This perennial shrub forms bushy clumps with a knotty rhizome and upright hairy branched stems. The lanced-shaped dull green leaves are stem-clasping and the purple funnel-shaped flowers appear terminally in a spike during summer. 

Hardiness zones 3 to 10 

Lythrum salicaria is naturally found from Europe to western Asia, North Africa and through out eastern Australia growing along water courses and at the edge of swamps. It prefers a wet to boggy soil in an open sunny position and is frost tolerant but dislikes drought or high temperatures. 

Loosestrife is an attractive perennial that is grown for its colourful flowers and its tolerance of moist soils. It is planted around water features or as a border plant in parks and gardens. It establishes from division in 1 to 2 years and may become a weed in some areas. It may also grow into the edges of ponds. It is suitable for coastal and the adjoining hillsides. ID 1692

Note:
The leaves were used by early Australian settlers to reduce bleeding.

Lythrum (LY-thrum) salicaria (sa-lih-KAR-ee-uh)

Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee)
Loosestrife, Pomegranate, Water Chestnut, Crepe Myrtle, Mangrove Apple