Invasive Species: Pesky Plants by Chris Kjolhede
Lose Purple Loosestrife!
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive planet species native to Eurasia. It was introduced to North America in the early 1800s and now has become widespread. This invasive species was first reported in New York in 1843. It outcompetes native plants and thus reduces biodiversity. Purple loosestrife has been used as a medicinal for diarrhea, menstrual problems and bacterial infections, but scientific evidence of its value is lacking. The states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois prohibit the sale of purple loosestrife.
Purple loosestrife is beautiful, especially when it blooms en masse, in a single-species stand around a pond or in a wetland area. The flower stalks are pink more than purple and very pretty. The trouble is that it is an invasive species that none of our local birds, mammals or fish need to survive. And, this competitive invasive species takes the place of many plants, including cattails, important to wetland habitats. Loosestrife can decrease food sources, nesting sites and shelter for many animals. This pretty flower is more than just a nuisance; it can be a threat to local and migrating water birds, such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds. And in dense stands, Purple loosestrife can even disrupt water flow.
