Answer to January's
Horticulture Challenge

Do you recognize this invasive plant?

ANSWER: The plant is Purple Loosestrife -  Lythrum salicaria
Purple Loosestrife is a flowering plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. It should not be confused with other plants sharing the name loosestrife that are members of the family Primulaceae.Purple loosestrife is typically found invading lakeshores, wetlands, ponds, and wet pastures and ditches. In July-September, its magenta flowers eventually will dispers up to 2.5 million pepper-sized seeds.It is a Class B noxious weed in King County, and control is required. This species is also on the Washington quarantine list (known as the prohibited plants list).You are requested to notify the King County Noxious Weed Control Program if you see purple loosestrife growing anywhere in King County.

SOURCES: National Invasive Species Information Center, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; King County, Noxious Weed Control; Invasive Species Centre - Canada