Nipplewort has usually finished flowering by now, but our warming climate is bringing change for our wildflowers. Photos 1-3 were taken this morning by the hedge on Tower Close. The flowers close at night and may “stay in bed” if the weather is bad. Wise plant! It will overwinter as a rosette of leaves which are easy to spot from their unusual shape. I love how it decorates the walls along our lane in Summer (Photo 4 from June). Nipplewort has a short taproot which, unlike red valerian, doesn’t cause damage. So a good plant to let flourish to help our insects and brighten our streets.
The Latin name Lapsana means edible herb. Young leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, though I understand it is rather bitter, or cooked and used like spinach.
The English common name is an excellent example of the medieval doctrine of signatures, a widespread belief that God made 'Herbes for the use of men, and hath given them particular Signatures, whereby a man may read ... the use of them.' The rather nipple like flower buds were viewed as a sign from the creator that the plant could treat cracked nipples. The sap is more likely to cause a contact dermatitis. This doctrine of signatures arguably underpins our Western, “nature is there to help humans” world view. Perhaps why we are in such a mess?
More about the doctrine of signatures
