An annual herb, 15-30 cm (6-12 in) tall, with trailing stems, small, finely divided grey-green leaves and racemes of tubular, pink flowers, in midsummer to autumn.
History and traditions
Shakespeare had no high opinion of this plant, referring to it twice as “rank fumitory” it was one of the “idle weeds” with which King Lear crowned himself when mad, and a plant which grew in “fallow leas”, left uncultivated because of war (Henry V). Fumaria is from the Latin for smoke, fumus. Various explanations have been put forward for its application to this plant from the leaves having a “smoky appearance” to smoke from the plant when burnt, dispatching evil spirits; or the view, attributed to Pliny, that putting the juice in the eyes makes the tears run to such an extent that it’s like being blinded by smoke.
Growth
A wild plant, it will grow in any light soil, in sun or shade. Propagated from seed sown in spring, it also self-seeds readily.
Uses
Medicinal
Contains small amounts of similar alkaloids to those found in poppies. Formerly used internally for digestive complaints and externally for eczema, skin disorders and conjunctivitis, but is little used today.
