There are a number of invasive plant species in the Central Kootenay.
Download our most recent priority list here (PDF - 44KB)

For more detailed information on the biology, distribution, and management strategy for each species in our region, please see the Invasive Plant Profiles

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Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is extremely beautiful, with its vibrant purple flowers perched on a tall stem. However, it is an aggressive, highly invasive non-native invader. Originally planted in gardens, this species has infested wetlands throughout North America. It crowds out native vegetation, impacting native plants, amphibians, birds, and other wetland species. This species is estimated to be spreading at a rate of 115,000 hectares per year in the United States, destroying valuable wetlands.

Each plant is capable of producing up to 2.5 million seeds that can be dispersed by wind, water, wildlife, and humans. Plants can also reproduce from root fragments. Originally planted as a garden species, purple loosestrife is found in the Central Kootenays on the north shore of Nelson, Fauquier, Shoreacres area, Castlegar near Selkirk College and a wetland near the Meldeanna Trail.

The best way to identify purple loosestrife is by its square stems (roll it in your fingers) and opposite leaves. If you have purple loosestrife in your garden, remove it immediately. Pull or dig the plants out being sure to get all the root fragments so new plants can't resprout. For large patches, there is a relatively effective biocontrol agent, Galerucella calmariensis, that has been released on purple loosestrife at four-mile near Nelson. For more information on biocontrol, see this web page from the University of Wisconsin. For other control options, see website link below.

Additional Information:
www.weedsbc.ca/pdf/purple_loosestri ...

Invasive Plant Profile:
Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria - 711 KB

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