Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife: M, N, P, Jun-Aug

NATIVE PERENNIAL WILDFLOWER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). Prefers wet or damp, non-acidic soil, but will survive well in moisture-retentive soil. It is hardy to zone 3. It is in flower from June to August. Garden-worthy with spectacular crimson flower spikes. Leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, being rich in calcium. Modern research has shown the whole plant to be antibiotic and particularly effective against the micro-organism that causes typhus. It can be taken by people of all ages and has been used to help arrest diarrhoea in breast-feeding babies. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, flies. Produces POLLEN & NECTAR. It is noted for attracting wildlife. SEEDS 1g/£1.55.