There the larvae feed extensively on the root tissue, weakening the plant from within. The adult weevils also feed on the newly formed purple loosestrife leaves. The introduction of these insects on purple loosestrife on the Winchester wasteway is beginning to pay dividends. Observers reported that the plants appeared dead or dying and looked as if they had been sprayed with herbicides. Neither fireweed or hardhack have square stems.
Purple loosestrife has vivid purple-pink flowers and blooms in summer and early fall.
The stems are generally square. The leaves are usually oppositely arranged and are lance-shaped. Please report sightings of purple loosestrife to your county or district weed board.