Habitat
Type: waste or grassy places
Distribution: throughout northern hemisphere

General
Growth type: herb
Cycle: perennial
Height: up to 30 cm

Leaf
Shape: pinnate
Texture: downy
Arrangement: basal rosette
Edge: toothed
Other: silvery underside

Stem
Colour: may be dark red
Other: creeping, long runners root at leaf nodes

Flower
Diameter: 15-20mm
Petals/sepals: 5
Arrangement: solitary on leaf stalk
When: May to August
Colour:

March to August
all year

Flavour
Rating and Description:
mild; older leaves are un-chewable raw

How to Consume
raw, tea
young shoots: raw
raw, flour

Special preparation
wash, scrape skin

Used as ...
Plant: food

Action:
Plant: analgesic (bruised as poultice), antispasmodic, astringent (root strongest), diuretic, haemostatic, odontalgic, tonic
anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative

May treat:
Plant: haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, menstrual pain, acid stomach, inflamed intestine; external: sore throat (gargle), ulcers

Plant: skin cleaning lotion

Collection
June best for medicinal use
best late summer to autumn from large plants in loose soil

Drying
Dry in shade

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

General Glossary

• pinnate: with series of leaflets on each side of central stalk

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• analgesic: relieves pain
• anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc. (see also demulcent, emollient)
• antispasmodic: prevents or eases spasms or cramps
• astringent: causes localised contraction of blood vessels and tissue, reducing the flow of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine
• expectorant: removes excess amount of mucus from respiratory system (see also decongestant)
• haemostatic: controls bleeding (see astringent)
• odontalgic: treats toothache (temporarily) and other problems of the teeth and gums
• sedative: calms the nervous system and reduces stress
• tonic: improves general health, bringing steady improvement