Swamp Candles

Plant Info

Also known as:	Swamp Loosestrife, Earth Loosestrife
Scientific name:	Lysimachia terrestris
Family:	Primrose (Primulaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun; moist thickets, marshes, grassy shores
Bloom season:	summer
Plant height:	1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Spike cluster 6 inches or longer of ½ to ¾-inch yellow flowers with reddish lines down the center of each petal. At the base of each petal are red dots that surround the 5 long protruding stamen, which are also streaked yellow and red. One plant may have multiple clusters.

Leaves:

Leaves are long and narrow, up to 3 inches long ¾ inch wide, tapering to a point at each end. They are toothless and hairless. Attachment is opposite.

More photos

• full size plants, about 20 inches tall

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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