Loosestrifes
Botanical name: Lythrum
Loosestrifes
Botanical name: Lythrum
Description
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.
Species of Loosestrifes
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.
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
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.
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'
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.
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.
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 '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 '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.
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.
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.
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.
Wand lythrum
The wand lythrum (Lythrum lineare) are a fairly small group of flowering, herbaceous plants. Many wand lythrum prefer very wet soils and so are strongly associated with habitats like marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Bearing spikes of showy flowers, several wand lythrum are popular ornamentals, however, some ornamental species' hardiness and aggressive growth habits have turned them into invasives.
California loosestrife
The california loosestrife (Lythrum californicum) are a fairly small group of flowering, herbaceous plants. Many california loosestrife prefer very wet soils and so are strongly associated with habitats like marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Bearing spikes of showy flowers, several california loosestrife are popular ornamentals, however, some ornamental species' hardiness and aggressive growth habits have turned them into invasives.
Florida loosestrife
The florida loosestrife (Lythrum flagellare) are a fairly small group of flowering, herbaceous plants. Many florida loosestrife prefer very wet soils and so are strongly associated with habitats like marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Bearing spikes of showy flowers, several florida loosestrife are popular ornamentals, however, some ornamental species' hardiness and aggressive growth habits have turned them into invasives.
Scientific Classification
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