ROADWEEDS OF THE UPPER PENINSULA

Purple loosestrife is considered to be one of the nastiest invasive exotics in Michigan.  It invades wetlands and outcompetes the native vegetation leaving sparse pickings for the wildlife that used to live there.  Purple loosestrife has spread from gardens in New England.

The leaf shape and branching pattern help distinguish purple loosestrife from the similar fireweed.  Loosestrife flowers tend to be a darker purple and have tighter flower spikes.

  Return to Purple Flower Page, or to the Michigan Invasive Plant Council home page.

This website is maintained by Bill Cook in cahoots with the Michigan Invasive Plant Council (MIPC).  The MIPC is a loose group of folks (not necessarily a group of loose folks!) working to make information available about invasive plants in Michigan and related issues.  If you have questions or comments about the information on this page, contact Bill. 

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