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(Meadowsweet) By Alyssa and Gabrielle. Filindepula ulmaria. What is it?. A tall perennial plant that grows in damp and marshy places Flowers: tiny, creamy-white, sweet-smelling, in clusters Native to: Europe. History. In 1597, botanist John Gerard said the smell “ delighteth the senses.”
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(Meadowsweet) By Alyssa and Gabrielle Filindepulaulmaria
What is it? • A tall perennial plant that grows in damp and marshy places • Flowers: tiny, creamy-white, sweet-smelling, in clusters • Native to: Europe
History • In 1597, botanist John Gerard said the smell “delighteth the senses.” • In 1652 Nicholas Culpeper wrote about the plant's healing effects on the stomach. • In 1682, meadowsweet was mentioned in a Dutch herbal. • Queen Elizabeth Ι decorated her apartment with meadowsweet.
History Cont. • In 1838, salicylic acid was taken from the plant, and in the 1890s, it was used to make aspirin. • The plant was used in folk medicine for cancer and tumors. • Today, it is used as a digestive remedy, colds, etc.
Taxonomy • Kingdom: Plantae • Phylum: Magnoliophyta • Class: Magnoliopsida • Order: Rosales • Family: Pyraloidea • Genus: Filipendula • Species: Ulmaria
Uses • To cure colds, respiratory problems, acid indigestion, peptic ulcers, joint problems, skin diseases, and diarrhea • Has been used to help flavor certain wines • Used for many religious, spiritual, or tranquility
Plant Parts Used • The main parts of Meadowsweet that are used are the leaves, fresh or dry. Also, the flowers and roots are used.
Benefits • Many advances in medications, therapy, culinary, and fragrances have been found due to this herb.
Characteristics • Meadowsweet has a reddish, angled stem that can grow up to 120cm tall. • Its leaves alternate and are made of two to five pairs of ovate, or egg like.
Where it Grows • Meadowsweet grows commonly in damp places • Although, it does not grow on acid peats. • The plant is native of Europe and West Asia. Later, it was introduced and grown in North America. • It is also found in the eastern parts of the US and Canada.
Where it Grows in North America Minnesota Illinois Eastern Canada Wisconsin Colorado Ohio Kentucky Massachusetts Indiana Pennsylvania Vermont New Jersey New Hampshire Maine Connecticut New York
Common Names • Spiraeaulmaria • Bridewort • Meadow queen • Meadow-wort • Meadsweet • Pride of the meadow • Queen of the meadow, • Lady of the meadow • Dollof
Fun Facts • In the Middle Ages, meadowsweet was known as meadwort because it was used to flavor mead, an alcoholic drink. • Meadowsweet was mentioned as a component of a pagan ritual in a 2007 episode of Supernatural.
Q &A about Meadowsweet • Is Meadowsweet endangered? NO • Is Meadowsweet Invasive? NO • Is it edible? YES • Is it used as bio-fuel? NO • Can it survive extreme temperatures? Yes • Is Meadowsweet toxic? NO • Can it be used as building material? NO
Conservation • What can I do to help protect Meadowsweet? • Join botanical groups that support the conservation of similar plants • It is not endangered, but we must only use the plant if we need it and not dig it up (or if so, re-plant) • Let others know about the plant and spread the word!
Biodiversity • Its been used for over 400 years for various uses • Used in: • Medicine • Science • Fragrances • Cooking • Therapy • The plant has un-bloomed buds and flowers on its stems
