Scrophulariaceae
Verbascum seed has been used as a paralysing fish bait by First Nation Americans and Canadians. The woolly leaves of the verbascum species have been used by Roman soldiers to light the way: the whole plant was pulled up, soaked in olive oil and lit. The cowboys? Toilet paper! Thank you Forest and Kim Starr for the photograph.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Scrophulariaceae: Figwort Family
Figworts have had quite the journey when it comes to classification. Botanists have added, taken away, debated...Carl Linneaus described the well known "Mulleins" with their tall, yellow flower spikes and soft, felted leaves.
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Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Brown, fissured bark on older plants. Height up to 5 metres.
About
Named for Rev. Adam Buddle, an English botanist. Davidii honors the French missionary and explorer Father Armand David (pictured), who was the first European to report this Chinese plant.
Usually purple, ocassionally throws up a white version that butterflies love even more! Despite the heady honey scent and plentiful nectar it is invasive - don't allow it to crowd out the plants that caterpillars need to take them into the adult stage. Photo: Noebse.
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Verbascum thapsus
Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod
Tall yellow flower spike, "felted" leaves. Height up to 2 metres.
About
Why is it called Aaron's Rod? The tall, rod-like plant covered in yellow blooms have earned it this nickname. Korach (the Torah reading in which Aaron's rod blooms) is read by Jewish people during June and July.
The female Wool Carder Bee gathers the soft felted material from the leaves of the plant for nesting material.
HOMEMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN© The Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder. I'm out and about but you can get in touch via Cuddington Online Facebook 