Wand Loosestrife
Lythrum virgatum
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Wand loosestrife is difficult to distinguish from purple loosestrife and it too has the potential to invade and spread within wetlands.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Wand loosestrife is similar to purple purple loosestrife but is smaller, hairless and smooth (glabrous) with narrower leaves and flowers are mostly paired or clustered in leafy, open flower clusters (racemes).
Leaves
Leaves are hairless, oppositely arranged (sometimes alternately), narrowly lance-shape to linear lance-shape with tapered bases. Leaf length: 1.2 to 5.1 inches; leaf width: by .1 to 1.6 inches.
Flowers
Flower clusters 5.1 to 9.8 inches long, at stem ends (terminal). Flowers in 1-3 (up to 7) flowered sub-groups (axillary cymes) that are single or in sparse whorls. Narrow bracts are throughout flower cluster. Flower petals purple to pink.
Fruit & Seeds
no info provided
Impact
Wand loosestrife is difficult to distinguish from purple loosestrife and it too has the potential to invade and spread within wetlands. It is listed on the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s prohibited plants list (quarantine list).
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
It grows in home gardens, wetlands and other damp places that purple loosestrife can grow. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and light exposures. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of wand loosestrife in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Wand loosestrife can reproduce from seed and vegetatively from cut segments.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Small plants and seedlings can be dug out.