Silene flos-cuculi (L.) Greuter & Burdet

Ragged Robin

Ragged robin (see picture) is fairly common along roadsides and wet fields. Its latin name Lychnis flos-cuculi, as well as many of its foreign names, makes a reference to the cuckoo bird. Some people say that the flower blossoms when the first cuckoo is heard. But that's not necessarily the case. The name really refers to the froth often found on the plant. It was believed to be spit from the cuck... © Copyright Ecomare (licence)