Lythrum salicaria aka Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria, also known as purple loosestrife, is a clump-forming perennial native to Europe and Asia. It should not be confused with other plants that share the name loosestrife. This herbaceous plant has strongly upright, branching stems that can reach heights of 90-120cm. The stems are adorned with lance-shaped leaves. During the summer, Lythrum salicaria produces spikes of deep pink to purple-pink star-shaped flowers, which bloom over a long period. The genus name is derived from the Greek word lythron, meaning blood, in reference to the flowers. Purple loosestrife is believed to have been introduced to the United States through ship ballast and has since spread throughout the country. While its full bloom is visually stunning, purple loosestrife is highly invasive and can rapidly colonize wet areas, displacing native vegetation and disrupting wildlife habitats. It typically grows 2-4 feet tall on stiff, upright stems.