Purple Loostrife

Purple Loosestrife. (Lythrum salicaria lythraceae). Plant in flower. Dried. Collected banks of the White River, White River Jct., Vermont. 1999.

L. salicaria is an erect perennial herb in the loosestrife family, with a square, woody stem and opposite or whorled leaves. It has been used as an astringent medicinal herb to treat diarrhea and dysentery and is considered safe to use for all ages, including babies. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers it a threat to native ecosystems in every state except Florida. —Plants for a Future: Lythrum salicaria.

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