Bird's-eye

lysimachia tenella

Also known as: ["Marsh bird's-eye","Few-flowered loosestrife"]

Family: Primulaceae Genus: Lysimachia Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, spreading perennial with delicate, star-shaped yellow flowers and rounded leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
Botanical Name: Lysimachia tenella

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in a moist, partially shaded area, or as a ground cover
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; adjust light exposure based on indoor/outdoor placement.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

pH: 5.5–6.5.

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay mixes; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures in winter promote dormancy.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth in growing season; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Provide warmth.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but can help speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overcrowded stems to encourage bushier growth and better air circulation.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; remove dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; gently tease apart roots if crowded.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf drop in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Protect from drafts; move to a warmer location; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in temperatures above 85°F (29°C).

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Lysimachia tenella may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Lysimachia tenella can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Lysimachia tenella may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Lysimachia tenella due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Lysimachia tenella may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. While not highly toxic, the plant can cause discomfort and should be kept away from curious pets.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Lysimachia tenella can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but consumption may cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets closely. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected or symptoms occur.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Lysimachia tenella, commonly known as bog pimpernel or slender yellow loosestrife, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I propagate Lysimachia tenella?

A: It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed sown in autumn.

Q: Does Lysimachia tenella require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, though it thrives best in partial shade.

Q: Is Lysimachia tenella invasive?

A: It can spread moderately but is generally not considered highly invasive.

Quick Reference
Family: Primulaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Starry Loosestrife
View
Seaside Loosestrife
View
Drumstick Primrose
View
Creeping Jenny
View