Lythrum salicaria 'Purple Loosestrife'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Lythraceae: upright downy perennial to 1.5m. Found growing in damp habitats such as river banks and fens. The flowers are reddish purple, and form tall spikes from June-August. The leaves are narrow and unstalked. Widespread and locally common, except in the north of the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, south to North Africa east to western and northern Asia. North America.

USES:

The leaves can be cooked and eaten, they are said to be rich in calcium. The root can also be cooked. An edible dye is obtained from the flowers.

Purple loosestrife is an astringent herb that is mainly employed as a treatment for diarrhoea and dysentery. It can be safely taken by people of all ages and has been used to help arrest diarrhoea in breast-feeding babies. It can also be used to treat heavy periods and inter-menstrual bleeding. Modern research has shown the whole plant to be antibiotic and to be particularly effective against the micro-organism that causes typhus.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in the autumn or the spring in a cold frame, and when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it could be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ in the autumn or the spring.

Lythrum salicaria is also a very good bee plant. 

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 1500+ SEEDS