Purple Loosestrife Description

Purple Loosestrife is one of those perennials that can grow ridiculously long up to 10 feet and are typically more habituated in riparian or moist places. Each plant comprises of numerous four-sided stems that could appear purple or green, while the stem feels woody and bush-like.

The leaves are clasping and have smooth margins that are lance shaped, but are rounded or heart-shaped at the base. The leaves are alternate or whorled on the stem. The color of the stem varies drastically depending on the season it is going through. For instance, during autumn, when the rainfall is scare and dehydration is inevitable, Purple Loosestrife creates an impression of red color leaves that look an entirely different specie.

Under less-scanty water conditions, the plant consists of beautiful purple (or magenta) colored flowers and can have long spikes that can go up to two inches in length and all the way down to the stem which is more specifically recognized as raceme.

Each flower is intricate and has five to eight petals. You could normally see them bloom during June to September while the seeds start bursting upon maturity during July or early August.

The problem with this kind of weed is that it has a very extensive root system that’s woody and dense. But the root system is not the only bad part; prolific seed production means rapid spread and growth of new Purple Loosestrife. And even if the stems of the plant are broken or disturbed, it’s still not a problem for it to grow new shoots.

What are the key features of Purple Loosestrife?

As aforementioned, Purple Loosestrife is a very intricate plant, and not easily distinguishable. It’s commonly confused with Spirea, Blazing Star and Fireweed. But it still has its distinctive features that makes it easier to identify once you know the key features.

Flower:
Each individual flower has around five to seven petals that are purple in color with small yellow centers.

Seed:
Each Purple Loosestrife plant has the ability to produce 2.7 million in a year. These seeds are exceptionally tiny (as small as grains of sands) and therefore have great buoyancy. But the seeds are also disseminated through water and wildlife. Germination is quick, but the seeds can go through a dormancy period of several years before actually sprouting.

Leaves:
Leaves on Purple Loosestrife are mostly downy and have smooth edges. These leaves are paired alternatively down the stalk at almost 90 degrees angle and could also appear in a groups.

Stalks:
Each stalk is square and has around five to six sides.

Rootstock:
Rootstock is the reason why Purple Loosestrife is hazardous to the other plants. The dense web of thick 30-50 shoots can easily choke life out of any other plant nearby.

If you have any questions about Purple Loosetrife control, contact SprayTech at 720.248.0000.