Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on Jul 27, 2008
Submitter does not have a specimen
EDRR Status: Population treated
Description of specimen
I know the plant because I used to grow it in my garden years ago. I actually started it from seed.
The plant is growing on a moist bank, on the very edge of the lake in full sun. It has formed a small clump of stiffly erect stems topped by spike-shaped racemes of bright purple flowers. The clump is under three feet wide, the stems are around 3 or 4 feet high. It is just starting to bloom and is very beautiful.
If you would like pictures I can go take some.
Reporter
July 27, 2008, 12:47 a.m.
Thanks for getting involved and reporting purple loosestrife! You are right that it should be controlled. Did the Fairview city council ever get back to you? I am very late replying to your report so perhaps there have been some new developments? In the meantime, I will forward this to the East Multnomah SWCD so they can help identify who should take the lead in controlling it. Note that there is now a very effective biocontrol for loosestrife.
Yes, both species of Lythrum (salicaria and virgatum) considered invasive
I apologize for the very long delay in replying to your report. We have had a few bugs to work out since we launched the hotline and are working through them. I hope you keep on reporting!
Tania Siemens
OSU Sea Grant/The Nature Conservancy
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
Tania Siemens
Aug. 22, 2008, 4:22 a.m.