Meum athamanticum aka Spignel

Meum athamanticum, also known as Baldmoney, Spignel, or Meu, is a glabrous, highly aromatic perennial plant. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Meum, belonging to the family Apiaceae. This plant is found in grasslands, particularly on limestone, in mountainous regions of Western and Central Europe. Its range extends as far south as the Sierra Nevada in Spain and central Bulgaria in the Balkans. While not very common in the UK, it can be found in a few localities in Northern England and Wales, and is slightly more plentiful in Scotland. Cultivated in Scotland, the roots of Meum athamanticum have been consumed as a root vegetable. The delicate, feathery foliage is used as a condiment and in the preparation of various home remedies. It is believed to have diuretic properties and has been used to control menstruation, treat uterine complaints, catarrh, hysteria, and stomach ailments. The roots of Meum have a similar scent to Levisticum officinale and Angelica archangelica, both of which are edible and medicinal umbellifers. The aromatic flavor of Meum leaves resembles that of Melilot, and when cows feed on the foliage in spring, the flavor is transferred to milk and butter. The name "Baldmoney" is derived from the god Baldr of Scandinavian mythology, to whom the plant was dedicated. In German, it is known as Bärwurz, referring to both the plant and a variety of Bavarian schnapps flavored with its extract. Meum athamanticum is characterized by its herbaceous perennial nature and finely divided, aromatic leaves. It produces small white flowers clustered into umbels during early to midsummer.