About Filipendula vulgaris Moench
This species, Filipendula vulgaris Moench, produces finely-cut, fern-like radical leaves that form a basal rosette. It grows an erect stem 20 to 50 centimeters (8 to 20 inches) tall that holds a loose terminal inflorescence made of small creamy white flowers. These flowers grow in dense clusters and bloom from late spring to midsummer, on top of sparsely leafed stems. After 2 to 5 years of growth, the plant reaches an overall height of 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 40 inches), with a spread of roughly 10 to 50 centimeters (4 to 20 inches). This perennial plant prefers full sun or partial shade, and it is more tolerant of dry conditions than most other members of its genus. It grows naturally on chalk and limestone downs, and on heaths over other basic rocks. In cultivation, it can be propagated by seed and by dividing its creeping roots. Its tuberous roots and young leaves can be cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw in a salad, with a bitter-sweet taste. When crushed, the plant’s mature leaves smell like oil of wintergreen, because they release methyl salicylate.
