Lythrum salicaria - Global Invader

The Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a controversial plant, regarded both as a Friend and a Foe. In Europe, where the plant is native and commonly found in wetland landscapes, its beautiful purple flowers are admired both in nature and when introduced into gardens. However, in North America, where the plant was introduced by immigrants in the early 1800s, L. salicaria has become a pest, c...