Swamp Loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus)
A.k.a. waterwillow. A true wetland plant, swamp loosestrife is at home in shallow water but adapts to consistently moist soils. Flowers are small but colorful. Forms colonies by re-rooting where stems touch the soil.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet, Wet Mesic
Soil Type: Muck, Peat, Sand
Height: 3’-8’
Bloom Color: Pink-Purple
Bloom Time: July-Sep
Root Type: Fibrous
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Hosts moths such as the hydrangea sphinx and pearly wood nymph. Seeds are eaten by ducks including wood ducks and teals. Muskrats feed on submerged stems.