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Description
Lythrum Tribracteatum, also known as Three-bracted Loosestrife, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lythraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It is known for its showy purple flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Lythrum |
Appearance
Lythrum Tribracteatum has a height of 1-3 feet and a spread of 1-2 feet. It has narrow lance-shaped leaves that are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The leaves are dark green and have a smooth texture. The stem of the plant is square-shaped and reddish-green in color. The plant produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers that are arranged in spikes at the end of the stem. Each flower has six petals and a yellow center. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Lythrum Tribracteatum requires consistent moisture and grows best in wet soil. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade but prefers full sun. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 3-9.Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers wet soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.Sunlight: The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade but prefers full sun.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lythrum Tribracteatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew and rust. These can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Lythrum Tribracteatum is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lythrum Tribracteatum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Lythrum Tribracteatum an invasive species?
A: No, it is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Does Lythrum Tribracteatum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Lythrum Tribracteatum be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Lythrum Salicaria
- Lythrum Alatum
- Lythrum Portula
- Lythrum Hyssopifolium
References
- “Lythrum Tribracteatum” Missouri Botanical Garden
- “Three-bracted Loosestrife” Illinois Wildflowers
- “Lythrum Tribracteatum” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
