NEN Gallery

Found throughout the British Isles in shady places with a rich soil, this plant has yellow upright flowers and turned back sepals. The plant has leaf like stipules where the upper leaf stalks join the stem and hooked seeds that spread by catching on the fur or feathers of animals and birds. In the middle ages this plant was believed to have magical properties. It was thought to be a very powerful charm against evil spirits and was hung on doors to stop the devil entering a building. It is named after St Benedict. The roots were once used as a fly repellent and for flavouring ale. Picture taken on 27th July 2006 at Old Warden, Bedfordshire.