Meadowsweet is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in damp meadows and woodland, to a mature height of up to 120cm.
Although often found growing in meadows and having sweet smelling flowers, the origin of the name Meadowsweet is actually thought to be a corruption of 'mead sweet', as the plant has a traditional use to flavour mead. This usage is also reflected in the alternative common name of 'Meadwort'. Meadowsweet is related to Dropwort, but is: a taller plant; with smaller, more densely clustered flowers; with more leaves extending up the stem; and a distinctive three-lobed leaflet at the end of its leaves.
Botanic classification and naming: Meadowsweet is a member of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. The genus name
'Filipendula' identifies the plant as a Dropwort and its species name 'ulmaria' means 'elm-like plant'.
Benefits: Can be used as a wildlife bog garden plant.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|