How does purple loosestrife affect ecosystems

The purple loosestrife can produce 50 shoots, which tends to suffocate other plants and eventually hinder it from photosynthesizing and respiring. Proliferation of the purple loosestrife is often associated with diversity loss of vegetation. This overall decreases ecological interactions in these patches of environment. The plant develops a different composition which affects how animals nest for shelter, find food, and even reproduce. With alarmingly fast reproduction rates, purple loosestrife can out-compete native vegetation in wetlands or areas partially inundated.

This plant could change the chemistry of the wetland, and create conditions not favorable for native species. Weevil and beetle in the past, have been used to contain purple loosestrife and keep its population density under control. This is a way in which scientist try to control the purple loosestrife. Though the species does not generally benefit the environment;for beekeepers, the purple loosestrife serves as a source of nectar for pollinators.

This may be one of the few benefits which the flower introduces to Michigan environments. Though the rootstock buds prolifically, purple loosestrife does not generally spread through vegetative reproduction.

Stem fragments can regrow, however, and mowing or otherwise damaging the plants may spread vegetative propagules. Purple loosestrife flowers in full bloom. Mehrhoff, University of CT, Invasive. Seedlings have oval cotyledons with long petioles. The stalkless stem leaves are cm long, lance-shaped, and opposite. Leaf pairs often grow at 90 degree angles from one another, and leaves near the flowers are sometimes alternate.

Stems are upright, angular, and densely hairy. Mature plants can reach up to 4m in height, and older plants often appear bush-like, with sometimes dozens of woody stems growing from a single rootstock. The showy purple flowers have petals and grow in pairs or clusters on cm tall spikes. Seeds are small less than 1 mm in length and lack an endosperm.

Purple loosestrife is competitive and can rapidly displace native species if allowed to establish. Once established, the prolific seed production and dense canopy of purple loosestrife suppresses growth and regeneration of native plant communities. Monotypic stands of purple loosestrife may inhibit nesting by native waterfowl and other birds. Other aquatic wildlife, such as amphibians and turtles, may be similarly affected. The dense roots and stems trap sediments, raising the water table and reducing open waterways, which in turn may diminish the value of managed wetlands and impede water flow.

On this page Skip this page navigation. Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant native to Europe and Asia that was brought to North America in the early 19 th century.

Range Purple loosestrife was first introduced to the Atlantic coast of North America. Flowers have five to seven pink-purple petals arranged along long flower spikes.

Photo: Dave Britton, U. Fish and Wildlife Service European leaf-eating beetle, a natural enemy of purple loosestrife. Photo: David Voegtlin Impacts of purple loosestrife The plant forms dense stands with thick mats of roots that can spread over large areas, degrading habitat for many native birds, insects and other species.

By crowding out native plants it reduces biodiversity. Large stands of purple loosestrife can clog irrigation canals, degrade farmland and reduce the forage value of pastures. Stems are woody and square with opposite or whorled leaves. Stems are woody and square, and each one can form a plant up to 2. Individual flowers have five to seven pink-purple petals about 10 millimetres long, arranged on long flower spikes at the top of stems.

Leaves are opposite or whorled and three to 10 centimetres long, with smooth edges. What you can do Learn how to identify purple loosestrife and other invasive plants.

The best time to remove purple loosestrife from your garden is in June, July and early August when it is in flower. Small areas can be dug by hand.