The Traditional and Modern Uses of Red Campion
A recognisable flower of the hedgerows, the flowers of Red Campion (Silene dioica) were said to resemble buttons. The Latin name Silene comes from … Continue
Plants
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Three-cornered Leek/Garlic
Under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1985 and amendments) it is an offence to deliberately or accidentally introduce this plant into … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Wych Elm
With around forty-five species of elm found in forests in the northern hemisphere to the tropical mountains of Asia, we’re spoilt for choice. Here, … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Silver Birch
Introduction The birch tree is the ‘lady of the forest’ with its silvery bark, elegant white boughs and delicate leaves. The Latin name for … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Salad Burnet
Salad Burnet is one of the few wild species which supplies edible greenery for most of the year. During the winter and spring months, … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Staghorn Sumac
Scientific name Rhus typhina Family Anacardiaceae Botanical description Habit: Small tree, typically forming a low, spreading dome to 7m in height, often with multiple … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Service (Chequers Tree)
The wild service tree has earned its name from the Latin cervisia, because people used its small fruit in ancient times to make a fermented, … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Crab Apple
Introduction Crab apple is the awkward cousin of the cultivated apple and is often overlooked in food and medicine. However, the tree produces small, … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Gorse
Gorse is a pretty, fragrant shrub of the pea family. The native species to the British Isles is considered to be U. gallii, although U. europaeus is … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Wood Avens (Herb Bennet)
Wood Avens, or herb bennet, is a woodland member of the rose family (Rosaceae). Curiously, the plant’s Latin name urbanum means ‘city dweller’ which … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is an ancient crop with modern virtues, say many researchers of ethnobotany. Its Latin name Hippophae is from the Greek ‘hippo’, meaning … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Cow arsley
Introduction Cow parsley displays characteristic rows of ‘white lace’ along roadside verges in spring and was once used in food and medicine. However, a … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers ornamental and culinary value in the British Isles. Its vibrant flowers, fragrant foliage, and … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Ground Ivy
Ground ivy is one of Britain’s commonest plants. It flourishes from sunny banks to shady wastelands. A perennial plant with trailing dark-green, kidney-shaped leaves … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Sea Beet
Sea beet is the wild ancestor to common vegetables such as beetroot, swiss chard and spinach beet. We can even thank the rugged coastal … Continue