It invades open ground, meadows, fields, prairies, roadsides and woodlands crowding out native species. Birds spread the seed far from its original plantings. It is difficult to control once established. It thrives in the tallgrass prairies in the Midwest where it can form dense mats choking out most native vegetation. Herbicides containing MCPA and clopyralid provide effective control when applied as a foliar spray.
Extensive stands replace native vegetation reducing the food and shelter for wildlife.
Loosestrife has been declared a noxious weed in several states however cultivars of L. salicaria and L. virgatum are widely available. Hand pull individual plants however large populations are extremely difficult to control. Soil disturbance through digging may enhance its spread. Spot treatments of a glyphosate herbicide are also effective. It is invasive throughout the warmer, drier areas from Texas and Florida to Canada where it has replaced diverse native herbaceous communities, especially in the remnant prairies of the Midwest.