Gorse, Ulex europaeus. Gorse is closely related to the brooms, and like them, has green stems and very small leaves and is adapted to dry growing conditions. Between the different species, some gorse is almost always in flower, hence the old country phrase: “When gorse is out of blossom, kissing’s out of fashion”. Gorse flowers have a distinctive coconut scent, experienced […]
Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used to prevent migraine headaches, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around 46 cm (18 in) high with citrus-scented leaves, and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies. It is also sometimes referred to as bachelor’s buttons.
Crocus, Crocus chrysanthus. Bears vivid bowl-shaped flowers. Its common name, “snow crocus”, derives from its exceptionally early flowering period, blooming about two weeks before the giant crocus, and often emerging through the snow in late winter or early spring. The leaves are narrow with a silver central stripe. Present, although probably planted, on the northern section in Muswell Hill.
Creeping buttercup, Ranunculus repens. With a Latin name sounding somewhat like a Harry Potter spell, this bright yellow flowering plant is, like most buttercups, poisonous and due to its acrid taste, avoided by cattle. The basal leaves are divided into three broad leaflets. The plant grows to 50cm high and spreads by use of running stems. WT
Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara. Flowering as early as February, Coltsfoot has large Dandelion like flowers but it’s the round middle of the flower that is almost daisy-like that makes it easy to identify. The shape of the leaves were thought to resemble a colt’s foot and local variations carry this on – ass’s foot and horse-hoof being two such names. Photo: […]
Cinquefoil, Potentilla. Typical cinquefoil looks similar to wild strawberry but has dry inedible fruit. Flowers are usually yellow but may be pinkish, white or even red. In heraldry the cinquefoil emblem was used to signify strength, power, honour and loyalty and was used in the architecture of many churches throughout the 15th century. WT
