Lythrum alatum

Sizes available: HPP quart

Basics: zones 3-8, 3-5' x 2-3', full sun, the blooms are rosy, pink-purple with a slightly crinkled and papery texture and occur in the summer, wants moist to wet soils, but is not particular as to soil type

Common names: Winged Loosestrife

Family: Lythraceae

Origin/Distribution: Ontario and the central and eastern United States all the way south to most of Florida. Native but uncommon in Maine. This is the northernmost point of its range and may be why some sources classify it as a sub-shrub and some a perennial. Perhaps in warmer climates it does not die back to the crown. In Maine, it will die back to the crown and put on a significant amount of growth in a single year. It certainly looks like a small shrub.

This plant is listed as endangered in Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania

Habitat: sunny marsh, wet meadow or field, shoreside, really any wet edge with good light

More: This is NOT Lythrum salicaria, Purple Loosestrife, which is a non-native invasive in Maine. Lythrum alatum has a smaller flower and a winged stem. 

Some of the numerous insects that visit Winged Loosestrife: long-tongued bees, green metallic bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Hummingbirds also love the nectar. 

Nursery: Landscape plugs from Pizzo Native Plant Nursery

Image credits: Frank Meuschke from Shelterwood Gardens