This must be a common plant because it is another one that I can actually identify! And this is the time to see it – there was plenty in the boggier bits of Perth and Kinross on Saturday.
I read that the name comes from mead – which it was used to flavour (rather than being anything to do with meadows) and that where I saw it on Saturday I should have referred to it as crios Chu-chulainn: the belt of mythological hero of Ulster, Cú Chulainn. And that it eases the pain of hangovers…
There are quite a few interesting linkages to medicine according to Wikipedia and it seems as thopugh people have been picking it for several thousand years because it smells nice. So, get stuck in!
It smells great – rather like freshly cut hay
It used to be said that meadowsweet was a key component of the nesting habitat for Marsh Warblers. If only that were true, in Britain, these days.
David – yes, if only. An interesting bird which I’ve only seen (and heard) a few times in the UK ant not that often abroad. It always takes me by surprise because I hardly ever think about it.