loosestrife

/ˌlusˈstraɪf/

Other forms: loosestrifes

Definitions of loosestrife

1. noun

   any of numerous herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lythrum
   types:

   Lythrum salicaria, purple loosestrife, spiked loosestrife

   marsh herb with a long spike of purple flowers; originally of Europe but now rampant in eastern United States

   Lythrum hyssopifolia, grass poly, hyssop loosestrife

   annual with small solitary pink flowers; originally of Europe but widely naturalized in moist areas

   type of:

   subshrub, suffrutex

   low-growing woody shrub or perennial with woody base
2. noun

   any of various herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lysimachia
   types:

   Lysimachia clethroides Duby, gooseneck loosestrife

   a variety of the loosestrife herb

   Lysimachia nemorum, yellow pimpernel

   trailing European evergreen with yellow flowers

   Lysimachia ciliatum, fringed loosestrife

   of North America

   Lysimachia nummularia, creeping Charlie, creeping Jenny, moneywort

   a loosestrife vine

   Lysimachia vulgaris, garden loosestrife, yellow loosestrife

   frequently considered a weed; Europe and Asia

   Lysimachia terrestris, swamp candles

   North American plant with spikes of yellow flowers, found in wet places

   Lysimachia quadrifolia, whorled loosestrife

   common North American yellow-flowered plant

   type of:

   herb, herbaceous plant

   a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests