Decodon verticillatus
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.
What is Swamp Loosestrife?
Physical Characteristics
- Small
- Shrub-like
Leaves:
- Opposite
- Whorls of 3
- Short leaf stalks
- Sword-shaped
- Pointed at tip
- Up to 6 inches long
- Up to 2 inches wide
Flowers:
- Short stalks
- Purple or pink in color
- 5-7 petals
- About 1 inch across
- Cluster at leaf axils
Stem:
- Woody lower stem
- Herbal upper stem
Where Does it Grow?
Swamp loosestrife can be found in swamps and along the banks of ponds and streams.
Pros and Cons of Swamp Loosestrife
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.