The purple loosestrife is a non-native plant that is known for its invasion of wetlands. "A beautiful flower but very aggressive invader, Purple Loosestrife is a perennial weed native to Europe and Asia that was introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s" (Fryberger 1). This plant is prevalent throughout most of the United States. "The purple loosestrife have gotten out of control in the continental US, and are taking over and choking out native species and altering the habitats" (Gaskins 1).
Purple loosestrife poses a dangerous threat to wetlands because of its prolific ability to reproduce. "The loosestrife have risen in both number and extent to which they alter the habitat they live in, and though it might seem that they would only impact other competing native plant species, they also have become enough of a problem where they also are hurting animal species, especially specialized wetland birds" (Gaskins 1). It threatens native plant species by crowding them out and by competing for sunlight and water. When purple loosestrife replace native plants, they destroy the habitats of animal and insects that depend on native species for food and shelter. Animals such as duck, muskrat, and geese have seen a decline in their populations due to the proliferation of the purple loosestrife. The denseness of this plant impedes water flow and requires costly management efforts. Scientists have found a natural predator of the purple loosestrife to control its growth. The Galerucella beetle feed on the leaf, bud, and stem of loosestrife plants and prevents the plant from reproducing.
There is a segment of society that treasure purple loosestrife and do not want this plant to be eradicated because of what they perceive as the benefits that purple loosestrife provides. Purple loosestrife contains astringent chemicals called tannins and salicarin. Astringent chemicals may help reduce diarrhea and inflammation. Salicarin might also assist in fighting bacteria, or bugs, n the intestine. Purple loosestrife are popularly used in ornamental decorations and in gardens.
Though I support maintaining control of the spread of purple loosestrife, I do not support the elimination of this plant. I understand the concerns of those who are concerned about the negative effects this plant has on other species of plants and on animal habitat. But I also understand the feelings of those who value what they consider are the benefits of purple loosestrife. This plant makes beautiful ornamental displays and decorations. They add a unique flair to gardens with their wonderful purple color that accents any arrangement. They also have what appears to be promising medicinal uses. Purple loosestrife is an invasive species that does serve a useful purpose.
Works Cited
Gaskins, Lindsay. Purple Loosestrife - Beautiful Killer. Duke University, 25 September
2010. Web. 24 October 2012
Fryberger, Kevin. A Beauty and a Beast. Stewardship Chronicles, 15 August 2011. Web.
29 October 2012.
As usual, you pick great content. However, I think the first paragraph is too close to the description at http://www.anacostiaws.org/news/blog/new-tool-toolbox-our-invasive-plant-control-program. But I don't see the above link as a resource. So I wonder: were you using the second site as another resource? That's a good thing, to have multiple sources for the complex discussion you want to have here. But, importantly, make sure to cite it, too.
ReplyDeleteI always recommend that students do a comparison edit of the paraphrasing they do when borrowing texts so the words sound like the new writer's, for a variety of reasons. Otherwise, just quoting should suffice.
My main recommendation: rework that first paragraph.
I have rewritten the first paragraph and have added a source. Thanks for pointing out my oversight.
Delete