Pronounced (approximate): ly-sih-MAK-ee-ah ter-ESS-triss
Five-pointed yellow flowers form an elongated terminal cluster. Reddish marks occur near the petal bases.
Swamp Candles (Lysimachia terrestris): elongated cluster of yellow flowers. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Primulaceae
Life cycle Perennial wildflower
Blooms Summer
Height 1–3 feet
Habitat Marshes, moist thickets, and wet grassy shores
Other common names
Swamp Candles
Bloom timing and height vary by region. Native status refers to North America; see the range notes below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Marshes, moist thickets, and wet grassy shores. Flowering season: summer.
Late-season reddish bulblets may appear in leaf axils. These small vegetative structures can look like caterpillars and are different from the seed capsules.
Five-pointed yellow flowers form an elongated terminal cluster.
Reddish marks occur near the petal bases. Opposite narrow leaves have smooth edges.
Look in marshes, moist thickets, and wet grassy shores. Include a whole-plant view alongside closeups when studying this species.
8 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native to North America; distribution varies by region.
Documented in these U.S. states
CT, DE, DC, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI, ID, OR, WA
State list includes reported native and introduced occurrence; it does not mean the plant is native in every listed state.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Swamp Candles in the quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.