Lythrum alatum, commonly known as Winged Loosestrife, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, marshes, streambanks, and moist prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This elegant plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along square, winged stems—hence the name "winged" loosestrife. From mid to late summer, it produces slender spikes of small, star-shaped, magenta to pinkish-purple flowers in the leaf axils. Despite its visual similarity to the invasive Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Lythrum alatum is non-invasive and plays a positive role in native ecosystems.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lythrum alatum is a graceful, pollinator-friendly option for wetland edges and moist wildflower gardens. It supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while contributing subtle color and vertical texture to late-summer plantings. It pairs beautifully with Blue Vervain, Marsh Blazingstar, and Swamp Milkweed in vibrant, ecologically rich settings.
Lythrum alatum, commonly known as Winged Loosestrife, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, marshes, streambanks, and moist prairies throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This elegant plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along square, winged stems—hence the name "winged" loosestrife. From mid to late summer, it produces slender spikes of small, star-shaped, magenta to pinkish-purple flowers in the leaf axils. Despite its visual similarity to the invasive Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Lythrum alatum is non-invasive and plays a positive role in native ecosystems.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lythrum alatum is a graceful, pollinator-friendly option for wetland edges and moist wildflower gardens. It supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while contributing subtle color and vertical texture to late-summer plantings. It pairs beautifully with Blue Vervain, Marsh Blazingstar, and Swamp Milkweed in vibrant, ecologically rich settings.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: areas along rivers and drainage ditches; borders of lakes and ponds; fens; marshes; moist black soil prairies; narrow-lying ground along railroads
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (up to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: poorly drained and high in organic matter
