Lysimachia ephemerum
at Digging Dog

Lysimachia

Loosestrife

According to William Cole’s Art of Simpling (1656), Loosestrife prevents oxen from fighting. Some say the name derives from a Greek word meaning “to dissolve strife.” What we could debate is whether form follows function, or vice versa, because this showy group is as hardy as it is attractive.

Some species are tall, others are low, but all are vigorous and easy to grow—so let them loose in cool, moist locations such as woodlands, bogs or waterside meadows. A varied group, each offers a unique foliage form.

Lysimachia ephemerum   

Lofty, narrow spikes of pearly white starlike flowers grace this hard-to-find European species. Non-invasive Lysimachia ephemerum grows in a clump, rather than spreading by runners like its more aggressive cousins. Joined at the base around sturdy, upright stems, the glaucous gray-green leaves are opposite and lanceolate in shape. An intriguing flower for arrangements, this Lysimachia’s soothing colors are a gentle match for Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum.

Blooms August–September.

Size: 4'–5' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 6.

Lysimachia ephemerum (p-0103)
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Other selections in this genus

• Lysimachia clethroides
• Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’