Problems caused

Purple loosestrife was introduced to North America from Europe and Asia in the early to mid 1800’s. The seeds were carried in ship ballast and on livestock that were brought to this country for trade. Purple loosestrife was widely cultivated for its ornamental and pharmacological values. But this species can invade wetland habitats and result in negative im-pacts on the ecosystem. Such ecosystem effects include altered detritus decomposition and nutrient cycling. Also, purple loosestrife may displace native plant species, forming dense monotypic stands that reduce native plant species richness and diversity. Purple loosestrife has little value for wildlife as few species utilize the plant for a food source or shelter. Regulations Purple loosestrife is not listed as a federal noxious weed. It is listed as a state noxious weed in Arkansas and South Carolina, and a Class B noxious weed in Alabama and North Carolina. It is widely recognized as an invasive weed of wetlands. Description Vegetative growth Purple loosestrife is a perennial species that over-winters as a stem base. Plants are composed of numerous angled stems that grow to over 6 feet. The leaves are lance shaped with fine hairs, and are attached directly to the stems with-out petioles. Leaves can be opposite, whorled, or spiraled around the stem. Flowering/fruiting Purple flowers occur in axillary clusters that form a spike inflorescence. Each flower has 5-7 narrow, wrinkled purple pet-als. Flowering begins in late June and continues through September. It has been suggested that purple loosestrife can draw pollinators away from native plants, which may aid in this plants prolific seed production. A mature multi-stemmed plant, 1.5-6 feet in height, may produce between two and three million seeds that can remain viable in the soil for many years. It takes approximately eight weeks from germination for purple loosestrife to flower. Dispersal mechanisms Seed move by drifting in moving water. Long-distance transport occurs when seeds become embedded in mud adhering to wildlife, livestock, humans, and vehicles. The weed spreads vegetatively by detached shoot and rootstock fragments