Purple Loosestrife (5201)

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was first brought to the U.S. from Eurasia by early settlers and grown for its medicinal uses, ornamental qualities, and pollen-bearing capabilities (beekeepers). A major route of entry into U.S. waterways was unintentional transport in ship ballast. Known for its striking and prolonged floral display, this plant is still popular with gardening enthusiasts. But don’t let its beauty fool you! Purple loosestrife is listed as a Noxious Weed in PA, and for good reason. It threatens our wetlands and waterways with dense, monotypic stands that eliminate biodiversity, and have little value as wildlife habitat.

For more information, please see this Penn State Fact Sheet

Penn State Horticulture Department

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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