Gooseneck Loosestrife Lysimachia clethroides

Gooseneck loosestrife is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Primulaceae (primrose) family. It is native to Japan and China, and has been introduced to Russia, Korea and eastern North America.

It inhabits wet areas along woodlands and ravines as well as sunny, sheltered mountainous slopes.  It has an upright rigid habit, with small white flowers densely grouped on arching terminal spikes that bloom May through August.  It is grown commercially for use as cut flowers, as the attractive flower spike can reach nearly a foot in length.  The Gooseneck name is attributed to the arched flower spike that resembles the curve of a goose’s neck.

These fast-spreading plants prefer full sun and rich soil. In ideal conditions, plants spread aggressively via rhizomes or become weedy from seed dispersal. Rapid growth may overtake other plants if not kept in check. It grows less aggressively in shady, dry soils but will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy. Plant within areas bounded by hardscaping and divide rhizomes in the spring to manage its spread.  Plant in sunny or partly shaded, moist locations in beds or borders. Deadheading promotes reblooming.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aggressive growth must be managed to keep it under control.