Dropwort, Meadowsweet

Filipendula vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Filipendula vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Siberia and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Ground Cover; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[61, 177, 200]. They can be added to salads and soups[183]. Root - raw or cooked[61, 115, 177, 200]. Rather bitter[5]. Astringent[100]. Best if roasted[141]. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Epilepsy Lithontripic The root is anthelmintic and lithontripic. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy, kidney and bladder stones, genital discharges and intestinal worms[61].

Known Hazards

None known