Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)** Perennial herb [2p95]
The plant requires light or semi shade for growth. Uses: Comfrey has a long history of proven use. As a poultice for conditions such as cuts, bruises, sprains, sores and eczema. It is well known as an organic fertiliser and compost, it is ‘a dynamic accumulator gathering minerals or nutrients from the soil and storing them in a more bioavailable form’ [3]. The leaves are hairy and a deterrent to slugs. Some investigation into its potential for carbon capture6Old foliage is good biomass for a mulch
Wildlife Benefits pollinated by bees. Attracts insects particularly lacewings, spiders and parasitoid wasps [6].
Wild Celery (Apium graveolens) Erect, strong smelling biennial [2p53], the plant is self fertile. It can grow in a range of pH soils and saline soil, light and semi shade. The plant can adapt quickly to climate change, using it’s genetic diversity as a survival mechanism.
Uses First used in cooking in the middle ages. The plant and seed is used as a flavouring and in common use in Asian markets [7]. Seed for cooking available in the UK e.g £2/50g. Wild Celery has medicinal properties that can treat a variety of ailments. Useful as a companion plant for other food crops such as brassica3.
Wildlife Benefits: The plant is pollinated by flies.
Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus)
Perennial, growing to 1m2, Grows easily from seed and self-fertile. Tolerant of a range of soils and pH, light or semi shade. Harvested when flowering begins.
Uses as an astringent, mild narcotic and sedative [3]. Also as a black dye for wool and silk [2p163]. Can be used as treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders but should not be used by pregnant woman or patients with hypothyroidism. Sold as packets of dried leaves e.g £4/50g retail.
Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees and flies.
Bog Myrtle, Sweet Gale ( Myrica Gale)
A deciduous shrub, growing to 2m by 1m. Not self fertile and is wind pollinated. Will grow in light or shade, moist or wet soil.
Uses The flowers, fruits and leaves are used. Now mainly as an food flavouring and aromatic, sometimes used in beer and ale to improve flavour and increase foaming. Myrtle’s qualities make it useful medicinally and as a dye, parasiticide, repellent, fragrant essential oil (e.g £4.92/5ml) and tannin. It has been proven to be an effective midge repellent particularly the Scottish midge [5].
Wildlife and Environmental Benefits: Attracts wildlife and fixes nitrogen from the air [5].
Bilberry, Whortleberry** (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Deciduous shrub [2p65]. Growing to 0.2m by 0.3m. Fruits July to Sep. A self fertile plant, growing in acid soils, preferring light or semi shade [2]
Uses Culinary and medicinal purposes. The berries are one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins, with a high antioxidant content, which is believed to be responsible for many health benefits of berry fruits. The plant has been used medicinally for 1000 years3 Main benefits; lowering blood pressure, diabetes and vascular disorders [5]. The berries make a preserve and can be dried and used like raisins. Usually sold dried (e.g £118.16/1kg), or as extract or tablets.
Wildlife Benefits noted for attracting wildlife and pollinators; bees, flies, moths and butterflies. Food source for caterpillar of green hairstreak butterfly [8]
Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus)
Perennial plant, with erect leaves and flower spikes with horizontal growing rhizomes [2p109]. Growing in semi or no shade and tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure [2]. The plant is self fertile, and fast growing.
Uses Historically as a medicinal plant.It has a powerful purging effect and can be an irritant. It must be used with caution. The plant has other uses including as an ink and dye [4]. The flowers produce a yellow dye and the roots black [3] traditionally used to colour tartan and tweed [9]. It may have potential as a cut flower.
Wildlife Benefits attracts: pollinators; bees and hoverflies
References 1 W. Wichtmann, C. Schröder and H. Joosten (eds.) Paludiculture – productive use of wet peatlands: Climate protection – biodiversity – regional economic benefits. Schweitzerbart, Stuttgart. pp. 100- 101. (ISBN: 9783510652839) 2 Roger Phillips and Nicky Foy, Herbs, ISBN 0-330-32600-7, 3 Plants for a future, www.pfaf.org, 4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 , 5 The Herbal Resourcehttps://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/ 6 https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/comfrey-it... 7 https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Foraged_Wild_... 8 UK Butterflies Larval food and Nectar sources https://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php 9 https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/archivists-... * More research is required to confirm this possible use
Photos Free Nature Images http://www.freenatureimages.eu/
** Comfrey and Bilberry- planned as future crops of interest to include in the Novel Crops trial.
Disclaimer: The Wildlife Trust BCN and its partners accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in this factsheet. Seek professional advice to use a plant medicinally or eat.