Loosestrife was introduced to the United States from Europe in the 1800's as a medicinal and ornamental plant, explains the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). The problem is: This aggressive plant spreads rapidly and displaces other native plants, posing a risk to wildlife that depends on them.
You can find loosestrife growing along roadsides, in ditches and in marshy areas throughout Maine. It may be tempting to add them to your backyard, but it is not recommended. This plant spreads at a rate of a foot a year and self seeds readily. One plant can produce up to 30 flowering spikes and produce an amazing 3 million seeds each year, says NRCM.
If you enjoy the beauty of loosestrife, go ahead and have fun photographing this beauty, but resist the urge to transplant them into your backyard.
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