Meadowsweet, Filipendula Ulmaria. derives its name from the sweet-smelling, frothy, cream-coloured flowers. Its preferred habitat is damp meadows, ditches and semi shaded areas. The plant has long been sought after for its aromatic qualities, as a herb for cooking and in medieval times it was used in the production of a drink called meadwort. More recently it was discovered to contain quantities of salicylic acid, and was the basis of Aspirin. Tea made from the dried flowerheads is recognised as a treatment for coughs and colds. This can be sown in Autumn or Spring, and needs a warm, moist seed bed for at least 21 days to germinate.