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cowslip


cowslip
Photo Information
Copyright: Sue Rickhuss (snaphappy) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 152 W: 20 N: 222] (1790)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-11
Categories: Flowers
Camera: Olympus C-5050z
Exposure: f/4, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-11 22:50
Viewed: 402
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
this is a Wild flower and member of the Primrose family. Its name derives from "cowpat",(Old English "cuslyppe") from where Cowslips would spring up when they were common in the wild. Also known as Paigle, Key Flower, Fairy Cups and Mayflower. This hardy perennial grows to a height of 12 ins (30 cm), liking a well-drained and sunny aspect. Pretty clusters of small primrose-like yellow flowers on stalks during April and May.

It has been used since ancient times to make wine, jam, tea and ointment. Indeed, Cowslip wine, made from the "peeps" (yellow petal rings) was thought to be a good sedative). Its natural habitat is in meadows and woodland, with a particular preference for chalky soil. It has also been used as a sedative. The whole herb/roots has also been used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. Cowslips have also been used for hundreds of years to treat spasms, cramps, rheumatic pain and paralysis - used to be called Palsywort for this reason. Leaves can also be used for healing wounds. Both the flowers and leaves often used to be eaten - young Cowslip leaves were eaten in salads or mixed with other herbs to stuff meat. Flowers can be eaten to strengthen the brain. In the 18th century, powdered roots boiled in ale were used for treating giddiness and nervous ailments. Cowslips used to be popular in Elizabethan knot gardens.

Cowslips are believed to be the favourite flower of nightingales, who were said to only frequent places where Cowslips grew. Frightened fairies hide in the flowers. Sprinkle your threshold with Cowslip flowers when you want to be left alone. Carry Cowslip flowers for good luck. If a woman washes her face in milk which has been infused with Cowslips, then her beloved will be drawn closer to her. The plant has the ability to split rocks containing treasure and can help you find hidden fairy gold. The smell of Cowslips was believed to calm nerves and alleviate amnesia. Cowslips planted upside down on Good Friday turn into Primroses! If fed on bull's blood they turn red.
info from.
www.englishplants.co.uk

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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Sue.
Excellent light and very beautifull colors.Dark background is an excellent choise,
regards,
Nikos.

Very nicely done Sue! - very interesting notes.

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