Whorled Yellow Loosestrife
Lysimachia quadrifolia
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Lysimachia quadrifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to August. 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): 0.6
Where it is found
Dry or moist open woods, thickets and shores.
Eastern N. America - Maine to Virginia, west to Wisconsin and Illinois.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The dried leaves have been used as a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant is astringent and stomachic. A tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of women's complaints, kidney and bowel problems. A tea made from the roots is diuretic and emetic.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or 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; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist