|
"Purple Loosestrife" (Lythrum salicaria)Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a beautiful but aggressive invader, arrived in eastern North America in the early 1800's. The 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. Since it was introduced, Purple Loosestrife has spread westward and can be found across much of Canada and the United States. Purple Loosestrife is a very hardy perennial, which can rapidly degrade wetlands by crowding out native species, diminishing the value of the wetlands for wildlife habitat. For More Information Visit Text: Minnesota Sea Grant |