Large loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata, Sp. Pl.: 147 (1753))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 147 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lysimachia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: EC. & SE. Europe to N. Iran

Description

Large loosestrife, a perennial herbaceous plant, is widely recognized for its striking yellow blooms and robust growth. Scientifically known as Lysimachia punctata, this plant captivates onlookers with its dense clusters of star-shaped flowers that emerge primarily in the summer months. First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Large loosestrife has since been a staple in many European gardens and natural landscapes.

Originating from Eastern and Southeastern Europe, its native range extends as far as Northern Iran. This expansive habitat highlights the plant’s adaptability and resilience across a variety of climates and conditions. Large loosestrife thrives in moist, well-drained soils and tends to prefer full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their outdoor spaces.

Belonging to the Primulaceae family, Lysimachia punctata shares some common traits with its relatives, such as simple leaves and prominent, actinomorphic flowers. However, it is distinct for its tall, upright stems often adorned with whorls of lanceolate leaves. These structural characteristics not only contribute to its ornamental value but also offer ecological benefits, such as providing habitat and nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In terms of cultivation, Large loosestrife is relatively low-maintenance. It can spread quite aggressively under optimal conditions, so some gardeners might need to manage its growth to prevent it from overtaking other plants. Nonetheless, its enduring beauty and environmental benefits make it a desirable addition to both cultivated and wild gardens across its native and introduced ranges.

The historical and botanical significance of Lysimachia punctata continues to be appreciated by botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its presence from ancient botanical records to modern horticultural practices underscores its timeless appeal and adaptability.

Common Names

Eng: dotted loosestrife, large loosestrife, large yellow loosestrife, spotted loosestrife, spotted yellow loosestrife, spotted garden loosestrife
Deu: goldfelberich, punktierter gilbweiderich
Fra: lysimaque ponctuée
Dan: prikbladet fredløs
Pol: tojeść kropkowana
Nno: fagerfredlaus
Nob: fagerfredløs
Swe: praktlysing, tarha-alpi
Fin: tarha-alpi
Ces: vrbina te
Nld: puntwederik
Tur: benli kargaotu
Cym: trewyn brych, trewynyn brych
En: Large loosestrife, Spotted loosestrife, Dotted loosestrife, Large yellow loosestrife, Goldencup, Large Yellow-Loosestrife, Spotted yellow loosestrife, Spotted garden loosestrife
Cs: Vrbina tečkovaná, Vrbina te
Da: Prikbladet Fredløs
Nl: Puntwederik
Eo: Lizimakio tigfolia
Et: Täpiline metsvits
Fi: Tarha-alpi
Fr: Lysimaque ponctuée
De: Goldfelberich, Punktierter Gilbweiderich, Quirlfelberich, Tüpfelstern, Drüsiger Gilbweiderich, Getüpfelter Gilbweiderich, Punktirte Lysimachie
It: Mazza d’oro punteggiata, Mazza-d’oro punteggiata
Lt: Taškuotoji šilingė
Ml: ലിസിമാചിയ പൻക്റ്റാറ്റ
No: Fagerfredlaus, Fagerfredløs
Nb: Fagerfredløs
Nn: Fagerfredlaus
Pl: Tojeść kropkowana
Sk: Čerkáč bodkovaný
Es: Pikasta pijavčnica
Sv: Praktlysing, Tarha-alpi
Tr: Benli kargaotu
Cy: Trewyn Brych, Trewynyn Brych

Synonyms

• Lysimachusa punctata ((L.) Pohl)
• Nummularia punctata ((L.) Büscher & G.H.Loos)
• Lysimachia villosa (F.W.Schmidt)
• Lysimachia quadrifolia (Mill.)
• Lysimachia punctata subsp. tomentosa ((Daveau) Peev)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by benoff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Christ Vrouwe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Альфредовна Альфредовна (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by VALERIE RICHEBRACQUE (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Fer Elzinga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by claudio palamara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Jos Bontemps (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Alison Innerdale (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Suzan Van Den Bossche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by André Helfer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Fer Elzinga (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Kristian Godinic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by co_16 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by benoff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2018 by Crispin Cook (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by jonathan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Miloslav Ulrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Karolien Constant (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169340)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:701308-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lysimachia punctata L.)

Specifications

Growth