Gypsywort Lycopus Europaeus
Gypsywort is a perennial with a spreading habit, reaching from 20-80cm in height. It has quite a straggly appearance, but can form quite large, matting clumps which look a little tidier. The green and hairy leaves are narrow, lanceolate, with a toothed margin that creates a sharp look to the leaves. The floral inflorescence is held on a terminal spike made up of dense whorls of white-pink, tubular and lipped flowers. It flowers in summer, with seeds appearing a few months later.
Gypsywort is native to Europe and Asia, but is naturalised in some regions including the USA. Its natural habitat is around water, such as marshes, lakes and river edges. Also known by names such as Common Buglewood, Water Horehound or European Buglewood. Its most widely used name, ‘Gypsywort’, is derived from the habit of Gypsies who used it to dye their clothes and/or skin. Today, black dye is still produced from this plant on an industrial level.
A good mossy-green dye can be produced in the domestic situation.
Gypsywort grows in sunny or lightly shaded positions, with a preference for damp and even boggy soils. In the home garden a regular supply of water will yield the best results. In a natural situation it will tend to grow near water sources or marshy areas. It spreads both by seed and rhizomes so carpets of the plant can sometimes grow larger carpets which float on water surfaces. This enhances their survival and allows new populations to establish in a different location. Plants in 8cm. pots currently available.
