

States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps The fruit is a capsule about 2 mm in diameter and 3-4 mm long with many small, ovoid dust-like seeds (< 1 mm long) (USDA plants database 2008). The short-styled type has long and medium length stamens, the medium type has long and short stamens, and the long-styled has medium to short stamens. Individual plants may have flowers of three different types classified according to stylar length as short, medium, and long. Twelve stamens are typical for each flower. The showy corolla (up to 2 cm across) is rose-purple and consists of five to seven petals. Typically the calyx lobes are narrow and thread-like, six in number, and less than half the length of the petals. The calyx and corolla are fused to form a floral tube (also called a hypanthium) that is cylindrical (4-6 mm long), greenish, and 8-12 nerved. Each inflorescence is spike-like (1-4 cm long), and each plant may have numerous inflorescences.

Leaf surfaces are pubescent (USDA Plants Database 2008). Its leaves are sessile, opposite or whorled, lanceolate (2-10 cm long and 5-15 mm wide), with rounded to cordate bases. Its 50 stems are four-angled and glabrous to pubescent. The purple loosestrife is therefore a plant that is as beautiful as it is useful and healing, and was already cultivated by humans in the 16th century.Identification: 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. The beautiful perennial also has a water-purifying effect, which is why it is often cultivated in the clearing zone of ponds. In times of need, the plant was consumed as a vegetable. It contains, among other things, ätheric Öle, pectins, coumarsäure and flavone vitexin. Loosestrife has been shown to have haemostatic, antibacterial and diuretic effects and can prevent type 2 diabetes.
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Its blood sugar-lowering properties were attributed to it and it was used to treat skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. Especially in the Middle Ages, purple loosestrife was widely regarded as a medicinal plant. In ancient times, Lythrum was described as a medicinal plant by the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder. The tannins contained in loosestrife were used in the past to tan leather.>Ī plant that is as beautiful as it is healing It was not until the 19th century that it arrived in the North of America as a neophyte and spread rapidly throughout the continent. Purple loosestrife is a long-lived and versatile plant that adds visual interest to the garden, but also looks good in the vase. Lythrum goes well with other perennials and cushions with reddish and purple flowers such as verbena or honor grass, but also with many green or white flowering plants such as ferns, hostas or great starthistle. The purple flowers are an ornament for a cottage garden, a perennial garden, for park-like areas with watercourses, but also for modern gardens with paved or gravel paths and box hedges. Therefore, even the less experienced gardener can buy purple loosestrife and will not be disappointed.īloody loosestrife perennials fit into very different gardens. Otherwise, loosestrife is a fairly undemanding plant that does not require much care. It can therefore also be planted in the garden pond, but loosestrife can also thrive in the garden if it is sufficiently watered. In nature, the distinctive plant, which grows to a height of 1.20 metres, prefers swampy and damp habitats. Lythrum is a genus of loosestrife plants with square stems, narrow lanceolate leaves and abundant flowers in a wide variety of shapes that are widespread all over the world. The striking flower ornaments are not only a wonderful accent in nature, but also in gardens or on the terrace.

The attractive purple loosestrife is a native wild plant and an important nectar plant for bees, bumblebees and many other insects and butterflies. The attractive purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
