Lythrum Salicaria is also known as purple loosestrife, spiked loosestrife, or wand loosestrife. These synonyms refer to a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species. Purple loosestrife has long spikes of magenta flowers and can grow up to six feet tall. It has a long history of medicinal use for treating a variety of ailments such as dysentery and diarrhea. However, purple loosestrife is also a threat to wetland habitats and can outcompete native species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.