While we admire our ancestors for their tenacity and understand their desires, we are justified in wishing they had left the loosestrife in the homeland. Purple loosestrife is capable of producing over 2 million seeds per year that are easily transported through water bodies. Upon reaching land, the seeds germinate quickly and compete with the native plants. Once established, the purple loosestrife chokes out the native vegetation. Unlike native vegetation, purple loosestrifedoes not provide shelter and food for wildlife.
Purple loosestrife is a noxious weed in Alberta and Manitoba.
He adds that a number of agencies are working to inform home owners of the nature of the plant and encourage them to rid their gardens of it. The cultivars sold by nurseries to gardeners are supposed to produce only sterile seed. However, there is some evidence that the cultivars can cross pollinate with the wild plants and produce viable seeds. Again, the City of Regina is doing its part by eliminating the plant from its flower beds. 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.