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Loosestrifes (Lysimachia)
The loosestrifes (Lysimachia) are a large group of flowering plants in the primrose family. Many have small but showy yellow flowers and are very pollinator-friendly – this has made them sought-after ornamentals, and today many garden cultivars are available. The genus' scientific name comes from an unusual piece of lore: an ancient king of the island of Sicily, named Lysimachus, was said to have calmed an enraged ox by feeding it loosestrifes.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Loosestrifes
Feedback
Attributes of Loosestrifes
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Loosestrifes
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Heathers and allies
Family
Primrose
Genus
Loosestrifes
Distribution of Loosestrifes
Feedback
Distribution Map of Loosestrifes
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Loosestrifes
Feedback
The loosestrifes genus comprises of plants that enjoy moderate to high light exposure, and thrive in well-draining, moist, humus-rich soil. These plants prefer colder climates, but can adapt to warmer temperatures provided they are kept adequately hydrated. Common challenges include susceptibility to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases. Additionally, pests such as aphids and slugs can pose a threat. The seasonal care for loosestrifes involves protecting them from the intense summer heat and preparing them for dormancy in winter by reducing watering frequency.
How to Water Loosestrifes?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Loosestrifes?
How to Propagate Loosestrifes?
How to Plant Loosestrifes?
Exploring the Loosestrifes Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Large yellow loosestrife
Large yellow loosestrife is a wildflower that is easy to grow and is native to Central Europe and Asia Minor. Large yellow loosestrife is resistant to deer and attractive to bees. It blooms spring through fall with cheerful yellow flowers on stiff upright stems.
Creeping jenny
The Latin name Lysimachia nummularia means "like a coin", giving the additional common names of herb twopence or twopenny grass. The creeping jenny works well as a groundcover and can be used in a bog garden.
Gooseneck loosestrife
Gooseneck loosestrife is a strong, clump-forming perennial with arching flower spikes that resemble the neck of a goose. This plant's leaves, which are native to China, are utilized in various culinary preparations. This plant is commonly used by florists for cut flower arrangements and grows easily in humus-rich, moist conditions.
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis) is a low-growing annual originally from Eurasia and North Africa. The flower is famous for the novel of the same name, written by Baroness Orczy. The flowers only open when the sun is shining, and have been known to close on overcast days. That’s why it’s also called shepherd’s weather glass.
Yellow loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) is an herbaceous perennial that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. It blooms from summer to fall with yellow cup-shaped flowers that have reddish-brown centers. Considered a noxious weed in some regions it is an aggressive plant that can spread by underground roots and profuse self-seeding.
Starflower
Starflower is a common wildflower that can be found in many areas in North America. They bloom from mid-spring to early summer and flowers are snow-white. They thrive in shady wooded areas where the soil is moist. While not showy enough for most gardens, they are beautiful to come across in wild areas.
Fringed loosestrife
Fringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) is a flowering perennial plant that grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. When cultivated, fringed loosestrife should be planted in rich, moist soil. It is often planted as ground cover in shaded areas and attracts bees. The common name references the plant's supposed power to soothe animals of their strife.
Japanese yellow loosestrife
The wildflower Lysimachia japonica is often found in grasslands and roadsides in Japan. During the summer, yellow, star-like flowers may bloom in a pattern with five on each side. The blooms look like eggplants that were turned upwards.
All Species of Loosestrifes
Large yellow loosestrife
Large yellow loosestrife
Large yellow loosestrife is a wildflower that is easy to grow and is native to Central Europe and Asia Minor. Large yellow loosestrife is resistant to deer and attractive to bees. It blooms spring through fall with cheerful yellow flowers on stiff upright stems.
Creeping jenny
Creeping jenny
The Latin name Lysimachia nummularia means "like a coin", giving the additional common names of herb twopence or twopenny grass. The creeping jenny works well as a groundcover and can be used in a bog garden.
Gooseneck loosestrife
Gooseneck loosestrife
Gooseneck loosestrife is a strong, clump-forming perennial with arching flower spikes that resemble the neck of a goose. This plant's leaves, which are native to China, are utilized in various culinary preparations. This plant is commonly used by florists for cut flower arrangements and grows easily in humus-rich, moist conditions.
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis) is a low-growing annual originally from Eurasia and North Africa. The flower is famous for the novel of the same name, written by Baroness Orczy. The flowers only open when the sun is shining, and have been known to close on overcast days. That’s why it’s also called shepherd’s weather glass.
