how did the Purple Loosetrife come to America?

Answer 1

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is an erect, herbaceous perennial of Eurasian origin that became established in the estuaries of northeastern North America by the early 1800's. By the late 1800's it had spread throughout the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, reaching as far north and west as Manitoba.

Answer 2

Purple Loosestrife
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Ecology

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a perennial plant native to Europe. It was brought to North America in the early 1800's by immigrants who valued its striking purple flowers. Seeds were also unintentionally transported to the shores of North America in the ballast water of ships. Since then, purple loosestrife has expanded its range. It is now a serious pest of wetlands and pastures throughout a great deal of North America.

Answer 3

In the 19th century, Shakespearean gardens were a fad. These gardens sought to have every plant mentioned by Shakespeare. Thus, purple loosestrife was brought to American gardens from which it later escaped.