Gypsywort Lycopus Europaeus
Gypsywort is a perennial with a spreading habit, reaching from 20-80cm in height. It spreads by underground roots and can form quite large, matting clumps with a nice yellowish green, pointed leaf. The flowers are 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. However it grows happily in a garden border as long as it does not get too dry. 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 loam and even boggy soils. In the home garden a regular supply of water will yield the best results.
Plants in 8cm. pots available.
