Purple-loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria

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Purple-loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Magnificent and spectacular spikes of magenta flowers, which last from June throughout the summer, distinguish this tall wetland plant. Found in marshes, rivers, ponds, lake margins and fens throughout England, this is an upright perennial plant growing up to 120cm tall.

Purple-loosestrife is a striking plant that grows well in any moisture-retentive soil; it is best suited to a pond margin or bog garden but may need to be kept under control in small water bodies.

The very curious name is apparently translated from the Greek and means something like 'that which placed on the yoke of quarrelsome oxen will calm them down'. The veracity of this is a little hard to put to the test these days, at least in England.

Animals

Brimstone, Buff-tailed bumble bee, Common carder bumble bee, Elephant hawk-moth, Honey bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

Foliage	Green
Flower	Purple, June to August
Moisture	(Wet)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native