Gooseneck Loosestrife, Gooseneck yellow loosestrife, Japanese Loosestrife, Shepherd's Crook
Lysimachia clethroides
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Lysimachia clethroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sunny grassy hills and at low altitudes in mountains all over Japan. Damp woodland margins, wet ravines and grassy mountain slopes at elevations of 300 - 2100 metres in China.
E. Asia - China, Japan. Naturalized in Holland.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails. They can also be used as a condiment. Fruits and flowers are said to be edible but no further details are given. The fruit is very small.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Specimen, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Hardy to about -25°c. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Succeeds in a woodland or semi-wild garden, it often spreads wildly. Special Features:Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist