noun
1. : any of several plants that thrive in wet areas and are felt to resemble willows: as
a.
(1) : purple loosestrife
(2) : swamp loosestrife
b. : fireweed b
c. : a plant of the genus Justicia ; especially : a No. American rhizomatous plant ( J. americana ) that has slender elongated leaves and dense capitate to elliposidal inflorescences with pale violet or white flowers
2. : any of several willows that thrive in wet areas