Winged Lythrum
(Lythrum lanceolatum)
Winged Lythrum (Lythrum lanceolatum)
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jimduggan24
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CC BY 2.0
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Photo by: jimduggan24 | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: jimduggan24 | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lythrum lanceolatum, commonly known as Winged Lythrum, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including wet woods, marshes, prairies, and scrublands, predominantly in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), featuring a bushy form with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The plant is notable for its purple flowers that bloom in elongated spikes from late spring through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Winged Lythrum is valued for its extended flowering period and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. It is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, and as a border plant in water-wise landscaping. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires medium to high amounts of water, thriving in moist to wet soils with poor to moderate drainage. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive in some areas, outcompeting native species.CC BY-SA 4.0
Winged Lythrum is valued for its extended flowering period and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. It is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, and as a border plant in water-wise landscaping. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires medium to high amounts of water, thriving in moist to wet soils with poor to moderate drainage. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive in some areas, outcompeting native species.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Wet woods, marshes, prairies, and scrublands in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum, Lythrum alatum subsp. lanceolatum, Lythrum lanceolatum, Lythrum hyssopifolia var. virgultosum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lythrum alatum subsp. lanceolatum (Elliott) A.Haines