Lythrum salicaria, L.

1. L. salicaria L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 446 (1753) View Cited Treatment

(inch L. intermedium Colla ).

Erect perennial 50-150 cm, subglabrous to densely greypubescent. Stem with 4 or more raised lines, sparingly branched. Leaves mostly opposite or in whorls of 3 (but the upper ones sometimes alternate), ovate to lanceolate-oblong, acute, sessile, truncate and semi-amplexicaul at base. Flowers trimorphic, in whorl-like cymes in the axils of small bracts, forming long, terminal spikes. Hypanthium 4-5 x 1-5-2 mm, broadly tubular; epicalyx-segments 2-5-3 mm, subulate, longer and narrower than the deltate sepals. Petals c. 10 mm, reddish-purple. Stamens 12, some or all exserted. Capsule 3-4 mm, ovoid. 2« = 60. Fens, riversides and other damp places. Almost throughout Europe except the extreme north. All except Az BI Cr Fa Is Sb.