Maddie James
Bog candles, also known as swamp candles, Lysimachia terrestris, or the tall white bog orchid, are a delightful sight for nature lovers. This wetland plant, native to North America, produces a striking display of yellow or white flowers in the summer months, adding a burst of colour to its marshy habitats. With a unique growth pattern and a preference for peat bogs and wetlands, the flowering season of bog candles is an eagerly anticipated event for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. So, when exactly do these captivating flowers make their appearance?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Bog Candles, Swamp Candles, Swamp Loosestrife, Bog Loosestrife, Yellow Loosestrife, Swamp Yellow Loosestrife, Spiked Loosestrife, Earth Loosestrife, Bulblet Loosestrife, Bulbil-loosestrife |
| Scientific Name | Lysimachia terrestris |
| Flower Colour | Yellow |
| Flower Shape | Star-like, 5-parted |
| Flower Size | 1/2–3/4" across |
| Blooming Season | Summer, July and August |
| Blooming Location | Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Georgia, Maine, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Northern Canada, the United States |
| Zones | 2-6 (2-8), 3-9 (2-10) |
| Dormancy | Yes |
| Ease of Growth | Easy |
| Native Range | Peat Bogs of Eastern/Southeastern North America, Northern Peat Bogs, Wetlands of North America |
| Germination | Some species require pre-treatment, others can be left to nature |
| Planting Instructions | Plant as soon as possible, can be planted during cold weather unless the soil is frozen |
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What You'll Learn
- Bog candles, or Lysimachia terrestris, are a type of rocket spire with small yellow flowers
- They are a wetland plant species that grow in swamps, bogs, and marshes
- Bog candles are native to North America, specifically the states of Georgia, Maine, and Pennsylvania
- They are easy to grow and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings
- Bog candles typically flower in the summer, with some species blooming in July and August
Bog candles, or Lysimachia terrestris, are a type of rocket spire with small yellow flowers
Swamp candles produce a narrow cluster of star-like yellow flowers, with reddish lines down the centre of each petal, in the summer. Each flower is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch across and has five protruding stamens that are streaked with yellow and red. The flowers grow in a spike four to twelve inches long at the top of the central stem, which can grow to be one to three feet tall. The leaves are lance-shaped or narrowly elliptic, about one inch wide, and taper to a point.
At the end of the growing season, red bulblets or "blobs" may form in the leaf axils, resembling caterpillars or fruit. These are harmless but should not be eaten. Swamp candles are considered easy to grow and are known to spread quickly. They are often sold as dormant, bare-root plants and can be planted during cold weather or anytime the soil is not frozen.
Swamp candles were once classified as part of the Primrose (Primulaceae) family but have since been reclassified as belonging to the Myrsine (Myrsinaceae) family based on DNA sequencing. However, some organisations still classify them as part of the Primrose family. Ecologists recognise swamp candles as having special value to native bees.
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They are a wetland plant species that grow in swamps, bogs, and marshes
Bog candles, or swamp candles, are a wetland plant species scientifically known as Lysimachia terrestris. They are native to the peat bogs of eastern North America, from Georgia to Maine, and west to Iowa and Pennsylvania. This species produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, typically in July and August. The flowers grow in a narrow spike or cluster at the top of the central stem, with each flower being about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch across. The five-parted flowers have star-like shapes with five protruding stamens, and each petal bears small reddish patches at the base. The stamens and petals are streaked with yellow and red. The leaves are lance-shaped or elliptical, about one to four inches long, and taper to a point. They are stalkless and usually arranged in pairs at a node, with one leaf on either side of the stem. The leaf edges are smooth, without any teeth.
Swamp candles grow in swamps, bogs, marshes, and other wetlands, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. They thrive in full and partial sun and are often found in marshy areas. As a rhizomatous plant, swamp candles are better suited to larger gardens. They are easy to grow and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Some species go dormant in the summer, and it is recommended to plant them as soon as possible. The Swamp Candle plant is considered to have special value to native bees.
In addition to Lysimachia terrestris, the term "bog candle" is also used to refer to the orchid Platanthera dilatata, commonly known as the tall white bog orchid. This species is distributed across northern Canada and the United States, particularly in the western and central regions, around the Great Lakes, and in the northeast. It grows in various wetland habitats, including wet marshes, fens, bogs, riverbanks, roadsides, and wet tundra environments. The tall white bog orchid produces an inflorescence of up to 65 conspicuous white flowers with a strong, spicy scent.
