Perennial plant, introduced in to this country around 1580. Plentiful in the wild in northern England and Scotland but rare in the south. Flowers are round, globular and yellow. Also known as London Bobs.

In Westmoreland it was collected at the beginning of June to adorn doors and cottages. In Derbyshire it was used to decorate churches. It is fragrant when drying so was strewn on the floors of Swedish houses. The Swedish connection doesn't end there. In Scandinavia it was believed that trolls unlocked the flowers at night and dropped poison in the cup to poison the dairymaids and herdsmen - possible origin of the name "trollius". Another possibility is that the name comes from the Scandinavian troll (trollius) or witch, as the plant was alleged to have supernatural powers - therefore it was also known as Witch's Gowan, from the Celtic for flower - "gulan".

Flowers June to August. Good bee plant. Plant in sun or partial shade. It likes moist soil so is good for pondside or damp areas. Doesn't like moist chalky soil.

CAUTION - The plant contains magnofolia. Taken internally it causes a feeling of excitement, followed by stupor, breathing difficulties, weak pulse, sweats, nausea, vomiting and urinary tract irritation.

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