| Common Name: | Purple Loosestrife |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Size: | 0.6-1.5m x 1m |
| Description: | Erect perennial herb with angular stems, dying back after flowering. |
| Leaves: | Stem-clasping egg-shaped to oblong or lance-shaped leaves 1.5-7cm x 3-15mm, in pairs, occasionally 3's. |
| Flowering: | Stalkless axillary clusters of 3-5 small tubular flowers forming a terminal leafy spike. |
| Flower Colour: | Purple to magenta |
| Flowering Time: | September to March |
| Growing Conditions: | Shallow water and swampy soils in wetlands. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi-shade. |
| Garden Use: | A most attractive wetland plant with well displayed flowers. Grow in and beside shallow ponds. Prune back to rootstock after flowering. |
| Related Species: | |
| Plant Communities: | 11, 12, 13, 30, 35, 39, 41, 43 |
| Conservation Status: | Locally common within its preferred growing conditions |
| Aboriginal Use: | |
| Commercially available: | Generally |
| Bird Attracting: | No |
| Butterfly Attracting: | Both food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies. |
| Frog Habitat: | No |
| Photographer: | 1 Colleen Miller ©; 2-4 Marilyn Gray © |