Ancientrush
Puera digita
Crystallaceae (the Crystal family)
. * .
\|/
. --*-- .
/| / | / | . | .
/ | . \ | / .
\|//
|
.|.
/_|_
Description
A tall biennial with a deep taproot and rosette of basal leaves. Aromatic leaves release fragrance when crushed between fingers.
Fragrant flowers release their scent only under specific conditions, colored pale silver. Blooms after the first frost.
Habitat
Found in ancient forests where the canopy blocks all but dappled light.
Traditional Uses
Poultices of crushed leaves applied to ease minor aches.
Folklore
Believed to mark the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds.
Similar Species
May be confused with Oldfern.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
May be overlooked due to its unassuming appearance.