Lysimachia quadrifolia

Common Names

Whorled Loosestrife, Whorled Yellow Loosestrife, Four-Flower Yellow-Loosestrife, Crosswort, Four-leaved Loosestrife

Summary

Lysimachia quadrifolia L., whorled loosestrife, is a native eastern North American herbaceous perennial with erect stems 30–100 cm tall arising from slender rhizomes, leaves in whorls of 3–7, and yellow flowers with a reddish center that bloom in summer, its distinctive whorled leaves and star-shaped yellow blossoms give a light, upright presence in moist to wet habitats such as prairies, meadows, wetlands, roadsides, and shores. Cultivation favors sunny to partially shaded sites with moist to wet loamy soils, tolerating heavy clay, it spreads by rhizomes and seeds, with seeds requiring light to germinate, and can be propagated by seed or division, use in meadow, woodland, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, noting attraction to pollinators including loosestrife bees (Macropis spp.).

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12–39.5 inches

Spread

12-35 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; tolerates full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate; spreads by rhizomes and seeds, but not too vigorously.

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts native bees and insect pollinators