile and short stamens
Calyx and capsules
Leaves and bracts
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