CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD PARK OPERATIONS
NOXIOUS WEED IDENTIFICATION
PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE: Lythrum salicaria L.
Characteristics:
Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)
Origin: Europe
Description:
- Perennial
- Usually found in wet or marshy areas
- Grows up to 8 feet tall
- Bright purple flower spikes
Stems:
- Branching occurs off erect stems
- Stems are stiff and square shaped
Flowers:
- Lavender to rose in color, 5-6 petals per flower
- Flowers start blooming from the bottom, progressing over time to the tip, lasting a long period of time
- Bloom occurs June-September
- Each mature plant is capable of producing 2-3 MILLION seeds each year
Leaves:
- Opposite (Arranged on the same node at the opposite side of the stem)
- Stem leaves are lance shaped, simple and smooth along the margins
Locations:
Loosestrife crowds out native species, destroys native forage for wildlife, interferes with natural water flow and displaces wildlife, especially fish, and waterfoul. In Colorado, Dave Weber (retired but still fighting the loosestrife battle), from the Colorado Division of Wildlife has, for years, kept track of state populations of this noxious weed. Thanks to his public education efforts, this weed has not been allowed to overrun our native wetlands like it has in many other states.
Purple Loosestrife was used as an ornamental plant for landscaping, but has now been banned for sale or planting in the state of Colorado. It is an A-listed species according to the state noxious weed law, the only management strategy for loosestrife is eradication. If you see this plant please call (303)464-5626.