Lythrum


Lythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world. Commonly known as loosestrife. They are among 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.

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 and L. virgatum are found in cultivation.

Selected species

Species include:

Formerly placed here

Some species of Lythrum are heterostylous, such as the tristylous 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.

As a noxious weed in the United States

The genus Lythrum is listed as a noxious weed in Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.