Popham 02 May 2009_23 uc
Cowslips at popham Airfield.
Cowslips (Primula Versis) are a wild flower and member of the Primrose family. Its name derives from "cowpat",(Old English "cuslyppe") from where Cowslips would spring up when they were common in the wild. Also known as Paigle, Key Flower, Fairy Cups and Mayflower. This hardy perennial grows to a height of 12 ins (30 cm), liking a well-drained and sunny aspect. Pretty clusters of small primrose-like yellow flowers on stalks during April and May.
According to legend, St Peter dropped the keys to Heaven and where they landed Cowslips grew (the flowers were thought to resemble a set of keys).
It has been used since ancient times to make wine, jam, tea and ointment. Indeed, Cowslip wine, made from the "peeps" (yellow petal rings) was thought to be a good sedative). Its natural habitat is in meadows and woodland, with a particular preference for chalky soil. It has also been used as a sedative. The whole herb/roots has also been used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. Cowslips have also been used for hundreds of years to treat spasms, cramps, rheumatic pain and paralysis - used to be called Palsywort for this reason. Leaves can also be used for healing wounds. Both the flowers and leaves often used to be eaten - young Cowslip leaves were eaten in salads or mixed with other herbs to stuff meat. Flowers can be eaten to strengthen the brain. In the 18th century, powdered roots boiled in ale were used for treating giddiness and nervous ailments. Cowslips used to be popular in Elizabethan knot gardens.
Popham 02 May 2009_23 uc
Cowslips at popham Airfield.
Cowslips (Primula Versis) are a wild flower and member of the Primrose family. Its name derives from "cowpat",(Old English "cuslyppe") from where Cowslips would spring up when they were common in the wild. Also known as Paigle, Key Flower, Fairy Cups and Mayflower. This hardy perennial grows to a height of 12 ins (30 cm), liking a well-drained and sunny aspect. Pretty clusters of small primrose-like yellow flowers on stalks during April and May.
According to legend, St Peter dropped the keys to Heaven and where they landed Cowslips grew (the flowers were thought to resemble a set of keys).
It has been used since ancient times to make wine, jam, tea and ointment. Indeed, Cowslip wine, made from the "peeps" (yellow petal rings) was thought to be a good sedative). Its natural habitat is in meadows and woodland, with a particular preference for chalky soil. It has also been used as a sedative. The whole herb/roots has also been used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. Cowslips have also been used for hundreds of years to treat spasms, cramps, rheumatic pain and paralysis - used to be called Palsywort for this reason. Leaves can also be used for healing wounds. Both the flowers and leaves often used to be eaten - young Cowslip leaves were eaten in salads or mixed with other herbs to stuff meat. Flowers can be eaten to strengthen the brain. In the 18th century, powdered roots boiled in ale were used for treating giddiness and nervous ailments. Cowslips used to be popular in Elizabethan knot gardens.