Decodon verticillatus

Common Name
Swamp loosestrife
Water-willow
Plant Form
Herbs
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
10.0
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: eehinger
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Susan Elliott
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Bell-shaped, pink-purple flowers occur in dense clusters. Plant may form sizable patches at the edges of lakes and sluggish streams or on floating bog mats. Wherever a stem touches the water, air-filled, spongy tissue may develop. This tissue buoys the stem so that it may root and form a new arching stem. The self-rooting tips of branches can be removed and transplanted. Despite one of its common names and its willow-like leaves, the plant is not related to the willows.

Good for large bog gardens and pond margins, often arching over the water. Var. verticillatus occurs mostly near the coast; var. laevigatus is mostly inland. 
Flower Color
Pink
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Prominent
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Tolerates
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
8 3 Gallon View My Wishlist
Nurseries that may carry live plant