Yellow loosestrife
Warning
Contact with this plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
About This Species
Yellow loosestrife is a tall, fast-spreading perennial plant. It was introduced to North America as a garden ornamental from its native range of Europe and has since escaped and become invasive. Yellow loosestrife prefers moist soils, and is typically found in wet roadsides, ditches, along shorelines and wetlands. It spreads through seeds and rhizomes, forming dense clumps that cover large areas, crowding out native plants. These monocultures reduce biodiversity and degrade habitat for waterfowl, wildlife, birds and fish.
How to Identify
Yellow loosestrife is a tall, perennial plant that grows 60-150 cm tall with sturdy, hairy and dotted stems.
Flowers are loose spikes of bright yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer.
Leaves are light green, with serrated edges, and range from 3-10 cm long forming a bushy clump.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
- Yellow loosestrife Factsheet PDF
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Learn about best practices
The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.
PlayCleanGo
Learn about best practices
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
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Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
