Wildflowers of Europe
Fumaria officinalis
| Family : | PAPAVERACEAE (Poppy Family) |
| Common Name (UK) : | Fumitory |
| Common Name (DE) : | Erdrauch |
| Common Name (FR) : | Fumeterre officinale |
| Habitat : | Woods, hedgerows, meadows, orchards and vineyards, usually on stony soils, avoiding calcareous soils. |
| Remarks : | The name is said to be derived either from the fact that its whitish, blue-green colour gives it the appearance of smoke rising from the ground, or, according to Pliny, because the juice of the plant brings on such a flow of tears that the sight becomes dim as with smoke, and hence its reputed use in affections of the eye. According to the ancient exorcists, when the plant is burned, its smoke has the power of expelling evil spirits, it having been used for this purpose in the famous geometrical gardens of St. Gall. There is a legend that the plant was produced, not from seed, but from vapours arising out of the earth. The flowers are used to make a yellow dye for wool. (from botanical.com)
Introduced to the U.S. |
| First appearing : | May |
| Abundance : |
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