Snow in Summer: The Ground Elder's White-Capped Marvel
Ground elder, also known as bishop's weed or snow-in-the-mountain, is a humble yet charming plant. Its flowering season beautifully coincides with that of the elder tree, a spectacle that delights the senses with a harmonious blend of shape, color, and scent. While their similarity ends there, the duo paints a picture of nature's versatility and synchronicity, a delightful vision of unity in diversity.
Ground elder is not actually related to its namesake, the elder tree. The appellation, as quirky as it is, arises from a superficial resemblance in the appearance of their leaves and flowers. As the elder tree unfolds its blossoms, they hang above the ground, like chandeliers in a ballroom. Lower, yet reaching high enough to almost kiss the elder tree's lower blossoms, we find the ground elder.
Right top corner - Elder tree blossoms. Front and center, Ground Elder
The ground elder may be shorter in stature than its namesake, the elder tree, but it reaches up high, almost as if to touch the lower hanging elder flowers. Its lush foliage and delicate white flowers lend a fresh, cool contrast to the green landscape, and its clusters of star-shaped blossoms, reminiscent of snow-capped mountain peaks, bring a touch of whimsy to any woodland garden.
In spite of its delicate appearance, ground elder is a model of resilience. Known for its tenacity and adaptability, it can grow in a wide range of conditions, thriving even in the most challenging of environments.
Its slender stems and delicate white blossoms lend themselves beautifully to the creation of whimsical wreaths. Arranged in a crown, the Ground Elder can transform into a regal headpiece or a rustic table decoration, embodying the spirit of the wilderness in each twist and twirl.
But, dear reader, did you know that this little plant hides a secret within its green folds? Yes, the humble Ground Elder moonlights as a woodland pantry, a wild salad green that has nourished the Nordic people for centuries. Fondly referred to as 'skvalderkål' (“evocative kale”), it presents a forager's delight when its leaves burst forth in spring.
The young, tender leaves of the Ground Elder, with their distinct fan-like structure, bring a note of wild bitterness to your plate, reminiscent of kale. Picked fresh, they add a zesty punch to spring salads, awaken your taste buds in wild pestos, and can be wilted like spinach to be enjoyed as a vibrant side dish.
