Wood Betony

Member of Figwort Family

Blooms: March - May

This plant grows in rich loamy or sandy soils in prairies, woodland openings and along forest edges. It loves moist ditches also.

Wood Betony is semiparasitic on the roots of other plants. The flowers are rich in both nectar and pollen and are an early food source for numerous insects. The flowers range from cream to light yellow and the leaves are similiar to small fern fronds. Another common name for this plant is "Lousewort"; in ancient times it was said that cattle grazing among this plant would become infested with lice. In describing the plants, early botanist and physician John Gerald wrote in famous "Herbal of 1597": "It filleth sheep and other cattle, that feed in meadows where this groweth, full of lice."

Click on picture for closer view of pretty blooms and "lacy-fern" like leaves. A very pretty plant.