Meadowsweet

Also known as Bridewort, Dropwort, Bittersweet, Hayrill, Courtship, Matrimony, Meadow Maid, Meadow Queen, Meadow Wort, Queen of the Meadow and Summers Farewell.

From the Family Rosaceae.

A native of Asia and Europe. The generic name 'Filipendula' comes from 'filum' meaning thread, 'pendulas' meaning hanging which describes the root tubers that hang on fibrous roots. Meadowsweet is said to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'medesweete', as it was used to flavour mead. It was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I because its leaves delighted the senses without causes headaches. It was often used at weddings for making into bridal garlands hence 'Bridewort'. It was from the flower buds that salicylic acid was first discovered, from which aspirin was later synthesised.

Pick young leaves for fresh or dry use before flowers appear. Pick flowers for fresh or dry use just as they open.

Flowers can flavour beers, mead and wine. Gives a slight almond flavour to jams, jellies and stewed fruits. Young leaves can be added to soups or salads.

The flowering tops can be used to scent linen. Use the dried leaves and flowers in pot pourris. A black dye can be obtained from the roots by using a copper mordant.