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NOXIOUS
WEED CONTROL AUTHORITY
3015 Menke Circle
Omaha, NE. 68134
(402) 444-4583
Purple
Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria L. & Lythrum virgatum L.)
Life Span: Perennial
Origin : Eurasia and Africa
Reproduction: Rhizomes and Seeds
Other Names:Purple Lythrum, Spiked Loosestrife,
Robert's Lythrum
Scattered accross Nebraska in marshes, along rivers, ditches,
and
wet meadows. The largest infestations are along the Platte River
in Central Nebraska, and along the Missouri River above Gavins
Point Dam. Other infestations can be found along the Niobrara
River and in ornamental settings.
Click on Picture for a Larger View
Purple Loosestrife is rapidly and aggressively spreading and has been
placed on the Noxious Weed
List in some north central states. Several varieties have been developed
which can cross with wild
types and produce viable seed. It is extremely difficult to control, and
concentrated efforts should be
made to keep it from spreading.
DOUGLAS COUNTY INFESTATIONS
In Douglas County, infestations can be found along the Platte
River, Lake Zorinsky, Carter Lake, and
most importantly in ornamental settings. The concern with the ornamental
plants is that they can be
viable and spread just as easily as wild varieties. Because Purple Loosestrife
is such a prolific seed
producer (up to 2 million seeds per plant), it can spread very fast in
an aquatic or wetland setting
(including small streams and drainage ditches).
Douglas County Weed Control will be contacting and working with property
owners that have "Wild"
infestations. Together, we will work on a strategy to eliminate, or reduce
the infestations by use of
mechanical (digging), chemical (herbicides), or biological (insects) controls.
Each strategy will depend
on infestation size and the sensitivity (environment) of the infested
site. If you have an infestation, or
know of one, please contact our office, so we can help you control that
area.
Douglas
Co. Infestation Pictures
CONTROL
METHODS
For a more detailed description of Purple Loosestrife,
check out the Nebraska Weed Control Association
Website.
For more information on Purple Loosestrife in Douglas County,
please call 444-4583 or email DCNWC.