Water Willow

Common name: Water Willow (Swamp Loosestrife)

Scientific name: Decodon verticillatus

Dimensions:
  Flower: About ½" (1.5 cm) long
  Plant height: 3-10' (1-3 m) arching

Blooming period: April-May

Habitat: Swamps, bogs, pond margins

Description: Deep pink flowers clustered in the upper leaf axils; flowers bell-shaped; 5 narrow petals, 5 short stamens, 5 long and protruding stamens. Leaves 2-6" (5-15 cm) long, lance- shaped (lanceolate), opposite or in whorls of 3 or 4. Stems long and bent or reclining with much intertwining. Despite name plant is not related to willows. Not to be confused with the yellow lysimachia quadrifolia, also commonly called Swamp Loosestrife. Loosestrife family. (July 24)