In the fields it is possible to find wild flowers of great beautyespecially during the spring. In these places there are so many plants that the competition between them is enormous; therefore, they strive to produce their flowers as quickly as possible, to be the first to pollinate. This battle for the survival of the species makes us like nature so much.
And it is amazing the variety of colors, shapes, sizes and smells that can be felt when you go to a meadow. Even those in which only one plant species predominates, the landscape is transformed into a very beautiful monochromatic carpet. Would you like to have wild flowers in your garden and enjoy their beauty like a child? Next you will see which are the easiest to grow.
Our wild flowers that you are going to find here are mainly from Europe, and of course from Spain. They have a rapid growth, and there are many that have been used for a long time in the kitchen, and / or as medicinal herbs.
Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
La poppy it is an annual cycle wildflower known to all. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa. It produces red or whitish flowers, with very delicate petals that fall easily. Although in general it does not exceed 50 centimeters in height, as it has a high germination capacity, it is usually found grouped with others of its kind.
It can be grown in areas exposed to the sun, and in limestone soils. In addition, it is advisable to know that the seeds serve as a condiment, and are even used in pastries. The petals are edible, but they contain rhoeadine, which is an alkaloid with a slightly sedative effect, so it should not be abused.
Yellow anemone (Anemone ranunculoides)
The yellow anemone is a perennial plant that grows in Europe. It is small, since it does not exceed 15 centimeters in height, but has flowers of about 2 centimeters in diameter with petals usually yellow in color.
It is highly recommended to grow it in sunny gardens, for example in rockeries, where it can look great with other short plants.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
El saffron it is a bulbous native to south-west Asia, but has been cultivated in Europe for so long (as well as elsewhere) that it is already considered “very ours.” In fact, paintings have been found in Crete (Greece) dating from 1700-1600 BC. C. The plant is small, it does not exceed 20 centimeters in height, but it produces lilac flowers with very striking red stigmas.
These stigmata they are carefully collected as they are used as a spice, but also as colorants. The bulb is planted in fall or winter to flower in spring, in a sunny area if possible.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
El dandelion it is a wild herb native to Europe. It mainly inhabits cultivated land, such as orchards or gardens, where it is often considered a weed. It develops stalks up to 40 centimeters tall, with yellow flowers which in a few weeks give way to their winged seeds that are easily dispersed with the wind.
It grows in areas exposed to the sun, and is very adaptable. Also, you have to know that its root can be used as a substitute for coffeeand that its infused leaves are interesting as purifying, diuretic, antirheumatic and liver.
Wild or common mallow (malva sylvestris)
La mallow it is a perennial plant native to Europe. It is easily found in different types of land, whether they are cultivated or not. It develops stems up to 1 meter in height, and pinkish florets grouped in inflorescences.
Its leaves, flowers and stems are used as a medicinal herb to treat enemas, and in infusion for its antitussive properties.
Wild wonderCalendula arvensis)
Image – Wikimedia / White eyes
La wild wonder it is an annual plant that lives in southern Europe, including Spain. Reaches 25 centimeters in height, and produces yellow or orange flowers in spring and summer. These are very showy, and of great ornamental value.
Its consumption is not recommendedsince its flowers can be toxic. However, its cultivation is very simple, being able to have it in sunny areas.
Daisy flower (Perpetual wars)
Image – Wikimedia / Just Maria
La margarita It is a wild perennial plant that inhabits the fields of most of the world, although it is native to Europe, North Africa and Central Asia. This is a 30-inch tall plant that loves the sunand which does not mind growing in open fields, with land poor in nutrients.
It has several uses: in fact the leaves are eaten in salads for example; and all its parts -except seeds- are used for their antitussive, diuretic, healing, digestive and purgative properties.
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I break (Lysimachy femalebefore Anagallis woman)
Image – Wikimedia / Hans Hillewaert
The murrón is an annual herb that we will find in Spain, as well as in the temperate regions of the rest of Europe. It is usually part of the bushes, and grows in poor soils. It reaches a height of between 10 and 40 centimeters, and its flowers are solitary, blue with a red center.
It has uses as a medicinal plant, specifically it is used to heal woundsalways topically.
Bull’s-eye (chrysanthemum coronarium)
Image – Wikimedia / Photo2222
The plant known as ox eye is a very common annual herb in southern Spain. It is so adaptable that it lives in the open, on the edges of roads, abandoned land, and so on. Reaches a height of up to 1 meter, and develops yellow or white flowers with a yellow center similar to daisies (in fact they are part of the same family, the asteraceae) although they are larger.
It can be consumed raw without problemsas long as tender shoots are taken. It is an herb that contains calcium and vitamins, so it is interesting to include it in the diet.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Image – Flickr / Ferran Turmo Gort
El thyme it is a subshrub plant (what we popularly call “kills”) native to central and southern Europe. It grows between 13 and 40 centimeters in height, developing branched and woody stems. It produces small, pinkish-white flowers in spring.
It is widely grown in gardens, in full sun. It is a plant used to flavor different recipesand that in infusion serves to alleviate symptoms of respiratory diseases such as laryngitis or the like.
Do you know any other wildflowers?
