Seasonal Wild Flowers

Dog's Mercury

Mercurialis perennis

Euphorbiaceae

Mid-February to May

It is found throughout the country

See the BSBI distribution map for Dog's Mercury

It prefers shade and carpets large areas in woodland.

It is also found in hedges and in cracks (grykes) in

limestonepavement.

Dog's Mercury is a native, ground-covering, perennial

herb, growing upto 40cm.

Male and female flowers on separate plants.

Male flowers form conspicuous catkins, have between

8 to 15 stamens, but no petals

Female flowers are on less conspicuous spiles on

separate plants and have 2 spreading and translucent

stigmas.

Fruits are round (6-8mm), hairy and dark green.

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Carpet of Dog's Mercury

Male flower spikes

Male flower spike - open and unopened flowers

Individual male flower

Spikes of female flowers

Female flowers - spreading stigmas

Fruits