Gooseneck Loosestrife
Lysimachia clethroidesfam. Primulaceae
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Pl. 014D — Lysimachia clethroides
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IOverview
Overview
Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure. Native to regions including China South-Central, Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Korea, Laos, Manchuria, Primorye, and Taiwan, this plant is known for its edible parts, which include flowers, fruits, leaves, and shoots. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a notable presence in gardens or natural settings where it can be found.
Quick answers
What is Gooseneck Loosestrife?
Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gooseneck Loosestrife thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy from zones 3-8 and grows as a perennial reaching up to 1 meter in height. Propagate through division or seeds. Harvest edible parts including flowers, fruit, leaves, and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Gooseneck Loosestrife for the first time
8steps
Start with Gooseneck Loosestrife as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Gooseneck Loosestrife plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden. Space plants 30-60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun or full sun, depending on the variety. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove spent flowers for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 17 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 17 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 10 native· 17 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)NetherlandsRussia
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaJapanLaosSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Hainan, Primorye
introduced:New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Masachusettes, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Primulaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Primulaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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