September

This is the month when summer’s warmth begins to wane, but nature puts on a final display of colors before the arrival of autumn. In the United Kingdom, this time of year is a floral fiesta, with wild plants adorning fields, woodlands, and hedgerows with their vibrant blooms. Let’s embark on a delightful journey through some of these September stars, uncovering not just their beauty but also their intriguing historical uses.

1. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Decked out in creamy-white clusters of tiny flowers, meadowsweet is a sight to behold. Its delicate appearance belies its historical significance—it was a favored strewing herb in medieval times, strewn on floors to mask unpleasant odors. This sweet-smelling plant was also used for flavoring mead and wine.

2. Michaelmas Daisy (Aster amellus)

The Michaelmas Daisy, named after the feast of St. Michael in late September, bursts forth in shades of purple, pink, and white. Symbolizing the end of summer, folklore claims that picking these daisies on Michaelmas Day (September 29th) and placing them under your pillow would provide prophetic dreams!

3. Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ah, the evergreen and tenacious ivy! While its tiny greenish flowers might not catch the eye at first glance, they play a vital role in late-season foraging for bees and other insects. Ivy has deep-rooted folklore connections, often symbolizing eternal life and clinging to superstitions as a harbinger of good luck.

4. Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis)

With its captivating lilac-blue flowers atop slender stems, the Devil’s-bit Scabious has a rather curious name! Legend has it that the devil, infuriated by the plant's medicinal properties, bit off part of its root, giving rise to its truncated appearance. Historically, it was used to treat scabies and other skin conditions.

5. Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

Dressed in striking purple-pink hues, the Common Knapweed is a favorite among pollinators. In the past, this hardy plant was believed to have magical properties, often used in herbal remedies for various ailments, from headaches to wounds.

6. Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)

Spot the lacy, umbrella-like clusters of white flowers that belong to the Wild Carrot! It's the ancestor of our beloved cultivated carrot. In folklore, it was said to have contraceptive properties and was used as a love charm, tucked beneath a maiden's pillow to induce dreams of her true love..

7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

The feathery, flat-topped clusters of Yarrow bloom in creamy shades of white or pink. This plant boasts a rich history, being considered a powerful healing herb by ancient Greeks and used during the Middle Ages to staunch wounds on battlefields.

9. Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)

With fluffy, rosy-pink flower heads, Hemp Agrimony is a late-summer stunner. Its name hints at its historical use in brewing ales and its resemblance to the hemp plant. It was also utilized in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive issues.

10. Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

The delightful spikes of yellow and orange flowers of Common Toadflax have a resemblance to snapdragons. Also known as "butter-and-eggs," it has been used in traditional herbal remedies for treating jaundice and other liver disorders.

11. Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)

Towering with pink-purple flowers, the Great Willowherb is a majestic sight along waterways. During World War II, its seeds were used as a coffee substitute due to shortages. Medicinally, it was employed for treating diarrhea and skin conditions.

12. Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica)

This plant exhibits bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, often found in damp areas. It acquired its name from its historic use in repelling fleas. Traditional medicine recognized it for its astringent properties, using it to treat dysentery.

13. Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium)

With its delicate white trumpet-shaped flowers, Hedge Bindweed is often found climbing fences and hedges. Though considered a nuisance by gardeners today, its roots were used in traditional medicine for their purgative properties.

15. Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Tiny lilac or pink flowers of Wild Thyme emit a delightful aroma and are a favorite of bees. This aromatic herb was treasured for its culinary uses and was believed to have medicinal properties, especially for respiratory ailments.

These September wildflowers not only bedeck the landscapes with their hues but also carry tales of a bygone era, woven into the fabric of folklore and historical uses. As we revel in their beauty, let's also honor the legacy they hold—a testament to nature’s abundance and the enduring human fascination with plants.

So, take a leisurely stroll, embrace the September air, and greet these floral wonders adorning the UK countryside. They not only paint a picturesque scene but also whisper stories of a time when humans relied on nature’s bounty for remedies, rituals, and dreams.

Foraging in September

September heralds a bountiful time in the United Kingdom, where Mother Nature's pantry bursts with an array of wild edible treasures. As the days begin to wane and the crispness of autumn beckons, let's embark on a cheerful journey through the hedgerows and woodlands, uncovering the delightful wild plants ripe for the picking this season.

