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The wetlands of western Canada are facing a serious threat – damage caused by the spread of an invasive plant, purple loosestrife.
In the wild, purple loosestrife (also called Lythrum) invades and destroys habitat along rivers, streams, lakes, ditches and wetlands. It creates a dense purple landscape that chokes out native plants and deters wildlife.
Purple loosestrife is not native to Canada. In fact, it was introduced from Europe. Purple loosestrife planted in gardens and yards produce seeds that invade the wetland areas. To help stop this noxious weed, you are encouraged to remove and destroy existing Lythrum plants. Common garden varieties of Lythrum include Dropmore Purple, Morden Pink, Morden Gleam and Morden Rose. The sale of Lythrum varieties is prohibited in some provinces, including Manitoba.
