Lysimachia quadrifolia
L.
Whorled Yellow Loosestrife
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(c) crgillette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by crgillette
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(c) Rich Stevenson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Rich Stevenson
Description
Lysimachia quadrifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tea. The dried leaves have been used as a tea substitute.
Medicinal Uses
Astringent Emetic Stomachic Women's complaints. 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.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Maine to Virginia, west to Wisconsin and Illinois.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Québec (southwest), Ontario (south), New Brunswick (south)), United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Illinois (north), Wisconsin, Alabama (north), Delaware, Georgia (north), Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)
Cultivation
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.
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.
