Ranunculus acris 'Meadow Buttercup'
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus arvensis
'Corn Buttercup'
[Very Rare Native]
Currently Unavailable
'Corn Buttercup'
[Very Rare Native]
Currently Unavailable
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Bulbous buttercup'
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Ranunculus ficaria
'Lesser Celandine'
Currently Unavailable
'Wild Radish'
Reseda lutea 'Wild Mignonette'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Resedaceae: upright biennial to 70cm, common sight on disturbed calcareous soils. Yellow –green flowers, in tall spikes in the plants second year, flowering from June-August. Mignonette produces large amounts of seed which has the ability to remain viable in the soil for a long time. For the next generation to become established the sward needs to be disturbed. This may not happen for tens of years, however when it does the seed is there ready to germinate and so plants can re-appear following many years of absence. Widespread and fairly common, except in the north and west of the country.
The young leaves can be eaten raw. Its roots have been used to make a yellow dye called "weld" since the first millennium BC, although the related plant Reseda luteola was more widely used for that purpose.
Easily grown from seed if surfaced sown, can be sown at any time of the year.
Seeds harvested from the old Leamside Line, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.50
Resedaceae: upright biennial to 70cm, common sight on disturbed calcareous soils. Yellow –green flowers, in tall spikes in the plants second year, flowering from June-August. Mignonette produces large amounts of seed which has the ability to remain viable in the soil for a long time. For the next generation to become established the sward needs to be disturbed. This may not happen for tens of years, however when it does the seed is there ready to germinate and so plants can re-appear following many years of absence. Widespread and fairly common, except in the north and west of the country.
The young leaves can be eaten raw. Its roots have been used to make a yellow dye called "weld" since the first millennium BC, although the related plant Reseda luteola was more widely used for that purpose.
Easily grown from seed if surfaced sown, can be sown at any time of the year.
Seeds harvested from the old Leamside Line, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.50
Reseda lutea
Reseda luteola 'Weld'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Resedaceae: upright biennial to 1.5m. Found on disturbed calcareous soils. Yellow-green flowers, in tall spikes in the second year, flowering from June-August. Widespread and fairly common, except in the north and west.
It is said that it can be used as a mild Narcotic. Also a deep yellow dye is obtained from the plant, which is of very good quality, the plant is normally harvested as the last flowers fade, and most of the dye is found in the seed.
Easily grown from seed if surface sown, seeds can be sown at any time of the year.
Seeds harvested from wild plants growing on waste ground, Dragonville, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.50.
Resedaceae: upright biennial to 1.5m. Found on disturbed calcareous soils. Yellow-green flowers, in tall spikes in the second year, flowering from June-August. Widespread and fairly common, except in the north and west.
It is said that it can be used as a mild Narcotic. Also a deep yellow dye is obtained from the plant, which is of very good quality, the plant is normally harvested as the last flowers fade, and most of the dye is found in the seed.
Easily grown from seed if surface sown, seeds can be sown at any time of the year.
Seeds harvested from wild plants growing on waste ground, Dragonville, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.50.
Reseda luteola
Rosa canina 'Dog Rose'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a very fast rate, hardy to zone 3, flowering from June to July, and the seeds ripen from Oct to December, native to hedges, scrub, woods, roadsides and banks, from Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and southwest Asia.
Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, it can be used in making delicious jams, syrups, and the syrup can be used as a nutritional supplement, especially for babies. The petals, hips and galls are astringent, carminative, diuretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic, the hips are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, diarrhoea and gastritis, the syrup made from the hips is used as a pleasant flavouring in medicines and is added to cough mixtures, a distilled water made from the plant is slightly astringent and is used as a lotion for delicate skins, the plant is also used in Bach flower remedies.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Approx. 25+ seeds. £1.50
Rosaceae: deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a very fast rate, hardy to zone 3, flowering from June to July, and the seeds ripen from Oct to December, native to hedges, scrub, woods, roadsides and banks, from Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and southwest Asia.
Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, it can be used in making delicious jams, syrups, and the syrup can be used as a nutritional supplement, especially for babies. The petals, hips and galls are astringent, carminative, diuretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic, the hips are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, diarrhoea and gastritis, the syrup made from the hips is used as a pleasant flavouring in medicines and is added to cough mixtures, a distilled water made from the plant is slightly astringent and is used as a lotion for delicate skins, the plant is also used in Bach flower remedies.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Approx. 25+ seeds. £1.50
Rosa canina
Rosa pimpinellifolia 'Burnet Rose'
[Ex. Crimdon Dene, Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: Clump-forming shrub to 50m, with suckers and stems that bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes, calcareous grassland, limestone pavements and heaths. The flowers are 3-5cm across with creamy white petals, usually solitary, flowering from May-July. The rose hips are spherical. 5-6mm across and purplish blank when ripe. Widespread but local in Britain. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, East and Western Asia to China.
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, the hips are small but unusually sweet and pleasant tasting, and there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement, but be sure to remove the seed hairs. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured herbal tea can be made from the fruits, this tea is very high in vitamin C, a richer source than R. canina.
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Rose seed often takes two years to germinate, this is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seed-coat. One possible way to reduce this time is to scarify the seed and then place it for 2 - 3 weeks in damp peat at a temperature of 27 - 32°c (by which time the seed should have imbibed). It is then kept at 3°c for the next 4 months by which time it should be starting to germinate. Seeds shoud be sown as early in the year as possible.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £2.50
Rosaceae: Clump-forming shrub to 50m, with suckers and stems that bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes, calcareous grassland, limestone pavements and heaths. The flowers are 3-5cm across with creamy white petals, usually solitary, flowering from May-July. The rose hips are spherical. 5-6mm across and purplish blank when ripe. Widespread but local in Britain. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, East and Western Asia to China.
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, the hips are small but unusually sweet and pleasant tasting, and there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement, but be sure to remove the seed hairs. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured herbal tea can be made from the fruits, this tea is very high in vitamin C, a richer source than R. canina.
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Rose seed often takes two years to germinate, this is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seed-coat. One possible way to reduce this time is to scarify the seed and then place it for 2 - 3 weeks in damp peat at a temperature of 27 - 32°c (by which time the seed should have imbibed). It is then kept at 3°c for the next 4 months by which time it should be starting to germinate. Seeds shoud be sown as early in the year as possible.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £2.50
Rosa pimpinellifolia
Rosa rubiginosa 'Sweet Briar'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: A compact hedgerow shrub to 3m, upright stems bear short, curved thorns, bristles and glands. Flowers are 2-3cm across, pink; in clusters of up to 3, blooming from June-July, the hips are ovoid, red with persisting sepals, the leaves have a sweet smell when bruised. Native to Britain but only locally common.
The Fruit can be cooked and used in making jellies etc., they taste is best after been frosted, but be sure to remove the seed hairs, as these hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea is made from the fruit, it is rich in vitamin C, and the seeds are said to be a good source of vitamin E.
The flowers and hips are aperient, astringent and stomachic, an infusion of dried rose petals can be used to treat headaches and dizziness, with honey added the infusion is used as a heart and nerve tonic and a blood purifier, a decoction of the petals is used to treat mouth sores. The seed is rich in vitamin E and an oil extracted from the seed is used externally in the treatment of burns, scars and wrinkles, the fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Approx. 25+ seeds. £1.75
Rosaceae: A compact hedgerow shrub to 3m, upright stems bear short, curved thorns, bristles and glands. Flowers are 2-3cm across, pink; in clusters of up to 3, blooming from June-July, the hips are ovoid, red with persisting sepals, the leaves have a sweet smell when bruised. Native to Britain but only locally common.
The Fruit can be cooked and used in making jellies etc., they taste is best after been frosted, but be sure to remove the seed hairs, as these hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea is made from the fruit, it is rich in vitamin C, and the seeds are said to be a good source of vitamin E.
The flowers and hips are aperient, astringent and stomachic, an infusion of dried rose petals can be used to treat headaches and dizziness, with honey added the infusion is used as a heart and nerve tonic and a blood purifier, a decoction of the petals is used to treat mouth sores. The seed is rich in vitamin E and an oil extracted from the seed is used externally in the treatment of burns, scars and wrinkles, the fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Approx. 25+ seeds. £1.75
Rosa rubiginosa
Rosa Rugosa 'Ramanas Rose'
Rosaceae: showy shrub with upright stems with rather straight thorns, to 1.5m. The flowers are 6-9cm across, with 5 pinkish-purple petals, main blooming time is from June-August. The hips are spherical red and about 2-5cmm across. Leaves are 5-9 oval leaflets, shiny on the top. Native to East Asia - North China, Japan, Korea. Commonly planted in parks etc. also naturalised in some areas of the UK, mainly by the coasts.
The Fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are very sweet and pleasant to eat, though it takes quite a bit of patience to eat any quantity. The fruit is a fairly large size for a rose with a relatively thick layer of flesh. Rich in vitamin C, containing up to 2.75% dry weight. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, to remove the seed hairs. The flowers can also be used raw or cooked, an aromatic flavour, they are also used in jellies and preserves. Remove the bitter white base of the petals before using them. The seeds are a good source of vitamin E, they can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea is made from the fruit, it is rich in vitamin C. A tea is also made from the leaves.
The leaves are used in the treatment of fevers, the flowers act on the spleen and liver, promoting blood circulation. They are used internally in the treatment of poor appetite and digestion, and menstrual complaints arising from constrained liver energy. The root is used in the treatment of coughs, also the fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 35+ seeds £1.50
Rosaceae: showy shrub with upright stems with rather straight thorns, to 1.5m. The flowers are 6-9cm across, with 5 pinkish-purple petals, main blooming time is from June-August. The hips are spherical red and about 2-5cmm across. Leaves are 5-9 oval leaflets, shiny on the top. Native to East Asia - North China, Japan, Korea. Commonly planted in parks etc. also naturalised in some areas of the UK, mainly by the coasts.
The Fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are very sweet and pleasant to eat, though it takes quite a bit of patience to eat any quantity. The fruit is a fairly large size for a rose with a relatively thick layer of flesh. Rich in vitamin C, containing up to 2.75% dry weight. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, to remove the seed hairs. The flowers can also be used raw or cooked, an aromatic flavour, they are also used in jellies and preserves. Remove the bitter white base of the petals before using them. The seeds are a good source of vitamin E, they can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea is made from the fruit, it is rich in vitamin C. A tea is also made from the leaves.
The leaves are used in the treatment of fevers, the flowers act on the spleen and liver, promoting blood circulation. They are used internally in the treatment of poor appetite and digestion, and menstrual complaints arising from constrained liver energy. The root is used in the treatment of coughs, also the fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 35+ seeds £1.50
Rosa Rugosa
Rosa rugosa 'Alba'
Showy shrub to 1.5m, with upright stems with rather straight thorns. The flowers 6-9cm across, with s white petals, blooming from June-Aug, large spherical red hips, 2-3cm across, leaves are shiny above. Native to East Asia - North China, Japan, Korea. Commonly planted in parks etc. also naturalised in some areas of the UK, mainly by the coasts.
The Fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are very sweet and pleasant to eat, though it takes quite a bit of patience to eat any quantity. The fruit is a fairly large size for a rose with a relatively thick layer of flesh. Rich in vitamin C, containing up to 2.75% dry weight. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, to remove the seed hairs. The flowers can also be used raw or cooked, an aromatic flavour, they are also used in jellies and preserves. Remove the bitter white base of the petals before using them. The seeds are a good source of vitamin E, they can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. A pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea is made from the fruit, it is rich in vitamin C. A tea is also made from the leaves.
The leaves are used in the treatment of fevers, the flowers act on the spleen and liver, promoting blood circulation. They are used internally in the treatment of poor appetite and digestion, and menstrual complaints arising from constrained liver energy. The root is used in the treatment of coughs, also the fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Seeds collected from plants grown at the Kykeon Plants Nursery, Aurgust 2014.
Approx. 30+ seeds. £1.50
Rosa rugosa 'Alba'
Rosa tomentosa 'Harsh Downy-rose'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Dense shrub to 2m, found growing in hedgerows, scrub and woodland margins with arching stems that bear rather straight thorns. The flowers are 3-4cm across, with 5 pink or white petals; in clusters of to 5, blooming from June-July, hips are red, and covered with bristles. The leaflets that are downy on both sides. Fairly common, but mainly in the south of the UK.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are rich in vitamin C, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. The seeds are a good source of vitamin E, they can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. Be sure to remove the seed hairs!
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Seeds collected from wild plants growing on the old Leamside line, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 35+ seeds £2.50
Dense shrub to 2m, found growing in hedgerows, scrub and woodland margins with arching stems that bear rather straight thorns. The flowers are 3-4cm across, with 5 pink or white petals; in clusters of to 5, blooming from June-July, hips are red, and covered with bristles. The leaflets that are downy on both sides. Fairly common, but mainly in the south of the UK.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are rich in vitamin C, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. The seeds are a good source of vitamin E, they can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. Be sure to remove the seed hairs!
