California Loosestrife
Lythrum californicum
Photographed in the foothills of Four Peaks, Maricopa Co., Arizona at Mesquite Wash. Oct 2009.
FLOWERS: Flowers are purple or lavender usually with six petals, six
stamens and six sepals. In the notch between each sepal is a short spur. View an enlarged photo on Flickr.
RANGE: In the Sonoran Desert this plant is found in moist soils in
riparian habitats. Ranges from California to Texas and hence south into Mexico.
LEAVES: Alternately arranged leaves are linear and well distributed along the
stems.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL: Several to many erect, leafy stems from an underground
stolon. Most stems about a meter or a
bit taller. Stem has noticeable ridges running lengthwise.
FRUIT: The many seeded capsule is closely enveloped by the calyx, which
is vertically pleated.
UNARMED