Meadowsweet

All Identification Points

Dense frothy panicle of tiny cream flowers, each with five petals

Intensely sweet almond-like fragrance — distinctive and unmissable

Pinnate leaves: large terminal leaflet, smaller side leaflets, white-felted below

Erect stems, often reddish, 60–120cm tall

Grows in large colonies on damp or wet ground

Harvest Notes

Collect flower heads when fully open and fragrant. Use same day or dry immediately at low heat.

Uses

Cordial, wine, ice cream flavouring, herbal tea. Contains salicylates (aspirin precursor) — avoid if aspirin-sensitive.

Equipment Needed

Scissors, paper bag.

Storage

Use fresh within 24 hours or dry in bunches at low heat. Dried flowers keep for months.

Lookalikes

Relative Nutrition