Common name:
Purple loosestrife
Family:
Scientific name:
Lythrum salicaria
Main flower color:
Range:
All of the UK, except mountainous areas in Scotland and northern England
Height:
Up to 120 cm
Habitat:
Streambanks, marshes, fens, springs
Flowers:
The inflorescence is a dense, elongated, whorled cluster up to 30 cm long at the top of the stem. Flowers are formed of six clawed, deep purple petals, with a darker midvein, 12 stamens with whitish filaments topped by yellow anthers, and a purplish, narrow-lobed calyx
Leaves:
Opposite (or whorled) below, alternate further up the stem, narrowly lanceolate, untoothed, up to 7 cm long, with pointed tips
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
