T
all native biennial with flowers of pinkish-purple from July to August. Seedheads are a favourite of goldfinches.
Other Names:
Johnny-prick-the-finger, Brush & Comb, Venus's Lip, Venus's Basin
Distribution: A native British wild flower, which is fairly common throughoutBritain.
Habitat: Rough pastures, copses and beside streams. Prefers sunny sites.
Description: Tall (45cm to 2m), upright biennial with many branches. The long pointed leaves are in pairs with their bases fused to form a 'cup' in which rain water gathers. The flowers (July to August) are pinkish purple.
Uses:
The water collected in the stems was considered beneficial and an ointment produced from the roots was used to cure warts.
Wildlife: The flowers are a rich source of nectar and the seeds are a favourite with goldfinches.
