Etymology
Lysimachia is Greek, honoring king Lysimachus (4th century BC), who used a plant of this species to pacify a maddened ox; terrestris is Latin for earthly.
Native Habitat
Wetlands.
Garden Uses
Swamp candles are attractive additions to wet areas including rain gardens and pond edges. They spread by rhizomes to colonize an area.
Overview
A perennial native to wetlands throughout eastern North America, this loosestrife is distinguished from others of its species by the long, spike-like, racemes of flowers that top its stems. It reaches up to 3 feet in height, and can form large patches that light up a marsh over a 2-4 week bloom period.
Leaves and Stems
Leaves are lance-shaped, smooth, hairless, opposite, stalkless and grow up to 4 " long, but only 3/4" wide. In late summer, reddish, multi-segmented, 1/2" bulblets may form at leaf axils. These can be mistaken for caterpillars or fruit (they are actually suppressed branchlets). Leaves grow up the length of the stems from the axils. Typically there is a central stem, which may be sparingly branched. All stems are green to light green, circular in cross-section, and hairless.
Flowers
Arranged in a open raceme up to 6" long at the end of the main stem (and occasionally in smaller racemes on any branched stems), each 1/2" to 3/4" yellow flower will show reddish lines descending down its 5 petals to a center surrounded by red dots. The 5 stamen protrude past the fused center, and are typically streaked red and yellow. Flowers are arranged spirally around the stem and those at the lower portion of the raceme open first.
Fruit/Seed
Small (1/4"), ovoid seed capsules form post bloom, gradually dry and then split to release a few tiny brown seeds.
Animal Associates
This loosestrife is attractive to native bees.
Propagation
Mature plants can be easily divided or root cuttings taken. Success with seed propagation is less likely.
Ethnobotanical Uses
None found.
Garden Location
South Woods (see garden map)
Anecdotal Information
Lysimachia was previously considered as a member of the Primulaceae or primrose family.
Sources
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Plant Profile by Kate O'Dell