Butterwort, Common butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Pinguicula vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, Macedonia and N. Asia. N. America.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Curdling agent The plant can be used to curdle plant milks[46, 61, 66]. The milk is poured over a strainer on which fresh leaves of butterwort have been laid. The milk is then left for a day or two until it sours when it becomes solid like yoghurt and is considered to be most delicious. A small quantity of the milk can be kept to inoculate further batches[183]. Another report says that the leaves are infused in the milk for some time[115].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Antitussive Homeopathy Butterwort is little used in contemporary herbal medicine, though it was commonly used in the past as a purgative in Wales[254]. Its main application is as a cough remedy[254]. The leaves are antispasmodic and antitussive[7, 13]. The plant is an effective treatment for whooping cough[7]. Used externally as a poultice, it has a healing effect on the skin[7]. The leaves are harvested in early summer as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of whooping cough and nervous throat irritations[9].

Known Hazards

None known