Swamp Loosestrife
Decodon verticillatus
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © mbirrer (iNaturalist #240747650)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lythraceae
- Genus:
- Decodon
- Species:
- Decodon verticillatus
- USDA Symbol:
- DEVE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Burdock Borer (Papaipema cataphracta), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Hydrangea sphinx (Darapsa versicolor), Pearl Crescent (Eudryas unio), Smeared Dagger Moth (Acronicta oblinita)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens) Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Moths:Pearl Crescent (Eudryas unio), Smeared Dagger Moth (Acronicta oblinita) Butterflies:Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, organic, waterlogged soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; sow on moist soil surface.