Lythrum salicaria
The native distribution of Lythrum salicaria is central and southern Europe, Great Britain, and parts of Russia. It has been reported from every state in the United States except for Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, Alaska and Hawaii. This plant occurs widely in New England.
The first report of Lythrum salicaria in North America was in 1814. Before the year 1900, 14 of 30 populations of this plant were located in of estuaries from Massachusetts to New Jersey. The location of these sites would indicate that the plant was introduced somewhere in this area. There are several hypotheses on how this plant was originally introduced. It could have been a part of ship ballast from Europe, or attached to sheep. Lythrum salicaria was also planted as a source of nectar for beekeeping, ornament, and medicinal reasons. By the 1900s, there were more inland populations being reported, one of these being in New Hampshire. Since these initial introductions it has been spread by being planted in gardens, and by moving via waterways.
Lythrum salicaria is an herbaceous wetland perennial that can grow 0.5-1.5 m (1.5-5 ft.) tall. The leaves are either opposite or whorled in 3s. The leaves are pubescent, but can be glabrous. They are lanceolate to linear in shape, being 3-10 cm (1-4 in.) long. The larger leaves can be cordate or clasping at their bases.The flowers can be purple, magenta or pink. The flowers are numerous and borne on spikes that are between 10 and 40 cm (4-16 in.) in length.
This plant has the ability to completely dominate a wetland setting, forming a vast, monotypic stand. These stands prevent the establishment of native wetland plants. It also can have an effect on native wildlife that may not be able to use the plants as effectively for food or cover. By forming these dense stands, Lythrum salicaria can clog waterways causing problems for both commercial and recreational uses of these areas.
Lythrum salicaria can produce up to 2.5 million seeds per plant, and forms a seed bank that can last for years - even if the plants are eradicated from an area. This plant can hybridize with native loosestrife, L. alatum, which is considered rare in Connecticut. With repeated hybridizations, it is possible that the gene pool for L. alatum could be depleted.
Lythrum salicaria is most often found in situations where the soil is moist. However, it prefers areas with shallow water, and does not grow as prolifically in deep-water situations.
**Preceding info courtesy of IPANE
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