Goat’s-rue

Galega officinalis

This rather bushy perennial has pink or white peaflowers, or most often a combination of the two. The flowers are on long-stalked spikes. The leaves are pinnate.

It flowers July to September, and it can sometimes cover whole areas in fields. It is also found on damp road verges and railway embankments, river or stream banks, ditches and waste ground. Introduced from the Middle East and cultivated in the 16th century, now naturalised. Widespread and common in central and southern England, scarcer or absent elsewhere.

Goat’s-rue has been known to help reduce symptoms of diabetes by lowering blood sugars since the Middle Ages.

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Goat’s-rue (Galega officinalis). Nature reserve, Staffordshire, England. July 2013.

Red Clover II

For more information on this beuatiful plant please se my previous Red Clover page.

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July 2011, local field, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2011.

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Also called ‘Dutch Clover’, it is a herbaceous perennial plant which spreads by means of rooting runners. The leaves are composed of three oval leaflets which have a whitish V-shaped band, which may not always be evident. The ball-shaped cluster flower head is composed of rounded peaflowers which are white or cream, with the lower flowers drooping down below and fanning out slightly.

It flowers June to September. Found in pastures, roadside verges, meadows, garden lawns and other grassy habitats. Abundant and widespread throughout.

White Clover is an important source of pollen for bees, butterflies and other insects.

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June 2012, local field, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012.