SWOG Herbarium

[oldclaypaws]

I thought it would be a good learning tool and fun for us to build up a shared digital resource of plants, ferns, funghi and trees we've seen and identified in our woods. If it takes off maybe it would deserve a sub heading in the forum menus. A clear photo and brief description of where found, height and time of year would help, maybe with a Wiki link to more details about the plant. I'll kick off with a single image and add subsequently, please also contribute your photos. Avoid repetition of previous entries. We may all learn something .

COMMON BUGLE, Ajuga reptans. Height 30cm, partial shade, flowering May/June.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajuga_reptans

[oldclaypaws]

DOG ROSE, Rosa Canina.

Height to 2Metres, hedgerow climber. 'Rosehip' fruit is used for syrup, high in Vitamin C.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_canina

[oldclaypaws]

FOXGLOVE Digitalis Purpurea

Height 150cm, grows in disturbed ground such as felled areas. Toxic. Used medically to lower heart rate (thanks to Davetb for medical input & correction).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis_purpurea

[oldclaypaws]

ENCHANTERS NIGHTSHADE Circaea lutetiana

Groundcover plant, heart shaped green leaves, delicate small white flowers. Not related to 'deadly' nightshade, non toxic, has medicinal uses. Grows in shadey clay soils. Up to 40cm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circaea_lutetiana

[oldclaypaws]

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE Atropa belladonna

Purple and yellow flowers forming attractive looking sweet tasting black berries, two of which can kill an adult. One of the most poisonous plants in Europe with a colourful history. Related to the potato and has similar leaves. Grows to around 50cm. Photograph from oldclaypaws wood.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna

atropa_belladonna_170906_1.jpg (31.84 KiB) Viewed 15177 times

[oldclaypaws]

MEADOW SWEET Filipendula ulmaria

Familiar cream coloured roadside and hedgerow herb which grows in clumps to about 1 Metre. Looks similar to elder flowers. Very pleasant sweet almondy scent. Was used in medieval times to strew on floors, a favourite of Elizabeth Ist. Also used to flavour mead, wine and beer, many herbal uses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipendula_ulmaria

[oldclaypaws]

HEDGE WOUNDWORT or 'Allheal', Stachys sylvatica

Looks very similar to nettle, but with purple flowers. Very important Saxon herb, heals wounds by having good anti-bleeding and antiseptic properties. Pungent smell.

http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/apothecary/hedge-woundwort