When the right disturbance occurs, loosestrife can spread rapidly, eventually taking over the entire wetland. Purple loosestrife displaces native wetland vegetation and degrades wildlife habitat. As native vegetation is displaced, rare plants are often the first species to disappear. Eventually, purple loosestrife can overrun wetlands thousands of acres in size, and almost entirely eliminate the open water habitat. The plant can also be detrimental to recreation by choking waterways.
Prevention is the best way to control the spread of purple loosestrife.
Find pioneering plants or isolated small colonies, especially in areas otherwise free of loosestrife. Plants are most easily located when flowering. It is believed that once flowering has begun, viable seed could be produced. Remove pioneering plants immediately, taking care not to leave stems or cuttings that can resprout or disperse viable seed. Follow-up is critical for all loosestrife control methods.