Lesser Burdock

Lesser Burdock

Arctium minus

Daisy family

The spines on the flower heads stick to clothing of the coats of animals and seeds may be dispersed in this way.  This may have inspired the invention of velcro.

In South Queensferry, a man clad completely in burrs, the Burry Man, spent an entire day in this uncomfortable garb as part of a traditional celebration.  After a day of drinking, the discomfort became tolerable. 

Lesser Burdock at Blackford Gardens Road (1999)

Whin

Whin

Ulex euorpaedus

  Pea family

Officially named Gorse but known as Whin in Scotland, this evergreen shrub grows profusely in Spring and sporadically for the rest of the year.

In the past its roles were many and varied and included being used as cattle food, for domestic fuel, for making yellow dye, as well as for hanging washing on and sweeping chimneys.

The brown seed pods explode audibly in dry weather scattering their poisonous seeds to the surrounding ground. 

Common Knapweed

Common Knapweed

Centaurea nigra

Daisy family

In the past this plant was used to cure boils, scabs, bruises and damaged cows' udders.  To effect a cure, a handful of knapweed was boiled for about half an hour; the affected part was then bathed with the infusion.

Colt's Foot

Colt's Foot

Tussilago farfara

Daisy family

This plant will grow almost anywhere and will flourish in the bleakest spots.  In the past, the leaves, which appear later than the flowers, were smoked in piles for the relief of asthma, and also as a medicinal infusion for coughs and bronchitis. 

The freshly bruised leaves were applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.



Found by burn near 6th green in 1990s. It's very common and can be found all over the course.

Yarrow

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Daisy family

'I will pick the green yarrow that my figure may be fuller ... that my voice will be sweeeter ... that my lips will be like the juice of the strawberry ... I shall wound every man, but no man shall harm me.'

Gaelic chant

Yarrow - found rough left of 9th hole and many other sites.

Wood Sage

Wood Sage

Tecrium scorodonia

Labiatae family

Wood sage, common in Britain, Europe and North Africa, has been used for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years, and also more recently as a substitute for hops in the brewing trade.

The leaves were used to make tea, which was said to be effective for soothing rheumatic pains and indigestion.  When crushed, the leaves were applied to wounds and boils.  

It is a dreadful plant to draw!

This was found on 11th July 1998 over the wall at the 10th tee, near the observatory.

Butterbur

Butterbur

Petasites Hybridus

Petasites comes from the Greek petusos, a broad-brimmed hat; the leaves of the plant being equally effective as a shelter from the sun or rain.  These leaves, which grow to enormous sizes, were used in country districts as a cool wrapping for butters and cheeses.

In the middle ages, the roots were powdered and used to heal spots and blemishes.

I found  butterbur by the burn near  the 6th hole in March 1998.    The huge leaves appeared gradually over the next few months  .   By 2015  it had invaded  large areas of the burn banks and adjacent golf course.