Fern-Leaf Dropwort

(Filipendula vulgaris)

Fern-Leaf Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris)

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Filipendula vulgaris, commonly known as Fern-Leaf Dropwort, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia. It typically grows to a height of 20–50 centimeters (8–20 inches) with a similar spread. The plant features finely-cut, fern-like basal leaves that form an attractive rosette at ground level, and an erect stem that bears a loose terminal inflorescence of small, creamy white flowers. These flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy when they appear in dense clusters from late spring to midsummer. The crushed leaves and roots emit a scent reminiscent of the oil of wintergreen, adding to its sensory appeal.

Fern-Leaf Dropwort is valued for its ornamental foliage and delicate flowers, which can enhance rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with poor, dry soils. This plant is also used in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb; its tuberous roots and young leaves can be cooked or eaten raw, offering a bittersweet flavor. In cultivation, it thrives best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Propagation is typically done by seed or division of the creeping roots. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Common Queen-Of-The-Meadow, Dropwort, Knollige Spierstaude, Kleines Mädesüß, Filipendule, Filipendule Vulgaire, Knolspirea, Brudbröd, Knollen-Spierstaude

Scientific Names: , Filipendula vulgaris, Filipendula hexapetala, Spiraea filipendula, Ulmaria filipendula, Filipendula filipendula, Spiraea gigantea, Spiraea angustifolia, Spiraea filipendulina, Filipendula pubescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Filipendula vulgaris Moench