Blooming
by Mary Beth Landis
Title
Blooming
Artist
Mary Beth Landis
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Photographic Digital Art
Description
In England the Common Vervain is found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The leaves are opposite, and cut into toothed lobes. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus. Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely. It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck. It was thought to be good for the sight. Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Saviour. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly.
From Modern Herbal - Mrs M. Grieves
Uploaded
May 17th, 2013
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Viewed 228 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/16/2024 at 2:18 PM
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Comments (10)
Mary Deal
Incredibly gorgeous. Looks similar to the wildflowers growing all over this island. You might have helped me find a name for ours. You image is so well positioned, the colors stunning. v
Shirley Sirois
Love the freshness of this image!.....v.
Mary Beth Landis replied:
Shirley Sirois, An interesting flower! Thanks for your positive comment and vote!! Mary Beth
Laura Watts
These are so interesting! Very beautiful! V/F
Mary Beth Landis replied:
Laura Watts, I agree. Thank you for your wonderful comment and V/F !! Mary Beth
RICK RAUZI
Beautifully done!! V stop by my site for a visit Rick
Mary Beth Landis replied:
RICK RAUZI , I appreciate you viewing, giving a positive comment and voting! I saw your outstanding photography and what a great thing to use it with your clients! Mary Beth
Susan Crossman Buscho
Lovely photo of vervain!
Mary Beth Landis replied:
Susan Crossman Buscho, Wow sooo happy you named this!! I had no idea the name of this plant. Thanks to you I will look up info about it and be able to put it in the description. If you see any of my other flower photos and know what they are, feel free to tell me. Mary Beth