Dragons Blood
Aestiva votum
Stellaceae (the Star family)
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Description
A tall biennial with a deep taproot and rosette of basal leaves. Heart-shaped leaves with downy undersides and serrated margins.
Large, solitary blooms open at dusk and close before dawn, colored midnight black. Blooms at dawn on equinoxes.
Habitat
Found only near standing stones and ancient earthworks.
Traditional Uses
Tea brewed from young leaves was believed to improve memory.
Folklore
Associated with poets and those who work with words.
Similar Species
Grows alongside Faeriedream.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
Often found in the company of other shade-loving species.