๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐
It is supposed to be lucky to see a four-leafed clover, not for nought is it a trefoil.
So, count the petals in this, the Greater Stitchwort, ๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐.
Ten, right? Ten, wrong! It has five petals, deeply divided, but five nonetheless. โStellariaโ means โstar-likeโ and the illusion sparkles.
This is a plant about pain. A stitch, in this context refers to a sharp stabbing pain in the side, particularly after exercise.
Known locally as Stellaire holostรฉe (direct from the Latin) and Grote muur (nothing to do with China), it was used in gentle folk preparations for cuts, grazes and sore skin, and not for stitches at all. Devious plant this one.
It is, however, a good indicator of old hedgerows, woodland edges and undisturbed ground, sitting in that quiet moment between anemone and bluebell.