Loosestrife is the common name of certain flowering plants in either the primrose family or the loosestrife family. Common species in the primrose family include garden loosestrife and moneywort. Garden loosestrife has sword-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. Moneywort, also called creeping Charlie and creeping Jennie, grows as a creeping vine that bears bright yellow blossoms. Both species are native to Europe and Asia and are grown in the United States.
Purple loosestrife is a common species in the loosestrife family. It is a tall plant with purple or reddish flowers. It spreads rapidly and is a troublesome weed in the northeastern and north-central parts of the United States. In some states, it is illegal to plant or sell purple loosestrife.
