Good grief. If you lived in the Lakes areas of Wisconsin, Minnesota or Michigan you might understand the problem a little better. However, in the 24 years I lived and gardened in Wisconsin, I never heard of any variety of lythrum EXCEPT Purple Loosestrife that was banned. In fact, the Master Gardener's program up there suggests several others to take the place of it that are just as attractive and don't cause the same problems. And there are problems. It is not just the non-native cattails that are forced out. It crowds out everything. At least the cattails can be eaten by wildlife. Purple Loosestrife does not serve as food or even shelter for anything. I passed a huge wetlands on my way to work for several years. It took only four years for the Purple Loosestrife to cover the entire area except the main channel and it cost taxpayers a fortune to keep that open. Eradication will take forever. The seeds are produced in the millions from each plant and spread very easily with a high germination rate. The roots send out massive systems of more roots that eat up the shore and shallow waters. It is VERY difficult to kill without poisoning the entire ecosystem. It is the Kudzu of the northern wetlands and it takes only one lakeside property owner who neglects or refuses to control it to cause damage to the property of others. I wouldn't buy waterfront property for just that reason. There is always someone who thinks the rule is dumb so they are going to ignore it. Please remember that PURPLE Loosestrife is only one cultivar of Lythrum. There are many others and the growers are working energetically to develop new ones that are just as beautiful but are not invasive such as the ones you have mentioned. Gooseneck Loosestrife is another cultivar that can be invasive but not to the level of the Purple. Sandy

So i have researched the chinese pistache tree and it is incredibly beautiful with its fall/ winter colors...So now my next question is where do you buy one?!?!?! I have been all over town to different nurseries and they all tell me that they either don't know about the tree, where to find it, or even what it is. I looked at moon valley nursery, and even though they are a little pricey, they dont have it and they said that the best they could offer is the Sweetgum tree...So (1) Does ANYONE who has a Chinese Pistache know where to buy one and (2)Does anyone know about the sweetgum tree? Thanks for all of your help! -AZnursingstudent.

Thanks Kim and Murray, As far as picking them up from a local store, I'm in zone 4B (Minnesota) and I don't believe any stores carry them. I have 3 from last year all started from seed. one white profusion outside (mulched, but will be surprised if it comes back) one white profusion potted inside (looking good) and one purplish crossbreed mulched outside in area sheltered from wind (hopeful that one WILL come back). The "buzz" versions sound interesting but I think I want to try some larger compact plants if possible. It's not a space issue, it's a "plant killing winter" issue. I may just buy one plant and see if I can trade seeds with someone for the other. decisions, decisions....thanks again!

It would probably do OK either way, but not pruning is optimal for the plant. Pruning may help you more easily physically move the plant, but it will re-establish much quicker if not pruned back. Here's a general guide for rootball size. Soil type, tree species, and other factors are not taken into account, but it will give you an idea. For trunk diameter below 1/2", multiply the diameter by 20 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1/2" and 1", multiply the diameter by 18 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1" and 1-1/2", multiply the diameter by 16 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1-1/2" and 2-1/2", multiply the diameter by 14 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 2-1/2" and 4", multiply the diameter by 12 to get approximate rootball diameter. Here are guidelines for rootball depth: For a rootball with a diameter of 1', depth should be approximately 8". For a rootball with a diameter of 2', depth should be approximately 1'. For a rootball with a diameter of 3', depth should be approximately 15". For a rootball with a diameter of 4', depth should be approximately 18". I'm also attaching a transplant guide. It may provide some useful info. Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub