Purple loosestrife is a plant with various qualities. It flowers profusely and has been valued by many for its ornamental value. More recently, it has attracted attention for outcompeting native species and altering the landscape of wetlands around the world. By examining this perennial herb-turned-weed, we will learn where it comes from, where it grows, and what impact it has had on the North. American ecosystems. We will also review control methods, whether they are effective or not. Origin and Description Lythrum salicaria is a member of the Lythraceae family, known as the henna family. The genus Lythrum includes 38 species of annual, perennial and subshrub plants. The name Lythrum comes from the Greek lythron, meaning blood. This probably refers to the red-purple color of the flowers (Hyam and Pankhurst, 1995.) The species name salicaria alludes to the shape of the long, narrow leaves, which resemble the leaves of the willow (Salix spp.) ( Jacobs, 2008). ). Although Lythrum salicaria is referred to by more than 10 common names throughout North America, the most commonly accepted is purple loosestrife. Native throughout Europe and Asia, Lythrum is a perennial herb that dies back in winter. Shoots emerge from the woody crown in late spring. Plants typically grow to 6 feet, but can reach heights of 10 feet. The stems and leaves are mostly hairy. The flowers have a tubular calyx with five to seven lobes and ridges between each lobe. Two stamens are fused at each lobe. The flowers are usually reddish purple but can vary in white, pink, purple or red. The flowers are densely arranged on a terminal spike and form a 1.25 to 1.9 inch capsule. Each capsule contains numerous small, light, flat and angu...... middle of paper ...... R. (1993). Biological control of purple loosestrife. BioScience, 43(10), 680-686.Piper, GL "Biological control of purple loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria) from wetlands in the Pacific Northwest of the United States." Hydrobiology 340.1-3 (1996): 291-94. Web. Tavernia, Brian G. and Reed, J. Michael. “The impact of exotic purple loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria) on wetland bird abundance.” Midland American Naturalist 168.2 (2012): 352-363. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 22, 2013. Thompson, Daniel Q., Ronald L. Stuckey, and Edith B. Thompson. Spread, impact, and control of purple loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria) in wetlands of North America. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1987. Print. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2004). Lythrum salicaria plant profile. Retrieved from