Scientific name Lythrum Rank Genus | ||
 | ||
Lower classifications Purple‑loosestrife, Lythrum virgatum, Lythrum hyssopifolia, Lythrum portula, Lythrum californicum | ||
Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria
Lythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world. Commonly known as loosestrife (a name they share with Lysimachia, which are not closely related). They are among 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.
Contents
- Purple loosestrife lythrum salicaria
- Lythrum plant pond plant in bloom help care propagation
- Description
- Selected species
- Formerly placed here
- Morphology
- Ecology
- References
Lythrum plant pond plant in bloom help care propagation
Description
They are herbaceous annuals or perennials. Typically they have square stems, narrow stalkless leaves, and spikes of star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink and white. They are especially associated with boggy areas, river banks and ponds, though in cultivation they often tolerate drier conditions. The species L. salicaria (purple loosestrife) and L. virgatum are found in cultivation.
Selected species
Species include:
Formerly placed here
Morphology
Some species of Lythrum are heterostylous, such as the tristylous (occurring in three forms) L. salicaria.
Ecology
Lythrum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the Small Emperor Moth, the Engrailed, the Hebrew Character, and the V-Pug.
