Garden-worthy wild flowers

Discussion in 'Herbs and Wildflowers' started by Hornbeam, Jun 14, 2006.

  1. Hornbeam

    Hornbeam Gardener

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    Many of our wild flowers are worth a place in the garden. Trouble is that the plant breeders can't leave them alone and we get gaudy puffed up travesties. More often, they are ignored but a closer look can reveal some gems. This is one for a chalk garden that needs no enhancement. Anyone care to ID it?
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  2. jazid

    jazid Gardener

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    Not up on me vetches but I'd guess Vicia cracca, the tufted vetch. BTW any good at paeonies (he asks hopefully)
     
  3. jay

    jay Gardener

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    Vetch is one of the most beautiful flowers IMO, also woody nightshade. Any nightshade piccies for us Hornbeam? [​IMG]
     
  4. Hornbeam

    Hornbeam Gardener

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    As requested by Jay :D
    Woody Nightshade also known as Bittersweet. Truly exotic!
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    Its botanical name is Solanum dulcamara and its red berries are poisonous. Often mistakenly called Deadly Nightshade, but that plant is Atropa belladonna. Called belladonna meaning (beautiful lady)because it was used as a cosmetic by Italian women to enlarge the pupils of their eyes. Still used as a stomach sedative.

    Enchanter's Nightshade is unrelated and a member of the willowherb family. This is one that I don't want in the garden, but I can't get rid of! :mad: It is said to be the charm that the witch Circe used to turn Ulysses' crew into pigs!
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  5. jay

    jay Gardener

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    Awww, thanks Hornbeam :D isn't it gorgeous?!
     
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