WSU Clark County Extension
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Gooseneck Loosestrife

Scientific name: Lysimachia clethroides
Taxonomy
Family:Primulaceae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:July to September
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Gooseneck Loosestrife derives its name from its habit of producing slender arching spikes of white flowers, each of which has graceful crook.

  Morphology:
This herbaceous groundcover can grow to 3’ in height and 3’ in width. It bears narrowly oval pointed leaves which are mid-green above, pale green beneath.

Tiny saucer-shaped white blossoms are produced in dense, tapered terminal racemes (in the form of spikes). The flowers are 4”-8” long. Flowering occurs during mid to late summer.

Leaves turn to rich gold in autumn.

  Adaptation:
Best in full sun to partial shade. Select a site which is rich and moist, but well-drained. Ideally the site does not dry out during the summer.

Take care when positioning this plant in the garden. If planted in a location where it is surrounded by grass that is mowed, it should do fine. However in an open garden it can become invasive. If it gets out of hand one will have dig up the new shoot which spread from the original plant.

  Pests:
Pest free in the Northwest.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234