Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis)
According to John Gerard, the 16th - century herbalist, this pretty springtime flower was called the cuckoo flower because it blooms " for the most part in April and May, when the Cuckoo begins to sing her pleasant note without stammering". Another explanation from the same century relates the name to "cuckoo-spit", the foamy substance with which the plant is often covered. The foam has actually nothing to do with cuckoos, but is produced by the nymphs of the frog hopper.
The flower is also called lady's smock, due to the shape of the flower when turned upside down, as it resembles a Victorian ladies dress.
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Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis)
According to John Gerard, the 16th - century herbalist, this pretty springtime flower was called the cuckoo flower because it blooms " for the most part in April and May, when the Cuckoo begins to sing her pleasant note without stammering". Another explanation from the same century relates the name to "cuckoo-spit", the foamy substance with which the plant is often covered. The foam has actually nothing to do with cuckoos, but is produced by the nymphs of the frog hopper.
The flower is also called lady's smock, due to the shape of the flower when turned upside down, as it resembles a Victorian ladies dress.
Best viewed on Black