Stoloniferous perennial of sunny hills and lower
elevations in mountains. Spreads readily and may tend to
be invasive.
2-3 feet tall with a 2-3 feet spread.
White, in slender curving racemes that create
the “gooseneck” appearance characteristic of
this plant. Flowers are 3-6 inches long.
Summer
Alternate, ovate-lanceolate, tapering base and
apex, 3-6 inches long, revolute margin stems and leaves
pubescent.
The leaves of loosestrife often turn a
bronzy-yellow in the fall.
Lysimachia may have been a
direct translation of the Greek, loosestrife, which
refers to peacemaking. Literature reports that Pliny
stated that branches of loosestrife, when laid on the
shoulders of quarreling, yoked oxen promoted
“instantaneous and perfect reconciliation.”
