Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Thursday - May 12, 2005

From: Belfast, ME
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Invasiveness of non-native gooseneck yellow loosetrife in Maine
Answered by: Damon Waitt

QUESTION:

I live in Maine, and purple loosestrife is invading our habitat. It outcompetes native species. Does gooseneck loosestrife have the same damaging qualities?

ANSWER:

According to USDA Plants, gooseneck yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides Duby) is an ornamental perennial from Asia and is introduced to the Continental US. According to this source, this species does not appear to be currently listed as an invasive or noxious weed. That said, absence of information about invasiveness is not proof that it is not or won't become invasive. In some cases invasive ability is shared by related species or genera. However, relatedness among species or genera is not a good predictor alone.

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Thursday - May 12, 2005

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