Moondew
Perdita fruticosa
Umbraceae (the Shadow family)
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Description
A creeping groundcover spreading by underground rhizomes. Needle-like foliage arranged in spirals along the stem.
Tiny florets cluster in dense spherical heads atop tall stalks, colored pearl white. Blooms during the new moon.
Habitat
Native to nowhere, found everywhere - a cosmopolitan wanderer.
Traditional Uses
The root makes a mordant dye ranging from grey to silver depending on preparation.
Folklore
Said to be beloved by bees from hives that produce the clearest honey.
Similar Species
Resembles Mosslight.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
Often found in the company of other shade-loving species.