California loosestrife
Lythrum californicum Torr. & A.Gray
Lythrum californicum, known as California loosestrife, is a perennial herb in the Lythraceae family. It is native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, extending into the Midwest. This species typically grows in moist environments and can reach 20 to 60 cm in height. Its leaves are waxy and range from linear to lance-shaped, arranged oppositely lower on the stem and alternately near the top. The plant produces a terminal spike of purple flowers, each less than a centimeter long, and exhibits heterostyly, with flowers having either long or short styles. The fruit is an oval capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Description
Lythrum californicum is found in Arizona, California, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. The plant's inflorescence is a terminal spike bearing purple petals. Leaves measure 1 to 7 cm in length and are arranged in an opposite pattern on the lower part of the plant and alternate near the top. The species was first described in 1840 by Torr. & A.Gray. It is adapted to moist habitats and is a key member of wetland and riparian plant communities in its native range.
Other common names
California loosestrife
Distribution
Arizona · California · Kansas · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · Mexico Southwest · Nevada · New Mexico · Oklahoma · Texas · Utah
Synonyms
Lythrum parvulumLythrum sanfordiiLythrum breviflorumLythrum alatum var. linearifoliumLythrum linearifoliumLythrum alatum var. breviflorumLythrum album var. linearifolium
