Twinflower, Longtube twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Physical Characteristics

Linnaea borealis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Germany, the Alps and N. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: A food plant[177, 257]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Poultice Women's complaints The plant has been used as a tonic in pregnancy and also in the treatment of painful or difficult menstruation[222]. The mashed plant is used as a poultice on inflamed limbs and is also applied to the head to ease the pain of headaches[257].

Known Hazards

None known