Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria

• Purple loosestrife is an aquatic plant native to Europe. It is widely distributed in the northeastern U.S. where it has taken over extensive wetland areas. Recently is has been reported around several lakes in Idaho and other western states. Habitat and feed for wildlife is rapidly displaced by this weed, which has no wildlife value. Once established, it is extremely difficult to eradicate or control. This weed is on the Idaho noxious weed list.
• Purple loosestrife is a hardy perennial that can grow over 8 feet in height. Stems are usually four-sided. Leaves are usually opposite, lance-shaped, and sessile. Each flower has 6 purple petals that develop on a spike closely attached to the stem. It reproduces by seed and spreading rhizomes that form dense woody mats. A single plant may produce over 2.5 million seeds per year that remain viable for many years.
• Biological agents may soon be available for control of purple loosestrife.

Report Sightings of Noxious Weeds

Contact:
Kim Pierson, USFS Botanist
208-737-3212
kpierson@fs.fed.us

SPREAD THE WORD ... NOT THE WEEDS

• Drive only on established roads and trails away from weed infested areas.
• When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed free.
• Removed weed seeds from pack animals.
• Don't pick the flowers of noxious weeds and take them home.
• Don't pick and transport wild flowers that you can't identify.
• Don't camp or drive in weed infested areas.

Weed Removal Instructions

No Flowers or Seed Present:
Pull the weed and leave it on the area.

Flowers or seed present on the weed:
Pull the weed. Be careful the seed does not fall from the weed. Place the weed in a plastic bag or similar container.

Dispose of the weed by burning or turn it in at a Ranger Station.