One area that will need our vigilance again is with a plant known as Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) New plants were identified during the Phragmites treatment and removed from the NW and the SW corner of Beaver Island. These plants bloom July-September., reach 3-7 feet in height, and have 1-50 stems.
The best defense against this newest invader is to monitor all wetland sites and remove young plants promptly. One plant can produce millions of seeds so care must be taken to prevent spread, such as bagging all plant material. More information and photos can be found with the USDA online at plants.usda.gov or at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/pp/. CMU will be happy to assist with plant identification.
