The WALA Plant Library
Tormentil

Synonyms for Tormentil: Biscuits, Bloodroot, Earthbank, English Sarsaparilla, Ewe Daisy, Flesh and Blood, Septfoil, Shepherd's Knapperty, Shepherd's Knot, Thormantle, Tormentilla
Scientific Name: Potentilla erecta (L.)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Description:

A four-petalled yellow flower that appears to hover above the digitate leaves on its thin stalk. A rose? Well, a member of the rose family at any rate. Tormentil, which flowers from June to August, reaches a height of between 10 and 40 cm, tending to creep along the ground in wetter locations, almost forming a cushion, while in drier climates it grows more upright, with the stems falling untidily across each other. In contrast to the more filigree appearance of the plant with it's small flowers measuring only a centimetre, the rootstock is strikingly thick and irregular. In the spring several stems sprout from this root and the sun-hungry tormentil strives towards the light. When the root is cut it is first yellowish white but quickly turns deep red. It is because of this that the plant acquired the name bloodroot.