Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Créachtach Family: Lythraceae Flowering time: June-September. Perennial. Native. Whorls of red-purple flowers in tall spikes. Leaves oval-lanceolate, untoothed, pointed, often turning orange or red in autumn. Stiff erect stems. 60-100cm. Found in damp meadows, by streams and rivers, also on damp roadsides. Abundant thoughout western Ireland, frequent in E Ire. Related: Water-purslane, L. portula

     
Above: Purple-loosestrife. Curragh Chase, Co.Limerick. August 2008