Forget-me-not / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible
Field forget-me-not is a herbaceous annual to short lived perennial flowering plant in the Borage family. It was introduced to Britain in ancient times and now found throughout the British Isles. It’s the most common of around ten related species commonly known as Forget-me-not’s.
Common Names
Forget-me-not, Field forget-me-not, Scorpion-grass, Bird’s eye, Robin’s eye, Snake-grass, Love-me.
Botanical Name
Myosotis arvensis
Scientific Classification
Kingdom – Plantae
Order – Boraginales
Family – Boraginaceae
Physical Characteristics for Forget-me-not
Field Forget-Me-Not’s are small, annual to biennial plants, typically growing between 10–50 cm (4–20 inches) tall.
Leaves
The leaves are lance-shaped or oblong, softly hairy, and arranged alternately along the stem. The basal leaves form a small rosette, while the stem leaves are stalk-less and clasp the stem.
Flowers
The flowers are grey-blue,(sometimes interspersed with pink) around 3–5 millimetres across, saucer shaped in profile. They occur in spikes between April and October.
Seeds
Their seeds form in small pods (calyx) along the stem and attach to clothing when brushed against, eventually falling off, allowing the small seed within to germinate elsewhere.
Mature seeds are dark brown and shiny.
Stems
The stems are slender, branched, and covered in short hairs.
Habitat
It’s a common species and can be found on cultivated land, roadsides, waste ground and dunes. Appearing in the same places each year.
Known Hazards
Other members of this genus are known to contain Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage, I would therefore recommend eating them in moderation only.
Forget-me-not Could be Confused with…
Field Forget-Me-Not’s may be confused with other Myosotis species, such as the Common Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica). However, they can be identified by their smaller flowers, slender growth habit, and preference for drier habitats.
Edible Uses of Forget-me-not
The flowers are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish.
They have a mild, slightly sweet taste and add a delicate touch to salads, cakes, or drinks.
Notes on Medicinal use
Traditionally, Field Forget-Me-Not’s have been used in folk medicine to treat wounds and as a mild astringent.
Infusions of the leaves or flowers were occasionally used to soothe inflammation or as a gentle diuretic, though their use in modern herbalism is minimal.
Extra notes from the Foragers
Since the Medieval period it has become a symbol of everlasting love and devotion. There is a German legend set as an origin story behind the name “Forget-Me-Not”.
In the legend, a knight was walking with his lady near the Danube River and decided to pick blue flowers for her. While picking the flowers he fell in the river and was swept away. He tossed the flowers to his lady and his last words to her were “Forget-me-not!”.
In the United Kingdom, many health settings make use of the forget-me-not as a symbol to highlight that someone has dementia; it may be placed on notes, bedsides or patient boards and is the symbol of the Alzheimer’s Society.
References:
https://www.plantlife.org.uk/plants-and-fungi/forget-me-not-common/