Yellow loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) is an herbaceous perennial that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. It blooms from summer to fall with yellow cup-shaped flowers that have reddish-brown centers. Considered a noxious weed in some regions it is an aggressive plant that can spread by underground roots and profuse self-seeding.
Starflower
Starflower
Starflower is a common wildflower that can be found in many areas in North America. They bloom from mid-spring to early summer and flowers are snow-white. They thrive in shady wooded areas where the soil is moist. While not showy enough for most gardens, they are beautiful to come across in wild areas.
Fringed loosestrife
Fringed loosestrife
Fringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) is a flowering perennial plant that grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. When cultivated, fringed loosestrife should be planted in rich, moist soil. It is often planted as ground cover in shaded areas and attracts bees. The common name references the plant's supposed power to soothe animals of their strife.
Japanese yellow loosestrife
Japanese yellow loosestrife
The wildflower Lysimachia japonica is often found in grasslands and roadsides in Japan. During the summer, yellow, star-like flowers may bloom in a pattern with five on each side. The blooms look like eggplants that were turned upwards.
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis subsp. arvensis) is a low-growing annual plant native to Africa, Europe, and Asia. This plant has many common names, including red chickweed, poor man's barometer, and poor man's weather-glass. Scarlet pimpernel is widely considered a weed and an invasive species. This species also has a synonymous latin name, Anagallis arvensis.
Chickweed wintergreen
Chickweed wintergreen
Chickweed wintergreen grows throughout boreal regions of Europe and Asia. Its leaves are pale green, but they turn to copper-red as the season progresses. Chickweed wintergreen grows in young forests, mostly in acidic soil.
Dense-flowered loosestrife
Dense-flowered loosestrife
Sometimes the most attractive aspects of a plant are reflected in its name. In the case of dense-flowered loosestrife, the common name, as well as the Latin name's specific epithet, congestiflora, translates as "congested flowers" - referring to the plant's beautiful yellow flowers that appear in clusters. Due to its decorativeness, it is featured in gardens.
Yellow pimpernel
Yellow pimpernel
The yellow pimpernel is a blooming, fine-textured plant that smells like celery when crushed. Its flowers attract spring insects, and its leaves are common habitats for caterpillars that eventually become Black Swallowtail butterflies.
Blue pimpernel
Blue pimpernel
The blue pimpernel (Lysimachia foemina) produces deep blue to purple flowers with neon pink insides and bright yellow stamens. The plant is known as the poor man's weatherglass because of the speed at which its petals close when rain is coming. Blue pimpernel is endangered in several European countries and is on the national red list in Poland because of its risk of extinction.
Whorled yellow loosestrife
Whorled yellow loosestrife
Whorled yellow loosestrife, or Lysimachia quadrifolia, is a member of the Primrose family. This perennial has star-shaped, yellow blooms with red accents. Some say that early colonists in Sicily fed these plants to oxen, so they would work together more peacefully.
Sea milkwort
Sea milkwort
Sea milkwort (*Lysimachia maritima*) grows native in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is semiaquatic and can survive in both wet soil and water. In Europe, it is most commonly found near the coasts, but in North America it tends to grow in interior meadows. The leaves of sea milkwort are thick and fleshy.
Tufted loosestrife
Tufted loosestrife
Tufted loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora) is a perennial wildflower with large green leaves that grow along a green to purple stem. Yellow flowers appear below the leaves and bloom from spring to mid-summer. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in wet to moist, well-drained soil.
Swamp candles
Swamp candles
Swamp candles (Lysimachia terrestris) is a perennial that will grow from 30 to 91 cm tall. It produces yellow flowers with red lines in summer. Late in the blooming season reddish bulbs that resemble caterpillars spring appear on the leaf axils. Thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Fortune's loosestrife
Fortune's loosestrife
Fortune's loosestrife is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in moist, boggy environments, often gracing the edges of water bodies. Its upright stems, reaching heights of up to 60 cm, are adorned with lance-shaped leaves that cluster in whorls, giving fortune's loosestrife a lush, tiered appearance. The plant astonishes with small, starry yellow flowers in summer and fall, creating a delicate contrast with its dark green foliage.
Yellow loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife is a perennial herb distinguished by its lance-shaped leaves and upright stems that can reach up to 60 cm in height. Bearing starry yellow flowers with five petals, this plant favors damp environments, thriving along streambanks and moist meadows. Its creeping rhizomes allow it to form dense clumps, adapting well to its moist habitat and aiding in soil stabilization.
