Native meadowsweet seeds are also found in:
FFern x RHS Chelsea Flower Show Fragrant Wildflowers Seed Collection
Where does meadowsweet grow in the wild?
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a perennial herb native to the UK, Europe and Western Asia. It thrives in damp meadows, along riverbanks, and in wetlands. It is known for its clusters of small, creamy-white flowers and sweet, almond-like fragrance, blooming from June to September.
Can you grow meadowsweet in the garden?
Yes, meadowsweet is relatively low-maintenance and can easily be grown in the garden. It is best suited to areas with moist soil and partial shade. Perfect for wildlife ponds or in rain gardens.
What plants can you pair with meadowsweet?
Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi): Ragged Robin is a distinctive wildflower with ragged, pink flowers that grows well in wet meadows and alongside meadowsweet. It blooms in late spring to early summer.
Angelica (Angelica sylvestris): Angelica is a tall plant with umbels of white or pale pink flowers, commonly found in moist meadows and woodland edges, often growing near meadowsweet.
Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): This wildflower has clusters of sweetly scented, pale pink to white flowers and is often found in wetland areas with meadowsweet. It is known for its medicinal properties as well.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris): Found in wetlands and along streams, marsh marigold has bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers that bloom in early spring, providing a colorful contrast to meadowsweet’s later blooms.
Is meadowsweet evergreen?
No, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is not evergreen. It is a herbaceous perennial, which means it dies back to the ground during the winter months and regrows from its roots in the spring.
Does meadowsweet provide habitat and forage for wildlife?
Meadowsweet flowers are an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant also supports various insects, including beetles and hoverflies, which in turn attract birds. Its dense foliage also offers shelter to small animals and insects throughout the year.
What are the traditional medicinal uses of meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. It contains salicylates, which are precursors to aspirin, and has been traditionally used to treat ailments such as headaches, fever, and digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion.
Is meadowsweet safe to eat?
While meadowsweet is generally to eat, caution is advised if you are allergic to aspirin or have asthma. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before consuming it.
What is the significance of meadowsweet in folklore?
In folklore, meadowsweet is often associated with love, protection, and purification. It was one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids, along with water mint and vervain. Historically, it was also scattered on floors as a fragrant strewing herb to freshen up living spaces.
How can meadowsweet be used in cooking?
Meadowsweet flowers have a sweet, aromatic flavour which is used to infuse desserts, teas, and beverages. It’s particularly popular in traditional recipes for mead, cordials, and jams. The leaves can also be used, though they have a slightly bitter taste compared to the flowers.
Native meadowsweet seeds fast facts:
Latin name: Filipendula Ulmaria.
Flowers: June to September.
Height: 60cm to 120cm.
When to sow meadowsweet seeds: Stratification is beneficial to break the seed’s dormancy. Either, direct sow in autumn or cold-moist stratify for 3-4 weeks before sowing indoors in the spring. Sow on the surface of the soil as the seeds require light to germinate, and keep the soil moist.
Sow with: Ragged robin and agrimony.
Lifecycle: Perennial.
Soil requirement: Meadowsweet prefers damp conditions so thrives in heavy clay soils, although it does seem to tolerate most soil types. It can grow in full sunshine or partial shade and is ideal for naturalised planting schemes.
Natural habitat: River banks and roadside ditches.
Also known as: Queen of the meadow, pride of the meadow, meadow-wort, meadow queen, lady of the meadow, meadsweet, and bridewort.
Did you know? A forerunner of aspirin, historically a tea made from meadowsweet was used to treat many ailments including indigestion, gastric reflux, cystitis and liver disorders.
Safety note: Salicylic-containing plants, such as meadowsweet, should be used with caution because salicylic medicines can thin the blood and cause internal bleeding.
