Achillea ptarmica - Sneezewort
This downy perennial wildflower, typically 30 cm tall, does not have a scent (despite its common name). It is commonly found on damp acid
grassland and frequently beside streams.
The flowers first appear in July and sneezewort usually continues blooming into September. Like its close relative yarrow, this plant has many traditional uses. The roots of the plant were used to induce sneezing (not to cure it!). Chewing the roots was also recommended as a cure for toothache - although whether the offending tooth was sneezed out of its socket remains unclear! Bridesmaids at Westountry weddings used to carry posies of sneezewort in the belief that doing so would ensure a happy life for the bride and groom.
Wildflowers of Wales
Dozen of beautiful wildflowers of heath and moorland, mountains and meadows
are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 3 - Mountains, Moorland and Meadows.
|
|
