Purple Loosestrife

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Purple loosestrife is a wetland invasive plant with a very effective biological control method, Galerucella beetles, which eat the leaves and can keep flowers from forming.

Numerous smaller populations of purple loosestrife were identified in the chain in 2012 by volunteers and NLDC staff, however no new large infestations were found. Control methods were employed at both new and old sites. The NLDC and dedicated volunteers cut flower heads to slow the spread through seeds; and raised and released bio-control beetles in larger established infestations.