Lysimachia ciliata ‘Firecracker’

This wildflower is native to North America (specifically the Northeast). In the wild, it is typically found near forests and in fields.

The species, ciliata, is notable in that it is one of the few species of Lysimachia to bear elaiophores – which means that it produces oil instead of nectar for its pollinators.

The genus name relates to King Lysimachus (661-281 B.C.), Macedonian King of Thrace who is said to have calmed a mad ox by feeding it a member of the genus.

Ciliata comes from the Latin ‘cili(a)’ meaning ‘small hair, eyelash, eyelid’  – this refers to the hairs that cover the petiole (otherwise known as the stalk of the plant).