Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, Creeping Charlie

Lysimachia nummularia

Physical Characteristics

Lysimachia nummularia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. 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 or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to Spain, N. Greece and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Ground Cover; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea A tea is made from the leaves and flowers[46, 61, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antiscorbutic Astringent Diuretic Vulnerary The whole herb, used fresh or dried, is antiscorbutic, mildly astringent, diuretic and vulnerary[4, 9, 46]. For drying, the herb is harvested in June[4]. Creeping Jenny is a very good wound-herb, the fresh leaves being bruised and applied externally to the affected area[4]. An infusion is used to treat internal bleeding and diarrhoea[9].

Known Hazards

None known