''Lythrum tribracteatum'' is a species of flowering plant in the
loosestrife family known by the common name threebract loosestrife.
It is native to Europe, and it is found in parts of western North America as an
introduced species
An introduced species, alien species, exotic species, adventive species, immigrant species, foreign species, non-indigenous species, or non-native species is a species living outside its native distributional range, but which has arrived there ...
. It often grows in moist habitat, such as
pond
A pond is an area filled with water, either natural or artificial, that is smaller than a lake. Defining them to be less than in area, less than deep, and with less than 30% emergent vegetation helps in distinguishing their ecology from th ...
s. This is an erect, branching annual herb growing up to about 30 centimeters in maximum height. The oblong leaves are up to 2.5 centimeters long and arranged oppositely on the lower stem, and alternately on the upper. Clusters of small flowers grow in the leaf axils, each with glandular bright red
sepal
A sepal () is a part of the flower of angiosperms (flowering plants). Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom., p. 106 The term ''sepalum'' was coined b ...
s and tiny lavender petals.
External links
Jepson Manual TreatmentPhoto gallery
tribracteatum
{{Myrtales-stub