Alpine Bistort (Bistorta vivipara): Bistorta vivipra, commonly known as alpine bistort, is a species of flowering plant within the dock, knotweed and buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is present throughout the high Arctic, and its habitat extends through Europe, North America, and temperate and tropical Asia. This continues across high mountainous areas such as the Alps, Carpathians, Pyrenees, Caucasus, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Bistorta vivipara is an herbaceous perennial. It grows between 5 to 15 centimetres in height. The rootstock is thick and rhizomatous. An unbranched, hairless stem extends above the ground where it grows. The leaves are hairless on the upper surfaces, with greyish-green hair below. Both long stemmed basal and linear stemless leaves occur on the plant. The upper flowers are white or pink and minute in scale. The lower area of the spike features bulbils instead of flowers. Flowers rarely produce viable seeds. Reproduction occurs by the bulbils: small bulb-like structures that develop in the axils of the leaves. These may develop into new plants.
These edible bulbils are rich in starch. They are a preferred food for rock ptarmigans (Lagopus mutus) and reindeer. Alpine bistort flowers in June and July.
Bistorta vivipara grows in many different terrains, frequently in abundance. Frequent habitats include moist short grassland and nutrient-rich fens.
Arrowleaf Sida (Sida rhombifolia): Sida rhombifolia is commonly known as arrowleaf sida, rhombus-leaved sida, Paddy's lucerne, jelly leaf, and kurumthotti in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a medicinally significant plant.
Stems are raised or sprawling and branched. The species grows 50 to 120 centimetres in height. The lower sections are often woody. Dark green, narrow rhombic leaves alternate along the stem. Each leaf is 4 to 8 centimetres in length, and feature petioles that are less than a third of the leaves' length. Leaves are less vibrant underneath, and have short, greyish hairs. The top edges (apex) of the leaves have toothed or serrated margins while the remainder of the leaves are entirely smooth. The petioles feature small spiny stipules at the bases.
Flowers appear from flower stalks that occur from between the stems and leaf petioles. Flowers consist of five petals that are 4 to 8 millimetres long. Colouration is creamy to orange-yellow and may be reddish in the center. There are five overlapping petals that are asymmetric, with a long lobe on each end. These create a helical pattern in the flower. The stamens condense in a short column. Fruit is a ribbed capsule which breaks up into 8 to 10 segments. The plant blooms throughout the year.
Sida rhombifolia is a widely distributed tropical and subtropical weed: it can be found in savannahs, roadsides, thick scrub, hillsides, and swampy woodlands. It is usually confined to waste ground, but can be competitive in pasture as it is often ignored by livestock.
The plant is emollient. It can be used for ulcers, high fevers and as an antidiarrheal. It is beneficial against heart conditions such as pulmonary catarrh and ovarian diseases. The root is used as an anticrotalic. A serum may be prepared to lessen the effects of venom of rattlesnakes and black widow spiders.
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): Colchicum autumnale is commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron, or naked ladies. It is a toxic spring and autumn plant that resembles the true crocuses. It is a member of the plant family Colchicaceae, separate from true crocuses, which belong to the family Iridaceae. The common name "naked ladies" is attributed as the flowers emerge from the ground long before leaves appear. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron", this plant is not the source of culinary saffron. Saffron is obtained from the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). That plant is also called "autumn crocus".
Colchicum autumnale is an herbaceous perennial that has leaves up to 25 centimetres long. The flowers are solitary and 4–7 centimetres across. Six tepals stamens with orange anthers and three white styles are typical.
Colchicum autumnale is the only species of the Colchicaceae family endemic to Great Britain and Ireland. It occurs across mainland Europe from Portugal to Ukraine. It may be naturalised in Sweden, Russia, and New Zealand.
The bulb-like corms of Colchicum autumnale contain colchicine. It is a useful drug, but with a narrow therapeutic index. Colchicine is approved in many countries for the treatment of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine is used in plant breeding to produce polyploid strains.
Polyploidy involves an organism possessing more than two complete sets of chromosomes, and is linked to several evolutionary advantages, such as heterosis, gene redundancy, and asexual reproduction.
Colchicum plants are deadly due to inherent colchicine content. These plants have been mistaken by foragers for wild garlic (Allium ursinum), which Colchicum autumnale vaguely resembles. The symptoms of colchicine poisoning are similar to those of arsenic. No antidote is known.
The leaves and fruit of autumn crocus contain the highest level of toxins. All parts of the plant are however poisonous.
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Elaeagnus umbellata, known as Japanese silverberry, umbellata oleaster, autumn olive, autumn elaeagnus, or spreading oleaster, is endemic to eastern Asia. It natively ranges from the Himalayas to Japan, but has become introduced to Europe and North America. It is a hardy, aggressive invasive species that can be difficult to remove once established.
The species grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree. It may reach up to 3.5 metres or 11 feet in height. It has a dense crown and commonly grows sharp thorns in the shape of spur branches. The flowers occur in clusters of 1 to 7 white to yellow, four-lobed structures that are 8 to 9 millimetres in length and 7 millimetres in diameter.
