camera identify
Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
about about
About
key_facts key_facts
Key Facts
distribution_map distribution_map
Distribution
children children
All Species
pupular_genus pupular_genus
More Genus
pic top
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes (Lythrum)
The loosestrifes (Lythrum) are a fairly small group of flowering, herbaceous plants. Many loosestrifes prefer very wet soils and so are strongly associated with habitats like marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Bearing spikes of showy flowers, several loosestrifes are popular ornamentals, however, some ornamental species' hardiness and aggressive growth habits have turned them into invasives.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
info

Key Facts About Loosestrifes

Attributes of Loosestrifes

Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃

Scientific Classification of Loosestrifes

distribution

Distribution of Loosestrifes

Distribution Map of Loosestrifes

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
species

Exploring the Loosestrifes Plants

8 most common species:
Lythrum salicaria
Purple loosestrife
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. It attracts bees and butterflies as well as the loosestrife beetle which specifically targets the leaves of this plant. In some regions, the fast-growing purple loosestrife has become an invasive species that can outcompete native species.
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Grass-poly
The grass-poly plant is native to Europe but is popular in other places like Australia and North America. The flowering plant is sometimes seen as a weed by farmers in moist habitats.
Lythrum junceum
Creeping loosestrife
Creeping loosestrife is a perennial herb that grows naturally in freshwater and other wetland habitats. It grows predominantly as a wild plant, and cultivation is rare. The plant produces pink flowers that are pleasant to witness when seen in the wild. It is considered invasive in parts of northern Europe.
Lythrum alatum
Winged loosestrife
Winged loosestrife is a wildflower that produces pretty purple flowers with the look of wrinkled tissue paper. Winged loosestrife, or Lythrum alatum, grows along stream banks and other moist areas. It is considered endangered in some areas of the United States and invasive in others.
Lythrum virgatum
Wand loosestrife
Wand loosestrife is a summer-flowering herbaceous perennial which forms clumps and is attractive to pollinators. European wand loosestrife presumably gets its name from its wand-like appearance and being native to Europe. It is considered invasive in parts of the USA.
Lythrum tribracteatum
Three-bract loosestrife
Three-bract loosestrife prefers damp habitats, particularly ponds, making it an excellent ornamental option alongside a water feature or in a rock garden. Three-bract loosestrife's pretty lavender petals make it a hit among the butterflies, so it's a good choice for bringing wildlife into the garden.
Lythrum portula
Water purslane
A flowering member of the loosestrife family, water purslane (Lythrum portula) is most easily identified by its fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves, which are green with red undertones. The tiny flowers, if they appear, bear pink or white petals that measure about a millimeter long each. This species has a marked preference for moist areas, such as marshlands.
Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple'
European wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple'
A tall, purple-flowered delight, european wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple' literally stands above the rest. Although it's widely known that european wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple' is a Lythrum cultivar, the parent plant is still unknown. This plant has an interesting name, given to commemorate Dropmore House, the residence of Lord Grenville, who pushed forward the law abolishing the slave trade when he was prime minister.