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus)

Ah, the quintessential harbinger of autumn—blackberries! These juicy, dark jewels are abundant in September, dangling temptingly from thorny bushes. Whether you fancy them in pies, jams, or simply fresh off the bramble, these sweet-tart berries are a forager's delight.

Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)

Spot the clusters of dark purple-black elderberries adorning shrubs. These tiny treasures are packed with antioxidants and are perfect for making jams, syrups, or even elderberry wine if you’re feeling adventurous.

Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

As summer fades, rose hips come into their own. These reddish-orange gems, the fruit of wild roses, are rich in Vitamin C and can be used in teas, jams, or even turned into a tangy syrup.

Sloes (Prunus spinosa)

Encounter the small, dusky-blue sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn bush. Don’t be fooled by their astringent taste; when transformed into sloe gin or jam, they offer a burst of tart flavor that warms the soul.

Wild Plums (Prunus domestica)

Discover the wild plum trees bearing small, round fruits that vary in color from yellow to purple. These little wonders make for delightful jams, chutneys, or even infusions for a unique homemade liquor.

Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana)

Spy the hazel trees boasting clusters of nuts hidden within their leafy branches. Roast them for a crunchy snack or use them in baking—these nuts add a delightful earthy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.

Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)

This low-growing, round-leaved plant thrives in damp areas. Its leaves, with a mild flavor akin to cucumber, can be enjoyed fresh in salads or as a garnish for soups and sandwiches.

Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum)

For coastal foragers, sea aster provides a salty, slightly bitter taste akin to samphire. Its tender leaves are a fantastic addition to salads or stir-fries.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

This humble plant with small, star-shaped flowers is a treasure trove of nutrients. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a nutritious steamed green.

Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus monogyna)

The red hawthorn berries, found on hedgerow trees, are tangy and slightly sweet. They can be used in jams, jellies, or infused in tea for a unique flavor.

. Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)

Spot the delicate, heart-shaped leaves of wood sorrel, boasting a citrusy tang. They make a zesty addition to salads or can be nibbled on as a refreshing trailside snack.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

Though more prevalent in spring, some areas offer a second flush of wild garlic leaves in early autumn. These pungent leaves are fantastic for making pesto or seasoning dishes.

. Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Surprisingly versatile, nettles are still around in September. Wear gloves, pluck the fresh young leaves, and use them in soups, teas, or even as a substitute for spinach in recipes.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Yes, the humble dandelion! Its young leaves can be used in salads, while the flowers can be turned into wine or used to make a delightfully fragrant syrup.

Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

In coastal areas, you might find wild fennel, recognized by its feathery leaves and aromatic seeds. Use the fronds and seeds to add a hint of aniseed flavor to dishes.

Crab Apples (Malus sylvestris)

These miniature apples, often sour and bitter when eaten raw, are perfect for making jams, jellies, or adding a tangy twist to savory dishes when cooked.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Near coastal areas, look out for the bright orange berries of sea buckthorn. Rich in Vitamin C, they make fantastic juices, jams, or can be infused in alcoholic beverages.

Rowan Berries (Sorbus aucuparia)

The vibrant red-orange berries of the rowan tree are slightly tart but ideal for making jellies, sauces, or even fermented into a unique rowan berry wine.

Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

Identifiable by its arrow-shaped leaves, common sorrel offers a lemony tang and is perfect for salads, soups, or as a seasoning for fish dishes.

Fat Hen (Chenopodium album)

The young leaves of fat hen are edible and can be used as a spinach substitute in various dishes.

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Though considered invasive, the tender leaves and stems of Himalayan Balsam can be eaten raw or cooked as greens.

Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)

This plant offers tender leaves and mild-flavored flowers that can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as greens.

Sweet Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)

As autumn approaches, keep an eye out for sweet chestnuts under trees. Roast or boil them for a tasty seasonal snack.

Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)

This peppery-tasting plant is an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches, providing a zesty kick.

Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides)

A coastal plant with fleshy leaves, sea purslane can be eaten raw or lightly cooked, adding a salty flavor to dishes.

Venture forth, armed with a basket and a keen eye, September offers a cornucopia of wild edibles just waiting to be plucked, tasted, and transformed into delectable delights. Remember to forage responsibly, positively identify plants, and respect nature's bounty as you revel in the joys of harvesting these seasonal treasures. Happy foraging!