Purple Loosestrife

Found in:

• Sunny areas with moist soil, near shorelines, in wetlands

Characteristics:

• Perennial that grows up to 7’ tall
• Upright stems are square and covered with tiny hairs
• Leaves are long, narrow, hairy, and sharply pointed at the tip
• Leaves arise alternately along stem
• Violet-purple spike-like flowers bloom June to Sept.
• Fibrous root system forms a dense mat
• New plants can grow from small root or stem pieces

Significance

• Minnesota Primary Noxious Weed that spreads rapidly and aggressively

Plants that look similar:

• Blazing Star
• Cardinal Flower
• Vervain

More information and control options for Purple Loosestrife