Slender Loosestrife
(Lythrum gracile)
Slender Loosestrife (Lythrum gracile)
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Alexis López Hernández
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Alexis López Hernández
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Alexis López Hernández | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Alexis López Hernández | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2010-05-11T15:00:53-07:00 |




Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 52" - 62" |
• High Temp. | 73°F - 95°F |
• Low Temp. | 36°F - 57°F |
Summary
Lythrum gracile, commonly known as Slender Loosestrife or Blunt Toothed Loosestrife, is a perennial herb native to Mexico to Guatemala. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and has a clumping form. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and bears small, star-shaped pink flowers in terminal spikes during the summer months. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a delicate, airy display. Slender Loosestrife is valued for its ability to thrive in moist environments and its attractiveness to pollinators.
Slender Loosestrife is often used in rain gardens, water features, and naturalized wetland plantings due to its affinity for wet conditions and its contribution to biodiversity. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade, preferring medium to slow-draining clay or loam soils with consistent moisture. While it is not known for major disease problems, it can spread aggressively by seed and rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be cautious and consult local regulations before planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Slender Loosestrife is often used in rain gardens, water features, and naturalized wetland plantings due to its affinity for wet conditions and its contribution to biodiversity. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade, preferring medium to slow-draining clay or loam soils with consistent moisture. While it is not known for major disease problems, it can spread aggressively by seed and rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be cautious and consult local regulations before planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, and stream banks from Mexico to Guatemala
Other Names
Common Names: Blunt Toothed Loosestrife
Scientific Names: Lythrum gracile , Lythrum acinifolium , Lythrum acinifolium , Lythrum acinifolium , Lythrum acinifolium f. grandifolium , Lythrum acinifolium f. parvifolium , Lythrum gracile , Lythrum maritimum
GBIF Accepted Name: Lythrum gracile