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Bog candles are native to North America, specifically the states of Georgia, Maine, and Pennsylvania
Bog candles, or swamp candles, are native to North America, specifically the states of Georgia, Maine, and Pennsylvania. Scientifically known as Lysimachia terrestris, they are a type of wetland plant that produces a cluster of bright yellow flowers in the summer. Each flower is about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch across, with five petals marked with small reddish patches at the base. The five protruding stamens are also streaked with yellow and red. The leaves are about an inch wide and taper to a point, and at the end of the growing season, red blobs that resemble caterpillars or fruit may form in the leaf axils.
Swamp candles are typically found in marshy areas with full or partial sun and are known to be easy to grow. They can be grown from seeds, with some species requiring pre-treatment to germinate, such as through cold/moist stratification or by letting nature handle the stratifying process through dormant seeding in late fall or winter. The plants can also be purchased from nurseries, which may ship them during their dormant period in April, May, July, August, or October.
In terms of their preferred habitat, swamp candles thrive in bogs, swamps, and other wetlands, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. They are often found in marshy areas and along riverbanks and roadsides. While they are native to specific states in North America, they can be grown outside their native range if provided with the appropriate habitat and climate.
The name "Lysimachia" may originate from King Lysimachos of Thrace, who is said to have pacified a bull with a piece of loosestrife. Alternatively, it could derive from the words "lysis," meaning release from, and "mache," meaning strife. Swamp candles have several alternate common names, including "Swamp Loosestrife," "Yellow Loosestrife," and "Spiked Loosestrife," reflecting the shape and colour of the flowers.
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They are easy to grow and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings
Bog candles are easy to grow and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. These plants thrive in wet conditions and partial to full sun, ideally basking in 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. They flourish in acidic, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. When planting, space them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their natural clumping growth. Seeds or divisions should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch for the best results.
Propagation through seeds is an effective way to expand your bog candle collection. Collect the seeds in late summer when the seed heads are fully mature. Gently shake the seed heads into a container to gather the seeds without damaging the plant. Once you have your seeds, enhance germination by soaking them in water for 24 hours. Then, plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a seed-starting mix. The best time of year to propagate bog candles from seeds is spring or summer when temperatures are warm and daylight hours are longer. Under optimal conditions, expect germination to take between 14 to 30 days.
You can also propagate bog candles through cuttings. The best times to take cuttings are in early spring or late summer, ensuring you select healthy stems that are 4 to 6 inches long and have at least two leaf nodes. Prepare the cuttings by trimming the lower leaves from the bottom half of each cutting to minimize moisture loss. For an extra boost, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to encourage robust root development. Cuttings can be propagated in water or soil, and they typically take about 2 to 3 weeks to root and establish themselves.
Whether propagating through seeds or cuttings, regular watering is key to keeping the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Consider using drip irrigation or a soaker hose for even moisture distribution. Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth. Prune your bog candles in late fall after flowering to encourage fresh growth. With the right attention and understanding of their lifecycle stages, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of bog candles for years to come.
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Bog candles typically flower in the summer, with some species blooming in July and August
Bog candles, or Lysimachia terrestris, typically flower in the summer. This wetland plant produces a cluster of bright yellow flowers, which bloom up from the bottom with reddish lines down the centre of the five petals. The leaves are about an inch wide and taper to a point. The plant is native to the United States, specifically Georgia, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Iowa, and can be found in swamps, bogs, and other wetlands in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.
Each species of bog candle is different, and some may have specific dormancy mechanisms that must be broken before the seeds will germinate. Some species go dormant in the summer and can be shipped in July and August. The Swamp Candle plant, for example, typically flowers in late summer, with some plants blooming in July and August.
The leaf edges of the Swamp Candle plant are smooth, without any teeth. After flowering, the plants may have red bulblets that appear in the leaf axils—the angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the stem or branch that supports it. The star-like flowers grow in a narrow spike, four to twelve inches long, at the top of the central stem. Each flower is about half to three-quarters of an inch across.
The five protruding stamens of the Swamp Candle are streaked with yellow and red. The plant is an erect, perennial herb that grows one to three feet tall. The stems are smooth and green, sometimes with maroon streaks. The leaves are lance-shaped or narrowly elliptic, from one and a half to four inches long. The leaves are stalkless and usually arranged in pairs at a node, with one leaf on either side of the stem.
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Frequently asked questions
Bog candles, also known as swamp candles, are Lysimachia terrestris, a type of wetland plant. They are native to North America and produce bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Bog candles flower in late summer, usually in July and August.
Bog candles have a narrow cluster of star-like yellow flowers with small reddish patches at the base of each petal. The flowers grow on a smooth, green stem that can reach up to three feet tall.
Bog candles are easy to grow and can be purchased from nurseries like Prairie Moon Nursery. They are typically shipped while dormant, between April and May or October, and should be planted as soon as possible. They prefer marshy areas with full or partial sun and are better suited for larger gardens.
