Both Saigeon and Juras urge anyone who spots the plant near a water body to contact their nearest Rural Service Centre or Ducks Unlimited office. The plant is easily recognized by its long, pink flowers and tongue shaped leaves that are attached to a tall, erect, square stem. At this time, as there are no herbicides registered for purple loosestrife control, the most effective method of control is to pull the weed by hand. An invasion of purple loosestrife does not have a direct impact on cultivated land. However, as members of the SSCA, we should all be aware of those plant species that inhibit the diversity of species in a given ecosystem.
Purple loosestrife can ruin our wetlands.
If you discover a plant that looks suspicious along your pasture's creek bed or in the coulee, report it as soon as possible. For more information on purple loosestrife, contact your local DU office.