Saskatchewan Purple Loosestrife Eradication Project

Fall 1996

The Saskatchewan Purple Loosestrife Eradication Project has been developed to address issues surrounding purple loosestrife (Lythrum spp.) within the province of Saskatchewan. Committee members include representatives from each of the following agencies: Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation, and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. In addition, a larger Purple Loosestrife Working Group, consisting of a variety of local and provincial organizations, has direct input into the Purple Loosestrife Action Plan and project implementation.

Project objectives:

to educate a variety of publics about the danger of purple loosestrife;
to inventory purple loosestrife in Saskatchewan (past, present and future);
to establish eradication and control strategies for purple loosestrife in Saskatchewan and to monitor the effectiveness of these efforts;
to stop the sale of purple loosestrife as a garden perennial in Saskatchewan;
to attain noxious weed status of purple loosestrife in Saskatchewan;
to control the future spread of purple loosestrife into Saskatchewan from areas outside the province.

Why should we be concerned?

Purple loosestrife is an introduced European herbaceous perennial that invades native wetland, marsh, pasture and riparian communities. This beautiful, fast growing and aggressive plant has no natural predators or diseases in North America. It quickly shades out competition, is unpalatable to most wildlife, and forms impenetrable pure stands that wildlife can not use. Consequently, our native plant and wildlife species, and their habitats, are at risk!! Purple loosestrife is believed to have arrived in North America in the ballast's of cargo ships, as an introduced herb and garden species, and via imported raw wool and sheep. Since its' introduction in the early 1800s there has been a documented westward expansion of the species range; starting on the Eastern Seaboard and moving inland (Thompson et al. 1987). Purple loosestrife seeds are transported along waterways, irrigation canals, through storm water systems, in the cooling systems of outboard motors, across snow and ice, or even in mud picked up by tires, footwear, and wildlife. Additionally, stems and roots will sprout when cut or trampled. With upwards of 2 million seeds produced per mature plant each year, this plant has the capacity to spread quickly and cause much damage. Furthermore, domestic cultivars of purple loosestrife (Lythrum spp., e.g. Morden Pink, Morden Gleam and Dropmore Purple), once thought to be sterile and therefore to pose no risk, are now known to cross-pollinate and produce viable seeds (Ottenbreit and Staniforth 1994). It is the recommendation of Ottenbreit and Staniforth that the sale of garden cultivars, regardless or parentage, should be prohibited. Indeed, the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and P.E.I. have already included purple loosestrife on their Noxious Weed Acts!

How can you help?

1. In local plantings and flower gardens you can do your part by pulling and burning any purple loosestrife plant, root and seed material. You can help your friends and neighbors do the same. Promote "Loosestrife Free Zones" in your community and become an active part of the solution. 2. Report locations of Saskatchewan wild/urban and rural populations of purple loosestrife by contacting the Saskatchewan Purple Loosestrife Eradication Project. It is important that we learn where these sites are so that the distribution of purple loosestrife, and subsequent changes over time, can be documented. 3. Volunteer on a purple loosestrife eradication field day. Volunteers will be called upon to assist in the digging up of problem purple loosestrife areas. Watch and listen for details in your local media outlets. Alternatively, you can write to the address below to be put on a volunteer list and you will be notified of a field day in your area. 4. Participate in a perennial SWAP program in your area. Plans are under way, to have SWAP programs start up in the spring of 1997. Coupons for safe alternative perennials will be issued for each purple loosestrife plant that is brought to a designated urban depot. Safe alternative plantings include: Lilies (Lilium), Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata), Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), Spiked Gayfeather/Blazing Star (Liatris spicata),Garden Sage (Salvia), and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

For further information please contact:

Saskatchewan Purple Loosestrife Eradication Project
Angela Salzl
c\o I I 5 Perimeter Road Saskatoon, SK
S7N OX4
Tel: 306-975-4101
Fax: 306-975-4089
Toll free: (877)
E-mail: angela.salzl@ec.gc.ca
Web site: www.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca/science/splep/

Literature cited:

Ottenbreit, K. A. and R. J. Staniforth. 1994. Crossability of naturalized and cultivated Lythrum taxa. Can. J. Bot. 72: 337-341. Thompson, D. Q., R. L Stuckey, and E. B. Thompson. 1987. Spread, Impact, and Control of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in North American Wetlands. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Fish Wildl. Res. 2. 55 pp.