Lythrum californicum Torr. & A.Gray

Taxonomy and Common Name

Lythrum californicum is a species of flowering plant in the loosestrife family, commonly known as California loosestrife.

Distribution Range

It is native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, extending east through the Midwest as far as Oklahoma and Texas.

Habitat

It most often grows in moist habitats.

Growth Form and Size

This is an erect perennial herb that grows 20 to 60 cm (7.9 to 23.6 in) tall, and sometimes produces branches.

Leaf Characteristics

Its waxy leaves range from linear to lance-shaped in form; they are arranged oppositely on the lower part of the plant, and alternately toward the top.

Leaf Size

Leaves measure 1 to 7 cm (0.39 to 2.76 in) in length.

Inflorescence and Flower Petals

The inflorescence is a terminal spike of flowers with purple petals that are under one centimeter long.

Flower Heterostyly

Flowers on an individual plant are heterostylous: some flowers have long, protruding styles, while other flowers have shorter styles that do not protrude from the mouth of the flower.

Fruit and Seeds

The fruit is an oval capsule that holds many minute seeds.

Species Comparison

This plant resembles its relative, the well-known noxious weed purple loosestrife, but California loosestrife is usually not weedy.