Before digging, remove flower heads to prevent spreading any seed inadvertently. Larger older plants are more easily removed with a shovel or digging fork. As plants mature they develop an extensive perennial root system. ![]() Hand-pulling is best when plants are young. Small or new infestations can be hand-pulled or dug. The best time to manage purple loosestrife is when it is flowering, because that is when it is easiest to recognize. Purple loosestrife spreads primarily by seed. It is considered a serious threat to these habitats, because once it becomes established, it quickly displaces native species and reduces overall plant and animal diversity. Purple loosestrife is usually found in sunny, wet areas, such as the edges of ponds and lakes, drainage ditches, marshes, and wetlands. Purple loosestrife can be identified by its oppositely arranged, downy, smooth edged leaves along the stem, as well as by its showy, purple flowers that bloom from mid-July through early August. Horticulturists subsequently propagated it as an ornamental bedding plant. Purple loosestrife is a perennial invasive plant that was introduced to North America from Europe via seeds in ships’ ballast. With its striking flowers, purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria) is a beautiful menace in wetland habitats. Prior to any herbicide application, read and follow the label instructions. For available products, contact your local agri-supply store. Tilling is not recommended as fragments or root tissue is likely re-sprout and spread.Ĭhemical: Several herbicides with the following active ingredients can control Purple Loosestrife: Imazapyr, Triclopyr, Glyphosate, and Metsulfuron. Mowing can help reduce seed production but is typically impractical due to the preferred wet habitat of the plant. Shoots of mature plants can be cut to reduce seed production. All plant material, particularly the root crown, should be removed to prevent re-sprouting. Mechanical: Young plants can be effectively hand pulled. Root fragments can be transported through contaminated soils and other material, such a gravel. Seeds are mainly dispersed by water however can also be moved around by wind, wildlife, transportation, development, and other human activities. Each seeds can remain dormant in the soil for up to 20 years. ![]() One plant can produce up to 2.5 million seeds. Reproduction: It reproduces by both seed and vegetative root fragments. It can also reduce available forage for wildlife and livestock and reduce palatability of hay that contains it. Dense infestation can block canals and water flow resulting in flooding. Impacts: It invades riparian areas which can displace valuable habitat and biodiversity. If it is already well established, it can survive on drier soil types found in pastures or rangeland. ![]() Ideal habitats include areas such as wetlands, lake and river shores, ditches, marshlands, and riparian meadows. It can tolerate partial shade, calcareous and acidic soils and shallow standing water. Habitat: It prefers moist highly organic soils that have neutral to alkaline pH. Flowers appear along dense spikes that have showy reddish-purple flowers. ![]() Its narrow and stalkless leaves are opposite, lance-shaped and sometimes covered in fine hair. Mature stems can grow as tall as 2m tall. The stems are woody and square-ish with 4 to 6 sides. Physical Description: It is a perennial herb from a rhizome.
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