How to Grow and Care for Loosestrifes

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. It attracts bees and butterflies as well as the loosestrife beetle which specifically targets the leaves of this plant. In some regions, the fast-growing purple loosestrife has become an invasive species that can outcompete native species.

The grass-poly plant is native to Europe but is popular in other places like Australia and North America. The flowering plant is sometimes seen as a weed by farmers in moist habitats.

Creeping loosestrife is a perennial herb that grows naturally in freshwater and other wetland habitats. It grows predominantly as a wild plant, and cultivation is rare. The plant produces pink flowers that are pleasant to witness when seen in the wild. It is considered invasive in parts of northern Europe.

Winged loosestrife is a wildflower that produces pretty purple flowers with the look of wrinkled tissue paper. Winged loosestrife, or Lythrum alatum, grows along stream banks and other moist areas. It is considered endangered in some areas of the United States and invasive in others.

Wand loosestrife is a summer-flowering herbaceous perennial which forms clumps and is attractive to pollinators. European wand loosestrife presumably gets its name from its wand-like appearance and being native to Europe. It is considered invasive in parts of the USA.