Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria · Lythraceae (Loosestrife family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple; deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to narrowly ovate, unlobed
Margin
Entire
Arrangement
Opposite or whorled, sessile with a rounded or cordate base
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib
Key Features
Opposite, sessile lanceolate leaves with entire margins and distinct square stems
Description
Perennial herbaceous plant with upright stems, dense spikes of magenta flowers, and green foliage turning reddish in autumn
Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and riparian zones in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to Europe and Asia; widely naturalized across North America
Identified on 10/16/2026