perennialN. America Native

Lanceleaf Loosestrife

The Story

Plant Bio

Lysimachia lanceolata is an herbaceous native perennial forming low, tight colonies via short creeping rhizomes. The erect stems carry narrow, lanceolate leaves and bear bright yellow, star-shaped, five-petaled flowers in loose clusters during summer.

Unlike invasive exotic loosestrifes, this species spreads slowly and stays neatly contained within garden beds or naturalized plantings. Its yellow flowers produce specialized floral oils sought after by short-tongued native specialist bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Displays bright, starry yellow blossoms against clean green or wine-red foliage.

Forms a tight rhizomatous network that effectively suppresses weeds along moist edges.

Provides floral oils and pollen specifically used by short-tongued native specialist bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, humus-rich soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to accommodate spread from creeping rhizomes.
Water deeply and regularly throughout the first growing season to establish root systems.
Divide dense, overcrowded clumps every three to four years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Cut dead stems back cleanly to ground level in late winter before new shoots emerge; avoid heavy mid-season pruning into old bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture to support full flowering and foliage density.
Provide partial afternoon shade when growing in hot southern summer climates.
Divide overcrowded clumps every few years to keep plantings vigorous.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for extended periods.
Do not prune heavily into leafless old wood during mid-summer growth.
Do not plant in poorly drained, heavy clay where water sits stagnant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain gardens and damp swalesNaturalized native plant bordersWeed-suppressing groundcoverPond margins and stream edges

Companion Plants

Iris versicolor Lobelia cardinalis Chelone glabra Carex stricta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lanceleaf Loosestrife questions

What zones can Lanceleaf Loosestrife grow in?

Lanceleaf Loosestrife is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Lanceleaf Loosestrife bloom?

Lanceleaf Loosestrife typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lanceleaf Loosestrife need full sun?

Lanceleaf Loosestrife does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lanceleaf Loosestrife drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lanceleaf Loosestrife handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.