Creeping jenny. Moscow region

Creeping jenny, moneywort or twopenny grass (Lysimachia nummularia) is an amazing sprawling perennial plant with round leaves resembling coins and golden-yellow flowers. Creeping jenny is one of approximately two hundred species of the Lysimachia genus. In Russia, the plant was known as "meadow tea" and was used as an herbal tea. Additionally, its leaves were once used to produce a dye for coloring fabrics yellow.

The plant thrives in moist, shady places, typically growing in forests under the tree canopy, on floodplain meadows, and along the banks of lakes and ponds.

The stem of creeping jenny is creeping, leafy, and sometimes roots at the nodes; the stem length of a mature plant ranges from 20 to 60 cm. Due to its rooting creeping stems, creeping jenny forms a dense, beautiful carpet. The plant begins to bloom in early summer, and its small yellow flowers decorate it until August.

In landscape design, this species of Lysimachia is used as a ground cover and hanging plant. It is used to decorate retaining walls, rock gardens, and for greening balconies. The plant contains biologically active substances: flavonoids, rutin, nitrogen-containing substances, and organic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic acids. Additionally, the leaves contain tannins and vitamin C.

Healers used the plant to treat scurvy and diarrhea, as well as a external remedy for treating wounds and tumors.

Creeping jenny is often associated with magic, legends, and folklore. In ancient times, people used it to create amulets and talismans believed to possess magical powers. According to legend, the coin-shaped leaves of the plant symbolized wealth and prosperity, while its golden flowers brought luck and well-being to their owner.