Purple Loosestrife is a wetland plant native to Europe and Asia where native insects and diseases have kept it in check.  Introduced to North America in the 1800s as a garden plant, purple loosestrife has since spread to wild areas and degraded habitat for native plants and animals.

Unfortunately, we have found  Purple Loosestrife along Long Pond's shoreline. This plant is characterized by 4- or 6-sided stems, a woody base, long narrow leaves with smooth edges and purple flowers which bloom on the Cape in July.  If you see any on your shoreline, please contact us.  We have received specific instructions from the Barnstable Conservation Department about how to remove and dispose of Purple Loosestrife.