Whorled Loosestrife

Whorled LoosestrifeOkay, when you’re identifying wildflowers, one clue is the positioning of the leaves: are they opposite each other as they climb the stem? Do they alternate? Or do the leaves encircle (whorl) the stem? It’s easy to see the whorled leaves on this plant, and the distinctive way the flowers radiate from the axils. Can be about three feet tall. Native. Primrose family.

Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia)

Whorled Loosestrife

Photographed at Centennial but also growing in the Needham Town Forest. There is so much more to spring than tulips. Or violets. All these things I’ve been walking by all these years. Also you start to see how people were able to survive off the land, when they knew the possibilities and utilities of each plant. Primrose family. Native.

Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia)