Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 446 (1753).

Synonymy: Lythrum salicarium

Common name: Purple loosestrife.

Description:
Pubescent erect perennial, rarely subglabrous, 50-150 cm high; stems with 4 longitudinal ridges; leaves mostly opposite, sometimes in whorls of 3 or the upper ones alternate, narrowly ovate to oblong-lanceolate, sessile and slightly stem-clasping, 2-7 cm long.

Flowers in clusters of usually up to 4 in the axils of leafy bracts forming long terminal spike-like inflorescences, with 2 more or less linear bracteoles c. 3-4 mm long and early caducous on the short pedicels; floral tube more or less cylindrical in flower, 4.5-5 mm long, 1.5-2 mm broad; epicalyx segments 5 or 6, subulate, greenish, 2-3 mm long; sepals 5 or 6, deltate, scarcely membranous, c. 1 mm long; petals 5 or 6, blue, pinkish or purplish, spreading, 8-10 mm long; stamens usually 12, some or all exserted.

capsule shorter than the floral tube, ovoid.

Published illustration: Sainty & Jacobs (1981) Waterplants of New South Wales, pp. 282, 283.

Distribution:  Grows in wet places. S.Aust.: FR, MU, SL, SE.   Qld; N.S.W.; Vic.; Tas.   The Old Word and North America. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Nov. — March.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available