Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Purple loosestrife, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

Up to 6 ft. tall, 4-5 sided, covered with short hairs and often branched; multiple stems arise from root crown

Leaves

Mostly opposite or whorled, narrow to lance-shaped, 2-6 in. long, smooth edges (margins), lack hair (glabrous) to hairy; NO leaf stems (petioles)

Flower

Showy; clustered on stalks at the tips of branches; 5-7 pink to purple petals surrounding a yellow center; petals are less than 0.5 in. long, each have a dark midvein and appear wrinkled or crushed

Root

Taproot with some spreading roots; can associate with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Other

Grows best in wet areas; often found in marshes and along the edges of pond and waterways; known to occur in Storey and Washoe counties
Perennial; reproduces by seed and stem fragments
Historically used as an ornamental plant but has escaped cultivation

Control

Repeated hand-removal of individual plants including roots can be effective; DO NOT mow
Several biological control agents are available
Apply metsulfuron to actively growing plants; glyphosate or triclopyr at bloom; imazapyr from bloom until killing frost

Learn more about the author(s)

Staci Emm

Also of Interest:


Increasing Collaborative Success Between American Indians and Agriculture Professionals It has been recognized that American Indian populations don’t take full advantage of federal programs aimed at enhancing agriculture and natural resource management practices. Emm and Singletary (2009) claim that some of the problem stems from these programs not being designed wi... Lewis, S. and Emm, R. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Agriculture And Natural Resources Focus Group Session Results This fact sheet contains extensive information on agriculture and natural resources of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Learn more about the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, vision of agriculture and natural resources, history and strengths and many more. Lewis, S., Breazeale, D., and Emm, S. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-45
Women in science: Jamie Ludwig Dafoe, rangeland specialist Dafoe, a graduate of the College of Biotechnology, Agriculture & Natural Resources rangeland science program, takes us through life as a rangeland consultant Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
Northern Nye County Agricultural/Natural Resource Needs Assessment In August 2001, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension conducted a formal needs assessment to help citizens identify critical research and education topics surrounding agriculture and natural resources in Northern Nye County. Suverly, M. 2002, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Purple loosestrife