Serge, being his usual mischeivous self ;-), wrote:

> I gather there is a native species of Loosestrife (sorry, no latine name
> here).
>
> Is it common ?
>
> Is it easy to tell from the "invader" _Lythrum salicaria_ ?

As far as I and Urban Horticulture are aware the only species of loosetrife
at Montlake is of the purple variety. I have no idea of the distribution of
any native species - there may be some native stuff, but given that the site
is artificial, it is reasonable, though maybe not safe, that the overwhelming
majority of the plants are of the invader species.

The ponds are being choked by the loosetrife and the objective is to preserve
them as a habitat for birds and other creatures. Whether the loosetrife
involved is an invader or a native species, in a sense, makes no difference.

Stuart
---
#import "StandardDisclaimer.h";

Stuart MacKay McCaw Cellular Communications
Consultant Developer Oakhurst Building
Axys V3 14335 NE 24th St.
ph. (206) 702-5151 Bellevue, WA
fax (206) 702-5451 98007

stuart.mackay at mccaw.com
__________________________________________________________