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- This grows on arable fields along cliff edges and has come through on the Cowbar Lane bund, possibly from seeds which have been dormant a while in the soil.
- It is also known as ‘Beggary’, ‘Wax Dolls’ and ‘God’s Fingers and Thumbs’.
- The name ‘fumitory’ comes from Latin meaning ‘smoke of the earth’ which could refer to its frilly, greyish green leaves.
- It straggles over the ground and flowers from May to October.
- It likes, bare, well drained, disturbed soil and is an indicator of good soil condition.
- It provides nectar and pollen for bees and many other types of pollinating insects.
- The plant is actually poisonous, but in the past, herbalists have used common fumitory to treat conjunctivitis and skin diseases and to cleanse the kidneys.
- Common fumitory has been used to treat skin conditions. The flowers have been used to make a yellow dye for wool.
- Cattle and sheep eat it but horses avoid it and goats dislike the fully grown plant.
