Wood Forget-Me-Not
(Myosotis sylvatica)
Description
Wood forget-me-not is a common perennial or biennial wildflower. They grow up to a height of 45 cm and their stems and leaves are covered in small hairs. Their flowers are between 6 and 10 mm across, with 5 light blue petals and a white or yellow centre. Younger flowers are light pink to purple.
Wood forget-me-not comes into flower between April and July.
Distribution
Growing in chalk, clay, and loam soils, these flowers grow in semi-shaded areas, including ancient and wet woodland and grassland habitats. They are native to, and can be found throughout the British Isles, but are rare in Ireland and Northern Scotland. They also grow in many other regions in Europe, apart from the Southwest and the northernmost regions.
Wood forget-me-not attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bumblebees.
Folklore
The name forget-me-not may originate in myths of a young man who drowns or is swept away while attempting to cross a body of water to reach his lover. Before he succumbs to the water, he shouts “forget me not” and throws her some of these flowers. Several other European countries have names with a similar meaning as well as similar tales.
Wood forget-me-not and other varieties of forget-me-not are often grown in gardens.
Forget-me-nots are associated with memory, remembrance of the dead, and love.
They are also associated with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and is used as a symbol by several Alzheimer’s Societies.
