Identification and control of purple loosestrife lythrum. Purple loosestrife may be distinguished from other species of lythrum by its stems that end in dense, showy flower spikes. Lythrum salicaria is a tall, multistemmed 3050 per plant, perennial forb that can grow up to 10 ft. Purple loosestrife has expanded its range to include north america. Ndidentification and control of purple loosestrife lysa2 npci alien plant working group. Plants were brought to north america by settlers for their flower gardens, and seeds were present in the ballast holds of european ships that used soil to weigh down the vessels for stability on the ocean.
A species profile for purple loosestrife from usda, national invasive species. This document was developed to help guide the effective and consistent management of purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria l. Purple loosestrife ontarios invading species awareness. Dense stands of purple loosestrife threaten plant and animal diversity. Purple loosestrife ontarios invading species awareness program. Purple loosestrife plants in gardens are capable of causing the spread of purple loosestrife into natural areas through its seeds. Purple loosestrifes climate adaptation key to its spread. Purple loosestrife is in the lythraceae family, which is the loosestrife family. Purple loosestrife is now widespread in new brunswick, being found in disturbed areas and in natural areas along river shores and in shoreline wetlands. Purple loosestrife is an erect perennial with opposite or whorled leaves. Purple loosestrife is an erect perennial herb in the loosestrife family lythraceae that develops a strong taproot, and may have up to 50 stems arising from its base.
Gaudet and keddy 1988 report declining growth for 44 native wetland species after the establishment of lythrum. This perennial plant prefers wetlands, stream and river banks and shallow ponds where it can displace. Purple loosestrife was brought to north america from europe as a decorative plant and for medicinal purposes, but it is now invading our fields, pastures, tidal and nontidal marshes, stream and river banks, and wetlands. Loosestrife family lythraceae native range eurasia. However, by 1985 we had more than 40 wild populations. Purple loosestrife can still be found for sale on occasion, even with a different latin species name, however it is still the same nonnative, invasive plant. Purple loosestrife is noted as arriving in bc in 1915. His hierarchical rank, arranged from most to least competitive, illustrates. Find highquality purple loosestrife stock photos and editorial news pictures from getty images. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure youre on a. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is a woody halfshrub, wetland perennial that has the ability to outcompete most native species in bcs wetland ecosystems. This invasive plant can form dense monotypic stands in a variety of wetland and lakeshore habitats replacing native plant species, thus degrading food, shelter and nesting sites for wildlife.
It was first introduced into north america in the early 1800s. This highly invasive plant was likely introduced when its seeds were included in soil used as ballast in european sailing ships and discarded in north america. The first step should be to develop a distribution map of purple loosestrife at a scale. A mature plant can develop into a large clump of stems up to five feet in diameter. The lanceshaped leaves are up to 4 inches long, and mostly opposite or in whorls of 3 which may appear alternately arranged. Leaf arrangement is opposite, alternative or in whorls of three.
Picture and description for purple loosestrife or lythrum salicaria, a noxious wetland weed in king county, washington state. A species profile for purple loosestrife from usda, national invasive species information center. Identification and control of purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria l. Lythrum salicaria description introduced from europe and asia to the atlantic coast of north america in the early 1800s. Purple loosestrife national invasive species information. Purple loosestrife is an aggressive plant that produces millions of seeds and takes over wetlands. It has leaves that are arranged in pairs or whorls and magenta flower spikes with 5 7 petals per flower that are present for most of the summer. Although sale, purchase, and distribution of purple loosestrife is illegal in all great lakes states, a positive perception of purple loosestrife as a gardeningornamental species butterflies is still represented in some media sources due to its beauty and ability to attract bees and other pollinators lavoie 2010. It should not be confused with other plants sharing the name loosestrife that are members of the family primulaceae. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria minnesota dnr mn dnr. These sites are still being monitored, but have since been eradicated of purple loosestrife since 2011. If you discover purple loosestrife, note the date and location, and contact your local kansas department of agriculture office, the emporia research office at 620 3420658, or email the aquatic nuisance species coordinator. Purple loosestrife resources national invasive species.
They are usually arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stem, and rotated 90 degrees from the pair below. Spring purple loosestrife pl and native wetland lookalike stems from left. Lythrum salicaria home ontario invasive plant council. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is an invasive perennial plant that is spreading rapidly in north american wetlands, shorelines, and roadside ditches.
