My little stand of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is on the northern edge of the front garden. The name Lythrum is derived from the Greek 'lythron', meaning blood, in reference to the flower color.
Lythrum salicaria forms extensive clonal colonies, with numerous erect stems growing from a single woody root mass. The stems are reddish-purple and square in cross-section. The leaves are lanceolate, broad, downy, sessile, and are arranged opposite or in whorls of three.The flowers are reddish purple with six petals and 12 stamens, and are clustered tightly.
The plant is hardy and deer resistant. In some places it has been labeled invasive but not in my garden after three decades. When it is invasive it has been accused of turning wetlands into solid ground.
Purple Loosestrife
Oh sweet and innocent
purple loosestrifeyour very being
sets loose strife.
My friend would rip
out your roots
yet himself has
no native suit.
If you'd been planted
in New Orleans levees
perhaps we'd need
no new levies.
soiam
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