Common Name: Yellow Loosestrife

General Information

Lysimachia vulgaris is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It has edible, medicinal and miscellaneous uses

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

,

Range

Most areas of Europe and Asia, including Britain, but excluding the extreme north and south.

Habitat

Marshes, streams and in shallow water in reed swamps[]. Shady places near water, avoiding acid soils[, ]. Found in most types of wetland, but usually in stands of tall herbs, the margins of scrub or woodland or even Phragmites reedbeds[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Young leaves[, ]. No more details are given.

Medicinal

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[].
The herb is astringent, demulcent and expectorant[, ]. It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use[]. 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[]. It makes a serviceable mouthwash for treating sore gums and mouth ulcers[].

Other Uses

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

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[]. 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, early spring to mid spring 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.