Medicinal plants of the Carpathians

Medicinal plants of the Carpathians — arnica, roseroot, great yellow gentian, St John’s wort, thyme: where they grow, when they bloom, which are protected. Not medical advice.

In season nowSt John's wortHypericum perforatumYellow inflorescences on dry meadows and forest edges; leaves appear to be pierced with a needle. Blooms from June to August; a traditional herb for tea.

EdibleRed Data Book of UkraineWild garlic (ramsons)Allium ursinumSpring 'wild garlic' in moist beech forests. A species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, while its lookalikes — lily of the valley, autumn crocus, and white hellebore — are deadly poisonous.

In season nowYarrowAchillea millefoliumWhite clusters of small flower heads and feathery leaves on every meadow — from the village to the polonyna. Blooms from June to September.

PoisonousColtsfootTussilago farfaraThe first yellow 'sunny flowers' on clay slopes in early spring, still without leaves. Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

PoisonousMountain arnicaArnica montanaGolden-orange 'daisies' of the Carpathian polonynas that bloom in June - July. Supplies are depleted, so it's better to admire than to collect.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioicaTall stinging herb near kolibas, pastures, and streams. Young leaves have long been used in borscht, and touching the stem causes a sting that lasts for several hours.

Red Data Book of UkraineRoserootRhodiola roseaA succulent plant of high mountain rocks with yellow inflorescences and a rhizome that smells like a rose. Red Data Book of Ukraine: collecting is prohibited.

In season nowMeadowsweetFilipendula ulmariaTall creamy-white fluffy inflorescences in wet meadows and along stream banks. A strong honey aroma can be sensed from afar.

Red Data Book of UkraineGreat yellow gentianGentiana luteaA tall plant of the polonyna with layers of yellow flowers and broad leaves. A disappearing species in the Red Book of Ukraine; has a dangerous lookalike — white hellebore.

Large thymeThymus pulegioidesLow fragrant mats with pink-purple flowers on sunny slopes and polonynas. Blooms from June to August.

OreganoOriganum vulgareA fragrant herb of sunny clearings with pink-purple inflorescences — wild oregano. It blooms from July to September.

TormentilPotentilla erectaSmall yellow flowers with four petals on the polonynas and meadows. Carpathians know it as 'kalhan' for its red astringent root.

Broadleaf plantainPlantago majorA rosette of broad leaves with longitudinal veins right on the path. The Broadleaf plantain 'follows' people and withstands being trampled.

Common valerianValeriana officinalisA tall plant of wet meadows and stream banks with pinkish-white fragrant inflorescences. It blooms from June to August.

Horse mintMentha longifoliaWild mint with grayish hairy leaves and purple flower spikes. It scents the entire stream bank, blooming in July – August.

Iceland mossCetraria islandicaNot a moss, but a lichen: brown and greenish 'bushes' with channelled lobes among grasses and blueberries on the ridges. It grows slowly — do not pick it.