Lythrum californicum      T. & G.   Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)   Native   California Loosestrife

                                           July Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Slender annual herb with angled stems, erect, somewhat woody at base, 5-18 dm. high, pale green, glabrous; lvs. linear to linear-oblong, 1-3 cm. long, entire; petals 6, purple, 4-6 mm. long; fls. short-pedicelled; fl. tube 5-6 mm. long, cylindric, 8-12 ribbed; sepals 6 with as many intervening appendages; petals 6, fls. short-pedicelled; petals purple, 4-6 mm. long; seeds linear-lanceolate, ca. 1 mm. long, 0.5 mm. broad.

Habitat:  Moist places, below 6000 ft.; many Plant Communities, cismontane, n. to cent. Calif.; occasional on deserts and s. to L. Calif.  April-Oct.

Name:  Greek, lytron, a name used by Dioscorides for L. salicaria.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 561).  Californicum, indicates that the first of this species was found in California.  (Dale 13).

General:  Rare in the study area.  Found only in the moist area below the horse and bike trail in Santa Ana Heights, approx. one-eighth mile from Jamboree Rd.  (my comments).      L. salicaria, has been used a mucilage, astringent and demulcent. (Meyer 75).      About 30 species widely distributed.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 561).       Invasive, but especially good for stabilizing or restoring disturbed or degraded areas, for erosion and slope control, for wildlife food or cover, etc.  (Hickman, Ed. 746).

Text Ref:  Abrams Vol. III 167; Hickman, Ed. 746; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 561; Roberts 28.

Photo Ref:  June-July 87 # 15,16,17,18.

Identity: by John Johnson.

First Found:  July 1987.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 326.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 12/26/04.  

                     July Photo                                              July Photo