PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (LYTHRUM SALICARIA)

Hardy Perennial. Hairy plant, growing to about 2 m (6.6 ft). Tall stem with many small leaves and small purple-red starry flowers along stem. Very striking plant. Name comes from the Greek "inthron", meaning blood (referring to the colour of the flowers). Name may also come from the Greek "lythrum" meaning gore and may refer to the plant's ability to stop bleeding. Also known as Red Sally and Long Purples.

Popular with butterflies and bees. The caterpillars of the Emperor and Small Elephant Hawk Moths feed on the leaves. Also food plant of the Powdered Quake moth. A mature plant can have as many as 30 flowering stems producing 2 - 3 million seeds per annum.

The plant's high tannin content led to it being used as an alternative to oak bark for tanning leather. It also makes a strong anti-bacterial and is useful in cases of diarrhoea and mild food poisoning. It also stops bleeding and is alleged to brighten eyes, preserve eyesight and sooth sore eyes.. Used to treat cholera in the nineteenth century. Red dye obtained from the flowers has been used in sweets. Tannin from the roots is used to preserve fishing nets in some countries. The whole plant can be made into a gargle for sore throat. Medieval herbalists believed the plant to be good for external bleeding, bad menstruation and nosebleeds. It has been used to sooth ill-behaved animals and for repelling flies and gnats. Makes an ointment for ulcers and sores.

Best in boggy ground, so ideal for beside a pond. Will also grow in shallow water. Plant out in spring or autumn. Flowers June to September, water well in dry weather. Cut down to ground level in autumn.

Young plants are prone to slugs - clear away any debris which could provide hiding places for slugs. Pick them off on mild, damp evenings.

Divide clumps in autumn or spring if necessary.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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