Category 2

Purple loosestrife

(Lythrum salicaria)

Lythraceae (Loosestrife family)

A perennial that reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes.

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Leaves in twos or threes at stem nodes
  • Square stems
  • Showy, magenta flowers in long, dense, leafy spikes

This is a general table provided as a quick reference only. Treatments behave differently in different ecosystems.
What works in some areas of montana may not work in others. These treatments may also affect native and desirable plants.

Purple loosestrife

cut mow
hand pull (wear gloves)
herbicide
biological control
reseeding
domestic animal
cultivate

effective

moderately effective-
effective in combination with other treatments
ineffective