History of Purple Loosestrife
In the early 1800's purple loosestrife came to North America from Europe. It is believed that it arrived as seeds in the soil that was shoveled into the ships for stability as they crossed the ocean.
Almost 120 years went by before the plant started to cause problems.
In the 1920's many garden clubs in Minnesota planted the purple loosestrife plant in the wetland areas to make them more pretty. The purple flowers "beautified" these areas.
Purple loosestrife moved across the U.S. and Canada by means of constructing highways because the soil disturbance allowed for the seeds to get into ditches or canals.
This plant multiplies quickly and it soon became a topic concern and classified as a noxious weed.
Almost 120 years went by before the plant started to cause problems.
In the 1920's many garden clubs in Minnesota planted the purple loosestrife plant in the wetland areas to make them more pretty. The purple flowers "beautified" these areas.
Purple loosestrife moved across the U.S. and Canada by means of constructing highways because the soil disturbance allowed for the seeds to get into ditches or canals.
This plant multiplies quickly and it soon became a topic concern and classified as a noxious weed.