Shadowberry
Luxa herbaceum
Silentaceae (the Silence family)
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Description
A creeping groundcover spreading by underground rhizomes. Foliage consists of deeply lobed palmate leaves with purple venation.
Flowers are small, star-shaped, blooming in umbels of 12-20, colored shadow purple. Blooms after long silences.
Habitat
Found only near standing stones and ancient earthworks.
Traditional Uses
The seeds were carried as charms for safe travel.
Folklore
Its presence was thought to indicate pure water nearby.
Similar Species
May be confused with Commonspark.
Conservation
Abundant and widespread - no conservation concerns.
Field Notes
A hand lens reveals details invisible to the naked eye.