Filipendula vulgaris

The genus name Filipendula comes from Latin ("thread") and ("hanging") in reference to the root tubers that hang from the roots in some species. The specific epithet vulgaris means "common". The English name "dropwort" comes from the tubers that hang like drops from the root. The species was first described in the literature in 1794 by Conrad Moench in Methodus Plantas. ==Description==

It has finely-cut, fern-like radical leaves which form a basal rosette, and an erect stem tall bearing a loose terminal inflorescence of small creamy white flowers. The flowers appear in dense clusters from late spring to midsummer atop sparsely leafed stems. The plant has an overall height of , achieved after 2–5 years, and a spread of around about . This plant prefers full sun or partial shade. It is more tolerant of dry conditions than most other members of its genus. It is a perennial of chalk and limestone downs and on heaths on other basic rocks. ==Cultivation==

Propagation is by seed and the division of the creeping roots. The tuberous roots and young leaves can be cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw as a salad. The taste is bitter sweet. The mature leaves smell of oil of wintergreen when crushed, due to the release of methyl salicylate. (MHNT) Filipendula vulgaris - Habit.jpg|Habitat 289 Filipendula hexapetala.jpg|Illustration showing tubers ==References==