All Species of Loosestrifes

Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Purple loosestrife
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. It attracts bees and butterflies as well as the loosestrife beetle which specifically targets the leaves of this plant. In some regions, the fast-growing purple loosestrife has become an invasive species that can outcompete native species.
Grass-poly
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Grass-poly
The grass-poly plant is native to Europe but is popular in other places like Australia and North America. The flowering plant is sometimes seen as a weed by farmers in moist habitats.
Creeping loosestrife
Lythrum junceum
Creeping loosestrife
Creeping loosestrife is a perennial herb that grows naturally in freshwater and other wetland habitats. It grows predominantly as a wild plant, and cultivation is rare. The plant produces pink flowers that are pleasant to witness when seen in the wild. It is considered invasive in parts of northern Europe.
Winged loosestrife
Lythrum alatum
Winged loosestrife
Winged loosestrife is a wildflower that produces pretty purple flowers with the look of wrinkled tissue paper. Winged loosestrife, or Lythrum alatum, grows along stream banks and other moist areas. It is considered endangered in some areas of the United States and invasive in others.
Wand loosestrife
Lythrum virgatum
Wand loosestrife
Wand loosestrife is a summer-flowering herbaceous perennial which forms clumps and is attractive to pollinators. European wand loosestrife presumably gets its name from its wand-like appearance and being native to Europe. It is considered invasive in parts of the USA.
Three-bract loosestrife
Lythrum tribracteatum
Three-bract loosestrife
Three-bract loosestrife prefers damp habitats, particularly ponds, making it an excellent ornamental option alongside a water feature or in a rock garden. Three-bract loosestrife's pretty lavender petals make it a hit among the butterflies, so it's a good choice for bringing wildlife into the garden.
Water purslane
Lythrum portula
Water purslane
A flowering member of the loosestrife family, water purslane (Lythrum portula) is most easily identified by its fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves, which are green with red undertones. The tiny flowers, if they appear, bear pink or white petals that measure about a millimeter long each. This species has a marked preference for moist areas, such as marshlands.
European wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple'
Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple'
European wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple'
A tall, purple-flowered delight, european wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple' literally stands above the rest. Although it's widely known that european wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple' is a Lythrum cultivar, the parent plant is still unknown. This plant has an interesting name, given to commemorate Dropmore House, the residence of Lord Grenville, who pushed forward the law abolishing the slave trade when he was prime minister.
Purple loosestrife 'Swirl'
Lythrum salicaria 'Swirl'
Purple loosestrife 'Swirl'
Purple loosestrife 'Swirl''s prolific, spiraling blooms of bright purple make this variety especially unique. Cultivated as a loosestrife hybrid, purple loosestrife 'Swirl' was named after its delightful swirling growth habit. It is a popular cultivar due to its large clumps of growth, lovely colors, and ease of care.
Purple loosestrife 'Feuerkerze'
Lythrum salicaria 'Feuerkerze'
Purple loosestrife 'Feuerkerze'
Purple loosestrife 'Feuerkerze' is a double-flowered purple loosestrife cultivar that is known for its low seed production, which minimizes unwanted seedlings. 'Feuerkerze' is German for 'fire candle,' which is a perfect name for this cultivar considering the flowers are usually rose-red.
Purple loosestrife 'Blush'
Lythrum salicaria 'Blush'
Purple loosestrife 'Blush'
Purple loosestrife 'Blush' is a variety of the Lythrum salicaria, named for its blush-colored flowers. Partly because of its height, the purple loosestrife 'Blush' has been designated a great plant for pollinators by the Royal Horticultural Society. While it is a great flower for pollinators, the purple loosestrife 'Blush' is also an aggressive spreader in gardens.
Purple loosestrife 'Robert'
Lythrum salicaria 'Robert'
Purple loosestrife 'Robert'
Purple loosestrife 'Robert' is a perennial herb that boasts flower brushes of a rich violet color in summer. This flower color is deeper than that of the parent plant, and the petals are wider and more defined. This hybrid is also known as Little Robert because it grows to just 90 cm whereas the parent plant can reach over 2 m. Butterflies and bees flock to the plant's flowers.
Wand lythrum
Lythrum lineare
Wand lythrum
Wand lythrum is a slender, erect perennial herb, growing in wet habitats like marshes and riverbanks. Its linear leaves and loose spikes of small pink to purple flowers are distinctive, flourishing in full sun. The simplicity in wand lythrum's foliage belies its importance in providing food for wildlife and maintaining biodiversity in its aquatic locales.
Florida loosestrife
Lythrum flagellare
Florida loosestrife
Florida loosestrife is characterized by its slender, willowy form with whorls of delicate pink to purple flowers that grace its stem. The lance-shaped leaves are typical of a species adapted to marshy or wetland habitats, suggesting its preference for moist soils. This plant's very presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, serving as a vibrant testament to its vital role in supporting local biodiversity.
California loosestrife
Lythrum californicum
California loosestrife
California loosestrife is a perennial herb native to California. It typically thrives in wetland areas, where its tall, upright form, capped with delicate purple-pink flowers, stands out among the greenery. The lance-shaped leaves often clasp the stem, a trait that helps in identifying this species. Adapted to moist soil, california loosestrife can be seen blooming from late spring through summer, attracting various pollinators to its nectar-rich blooms.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
close
product icon
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
All Species
More Genus
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Loosestrifes
Lythrum
The loosestrifes (Lythrum) are a fairly small group of flowering, herbaceous plants. Many loosestrifes prefer very wet soils and so are strongly associated with habitats like marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Bearing spikes of showy flowers, several loosestrifes are popular ornamentals, however, some ornamental species' hardiness and aggressive growth habits have turned them into invasives.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
info

Key Facts About Loosestrifes

Attributes of Loosestrifes

Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃

Scientific Classification of Loosestrifes

distribution

Distribution of Loosestrifes

Distribution Map of Loosestrifes

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
species

Exploring the Loosestrifes Plants

8 most common species:
Lythrum salicaria
Purple loosestrife
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. It attracts bees and butterflies as well as the loosestrife beetle which specifically targets the leaves of this plant. In some regions, the fast-growing purple loosestrife has become an invasive species that can outcompete native species.
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Grass-poly
The grass-poly plant is native to Europe but is popular in other places like Australia and North America. The flowering plant is sometimes seen as a weed by farmers in moist habitats.
Lythrum junceum
Creeping loosestrife
Creeping loosestrife is a perennial herb that grows naturally in freshwater and other wetland habitats. It grows predominantly as a wild plant, and cultivation is rare. The plant produces pink flowers that are pleasant to witness when seen in the wild. It is considered invasive in parts of northern Europe.
Lythrum alatum
Winged loosestrife
Winged loosestrife is a wildflower that produces pretty purple flowers with the look of wrinkled tissue paper. Winged loosestrife, or Lythrum alatum, grows along stream banks and other moist areas. It is considered endangered in some areas of the United States and invasive in others.
Show More Species

All Species of Loosestrifes

popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
product icon close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
product icon close
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Cookie Management Tool
In addition to managing cookies through your browser or device, you can change your cookie settings below.
Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.
Analytical Cookies
Analytical cookies help us to improve our application/website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.
Cookie Name Source Purpose Lifespan
_ga Google Analytics These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here. 1 Year
_pta PictureThis Analytics We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience. 1 Year
Cookie Name
_ga
Source
Google Analytics
Purpose
These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.
Lifespan
1 Year

Cookie Name
_pta
Source
PictureThis Analytics
Purpose
We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.
Lifespan
1 Year
Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies are used by advertising companies to serve ads that are relevant to your interests.
Cookie Name Source Purpose Lifespan
_fbp Facebook Pixel A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here. 1 Year
_adj Adjust This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here. 1 Year
Cookie Name
_fbp
Source
Facebook Pixel
Purpose
A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year

Cookie Name
_adj
Source
Adjust
Purpose
This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year
This page looks better in the app
Open