Lythrum alatum
winged loosestrife
Overview
Lythrum alatum is an erect herbaceous perennial in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae), 1–4 feet (30–120 cm) tall, with stiff, four-angled stems that are narrowly winged along the edges. The lower leaves are opposite while the upper leaves become alternate; all are lance-shaped, 0.5–2 inches (1.5–5 cm) long, and stalkless. From early summer into early autumn it bears small magenta to rose-purple flowers, each about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across with six crinkled petals, set singly in the axils of the upper leaves rather than in dense spikes. It grows in wet prairies, marsh edges, wet meadows, ditches, and the moist margins of ponds and streams across eastern and central North America. Unlike the introduced purple loosestrife, L. salicaria, this native species stays in scattered clumps and does not invade wetlands. Its flowers are small and spaced out, so the plant reads as airy rather than massed. It needs steady moisture and fades on dry ground.
Native Range
Lythrum alatum is native to eastern and central North America, from Ontario and the northeastern United States west to the Great Plains and south to Texas and the Gulf states. It grows in wet, open habitats throughout much of this range.Suggested Uses
Lythrum alatum is used in rain gardens, wetland and prairie restorations, and the moist margins of ponds and streams. Its summer flowers draw bees and butterflies in wet, sunny sites. It serves as a native substitute for the invasive purple loosestrife.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Magenta to rose-purple flowers open from June into September, a few at a time in the leaf axils. Bloom continues over roughly 8–10 weeks as the stem extends. The flowers are visited by bees and butterflies that carry pollen between the plant's different flower forms.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
magenta to rose-purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight