Introduction
 Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an introduced plant originally from Eurasia and Africa.  It was brought over because of its ornamental value.  It is a beautiful plant with purple blossoms.  It has now escaped into the wild and is very difficult to control. 

Environmental Impacts
 Purple loosestrife destroys wetlands by literally shading out any natural vegetation.  It grows vigorously near Nebraska waterways and destroys many animal habitats as well.  Thick infestations of purple loosestrife will reduce the number of birds in the area and muskrats will no longer have a habitat.  On January 1, 2001 purple loosestrife officially became a noxious weed in Nebraska.

Remedial Action
 What is being done to control this weed?  There are some herbicides that can control purple loosestrife.  Roundup and 2,4-D will work but since purple loosestrife grows in close proximity to water extra care must be taken when using herbicides.  Another more long-term option is to use biological controls.  Some insects that feed on purple loosestrife have been introduced to Nebraska and it will take time to see if they will be successful in controlling purple loosestrife.