Fourflower yellow loosestrife
Fourflower yellow loosestrife
Fourflower yellow loosestrife prefers wet soils. In spite of "four-flower" in the common name, a single stalk may sprout anywhere from one to five flowers at a time. After about three weeks, the flowers get replaced by globe-like seed pods which later burst to release numerous seeds. A few insects' larval stages will eat Lysimachia quadriflora, but it is not the preferred food source for many.
Chaffweed
Chaffweed
Chaffweed (Lysimachia minima) is a small perennial herb found throughout North America and Eurasia. It generally grows no more than 10 cm high and flowers in the spring. Chaffweed grows in a variety of environments. It can be found in wetlands but usually does best in drier soils with a reasonable amount of sunlight.
Garden loosestrife
Garden loosestrife
Garden loosestrife is a perennial herb with a striking appearance, often recognized by its whorled leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers that cluster atop slender, upright stems. Thriving in damp environments, its bright blooms and emerald foliage add a splash of color to shady spots, underscoring the plant's adaptability to moist conditions. This adaptability is a key factor for garden loosestrife's resilience in its native habitat.
Dark purple loosestrife 'Beaujolais'
Dark purple loosestrife 'Beaujolais'
Dark purple loosestrife 'Beaujolais' is a stunning perennial featuring deep purple flowers that bloom from early to mid-summer. Its attractive foliage provides a lovely backdrop to the vibrant flowers. This plant is deer-resistant and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
Dark purple loosestrife
Dark purple loosestrife
Dark purple loosestrife boasts elegant spires of burgundy flowers that make a striking addition to informal borders and cottage gardens. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil enhances its growth. This hardy perennial is recognized for its lance-shaped, whorled leaves and stems that can reach up to 50 cm tall. The captivating contrast between its dark flowers and glaucous foliage is especially alluring to garden enthusiasts.
Lysimachia ardisioides
Lysimachia ardisioides
Lysimachia ardisioides is a unique, low-growing perennial with a creeping habit. Its glossy, dark green leaves resemble those of the Ardisia family, contributing to its species name. Small, star-shaped yellow flowers emerge amid the leaves, adding a splash of color to damp, shaded habitats. Adapted to moist environments, lysimachia ardisioides thrives in areas with high humidity and well-drained soil.
Lysimachia capillipes
Lysimachia capillipes
Lysimachia capillipes is a delicate species typically found in moist, shaded environments which contribute to its slender form and soft-textured foliage. Its thread-like stems bear modest, star-shaped flowers, often graced with a subtle tint of blue or violet. This plant's finely structured leaves grow in alternating pairs along the stem, offering a gentle aesthetic to its surrounding habitat.
Large yellow loosestrife 'Alexander'
Large yellow loosestrife 'Alexander'
With its upright growth habit, upbeat garden performance, and golden yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer, the large yellow loosestrife 'Alexander' is set apart from other loosestrife cultivars. Its byname of Alexander was named after Donald Stuart Alexander, the late husband of discoverer Pauline Alexander. The large yellow loosestrife 'Alexander' is a naturally occurring cultivar, set apart by its leaf color mutation and creamy white foliage.
Creeping jenny 'Goldilocks'
Creeping jenny 'Goldilocks'
The creeping jenny 'Goldilocks' is a cultivar of creeping jenny with slightly ruffled, oval, yellowish leaves. The beautiful gilded cascade of foliage earned its name Goldilocks, after the popular children's story character. It grows best across moist areas, covering the ground in a beautiful golden spill.
Stellatum
Stellatum
Stellatum is a perennial herb with a creeping, stoloniferous growth habit, producing bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. Its leaves are lanceolate, often with reddish margins, thriving in moist, shaded environments. Stellatum has a resilience that allows it to spread across the forest floor, forming a lush carpet that beckons pollinators throughout its blooming season.
Manchurian yellow loosestrife
Manchurian yellow loosestrife
Manchurian yellow loosestrife is a perennial herb with erect, unbranched stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls. In summer, it stands out with tall spikes of small, bell-shaped, white flowers that are tinged with yellow at the throat. Thriving in moist, shady habitats, manchurian yellow loosestrife spreads through rhizomes, forming lush colonies that enliven the understory.
Lysimachia decurrens
Lysimachia decurrens
Lysimachia decurrens is characterized by its cascading clumps of lance-shaped leaves, which hug the stem in a distinctive decurrent fashion. This perennial herb typically bears cheerful yellow flowers with five petals, blooming in open, sunny spots. Lysimachia decurrens's growth is aided by well-drained soils, where it spreads to form low-lying mats, providing ground cover and attracting pollinators.