The leaves alternate along the branches. These are 4 to 10 centimetres long and 2 to 4 centimetres wide, and feature wavy edges. Silvery scales minutely cover the new leaves when these emerge early in the spring. The leaves become more verdant on the upper surface as the scales disappear in the summer. The underside of the leaves are more densely covered in the scales. This differs from the Elaeagnus angustifolia, which features silver-scaled leaves until the fall when they are shed.
The fruits that result from the flowers are small round drupes, 0.65 to 0.85 centimetres in diameter. When unripe, the fruit is silvery-scaled and yellow. This ripens to a red colour, with faint silver or brown accents. The ripe fruits are edible, and reputedly sweet or tart in flavour. These are 3 to 9 millimetres in length or 5 millimetres in diameter. 137 milligrams is a typical weight. Berries can be eaten fresh or processed into jam, condiments, or flavouring. Due to the carotenoids present, and high lycopene content, the berries can be used as a substitute for tomato.
Although it is not considered invasive in its endemic ranges, it has become a problem elsewhere because of its vigorous growth habits. As it fixes atmospheric nitrogen in its roots, the species may grow competitively in infertile soils. It can increase available nitrogen in soils, which benefits nearby plants that depend on nitrogen. It can increase yields of adjacent fruit trees up to 10 percent if grown in orchards. Its ability to alter soils can be deleterious for local plant populations. Compounded with the capacity to spread, this can be ruinous if not monitored.
Bistort (Bistorta officinalis): Bistorta officinalis, commonly known as bistort, common bistort, European bistort, meadow bistort, snakeroot, snake-root, snakeweed, and Easter-ledges, is a species of flowering plant within the dock, knotweed and buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is endemic to Europe and western to northern Asia.
Bistorta officinalis is an herbaceous perennial. It grows from 20 to 80 centimetres in height to a width of 90 centimetres. The foliage is typically basal, the leaves hairless. The inflorescence is a spike, from which racemes minutely extend in club-like spikes. Rose-pink flowers occur at the ends of these racemes. The fruit from these flowers is a glossy black nut.
Flowering occurs in June and July. Bistort grows in moist soils. In dry conditions the plant goes dormant. It loses its foliage until provided with sufficient moisture.
The roots and leaves are traditionally used to staunch wounds. The chemical composition within the root system and foliage highly comprises tannic and gallic acids. A medicinal astringent can be further extracted from the root system.
Borage (Borago officinalis): Borago officinalis is an annual herb of the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is alternatively known as starflower in English.
It is a plant endemic to the Mediterranean region and naturalised in many other locations. Much of Europe features this plant cultivated within gardens, and as a wild variant. The leaves and flowers are edible, which is how it is often used by those who grow it. Commercially, borage seed oil is extracted from the seeds and sold.
Although edible, the leaves of the plant feature compounds which can be hepatotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic: pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High doses of the plant, or a long duration of use can damage the liver or lungs or cause cancer.
The seed oils should not be consumed due to concentrations of the compounds. Although processing can remove the toxins, it is not advisable. Moderation and caution is best exercised with borago officinalis.
The species grows between 60 to 100 centimetres in height. Blue, pink, or white star-shaped flowers are produced from the plant. The flowers are complete and bisexual: these feature both stamens and carpels. Multiple flowers occur from scorpioid cymes, suggesting considerable intraplant pollination.
The entire plant is visibly hairy and bristly. The leaves alternate along the stems and are simple in shape and often wavy along the edges. These are typically from 5 centimetres to 15 centimetres long, the lower leaves larger than the newer ones.
Borage has an indeterminate growth habit. This may lead to prolific spreading if not restricted.
Traditional uses are primarily for medicinal and culinary purposes. Modernly, the seed oil is instead prioritised. When the leaves and flowers are used fresh in salads, soups, or as garnish, these have a reputedly cucumber-like taste.
The plant shows potential to lower inflammation, specifically that of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to reduce asthma symptoms and alleviate skin disorders such as atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis. It is used as an alternative medicine to treat adrenal insufficiency, a hormone disorder. Due to supporting the production of cortisol, chronic stress and anxiety may be offset by related use of borage, which can cause it to work as a sedative.
Camelina (Camelina sativa): Camelina sativa is a summer or winter annual plant. It is endemic to Europe and central Asia. Its common names include camelina, gold-of-pleasure, or false flax.
It has branching stems that become woody with maturity. The leaves attached to the branches alternate in pattern, and are lanceolate with a length of 2 to 8 centimetres and a width of 2 to 10 millimetres. The leaves and stems at times feature hairs. It can grow to a height of 30 to 120 centimetres.
Flowering occurs between June and July. The flowers are abundant, and pale yellow in colour, with four petals per blossom. The flowers produce a pear-shaped seed with a tapered edge. The seeds are brown or orange in colour. They are typically at a length of 2 to 3 millimetres. One plant may produce over a thousand seeds.
Camelina sativa has historic use as an oilseed plant. Its high fat content allowed it to be a sufficient source of oil for lamps. It was traditionally grown as a crop for vegetable oil and as an animal feed, and remains a staple in various regions.
