Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife is a herbaceous perennial of the Lythraceae family, native to temperate Europe, Asia, north Africa and eastern Australia, with tall spikes of purple flowers. Wikipedia says it should not be confused with the loosestrifes of the genus Lysimachia, and that it is invasive in New Zealand and North America. Cunningham calls it feminine, with the Moon and earth, and lists peace and protection. He has the herb given to a friend to settle an argument, and strewn about the home to disperse peaceful vibrations and keep evil forces at bay. Kynes adds water, Mars and Midsummer, and the Greek custom of hanging garlands on oxen to keep them pulling in unison. She says it was gathered on Midsummer's morning in Russia to ward off witches, and has a dried-leaf wish spell. Cunningham marks it D+, set out in the safety notes.