::trixxie17

gallery

This is an image from my recent prairie visit. Although the purple variety of loosestrife is considered an invasive pest and is rapidly dug up when found in the prairie, the pink one is more rare and is welcomed when found occasionally. It is smaller and more delicate than the purple which is seen in abundance at this time of the year. Here's some info from Wikipedia on these plants: "Lythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world,commonly known as loosestrife. 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."