Fringed Loosestrife Lysimachia ciliata

Fringed Loosestrife is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Primulaceae (primrose) family.  It is native to North America across southern Canada and much of the U.S., including Alaska and most of the lower 48 states. It inhabits wetlands, swamps, marshes, pond edges, moist deciduous woods, roadsides, stream banks, bogs, flood plains, and wet prairies.  Fringed Loosestrife is one of the most commonly found Lysimachia species.   In some areas, populations are declining due to loss of wetland habitat.  This plant’s scientific name is derived from the hairs that grow along its petioles, distinguishing it from other Lysimachia species.  It has an upright habit with little branching, and star-shaped yellow flowers that produce a floral oil, rather than pollen, which attracts pollinators.

Plant in full sun to light shade in wet to moist conditions, in a loamy soil high in organic matter. It is suitable as a bedding or border plant in wet sites or along streams and ponds. Flowers bloom in mid-summer to early fall with a few to many flowers open at one time. This plant reproduces through rhizomes and seed capsules.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems, but some destructive insects feed on certain parts of this Loosestrife (leafhoppers, sawfly, leaf miners and others).