Dropwort
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Dropwort | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Filipendula |
| Species: | F. vulgaris |
| Binomial name | |
| Filipendula vulgaris Moench | |
Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris), also known as Fern-leaf Dropwort, is a perennial herb of the family Rosaceae closely related to Meadowsweet. It is found in dry pastures across much of Europe and central and northern Asia.
[edit] Growth
It has finely-cut, radical leaves, fern-like in appearance, and an erect stem 20–50 centimetres (8–20 in) tall[1] bearing a loose terminal inflorescence of small white flowers. The tiny flowers appear in dense clusters from late spring to mid summer. The crushed leaves and roots have a scent of oil of wintergreen (Methyl salicylate).
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It is more tolerant of dry conditions than most other members of its genus.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
A root decoction has been made from this plant to treat kidney ailments and is an expectorant. Propagation is by seed and the division of the creeping roots.
[edit] References
- ^ C A Stace, Interactive Flora of the British Isles, a Digital Encyclopaedia: Filipendula vulgaris. ISBN 90-75000-69-3. (Online version)
 | This Rosales article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
