Lysimachia fortunei

Lysimachia fortunei is a perennial in the primrose family, Primulaceae. Its native range spans southern China, Indo-China and temperate East Asia. Records include Korea, Taiwan and the Japanese islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. It grows in wet ground beside rivers and ponds. Other habitats include ditches, rice-field banks and damp roadsides. These sites range from sea level to about 4,920 feet [1,500 metres].

This plant forms clumps and spreads through creeping rhizomes. Its upright stems reach about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. The RHS gives a broader garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metres]. Clumps spread about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] across. They take two to five years to reach full size. Narrow leaves grow along the stems. Each leaf can reach about 0.36 feet [0.11 metres] long. The foliage is deciduous, rather than evergreen. Small white flowers form tall clusters above the leaves. Each bloom has a star-like shape. Flowering runs from midsummer into early autumn.

Choose a sheltered spot with full sun or partial shade. The soil should hold moisture rather than dry out. The RHS lists both clay and loam as suitable soils. It accepts acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions. It also tolerates poor drainage or moist soil that drains well. These needs suit a damp border or bog garden. PFAF also lists it for planting near a pond. Its white flower spikes offer summer interest in beds. The RHS suggests cottage gardens and other informal planting schemes.

The RHS assigns this species a UK hardiness rating of H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. Divide established clumps in spring or autumn to make more plants. Cut the stems back once flowering has ended. Watch for slugs and snails, which may attack it. The RHS reports few disease problems. Though its rhizomes allow it to spread, PFAF does not flag weed potential.

PFAF records the young plant as edible, but gives little detail. It also reports the use of leaves as a condiment. Its food-use score is low, at one out of five. That source lists no known hazards. This does not establish safety for pets or every use. PFAF records no known medicinal or other practical uses.