Fringed Loosestrife

(Lysimachia ciliata)

Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata L.)

Identification: Flowers yellow with 5 petals. Petals ovate with an apical thread-like projection and a ragged outer margin. Flowers on long, thin flower stalks arising from the leaf axils. Flowers facing downward and outward. Leaves ovate, elongate with distinct, fringed petioles. Leaves in opposite pairs. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America except for the southwestern United States.

Habitat: Fringed Loosestrife is found in a variety of wet soils including swamps, thickets, wet woods, and along lake and stream shores.

Flowering period: June to August.

Similar Species: Fringed Loosestrife is most likely to be confused with Whorled Loosestrife. The petals of Whorled Loosestrife do not have ragged outer margins and the center of the flower is dotted with red. The leaves of Whorled Loosestrife are usually in whorls of 4 leaves (3-5), not in opposite pairs.