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Swamp-loosestrife

Decodon verticillatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Swamp-loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp-loosestrife as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

36"–120" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains

Swamp-loosestrife is a native wetland shrub that produces clusters of bright magenta flowers from July through September. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can form dense colonies over time through its sprawling, vine-like growth habit.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp-loosestrife takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet conditions
  • Sprawling vine-like growth looks uncontrolled
  • Can spread aggressively to form colonies

Wildlife value

The showy magenta flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the late summer blooming period. Dense growth provides good cover for wildlife in wetland areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp-loosestrife need?
Swamp-loosestrife grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Swamp-loosestrife bloom?
Swamp-loosestrife blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Swamp-loosestrife native?
Swamp-loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Swamp-loosestrife toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp-loosestrife as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Swamp-loosestrife attract?
Swamp-loosestrife draws bees and butterflies.
Is Swamp-loosestrife HOA-friendly?
Swamp-loosestrife takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Swamp-loosestrife? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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