Cuckoo Flower
Cardamine pratensis
At a glance
Name
Scientific Name
AKA
Frequency
Habitat
Parts Used
Summary
I’m sure anyone with an interest in the natural world will agree that flora and fauna starts to become markers for our memories and experiences, and the sight of something can trigger these. For me, the Cuckoo Flower is one of these. It was the first ‘real’ wild food I foraged many years ago. As I sat cross legged in a damp field with my book open to Cardamine pratensis, I heard a cuckoo in the trees behind me as I tasted the peppery leaves. Magic.
Edibililty & Uses
All parts of Cuckoo Flower can be eaten and has also been used in various herbal medicines.
Parts Used
My favorite part of this plant are the basal leaves. These have a hot peppery taste and are good in salads and sandwiches, or just to munch on. The flowers are similar but much more toned down.
When to forage?
March and April for the flowers.
The basal leaves can be found almost all year.
Where to forage?
The Cuckoo Flower prefers damp environments such as wet meadows, marshes, and along water bodies. It is commonly distributed throughout the UK.