Invasive Purple Loosestrife

This video examines purple loosestrife - an invasive species in Iowa - how it grows rapidly and impacts wetlands.

• How do invasive species impact the native species in an area?

• What happens to all the other plants (grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs) when purple loosestrife grows in wetlands? 
• What impact does purple loosestrife’s height have on the ability to spread its seeds?

Students could:

• Grow plants and using different resources (water, soil, sunlight, space to grow).
• Investigate different plants that grow in the student’s yard, school grounds, or community and compare the traits.
• Discuss why some plants spread or can take over an area.

• Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | 5 of Iowa’s Most Invasive Species: This article lists five of the plants that are overtaking local growth in Iowa and what environmental factors could stop the growth.
• National Agriculture in the Classroom | Plants Around You: This is a two-day lesson investigating plant growth.
• Better Lessons | Invasive Species Lesson Plan: Lesson for students to explore invasive species. 
• PBS Learning Media| Upcycling Invasive Species | Iowa Land and Sky: Learn about taking an invasive species or a non-native species here in Iowa parks and reusing it to feed animals at the zoo.
• Iowa State Extension | Purple Loosestrife Prohibited in Iowa: This news report outlines a law limiting purple loosestrife.
• The Nature Conservancy | Invasive Species: What can you do?: Guidelines for protecting native plants and animals from invasive species and links to more resources.