Lythrum junceum

Family: Lythraceae · Type: perennial

Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes

Lythrum junceum is a naturalized perennial herb found in freshwater wetlands, lake margins, and seasonal pools at elevations below 600 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces bright purplish-red flowers with white bases, approximately 5 to 6 millimeters long, set against a backdrop of glaucous leaves. Growing 2 to 7 decimeters tall with sprawling, laxly ascending stems that often branch from the base, it develops a distinctive appearance in wetland environments. Its leaves are mostly alternate, ranging from 8 to 40 millimeters long, with lower leaves oblong and upper leaves linear, positioned almost erectly and overlapping. The plant features an unusual floral structure with red-dotted hypanthium and 12 stamens that may be either included or exserted, creating an intriguing botanical profile.

Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, margins lakes and seasonal pools, riparian

Bloom period: May-Sep(Nov)

Elevation: < 600 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.