Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Buy wildflowers, cottage garden plants, seeds, native hedging and herbs from our online shop
It is also an attractive plant to bees and butterflies - particular food plant of the Marsh Fritillary and Narrow Bordered Bee Hawk moth. It is the preferred nectar source for the Small Skipper, Essex Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. Food plant of Common Burnet, Lime Speck Pug, and Shaded Pug moth caterpillars. Birds are quite partial to the large seeds!
Found naturally on roadside verges and meadows throughout England, Wales, Ireland and Southern Scotland.
The whole plant, excluding the root, was made into skin ointment for treating scabs, sores, ulcers, gangrene and dandruff. Also used for fever, coughs, pleurisy, lung problems and stitch. Sheep and goats like the plant, cattle don't.
Cut back late October once seed has fallen.
Good meadow plant.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*