Spikes of yellow flowers, the leaves being pinnate, smaller leaflets - 3-6 pairs, between the larger leaflets.
It is very common throughout England, Wales and Ireland but not so often seen in the highlands and far North of Scotland.
Mainly found on grass verges, railway embankments and hedgerows.
Herbalists use parts of the plant for medicinal purposes; the whole plant contains tannin which is used in the dyeing industry. The plant was considered a good remedy for purifying the blood, either used by itself, or in combination with other herbs, and as a treatment for influenza or similar. You can make a sweetly scented tea with an infusion of the roots.
Common
