Buttons

Two yellow-flowered plants have caught our eye during our recent walks.  One, a native to these isles and the other, yet another invasive species.  Firstly, the native.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) was described in a 9th century, Old English herbalists text book, as an effective treatment for male impotence, if boiled in milk.  If boiled in beer, it had the opposite effect!  It is in fact a member of the rose family and is to be found growing among the grasses of Pewit Carr.

Growing in the wet ground which borders 'Swan Lake', is another of our non native, invasive species.  Buttonweed (Cotula coronopifolia) is actually native of South Africa, but it is now to be found growing in many other parts of the world.  always found growing in wet ground, it is equally happy growing in a salt-water environment.  The fleshy leaves can store fresh water for use by the plant during sea-water inundations.  A member of the Daisy family, it has small, round, button-like flower heads, which are now starting to show the signs of late Summer wear and tear.