(Swedish: Gullris, similar meaning as Goldenrod)
Chamaenerion angustifolium / Fireweed (US) / Rosebay willowherb (UK)
(Swedish: Mjölkört or Rallarros)
Both of these flowers are seen in bloom in abundance here, this time of year - reminding us that summer is coming to an end, and autumn approaching. They often grow along railroads and roads, and I think they're both often regarded as something in between wildflowers and "invasive" here... (As they have a habit of sneaking into gardens as well!)
The English Wikipedia article on the yellow Goldenrods tells me that in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries this plant was used in Europe to heal wounds, and has well known "astringent, diuretic and antiseptic" properties. I did not know that - and had to look up "astringent"! ("causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues")
Wiki also tells me that the American name for the pink ones, Fireweed, "derives from the species' abundance as a colonizer on burnt sites after forest fires and other disturbances". Here in Sweden, the name Rallarros means "navvy rose"; because it so often grows along railways banks here. (Even if in my photos above, it seems that it is the goldenrods that have taken over that particular part of a railway bank in my neighbourhood...)
It’s fascinating how these resilient flowers carry such rich histories and meanings across cultures, quietly marking the seasonal shift while reclaiming the land in their own persistent way
ReplyDeleteGoldenrod here is considered a weed, and the cause of many allergies. I think the Fireweed is lovely!
ReplyDeleteBoth are abundant in England, too, especially the willowherb. Steve and I used to call them railway flowers, because they really line nearly every embankment along the lines we used to travel on when we came here for our holidays.
ReplyDeleteWasn‘t goldenrod (Goldrute in German) also used to dye fabric, or am I mixing that up with a different plant?
Meike, googling it now I see some headlines indicating that, too. No time to investigate further just now, though!
DeleteCheerful, commonplace flowers, but the world would be a duller place without their colour.
ReplyDeleteTrue, Janice :)
DeleteRosebay Willow Herb is also called Fireweed because of its ability to colonise bomb sites with it's seeds. I saw plenty in England but little of it here in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that additional info, Northsider!
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