Common Name: Creeping Jenny

General Information

Lysimachia nummularia is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.15 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

This species is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to Spain, N. Greece and the Caucasus.

Habitat

Damp situations in pastures and by the sides of streams, avoiding acid soils[, ]. Open, damp, often clay-rich soils in shaded woodland and hedges, especially the sides of streams, and damp grassland and path-sides[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lysimachia nummularia is a very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -25°c when fully dormant[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist loamy soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Grows well in marshy soil and in shallow water in pond margins[, ]. Prefers a shady position[] but also succeeds in full sun[].
Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties developed for ornamental use[, ].

Edible Uses

A tea is made from the leaves and flowers[, , , ].

Medicinal

The whole herb, used fresh or dried, is antiscorbutic, mildly astringent, diuretic and vulnerary[, , ]. For drying, the herb is harvested in June[]. Creeping Jenny is a very good wound-herb, the fresh leaves being bruised and applied externally to the affected area[]. An infusion is used to treat internal bleeding and diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

Can be used as a ground cover plant in moist soils but requires weeding for the first year or so. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way and form a carpet, rooting as they spread[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[]. This species rarely produces seed in Britain[]. 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.