Lysimachia vulgaris

'Yellow Loosestrife'

[Ex. Durham, England]

Primulaceae: a softly hairy perennial to 1m of damp grassland, and often found beside rivers and in fens. The flowers are 20mm across and yellow, blooming from June-August. The leaves are narrow, in whorls of 3 or 4. Widespread and locally common throughout the UK. Native to most areas of Europe and Asia, including Britain, but excluding the extreme north and south.

USES:

An astringent herb, yellow loosestrife is principally used to treat gastro-intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea and dysentery, to stop internal and external bleeding and to cleanse wounds. The herb has astringent, demulcent and expectorant properties. It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use. The plant can be used internally or externally and is useful in checking bleeding of the mouth, nose and wounds, restraining profuse haemorrhages of any kind and in the treatment of diarrhoea. It makes a serviceable mouthwash for treating sore gums and mouth ulcers.

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. A brown dye is obtained from the rhizomes. The growing plant repels gnats and flies, it has been burnt in houses in order to remove these insects.

GROWING INFORMATION:

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist or wet loamy soil in sun or partial shade, but prefers a shady position. Sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Easy.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS