Lysimachia vulgaris - Yellow Loosestrife

Family:	Primulaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	Most areas of Europe and Asia, including Britain, but excluding the extreme north and south.

Lysimachia vulgaris (Yellow Loosestrife) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Yellow Loosestrife will flower in October to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies, self

Soil Information

Yellow Loosestrife will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Yellow Loosestrife prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Yellow Loosestrife can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Marshes, streams and in shallow water in reedswamps[187]. Shady places near water, avoiding acid soils[4, 17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist or wet loamy soil in sun or partial shade[187]. Prefers a shady position[111]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Hardy to at least -25°c[187]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A very ornamental plant[1]. The sub-species L. vulgaris davurica. (Ledeb.)Kunth. is the form used for food in China and Japan[177].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young leaves[105, 177]. No more details are given.

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
An astringent herb, yellow loosestrife is principally used to treat gastro-intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea and dysentery, to stop internal and external bleeding and to cleanse wounds[254]. The herb is astringent, demulcent and expectorant[4, 61]. It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use[4]. The plant can be used internally or externally and is useful in checking bleeding of the mouth, nose and wounds, restraining profuse haemorrhages of any kind and in the treatment of diarrhoea[4]. It makes a serviceable mouthwash for treating sore gums and mouth ulcers[254].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Demulcent - Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Propagation

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[200]. Very easy, 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. Basal cuttings, March to April in a cold frame. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[13, 100]. A brown dye is obtained from the rhizomes[13]. The growing plant repels gnats and flies, it has been burnt in houses in order to remove these insects[4].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.