Whorled Loosestrife
Lysimachia quadrifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia) is a native wildflower found throughout eastern North America, blooming with bright yellow flowers from June through August in partially shaded woodland areas.
Toxicity unknown
Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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Whorled loosestrife is a native perennial with distinctive leaves arranged in neat whorls around upright stems. Small yellow flowers appear in summer, creating a delicate display above the orderly foliage. This woodland plant spreads slowly to form loose colonies in shaded areas.
Growing Whorled Loosestrife
Grow Whorled Loosestrife in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Whorled Loosestrife is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Can look sparse or weedy in prime locations
- Dies back completely in winter
- May spread beyond intended boundaries
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract native bees and beetles. Birds may also visit for seeds later in the season.
Common questions
- Where does Whorled Loosestrife naturally grow?
- Whorled Loosestrife is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Oklahoma, typically growing in moist woodland areas and forest edges.
- When does Lysimachia quadrifolia bloom?
- Whorled Loosestrife blooms from June through August, producing small bright yellow star-shaped flowers arranged in distinctive whorls around the stem.
- What pollinators visit Whorled Loosestrife?
- The yellow flowers attract various native bees and beetles, which help pollinate the plant while foraging for nectar and pollen.
- What growing conditions does Whorled Loosestrife prefer?
- This woodland wildflower thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist soil, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and shaded borders.
- Is Whorled Loosestrife HOA-friendly?
- Whorled Loosestrife is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Whorled Loosestrife? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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