Annual Mercury is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cultivated land and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 70cm.
Annual Mercury is named after the god Mercury. Although the plant is poisonous to humans and livestock, its seed provides an important food source for Bullfinches and ants. Annual Mercury was used in traditional medicine as a purgative and in ointments for wound dressing.
Botanic classification and naming: Annual Mercury is a member of the Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) family. The genus name
'Mercurialis' identifies the plant as a Mercury and its species name 'annua' means 'annual plant'.
Concerns: Poisonous to humans, cattle and sheep (especially the seeds). Less toxic than Dog's Mercury. Skin contact with the sap can cause an allergic reaction. Ingestion can cause liver damage.
Benefits: The plant is pollinated by bees and flies. Its seeds are eaten by ants and Bullfinches. However, owing to its toxicity, the risks of having this weed in the garden outweigh its benefits.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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