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and cold stratified for at least 6 weeks at 5°c or below. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate.
Seeds collected from wild plants growing on the old Leamside line, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 35+ seeds £2.50
Rosa tomentosa
Rubia peregrina 'Wild Madder'
Currently Unavailable
Rubia tinctorum 'Madder'
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Rubia tinctorum 'Madder'
Currently Unavailable
Rubus fruticosus 'Blackberry'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: scrambling shrub to 3m, arching stems are armed with variably shaped prickles and root when they touch the ground. Found in hedgerows and scrub. The flowers can be white or pink and appear from May-August. The fruit are the familiar blackberries. Widespread and common.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, and it is possible to obtain these ripe fruits from late July to November. The fruit is also made into syrups, jams and other preserves, some people find that if they eat the fruit before it is very ripe and quite soft then it can give them stomach upsets. Root can be cooked, but the root should be neither to young nor too old and requires a lot of boiling. A tea is made from the dried leaves, the young leaves are said to be the best to use. The leaves are often used in herbal tea blends.
The root-bark and the leaves are strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary, they make an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis etc., and the root is the more astringent. Externally, they are used as a gargle to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations. A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash.
Seeds requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Easy.
Seeds collected from plant growing around the North East of England, August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
Rosaceae: scrambling shrub to 3m, arching stems are armed with variably shaped prickles and root when they touch the ground. Found in hedgerows and scrub. The flowers can be white or pink and appear from May-August. The fruit are the familiar blackberries. Widespread and common.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, and it is possible to obtain these ripe fruits from late July to November. The fruit is also made into syrups, jams and other preserves, some people find that if they eat the fruit before it is very ripe and quite soft then it can give them stomach upsets. Root can be cooked, but the root should be neither to young nor too old and requires a lot of boiling. A tea is made from the dried leaves, the young leaves are said to be the best to use. The leaves are often used in herbal tea blends.
The root-bark and the leaves are strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary, they make an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis etc., and the root is the more astringent. Externally, they are used as a gargle to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations. A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash.
Seeds requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Easy.
Seeds collected from plant growing around the North East of England, August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
Rubus fruticosus
Rubus idaeus 'European Raspberry'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: an upright perennial with biennial, arching stems that bear weak thorns, the flowers are about 1cm across, with 5 white petals; in clusters, blooming from June to August, the fruits are red and very tasty, but smaller than the cultivated raspberry’s. Widespread and fairly common throughout the UK.
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and delicious when simply eaten out of hand, the fruit is also used in pies, preserves etc., the young shoots can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus, Also a refreshing herbal tea can be made from the dried leaves.
The leaves and roots have anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant properties. A tea made from them is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as a tonic for the uterus to strengthen pregnant women, and as an aid in childbirth, the tea has also been shown as effective in relieving painful menstrual cramps, the active ingredients both stimulate and relax the uterus. Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use, the fruit is antiscorbutic and diuretic. Fresh raspberry juice, mixed with a little honey, makes an excellent refrigerant beverage to be taken in the heat of a fever. Made into a syrup, it is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart.
The seeds require cold stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Easy and vigorous once established.
Approx. 100+ SEEDS £1.50
[Seeds collected from wild plants Leamside, Co. Durham, July 2014.]
Rosaceae: an upright perennial with biennial, arching stems that bear weak thorns, the flowers are about 1cm across, with 5 white petals; in clusters, blooming from June to August, the fruits are red and very tasty, but smaller than the cultivated raspberry’s. Widespread and fairly common throughout the UK.
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and delicious when simply eaten out of hand, the fruit is also used in pies, preserves etc., the young shoots can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus, Also a refreshing herbal tea can be made from the dried leaves.
The leaves and roots have anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant properties. A tea made from them is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as a tonic for the uterus to strengthen pregnant women, and as an aid in childbirth, the tea has also been shown as effective in relieving painful menstrual cramps, the active ingredients both stimulate and relax the uterus. Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use, the fruit is antiscorbutic and diuretic. Fresh raspberry juice, mixed with a little honey, makes an excellent refrigerant beverage to be taken in the heat of a fever. Made into a syrup, it is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart.
The seeds require cold stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Easy and vigorous once established.
Approx. 100+ SEEDS £1.50
[Seeds collected from wild plants Leamside, Co. Durham, July 2014.]
