Gooseneck loosestrife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gooseneck loosestrife |
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| Close-up on flowers of Lysimachia clethroides | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Lysimachia
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| Species: |
clethroides
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Lysimachia clethroides, also known as the gooseneck loosestrife, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Primulaceae family. This plant is known for its unique white flowers that bend like a goose's neck.
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About Gooseneck Loosestrife
Gooseneck loosestrife can grow quite tall, reaching heights of about 60 to 100 centimeters (2 to 3 feet). It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It looks a bit like a tall speedwell plant.
Plant Parts
The stem of the gooseneck loosestrife is straight and strong. Its leaves are spread out along the stem. They are oblong or shaped like a wide spear, usually about 5 cm (2 inches) wide and 7 to 11 cm (3 to 4 inches) long. The edges of the leaves are smooth.
The flowers are small, about 12 cm (5 inches) wide. They grow in groups at the top of the stem, forming a spike. Each flower is snow white and has five petals. The flower cluster bends over, which is why it's called "gooseneck." It blooms all summer long. This plant also spreads using underground stems called stolons.
What's in a Name?
The second part of the plant's scientific name, clethroides, means "like alder." This refers to how the plant resembles the Clethra tree.
Where It Grows
This plant naturally grows in China and Japan. You can also find it in Russia, Korea, and North America. It likes to grow in damp places like the edges of woodlands, wet ravines, and forests. It also grows on sunny grassy hills and mountain slopes. It can be found at elevations from 300 to 2100 meters (about 1,000 to 7,000 feet) above sea level. It prefers rich, deep soil and sheltered spots.
The gooseneck loosestrife has won an important award. It received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardens.
Uses of Gooseneck Loosestrife
In China, especially in the Chaoshan region, people use the leaves of gooseneck loosestrife in cooking. They eat the leaves as a leaf vegetable. They use them to make salads, stir-fried dishes, or soups. These leafy greens are sometimes called "pearl vegetable." They are known for being low in sodium and high in potassium.
Traditional Medicine
In traditional medicine, gooseneck loosestrife is known by many names. Some of these names include dwarf peach, pearl grass, and regulating grass. People have used it to help treat different health issues. These include diarrhea, bruises, sore throats, heat exhaustion, and swelling (edema).
Gallery
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Plants
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Inflorescence
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Leaves
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Close-up on a leaf
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Bumblebee on Lysimachia clethroides
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See also
In Spanish: Lysimachia clethroides para niños
