Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Filipendula ulmaria, the tall cream-coloured flower of damp meadows, with an almond scent. It is from it (under its old name Spiraea) that the word 'aspirin' comes: it contains natural salicylates.
Sun to partial shade
Cool to moist, meadows and watersides
Permanently cool soil
Very hardy (-25 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A structuring plant of wetlands and pond banks, it offers abundant pollen to bees, hoverflies, and beetles, a useful point: its fragrant flowers attract by their pollen, they do not produce nectar. Its edible flowers scent syrups and desserts with an almond note.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
Fragrant white flowers gathered in summer, from June to August, by the water, then dried for use.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Filipendula ulmaria » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Filipendula+ulmaria)
- Tela Botanica, « Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. » (tela-botanica.org/bdtfx-nn-27940-description)
- Missouri Botanical Garden, « Filipendula ulmaria » (plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286386)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Rich in salicylates (the precursors of aspirin): to be avoided in case of salicylate (aspirin) allergy, while on anticoagulants, in children or adolescents, and, as a precaution, during pregnancy and breastfeeding (as for any salicylate). It belongs to tradition and replaces no medical care: seek the advice of a health professional. Do not boil, as heat degrades its active compounds.
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Before you forage
This plant is often gathered from the wild. Only pick what is abundant, never a protected species, and never uproot a whole plant (roots) without the landowner's permission. Rules vary by country and region, check locally.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: cool to moist, meadows and watersides.