Purple Loosestrife is an extremely aggressive perennial wetland plant introduced from Europe. This exotic has become a serous threat to native,emergent North American vegetation in shallow marshes and along lakeshore areas. Significant spread of the plant has been observed within the past 50 years, even in the sensitive habitats of endangered plant and animal species.
Prolific seed production (up to 300,000 seeds per plant stalk), effective seed dispersal and survival, plus an extensive root system, make it quite competitive. Unfortunately, it has been intentionally introduced in some areas as an ornamental plant for the display of its colorful flowers. Purple Loosestrife can grow in a wide variety of soil types and can withstand dry to saturated soil conditions.
These plants are of very little value to wildlife as food or nesting habitat. Their takeover will eliminate the diverse plant and animal populations required within a stable community.
Some states have taken action to prohibit the sale and distribution of these plants. Early eradication of the plant when it is first spotted is the only effective means of preventing its spread. |
