Lysimachia ciliata, commonly known as Fringed Loosestrife, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, floodplains, wet meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and grows well in full sun to light shade, making it suitable for rain gardens, woodland edges, and wetland restorations.
This plant typically grows 1 to 4 feet tall and features opposite, lance- to oval-shaped leaves with fine hairs or “cilia” along the margins—hence the name ciliata. In early to mid-summer, it produces nodding, star-shaped yellow flowers on slender stalks arising from the leaf axils. Unlike some Loosestrife species, the flowers hang downward, adding a delicate, subtle beauty to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lysimachia ciliata is a charming and beneficial addition to moist, naturalized gardens. It supports native bees and other pollinators and spreads modestly by rhizomes, helping to stabilize soil in wet areas. It pairs well with companions like Blue Flag, Golden Alexanders, and Swamp Milkweed in diverse, moisture-loving native plant communities.
Lysimachia ciliata, commonly known as Fringed Loosestrife, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, floodplains, wet meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and grows well in full sun to light shade, making it suitable for rain gardens, woodland edges, and wetland restorations.
This plant typically grows 1 to 4 feet tall and features opposite, lance- to oval-shaped leaves with fine hairs or “cilia” along the margins—hence the name ciliata. In early to mid-summer, it produces nodding, star-shaped yellow flowers on slender stalks arising from the leaf axils. Unlike some Loosestrife species, the flowers hang downward, adding a delicate, subtle beauty to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lysimachia ciliata is a charming and beneficial addition to moist, naturalized gardens. It supports native bees and other pollinators and spreads modestly by rhizomes, helping to stabilize soil in wet areas. It pairs well with companions like Blue Flag, Golden Alexanders, and Swamp Milkweed in diverse, moisture-loving native plant communities.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: borders of streams; marshes; moist to wet areas of deciduous woodlands; seeps; soggy thickets; swamps; wet prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to light shade
Soil: fertile loamy soil with organic matter
