Purple Loosestrife!?!?

Question

1. Where/when/why was it introduced?

2. And Where can it be found today?

3. And Where is it from?

Answer 1

go to this web site

Answer 2

It was brought over from Europe and Asia in the beginning of the 19th century as an ornamental plant.  You find it in marshy areas - when you're driving along the highway and you see a mass of tall purple flowers, that's loosestrife.  You also know that area is wet.

Update:  After some reflection and discussion, Raji's answer is more complete and accurate than mine - please refer to her response for a better understanding of this subject.

Answer 3

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was brought over to North America by the western Europeans curing the colonial period. It was NOT intended to be an ornamental plant but rather, was used as a medicinal herb for diarrhea, dysentery, sore throats and as a cleansing wash for wounds. It also is known to stop bleeding and has some anti-bacterial properties.

It is now considered to be a "Noxious Weed" in many parts of America and there is a lot money spent to eradicate it in most farming regions of the nation.

Brightest Blessings,

Raji the Green Witch