purple loosestrife
Quick Summary
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a perennial marsh herb native to Eurasia that has become naturalized in North America. It grows tall, with long spikes of purple flowers. Introduced to North America in the early 19th century, it is now considered a noxious weed and an invasive species. Purple loosestrife forms dense colonies in wetlands, crowding out native vegetation that wildlife depends on for food and habitat. Control measures include herbicides and the introduction of herbivorous insects, though these methods can be costly and carry risks.123
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