Loosestrife

Some members of this family are very invasive.

Loosestrife (Lysimachia) - Plants of the Primrose family of much diversity of habit. The most familiar example is the common creeping Jenny (L. Nummularia), than which there is no hardy flower more suitable for any position where long-drooping, flower-laden shoots are desired, whether on points of the rock garden, or on steep banks, growing in any soil. In moist soil the shoots attain a length of nearly 3 feet, flowering throughout their extent; it is easily increased by division, and flowers in early summer and often throughout the season. There is a yellow-leaved variety (L. N. aurea), which retains its color well, can be readily increased, is useful for rock gardens or borders, and merits its name. The other kinds are tall and erect. L. vulgaris, thyrsiflora, lanceolata, ciliata, verticillata, punctata, and davurica are all 2 to 3 feet high, have spikes of yellow flowers, and, delighting in wet places, are suitable for the sides of ponds, lakes, streams, and similar spots. Indeed, they grow almost anywhere, but in a border they must have a place to themselves, as by their spreading they soon destroy weaker subjects. L. clethroides, a Japanese species, is a graceful plant, 2 to 3 feet high, with long nodding dense spikes of white blossoms, and the leaves in autumn of brilliant hues. L. Ephemerum is a similar plant, from S. Europe, but is scarcely so fine. There are some beautiful species, such as L. atro-purpurea and lupinoides, which are rare.