Lythrum
Sign in to saveLythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world. Commonly known as loosestrife (a name they share with Lysimachia, which are not closely related), they are among 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.
Taxonomy · GBIF
GENUS
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderMyrtales
- FamilyLythraceae
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Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Image
- Illustration Lythrum salicaria0.jpg
Show 3 more facts
- P105
- genus
- P910
- Category:Lythrum
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Article
8 sectionsContents
- Description
- Selected species
- Formerly placed here
- Morphology
- Ecology
- As a noxious weed in the United States
- Fossil record
- References
Lythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world. Commonly known as loosestrife (a name they share with Lysimachia, which are not closely related), they are among 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.
==Description== They are herbaceous annuals or perennials. Typically they have square stems, narrow stalkless leaves, and spikes of star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink and white. They are especially associated with boggy areas, river banks and ponds, though in cultivation they often tolerate drier conditions. The species L. salicaria (purple loosestrife) and L. virgatum are found in cultivation.