Creeping jenny 'Aurea'
Creeping jenny 'Aurea'
Creeping jenny 'Aurea' or golden creeping Jenny is named for its yellow-colored leaves that vary from light green through to a bright gold color, in marked contrast to the plain green leaves of the parent plant. This popular garden plant is an evergreen creeper highly valued for ground cover and border placements.
Lysimachia remota
Lysimachia remota
Lysimachia remota is a perennial herbaceous plant with a penchant for damp, shady habitats. Its slender stems and lance-shaped leaves, often with a slightly serrated edge, rise toward the light, topped with clusters of delicate yellow flowers. The blooms feature five distinct petals, occasionally with subtle red spotting, which emerge in summer, attracting pollinators and bringing a soft brightness to its lush environment.
Fringed loosestrife 'Firecracker'
Fringed loosestrife 'Firecracker'
The fringed loosestrife 'Firecracker' gets its name from its striking appearance. With whirling lanced foliage made of burgundy and purple leaves, this cultivar of the Fringed loosestrife truly does resemble a firecracker. Also, in the late summer, yellow flowers shaped like stars appear across it. This cultivar is appreciated for its quick spreading ability, especially by ponds or water features.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Loosestrifes
Lysimachia
The loosestrifes (Lysimachia) are a large group of flowering plants in the primrose family. Many have small but showy yellow flowers and are very pollinator-friendly – this has made them sought-after ornamentals, and today many garden cultivars are available. The genus' scientific name comes from an unusual piece of lore: an ancient king of the island of Sicily, named Lysimachus, was said to have calmed an enraged ox by feeding it loosestrifes.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Loosestrifes
Feedback
Attributes of Loosestrifes
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Loosestrifes
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Heathers and allies Family
Primrose Genus
Loosestrifes Distribution of Loosestrifes
Feedback
Distribution Map of Loosestrifes
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Loosestrifes
Feedback
The loosestrifes genus comprises of plants that enjoy moderate to high light exposure, and thrive in well-draining, moist, humus-rich soil. These plants prefer colder climates, but can adapt to warmer temperatures provided they are kept adequately hydrated. Common challenges include susceptibility to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases. Additionally, pests such as aphids and slugs can pose a threat. The seasonal care for loosestrifes involves protecting them from the intense summer heat and preparing them for dormancy in winter by reducing watering frequency.
How to Water Loosestrifes?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Loosestrifes?
How to Propagate Loosestrifes?
How to Plant Loosestrifes?
Exploring the Loosestrifes Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Large yellow loosestrife
Large yellow loosestrife is a wildflower that is easy to grow and is native to Central Europe and Asia Minor. Large yellow loosestrife is resistant to deer and attractive to bees. It blooms spring through fall with cheerful yellow flowers on stiff upright stems.
Creeping jenny
The Latin name Lysimachia nummularia means "like a coin", giving the additional common names of herb twopence or twopenny grass. The creeping jenny works well as a groundcover and can be used in a bog garden.
Gooseneck loosestrife
Gooseneck loosestrife is a strong, clump-forming perennial with arching flower spikes that resemble the neck of a goose. This plant's leaves, which are native to China, are utilized in various culinary preparations. This plant is commonly used by florists for cut flower arrangements and grows easily in humus-rich, moist conditions.
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis) is a low-growing annual originally from Eurasia and North Africa. The flower is famous for the novel of the same name, written by Baroness Orczy. The flowers only open when the sun is shining, and have been known to close on overcast days. That’s why it’s also called shepherd’s weather glass.
Show More Species
All Species of Loosestrifes
Large yellow loosestrife
Creeping jenny
Gooseneck loosestrife
Scarlet pimpernel
Yellow loosestrife
Starflower
Fringed loosestrife
Japanese yellow loosestrife
Scarlet pimpernel
Chickweed wintergreen
Dense-flowered loosestrife
Yellow pimpernel
Blue pimpernel
Whorled yellow loosestrife
Sea milkwort
Tufted loosestrife
Swamp candles
Fortune's loosestrife
Yellow loosestrife
Fourflower yellow loosestrife
Chaffweed
Garden loosestrife
Dark purple loosestrife 'Beaujolais'
Dark purple loosestrife
Lysimachia ardisioides
Lysimachia capillipes
Large yellow loosestrife 'Alexander'
Creeping jenny 'Goldilocks'
Stellatum
Manchurian yellow loosestrife
Lysimachia decurrens
Creeping jenny 'Aurea'
Lysimachia remota
Fringed loosestrife 'Firecracker'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
