***NY- Introduced***

    Purple Loosestrife is the bane of many a wetland manager in New York.  This introduced species has invaded and taken over wetlands to the point that  nothing else grows in them.  Purple Loosestrife is a semi-aquatic plant that grows in thick, expanding mats that choke out competing vegetation.  It's a pretty plant, growing 3-4' tall and with a large spike of vibrant purple flowers, so it is difficult to drum up public support to eradicate it.  Loosestrife is harmful because not only does it outgrow other native plants, it provides little, if any, benefit to native wildlife.  Purple Loosestrife has proved difficult to control because seeds stay dormant in the muck for as many as ten years and when pulled, the fibrous roots break easily and form a new adult plant.  Current management plans center around introducing beetles and weevils that are specific predators to this plant.  Hopefully they will be able to keep it in check.