In very boggy areas in midsummer the Bog Asphodel will sometimes flower in large numbers. It has leaves like a miniature Iris and very exotic looking yellow flowers. In fruit the whole plant becomes an orangey colour and has been used as a substitute for saffron Dye.
Ossifragum suggests fragile bones and comes from the old idea that cattle feeding on this plant could break a leg. The reality is that it only grows in boggy areas which are typically Calcium deficient and it was the calcium deficiency that caused the problems.
Ben Lawers nature Trail 11th July 2005
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Added on September 19th 2005