Purple Loosestrife

The Problem

The Purple Loosestrife invades wetlands, eventually killing out existing plant species such as cattails, grasses and rare plants.

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- Purple Loosestrifes rapidly displace native species if allowed to establish.

- They suppress growth and regeneration of native plant communities.

- They inhibit nesting by native waterfowl, amphibians, and turtles.

- Their dense roots and stems trap sediments, raising the water table and reducing open waterways, simultaneously diminishing the value of wetlands and impeding water flow.

The Causes

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Map of regions were Purple Loosestrifes are prevalent

- Purple loosestrife is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, with a range that extends from Britain to Japan.

- They were introduced multiple times to North America, both as a contaminant in ship ballast and as an herbal remedy for dysentery, diarrhea, and other digestive ailments. They were well-established in New England by the 1830s, and spread along canals and other waterways.

- Because they are still sold by nurseries, sometimes encouraging people to plant these pests in their local ecosystems.
- People spread purple loosestrife primarily through the movement of water-related equipment and uninformed release of garden plants. The plant produces millions of tiny seeds in shoreland areas. Seeds can be hidden in mud and debris, and can stick to boots, waders, and other fishing and hunting gear.

The Solution

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- Glyphosate herbicides are very effective for killing purple loosestrife. Glyphosate is available under multiple trade names. Only aquatic formulations of glyphosate (such as Rodeo, Pondmaster and Eagre) may be used to control purple loosestrife at aquatic sites.

- In areas where there are few plants and easy access, manually removing the plants in recommended. Purple loosestrife can be cut or pulled without a permit in places like Minnesota. It is important to dispose of the plants away from the water. Allow the plants to dry out, then burn if possible.

- Leaf-eating beetles Galerucella spp. are available for control of purple loosestrife. They can be used on a variety of site types and on small sites with as few as 20 plants.

- Proper disposal of plant material is important. Put all plant pieces in plastic bags (vegetation rots quickly in plastic) and take the bags to a sanitary landfill site. Composting is not advised, as purple loosestrife seeds may not be destroyed and the thick, woody stem and roots take a long time to decompose.