The invasive plant threatens biodiversity of wetlands. Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant native to europe and asia that was brought to north america the early 19thcentury. Taking down purple loosestrife, one beetle at a time. Square 4sided stem, lance shaped leaves that are arranged opposite from each other. Download premium images you cant get anywhere else. Plants can reach maturity in 3 to 5 years, producing as many as 50 stems per plant. This map depicts the sites were it has been found in the past. Simple, smoothedged leaves grow opposite or whorled on stiff, 46sided stems. Kansas department of agriculture purple loosestrife. This manual provides information on purple loosestrife and each of its biological control. The intent of this document is to relay specific information relating to invasive plant control practices. The plant was first introduced into north america in the early 1800s as.
Invasive species lythrum salicaria restricted in michigan purple loosestrife is a perennial herb with a woody square stem covered in downy hair. Purple loosestrife control saves ontario wetlands ontario. Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant native to europe and asia that was brought to north america the early 19 th century. Purple loosestrifelythrum salicaria an attractive but invasive perennial, purple loosestrife has become established in a wide range of habitats including river banks, lake and pond shores, irrigation ditches and roadsides. Purple loosestrife affects natural areas by changing wetland physical structure, plant species composition, and even water chemistry. Here is a more detailed map of north america infested by the purple loosestrife. Pest management invasive plant control purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria conservation practice job sheet nh595 purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is native to eurasia and was first reported from the northeastern coast of north america in the 1800s. Since its listing as an alaska noxious weed, purple loosestrife is no longer available for purchase in the state, and it is illegal to transport. Established infestations are extremely difficult to get rid of, so prevention and control of isolated new plants is very important. Purple loosestrife stock pictures, royaltyfree photos.
Usa and southeastern canada ontario and quebec, with a northern limit of 51n mal et al. It is very common along the lower saint john river and is still spreading. Purple loosestrife occurs occasionally in ne illinois and scattered counties elsewhere see distribution map. The beetles were widely released in ontario, and purple loosestrife populations at many of these sites have been significantly reduced.
Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria, a beautiful but aggressive invader, arrived in eastern north america in the early 1800s. Purple loosestrife national invasive species information center. Geological survey, nonindigenous aquatic species database ontario invasive plant council purple loosestrife pdf. Its leaves are sessile, opposite or whorled, lanceolate 210 cm long and 515 mm wide, with rounded to cordate bases. Habitats include fens, marshes, borders of ponds and rivers, and ditches.
Invasive plants of ohio fact sheet 4 purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria description. Lythrum plants were brought to north dakota for flower gardens because of their striking color, ease of growth, winter hardiness, and lack of insect or disease problems. So the purple loosestrife is common in your area if you dont live in florida or alaska. Thick stands of purple loosestrife crowd out native plants and reduce food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife, birds, turtles, and frogs. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria invasive species council of bc. Purple loosestrife tip of the mitt watershed council. The thick taproot supports thirty to fifty stems that can attain a height of 36 feet. This plant can spread very rapidly due to its prolific seed production.
W12, revised april 2018 download pdf the plant was sold in north dakota by its genus name lythrum for at least 50 years. Purple loosestrife was first introduced to the atlantic coast of north america. Please know that the green on both maps represent the infestation of this particular invasive plant. Purple loosestrife are located all over north america but only a handful dont. Purple loosestrife is a perennial that reproduces by seeds and rhizomes root like underground stems. Purple loosestrife was first introduced to the atlantic coast of north. An exotic invasive wetland plant lythrum salicaria description purple loosestrife is a hardy, aggressive, nonnative wetland invader.
Manual purple loosestrife control removal of plants, roots and all, from soft mucky soil by hand or with a shovel if the plants are in flower or seed, cut off and bag all flower stalks and seed heads plant fragments will root if left behind always dispose of purple loosestrife in a landfill, do not compost. It grows back each spring from the roots, producing multiple. Purple loosestrife pdf 128 kb pennsylvania department of conservation and natural resources. Impact and management of purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria in north america. Eat loosestrife taking down purple loosestrife, one beetle. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria 1 introduction purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria l. For more information on identifying and controlling purple loosestrife, see the brochure purple loosestrife. It is native to europe and was accidentally introduced into north america in the mid1800s. Successful management requires integrating various management. This herbaceous, ornamental perennial was first documented in the 19th century and it is likely purple loosestrife. Such a shift in the density and number of species present in a marsh presents challenges to the animal species living in that marsh.
It is native to europe and was introduced into north america in the early 1800s. Provides all related purple loosestrife resources from usda, national invasive species information center. Biology and biological control of purple loosestrife. Biology and biological control of purple loosestrife usda forest service. In 1963 only two wild populations of purple loosestrife were known in missouri.
