Common Gromwell

This (Common Gromwell) tufted, rather erect plant is more noticeable for its mass of lance-shaped leaves than for its tiny white or creamy yellow flowers; these are borne in spiralled clusters that are tucked tightly into the stem. The fruit consists of hard, shiny white nutlets, which look like little beads of porcelain and persist even after the foliage dies down.

LEAVES : Alternate, lance-shaped, untoothed.

PLANT HEIGHT : 40–80cm.

FLOWER SIZE : 3–6mm long.

FRUIT : Four shiny, white or greyish nutlets.

FLOWERING TIME : May–August.

SIMILAR SPECIES : Corn Gromwell, which is less leafy and grows in arable fields.