Lysimachia ciliata aka Firecracker

Lysimachia ciliata is also called fringed loosestrife. This wildflower lives for years and belongs to the primrose family. It grows wild across southern Canada and much of the United States, including Alaska. It grows in marshes, wet prairies, and damp woods. It also grows by ponds and streams, and on flood plains. Loss of wetlands has cut some local plant numbers. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants reach 1–4 feet (0.30–1.22 metres) tall. They spread 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 metres) wide. Rhizomes, or underground stems, help them spread. They also grow from seed. The green stems stand straight, with angles in cross-section. Their smooth surfaces have few or no branches. Simple leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of each stem. They are lanceolate, or shaped like a lance head. Leaves reach 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) long. Fine hairs line their edges and petioles, or leaf stalks. These hairy stalks help tell this species from its relatives.

The yellow flowers face down and have five petals. The star-shaped blooms often have reddish marks near the centre. Each flower spans about 0.04–0.08 feet (0.013–0.025 metres). Short hairs cover the flower stalks. The source lists bloom times from May to September. It places the main show from midsummer into early fall. The flowers make oil that draws bees. One is Macropis steironematis, which feeds on loosestrifes. Shiny green capsules, or seed cases, follow the blooms. Each holds several seeds. Fruits appear from August through October.

Grow fringed loosestrife in full sun or light shade. It needs moist to wet ground. Loam rich in organic matter suits it. It also suits acid to neutral soil. It copes with brief floods as well as wet soil. Its listed hardiness spans USDA zones 3–9. Use it in damp borders, rain gardens, or native plantings. Pond edges and stream banks also meet its needs. Its long bloom season brings colour to wet planting sites.

The source reports no major pest or disease problems. Still, leafhoppers, sawflies, and leaf miners can harm plants. The source says people can eat cooked leaves. It gives no details on how to prepare them. It also notes use as medicine for astringent effects, which tighten tissues. Other noted uses cause sweating or bring on vomiting. These reports do not prove safe doses or safe use. The source says the live plant deters flies and gnats. The evidence does not show that it is safe for people or pets.