Lythrum californicum – “California Loosestrife”

Also Known As: Common Loosestrife
Family: Loosestrife (Lythraceae)
Bloom Period: May-Oct
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Moist places such as seeps and streams
Leaves: Linear to linear-lanceolate; opposite on lower plant, alternate on upper part
Translation: “Lythrum” is Greek for “blood,” which might refer to the color of the flowers or to its reputed ability to stop bleeding, presumably when applied topically; “californicum” simply means “Californian.”
Native American Uses: The Kawaiisu used the plant for washing hair.
Animal Associations: Nectar source for butterflies, including the Field Crescent butterfly.