Whorled Loosestrife

(Lysimachia quadrifolia)

Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia L.)

Identification: Flowers yellow with 5 petals. Petals pointed, without either an apical thread-like projection or a ragged outer margin. Flowers on long, thin flower stalks arising from the leaf axils. Flowers facing outward. Stem hairy. Leaves ovate-elongate, usually in whorls of 4 (3-5). Petiole short or absent. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to New England in the east, southward to Georgia and Alabama.

Habitat: Whorled Loosestrife is usually found in open woods, thickets, and along the shores of lakes and rivers.

Flowering period: June to August.

Similar Species: Whorled Loosestrife is most likely to be confused with Fringed Loosestrife. The petals of Fringed Loosestrife have broad, ragged outer margins with a central thread-like spine. The leaves are in opposite pairs, not whorls of 4.