Purple Loosestrife

Exotic Plant invades Red River Valley waterways
Eastern North Dakota officials are stepping up their efforts to "weed out" a noxious exotic plant. Purple Loosestrife grows into a tall, attractive plant. The concern is that loosestrife reproduces rapidly, taking over large areas of native vegetation. This exotic plant threatens to change the environment. Loosestrife was introduced into the region when home gardeners began planting the noxious weed in their yards as a "colorful perennial" the past 10-to-15 years. Our recent wet conditions have created the perfect conditions for this invasive weed to thrive and spread all over the southern Red River Basin. Loosestrife spread easily along lakes, sloughs, creeks, streams and rivers, so boaters and mobile anglers should take extra precautions to clean their boats.

Officials in Barnes, Cass, Ransom and Richland counties are using federal grant funds to eliminate Purple loosestrife. The five-year, 85-thousand dollar eradication program will use satellite technology, tillage equipment and chemicals to track and eliminate this noxious weed.

Here are steps homeowners should take to control Purple loosestrife
- Dig up and destroy any loosestrife that is growing on your property.
- Clean your gardening or farming equipment.

Boaters and Fishermen can help control Purple loosestrife
- Remove all vegetation from your boat and trailer.
- clean boat and trailer with hot water, disinfect the bilge and live well.
- Do not dump bait into the lake or river.

For more information on Purple loosestrife, contact your county weed board or local agricultural extension office.