Please check your property for purple loosestrife.
Since not everyone lives at the lake full time, please check your neighbors’ shoreline for this highly invasive plant too. And if you are paddling around the lake and see a loosestrife plant, please pull it. Each plant that flowers and is allowed to go to seed can produce up to 2 million seeds which stay viable for several years.
Try to dig it out by the roots, removing as much of the root system as possible. Broken roots left in the water can sprout new plants. If pulling is difficult or not possible, cut off flower spikes to prevent seeding and future spread. Put all plant pieces in a plastic bag, seal and dispose of it.
Please be aware that there are some beneficial native plants that are often mistaken for purple loosestrife. They include:
Proper identification is important! Here is what to look for:
Size: Can be anywhere between 4 to 8 feet when in bloom
Habit: Tall, erect, very well branched at the top holding numerous flower spikes
Flowers: Bright purple to pink spikes
Stems: Square, downy or fuzzy, if you roll the stems between your fingers, you can feel the edges
Leaves: Long, narrow with pointed tips, smooth edges. Leaves are joined directly to the plant stems with no leaf stalks
Informational Brochures
