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KEY TO LYTHRUM
1. Hypanthium bell-shaped to hemispheric, petals usually 4, not showy.................Lythrum portula
1. Hypanthium elongate-cylindric to conic, several times as long as thick; petals 5, 6 or lacking,usually showy.
2. Plants annual, 10-40 cm tall; lower leaves usually alternate; petals 2-3.5 mm long, white to rose...........................Lythrum hyssopifolia
2. Plants perennial, 40-200 cm tall; lower leaves usually opposite; petals 7-10 mm long, reddish-purple to purple.........................Lythrum salicaria
Source: Illustrated Flora of British Columbia
A fourth species of Lythrum is now recognized in BC: Lythrum alatum (winged loosestrife). This species is not included in the IFBC key, but is described by Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973) as: Main leaves 3-10 cm, not cordate; petals purple, ca 5 mm; plants 4-10 dm. View a photo. |
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