Native to moist soils of China and Japan, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae, that also includes cyclamen. It grows up to 3′ tall from a rhizomatious root system and has medium green leaves that are ovate-lanceolate, 3-6″ long, and turn orange-red in the fall. In late spring, gooseneck-shaped racemes 12-18″ long appear bearing densely packed tiny, star-shaped white flowers 1/2″ wide. The plants are very vigorous in moist soil and may be somewhat invasive but are easily pulled out. They look best grouped in an informal setting such as cottage or wet meadow gardens. The genus name, Lysimachia, honors King Lysimachus (661-281 B.C.), Macedonian King of Thrace. The specific epithet, clethroides, is from the Greek klēthra, the name for alder, and refers to the remblance of the plants to those in the genus Clethra.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Small white flowers on gooseneck-shaped spike from late spring to early summer
Size: 3’ H x 3” W
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Humusy, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; control spread
Pests and Diseases: None of importance
Propagation: Division in spring or fall
Companion plants: Gayfeather (Liatris spp.),Siberian iris, daylily, beebalm