Rubus idaeus
Rumex acetosa 'Sorrel'
[Ex. Shropshire]
Polygonaceae: a variable perennial to 60cm, found in many grassy habitats. The whole flower turns red as it goes over. The flowers are a reddish colour, in slender spikes, appearing from May-July. The leaves are deep green leaves, are arrow-shaped, narrow, the leaves taste mildly of vinegar. Widespread and common.
The leaves are used raw or cooked, they make a thirst-quenching on their own, or can be added to salads, used as a potherb or pureed and used in soups. A delicious lemon-like flavour, liked by most people who try them, they can be rather overpowering in quantity and are more generally used as a flavouring in mixed salads.
The fresh or dried leaves are astringent, diuretic, laxative and refrigerant, they are used to make a cooling drink in the treatment of fevers and are especially useful in the treatment of scurvy.
Sow spring in situ any time of the year, the leaves can be harvested within 8 weeks from sowing. Easy.
Seed originally collected from wild plants from Shropshire, 2013. Seeds collected from plants grown at the Kykeon Plants Nursery, July 2014.
Approx. 500+ seeds £1.50
Polygonaceae: a variable perennial to 60cm, found in many grassy habitats. The whole flower turns red as it goes over. The flowers are a reddish colour, in slender spikes, appearing from May-July. The leaves are deep green leaves, are arrow-shaped, narrow, the leaves taste mildly of vinegar. Widespread and common.
The leaves are used raw or cooked, they make a thirst-quenching on their own, or can be added to salads, used as a potherb or pureed and used in soups. A delicious lemon-like flavour, liked by most people who try them, they can be rather overpowering in quantity and are more generally used as a flavouring in mixed salads.
The fresh or dried leaves are astringent, diuretic, laxative and refrigerant, they are used to make a cooling drink in the treatment of fevers and are especially useful in the treatment of scurvy.
Sow spring in situ any time of the year, the leaves can be harvested within 8 weeks from sowing. Easy.
Seed originally collected from wild plants from Shropshire, 2013. Seeds collected from plants grown at the Kykeon Plants Nursery, July 2014.
Approx. 500+ seeds £1.50
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella 'Sheep’s sorrel'
[Ex. Oxfordshire]
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Rumex alpinus 'Alpine Dock'
Rumex obtusifolius 'Broad-leaved Dock'
Polygonaceae: an upright perennial to 1.5m. Found on field margins and disturbed meadows. The flowers are in loose spikes that are leafy at the base, appearing from June-August. These flowers are followed by small reddish seeds. The leaves are broadly oval, heart-shaped at the base, up to 25cm long. Widespread and common throughout. Native to Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Germany and Hungary.
The young leaves can be cooked, and have a bitter taste, especially if the older leaves are used, the leaves are usually cooked in at least one change of water in order to reduce the bitterness. Leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves have a much milder flavour when they are first produced in early spring. The young stems can be cooked, as well as the seed, the seed can also be ground into a powder and used to make a gruel or added to cereal flours when making bread.
The leaves are often applied externally as a rustic remedy in the treatment of blisters, burns and scalds. The root contains tannin and is astringent and blood purifier. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of jaundice, whooping cough, boils and bleeding. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash, especially for children, to treat skin eruptions. One report says that the root has been used as a contraceptive to stop menstruation. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.25.
Polygonaceae: an upright perennial to 1.5m. Found on field margins and disturbed meadows. The flowers are in loose spikes that are leafy at the base, appearing from June-August. These flowers are followed by small reddish seeds. The leaves are broadly oval, heart-shaped at the base, up to 25cm long. Widespread and common throughout. Native to Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Germany and Hungary.
The young leaves can be cooked, and have a bitter taste, especially if the older leaves are used, the leaves are usually cooked in at least one change of water in order to reduce the bitterness. Leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves have a much milder flavour when they are first produced in early spring. The young stems can be cooked, as well as the seed, the seed can also be ground into a powder and used to make a gruel or added to cereal flours when making bread.
The leaves are often applied externally as a rustic remedy in the treatment of blisters, burns and scalds. The root contains tannin and is astringent and blood purifier. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of jaundice, whooping cough, boils and bleeding. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash, especially for children, to treat skin eruptions. One report says that the root has been used as a contraceptive to stop menstruation. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.25.
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus 'Wood Dock'
Rumex sanguineus 'Wood Dock'
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