Gooseneck Loosestrife, Gooseneck yellow loosestrife, Japanese Loosestrife, Shepherd's Crook

Lysimachia clethroides

Physical Characteristics

Lysimachia clethroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan. Naturalized in Holland.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable[183]. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[179]. They can also be used as a condiment[46, 61, 183]. Fruits and flowers are said to be edible[177, 183] but no further details are given. The fruit is very small[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known