Learn more about purple loosestrife uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain purple loosestrife. To help stop this noxious weed, you are encouraged to remove and destroy existing plants. Purple loosestrife, a regulated class b noxious weed, is a 610foottall perennial that grows on lakes and waterways throughout king county. Other names include spiked loosestrife and purple lythrum. Purple loosestrife aquatic invasive species minnesota sea. Plants profile for lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife. This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from usda plants database. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is a herbaceous perennial that may grow up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Cooperate with adjacent landowners and encourage the control of loosestrife and other invasive plants.
Imported in the 1800s for ornamental and medicinal uses, purple loosestrife poses a serious threat to wetlands because of its prolific reproduction. The colorado department of agriculture works to stop the spread of noxious weeds across the state through a coordinated effort to detect and eradicate new invaders as well as manage wellestablished species. Map of purple loosestrife distribution from the usda plants database. Purple loosestrife ckiss central kootenay invasive. Its 50 stems are fourangled and glabrous to pubescent. Alaska plant materials center division of agriculture. Its opposite leaves and square stems resemble plants of the mint family but it is distinguished by having separate petals, a seedpod with many fine seeds, and it. Purple loosestrife was introduced from europe but is now widely naturalized in wet meadows, river floodplains, and damp roadsides throughout most of ontario.
Purple loosestrife aquatic invasive species minnesota. It is a successful colonizer and potential invader of any wet, disturbed site in north america. Purple loosestrife can be found in either the floodplain or emergent plant community. It was introduced into the united states from europe as a horticultural plant because of the showy flowers. From there, it spread westward across the continent to all canadian provinces. New to this edition this second edition of the biology and biological control of purple loosestrife has been updated to reflect developments in purple loosestrife biological control since. It can also hybridize with native loosestrife species, potentially depleting the native species gene pool.
The native range of purple loosestrife occurs throughout great britain and across central and southern europe to central russia, japan, china, southeast asia and northern india. According to the ontario s invading species awareness program, purple loosestrife is a concern because it spreads quickly and grows in dense stands, reducing nutrients and space for native. Purple loosestrife project manitoba biological control. Jun 21, 2019 purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria l. Preventing the further spread and controlling existing populations of purple loosestrife is the goal of the manitoba purple.
Among the species tested, keddy 1990 found that purple loosestrife was the most competitive. Pest management invasive plant control purple loosestrife. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria minnesota dnr. Up to 2 meters tall with several stalks covered in pinkish purple spikelike flowers. Purple loosestrife control missouri department of conservation. Although purple loosestrife is herbaceous, its square, slightly hairy stems can become woody and persist for more than 1 year.
Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant with showy purple flowers arranged on flower spikes. It was brought to north america in the early 1800s through a number of pathways including. Purple loosestrife is an erect perennial herb that usually grows two to six feet tall. This map may contain cartographic errors or omissions. This biological control of purple loosestrife can reduce populations by up to 90 per cent and allow native plants to reestablish. The use of purple loosestrife in landscape plantings and flower gardens has added to its spread in missouri. The plant was sold in north dakota by its genus name lythrum for at least 50 years. It commonly occurs in freshwater and brackish marshes, along the shores of lakes, ponds and rivers, ditches, and other moist areas. Purple loosestrife has showy purple spikes of flowers, making it an attractive garden flower.
New to this edition this second edition of the biology and biological control of purple loosestrife has been updated to reflect developments in purple loosestrife biological control since 2004, and expanded to include. Purple loosestrife, a beautiful garden plant with an aggressive nature, was first introduced into north america in the early 1800s. Montanas purple loosestrife task force is led by dave burch who can be contacted at. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is a perennial wetland herb that grows in sunny wetlands, ditches, around farm ponds and in other disturbed habitat. Lythrum salicaria, or purple loosestrife, is a flowering plant belonging to the family lythraceae. Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria is an invasive wetland plant that is beautiful, but dangerous. We map all known locations of regulated noxious weeds such as purple loosestrife in order to help us and others locate new infestations. Revegetate disturbed soils with native plants that provide dense, early colonization to prevent weed. Fact sheet 4 purple loosestrife pdf 319 kb ohio invasive plants. Currently, there are 74 species of plants in the state that are designated noxious, meaning. Regularly patrol your property for purple loosestrife plants and immediately control new infestations. Leaves are lanceshaped with smooth edges and grow up to four inches long.
Purple loosestrife can spread within marsh systems to create monotypic stands. Ontarios invading species awareness program canada. It is an integral part of every galerucella release to monitor, at least annually, the impacts your project is having on the loosestrife populations. Purple loosestrife aquatic nuisance species list aquatic.
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