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Common Name: Whorled Yellow Loosestrife

General Information

Lysimachia quadrifolia is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern N. America - Maine to Virginia, west to Wisconsin and Illinois.

Habitat

Dry or moist open woods, thickets and shores[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist loamy soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The dried leaves have been used as a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

The whole plant is astringent and stomachic[]. A tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of women's complaints, kidney and bowel problems[, ].
A tea made from the roots is diuretic and emetic[, ].

Other Uses

None known

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[]. 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.