Lythrum junceum
Synonyms: Lythrum graefferi, Lythrum monanthum
Common names: creeping loosestrife, rose loosestrife
Lythrum junceum (creeping loosestrife) is a perennial herb with spikes of attractive purple flowers that is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is associated with freshwater wetlands and riparian habitat. Outside of its native range, it has been found in Australia and New Zealand and occurs in the Azores and Madeira Islands, where it has unclear native status. It can be locally abundant in its introduced range. Little is known to date about its impacts, though it spreads easily both by seed and rhizomes and has a vigorous growth habit. Lythrum junceum was first found and collected in California in 1905 but misidentified until recently; it may, therefore, be under-reported in the state. This species can be differentiated from other Lythrum species by its solitary flowers in leaf axils, white petal bases, rose spots on its hypanthium, and tristylous flowers with 12 stamens each. It has a sprawling, mounding habit and angular stems.
Cal-IPC Rating: Watch
CDFA Rating: None?
Assessment(s)
Plant Risk Assessment
Weed Management Notes
No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles
- Inventory Update 2022. Burger, Jutta. Vol 30, Issue 1
Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations
Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.
- Weed alerts and other invasive plant highlights for 2020. Burger, Jutta; Price, Robert (2020)
Other Lythrum junceum Information
- CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
- Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
- GBIF - Global distribution information.
- The Plant List - Global taxonomic resource and collaborative clearinghouse from Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Missouri Botanic Garden and others.
Additional photos
