Fringed loosestrife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fringed loosestrife |
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|---|---|
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| Flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lysimachia
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| Species: |
ciliata
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| Synonyms | |
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Steironema ciliatum |
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The fringed loosestrife (scientific name: Lysimachia ciliata) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Primulaceae family. This plant is a type of perennial herb. This means it grows back year after year.
It can grow quite tall, up to about 120 centimeters (nearly 4 feet). It can also spread out about 60 centimeters (2 feet) wide. The plant has smooth green stems. Its leaves grow in pairs opposite each other. They are simple in shape.
In the middle of summer, the fringed loosestrife shows off its star-shaped yellow flowers. It is originally from North America. You can find it in most parts of southern Canada and the United States. It does not grow in the southwestern U.S.
One special thing about this plant is how it attracts pollinators. Unlike many flowers that offer sweet nectar, the fringed loosestrife offers oil! This oil is produced by special glands called elaiophores.
Contents
About Fringed Loosestrife
The fringed loosestrife is known for its bright yellow flowers. These flowers add a pop of color to gardens. The plant's name comes from the tiny hairs, or "fringes," on its leaves and stems. It is a hardy plant. This means it can grow well in many different places.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has upright stems. They are usually green and smooth. The leaves are simple and grow in pairs. They are often a fresh green color. Some types have purple leaves.
The flowers are bright yellow. They have five petals. Each petal looks like a star point. These flowers bloom in the summer months. They make the plant very noticeable.
Where Does It Grow?
Fringed loosestrife is a native plant in North America. It grows naturally in many different habitats. You can find it in wet areas. It likes places like marshes, swamps, and along stream banks. It also grows in moist woodlands.
It is common across a large area. This includes most of Canada's southern regions. It also covers a big part of the United States. It thrives in places with plenty of moisture.
How Does It Get Pollinated?
Most flowers offer nectar to insects. Nectar is a sugary liquid. But the fringed loosestrife is different. It produces special oils instead. These oils are a reward for its pollinators.
Bees are often the main pollinators. Some bees collect these oils. They use the oils to feed their young. This special way of attracting pollinators makes the fringed loosestrife unique.
Growing It in Your Garden
People also grow fringed loosestrife in their gardens. It is a popular ornamental plant. This means it is grown for its beauty. It can grow quickly. It might spread out a lot.
If it spreads too much, you can easily remove new shoots. This helps keep the plant's size under control. Two common types grown in gardens are 'Firecracker' and 'Purpurea'.
The 'Firecracker' type is very popular. It has even won an award. This award is called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This shows it is a great plant for gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Lysimachia ciliata para niños
