Plant Profile
Lysimachia glutinosa
Main Plant Information
Genus
Lysimachia
Species
glutinosa
Common Names
- Kōkeʻe yellow loosestrife
Synonyms
- Lysimachia fayi
- Lysimachia olokeleensis
- Lysimachiopsis glutinosa
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Ground Cover
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Great as potted plants.
Source of Fragrance
- Flowers
Additional Fragrance Information
Flowers have a sweet fragrance. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
This lysimachia has small charming 2-inch bell-shaped white or cream to pinkish or apricot-colored flowers that hang down. [1]
Blooming Period
- March
- April
Additional Blooming Period and Fruiting Information
The very durable flowers are long lasting, staying open a week or more. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] Flowers have a tackiness to them and are not easy to pick off the plant with fingers. Use clippers to remove flowers. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Fine
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range from 2 to 5 inches long. Young leaves have a “tacky” texture, while older leaves lose the stickiness. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to ants, scale, mealy bugs, thrips and aphids.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Feed plants by amending soil with a slow release 8-8-8 fertilizer.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
This lysimachia is tolerant of partial shade but will be leggy. Those grown in full sun will be a more robust shrub and flower more. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
Plants naturally grow in diverse mesic forest in the Kōkeʻe area of Kauaʻi.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Recently the genus Lysimachia has been placed in the Myrsine family (Myrsinaceae). To date, there are thirteen endemic and one indigenous species in the Hawaiian Islands.
Though at least two other native lysimachia species ( Lysimachia daphnoides, L. hillebrandii ) are called by the Hawaiian name kolokolo kuahiwi, no name is yet known for this species.
Etymology
The generic name Lysimachia is derived from the Greek lysis , release from, and mache , strife. Tradition relates that when Lysimachus, King of Thrace in Asia Minor (306-281 BCE), was chased by a bull he waved a plant of this genus to pacify the animal, thus releasing himself from strife. The common name for plants in this genus is loosestrife.
The specific epithet glutinosa , meaning sticky, is appropriately named for its sticky flowers, buds, and new leaves.
Modern Use
The long lasting flowers, as well as seed capsules, can be used for lei or flowers arrangements. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola]
Additional References
[1] A Taxonomic Revision of the Endemic Hawaiian Lysimachia (Primulaceae) Including Three New Species by Pacific Science (1997), vol. 51, no. 3: 254-287 by University of Hawaiʻi Press.
