Purple loosestrife

Native of Holland. The “Purple Loosestrife or Spiked Loosestrife ” is a tall perennial plant, that grows best in marshy to almost dry soil. A nutrient-rich moist soil is therefore important. The numerous flower spikes on the stem are a beautiful pink color and very striking. Besides being a host plant the Loosestrife is an excellent nectar plant for the large copper butterfly (Lycaena dispar), which is also relatively rare in the Netherlands. Sometimes dormant, so seed germination can take a long time!