Where is Lythrum from?

Where is Lythrum from?

This lovely wildflower is widespread throughout the UK and Ireland and is also found in most other mainland European countries, including Slovenia. Purple Loosestrife is an invasive alien introduced species in North America, where it has colonised many waterside sites at the expense of native flora.

Is Lythrum an invasive plant?

The highly invasive nature of purple loosestrife allows it to form dense, homogeneous stands that restrict native wetland plant species, including some federally endangered orchids, and reduce habitat for waterfowl.

Is Lythrum salicaria invasive?

L. salicaria, an Old World native, is a highly invasive species of wetlands in North America, beginning to spread rapidly about 140 years after its accidental introduction around 1800.

Why was Lythrum salicaria introduced?

Purple loosestrife is native to Europe and Asia. The species was unintentionally introduced to the United States’ Great Lakes through contaminated solid cargo ship ballast as well as through the deliberate importation of seeds. Purple loosestrife was sold and planted for decades as a decorative ornamental plant.

What is the purple loosestrife family?

LythraceaePurple loosestrife / Family

How do you stop purple loosestrife from spreading?

What you can do to control purple loosestrife

1. Digging, Hand-pulling and Cutting. Pulling purple loosestrife is best when the infested area is small.
2. Chemical Control. Herbicide can be used to spot treat small infestations of purple loosestrife.
3. Biological control. Leaf-eating beetles Galerucella spp.

Is there non invasive loosestrife?

Lythrum virgatum ‘Morden’s Gleam’ is a seedless, non-invasive Loosestrife. It grows 3-5 feet tall and in July and August bears beautiful tall spikes of star-shaped, rose-pink flowers. Has a shrub-like appearance, but dies back each year.

Is there a native loosestrife?

Winged Loosestrife is the native next of kin to the widely invasive and destructive Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria that was introduced by gardeners via the global nursery industry and is now ranked among the most highly problematic invasive species in North America.

How do you grow loosestrife?

Although Loosestrife prefers moist, well drained soil, it tolerates poor drainage; it is less vigorous and therefore less invasive in dry soil. We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden. Plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow.

How do you grow Lythrum?

For best results grow Lythrum salicaria in moist soil, such as around the edge of a pond. Plants shouldn’t need staking but deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain a tidy appearance, and divide clumps every three to five years to avoid congestion.

How do you control a strangling dog vine?

Removal of dog-strangling vine is quite difficult once established. Ideally, digging out the root of a first year established plant will prevent its spread. Care must be taken to remove the entire root since plants can re-sprout from any remaining rootstock.