It is edible, and evidently features an almond-like flavour and aroma.
Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus): Cichorium intybus is a woody, perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Europe, Asia, and Africa but has a global distribution through introduction.
Multiple cultivars of chicory exist. Many are cultivated for salad leaves and chicons. The entire plant is edible, and can be cooked in a multitude of ways. A coffee substitute and a food additive can be created from the dried and crushed root. The food additive, inulin, can be used as a sweetener and source of dietary fibre. Chicory is also a frequent forage crop for livestock.
Cichorium intybus has multiple terms attributed to it on a regional basis. Vernacular includes blue daisy, blue dandelion, blue sailors, blue weed, bunk, coffeeweed, cornflower, hendibeh, horseweed, ragged sailors, succory, wild bachelor's buttons, and wild endive. Further terms for cultivars of the Cichorium intybus var. foliosum include endive, radicchio, radichetta, Belgian endive, French endive, red endive, sugarloaf, and witloof.
Chicory flowers from March until October. The flowering stage of chicory features a tough, grooved, and hairy stem. Chicory can grow to 1.5 metres. The leaves are attached to stalks. They are lanceolate and unlobed and can range from 7.5 to 32 centimetres in length, and 2 to 8 centimetres in width. Flowers are 3 to 5 centimetres in circumference and typically light blue or lavender, but rarely white or pink. The oval seed has small scales at the ends.
Chicory is noted to relieve mild digestive disorders and loss of appetite due to its constituents.
Common Hepatica (Anemone hepatica): Anemone hepatica, or the common hepatica, liverwort, kidneywort, or pennywort, is a species within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is endemic to the northern hemisphere, particularly in continental Europe, North America, and Japan. Woodland, thickets, meadows, and mountains are a typical habitat.
The plant grows from rhizomes. It can reach 5 to 15 centimetres in height. The leaves and flowers occur from the rhizomes, not stems. The leaves have three lobes. They are fleshy, white, and hairless. Leaves are 5 to 6 centimetres long and 7 to 9 centimetres wide. The upper side of the leaves is dark green, with white stripes. The lower sides are violet to red-brown.
The leaves occur during or after flowers appear. These remain green throughout winter. The flowers occur in winter or spring. They are blue, pink, purple, or white in colour, with five to ten sepals and three bracts underneath.
The flowers produce pollen but no nectar. Bees search for nectar but find none. When pollen occurs, bees consume the pollen instead.
The plant is toxic when fresh. When dried, the protoanemonin compounds dimerise to the non-toxic anemonin.
It was believed to be a means to treat fever, respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, gout, and liver diseases in times since past. It is still used for pimples, bronchitis, and gout.
Cowslip (Primula veris): Primula veris is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. The species is endemic to much of temperate Europe and western Asia. It is however absent from northern areas, such as northwest Scotland, yet occurs in northern Sutherland, Orkney, and Scandinavia. Primula veris often hybridises with other Primula species.
Aside from cowslip, terms attributed to Primula veris include common cowslip and cowslip primrose. The term 'cowslip' may reference its growth patterns, whether amid cow manure or in marshland and other damp terrains. Although the term 'cowslop' existed in Old English vernacular, and remains present in various dialects, the term 'cowslip' superceded it within the 16th century.
Primula veris is variable in that it can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. It is a perennial plant that grows to 25 centimetres in height. It broadens as it matures. The leaves are 5 to 15 cm long and 2 to 6 centimetres in width. The yellow flowers are produced in spring. Clusters of 10 to 30 blooms occur together on one stem. Each flower is 9 to 15 millimetres in diametre. Red and orange flowers are uncommon, but can occur from cross-pollination. These can become locally widespread in areas where primula hybrids flower within the same duration as the cowslip.
As a species, it is often found near water sources. Open grounds such as fields, meadows, coasts, and clifftops may be frequent habitats for it.
Cowslip is edible, and has had use in traditional cooking. Its leaves are included in salads, and its flowers are used as a flavouring for wines, teas, and vinegars. It can be considered an expectorant and anti-inflammatory, as well as an alleviant for headaches, nerve pain, and insomnia.
Elecampane (Inula helenium): Inula helenium is a plant species with a wide growth range. It is endemic to Eurasia, from Spain to western China, and is naturalised in North America.
Inula helenium is a member of the sunflower family Asteraceae. It grows tall as of its relatives, around 90 to 150 centimetres, and spreads prolifically through its roots. This can be problematic if it is introduced to an area it is not local to.
The leaves are large, toothed, and feature small hairs on the upper sides of the leaves. The lower sides feature a thick layer of plant wool. Flowers are 5 centimetres across. Each stalk comprises 50 to 100 yellow ray flowers and 100 to 250 yellow disc flowers.
Inula helenium is edible. The roots are mucilaginous, and evidently bitter in taste, with a camphoraceous odour that has floral undertones.
Documented uses for the species exist throughout history. More archaic uses include diluting the plant in wine or oil, in order to lessen the effects of snake and spider venom. It also can be used as an expectorant and for water retention. Elecampane is an antiseptic and bactericide, aside from an anti-inflammatory. The root is strongly anthelmintic.