Fauna
Plant

Swamp Loosestrife

Decodon verticillatus

Also known as Waterwillow, Water Willow, Hairy Swamp Loosestrife

Swamp loosestrife is an arching wetland perennial that forms thickets along marsh borders, pond edges, and sluggish streams across eastern North America. Its woody stems develop soft, spongy floating tissue near the waterline, rooting wherever the tips dip back into shallow water. In late summer, clusters of rich pink to purple flowers bloom in the upper leaf axils, providing an abundant nectar source for native bumblebees and butterflies.

WetlandFloweringNative
Swamp Loosestrife reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Muskrats
  • Waterfowl
  • Beavers
ThreatsWetland drainage and competition from non-native purple loosestrife
HabitatsMarshes, bogs, swamp borders, quiet lake shores
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. OrderMyrtales
  2. FamilyLythraceae
  3. GenusDecodon
  4. SpeciesDecodon verticillatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Habitat timing: Search sunny lake margins and bog edges from midsummer to early autumn for peak blooming.
  • Stem inspection: Look at the submerged stem bases to spot the swollen, corky white tissue that aids flotation.
  • Wildlife watching: Scan dense thickets for nesting songbirds and roosting dragonflies.
Related species
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