Lysimachia

For the ancient town, see Lysimachia (Thrace).

Lysimachia
Yellow pimpernel, Lysimachia nemorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Myrsinaceae
Genus:	Lysimachia L.
Species
include: Lysimachia nemorum (yellow pimpernel) Lysimachia nummularia (creeping Jenny) Lysimachia vulgaris (yellow loosestrife)

Lysimachia is a genus of flowering plants. It is traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae but should, according to molecular phylogenetic study, be placed to the family Myrsinaceae .

Characteristics

Lysimachia species often have yellow flowers, and grow vigorously. They tend to grow in damp conditions. Several species within Lysimachia are commonly called loosestrife, although this name is also used for plants within the genus Lythrum.

Lysimachia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the Dot Moth, Grey Pug, Lime-speck Pug, Small Angle Shades and V-pug.

Species

Species within the genus include:

• Lysimachia ciliatum (fringed loosestrife)
• Lysimachia clethroides (gooseneck loosestrife) — a hardy perennial resembling a tall Speedwell and growing up to 3 feet (1 metre). Flowers from July on to September. Grows best in deep, rich loam in a sheltered position.
• Lysimachia fraseri (Fraser's yellow loosestrife, endangered)
• Lysimachia nemorum (yellow pimpernel)
• Lysimachia nummularia (creeping Jenny or moneywort) — extremely hardy, and easy to cultivate; every piece of the creeping root will, if taken off, make a fresh plant.
• Lysimachia punctata (spotted loosestrife)
• Lysimachia quadrifolia (whorled loosestrife)
• Lysimachia terrestris (swamp candles)
• Lysimachia vulgaris (garden or yellow loosestrife)

External links

• Lysimachus' Dog & Nisaean Horses - Informative but non-scholarly essay on Lysimachia & Lysimachus (Annotated with Sources).

lysimachia punctata Spotted Loosestrife