Lythrum alatum.
Winged Loosestrife is a perennial wildflower native to the central and eastern United States where it can often be found growing in freshwater marshes, wet flatwoods and prairies, and alongside roads and ditches.
Plant grows to about 3 feet in height and produces purple flowers on short stalks that bloom from June through September.
Winged Loosestrife is now a threatened and protected species due to the invasive Purple Loosestrife, which is not native to North America and should not be planted.
Winged Loosestrife
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, clay Sow Depth: 1/4 inch Plant Spacing: 3 to 8 feet Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: June through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall on the soil's surface, as these seeds require light to germinate. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before planting. Keep soil moist until germination.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.