NEN Gallery

A plant that grows on marshy ground, in meadows and ditches. It is common throughout Britain. Each flower consists of a cluster of florets surrounded by a ring of ray florets. The flowers are yellow. The seeds are hairy with a parachute composed of long hairs. The lower leaves on the plant narrow into a stalk, upper leaves are heart shaped where they join the stem. For centuries it was thought the dried burned leaves drove away fleas, hence its name. It was also laid on floors to attract and kill other insects. In the past it was also used as a cure for dysentery. Picture taken 22nd July 2006 at Felmersham, Bedfordshire