Purple loosestrife

(Lythrum salicaria)

A perennial introduced from Europe, the erect, square stem of this plant can reach 1.5 to 8 feet tall and is topped with magenta-colored flowers. Purple loosestrife is a highly aggressive invader species that can be found in most wetland sites throughout the state.

If left unchecked, a wetland will eventually become a monoculture of loosestrife, posing a severe threat to waterfowl habitat and impeding water flow in irrigation ditches. Purple loosestrife has been found in Tara Park in Silt, as well as in the Westbank subdivision in Glenwood Springs.