(Filipendula ulmaria)

Queen of the Meadow

Botanical Description

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), often called the Queen of the Meadow, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae (rose) family. It grows 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, forming elegant clusters of creamy-white, fragrant flowers atop reddish-green, grooved stems.

Its pinnately compound leaves are dark green on top and silvery-white underneath, with deeply toothed leaflets that resemble those of elm trees—hence the species name ulmaria. When crushed, the leaves emit a sweet, almond-like aroma due to their natural salicylate content, a precursor to modern aspirin.

Flowers & Blooming Season

Meadowsweet’s frothy plumes of tiny, five-petaled flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer (June–August), releasing a sweet, honeyed fragrance that attracts bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The flowers eventually give way to small, spiraled seed pods, ensuring the plant’s spread through both seeds and creeping rhizomes.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe and Asia, meadowsweet thrives in damp meadows, riverbanks, and wet woodlands. It prefers moist, rich, slightly acidic to neutral soils and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, it is cold-resistant and can naturalize in gardens when given sufficient moisture.

Medicinal & Herbal Uses

Historically, meadowsweet was a highly esteemed herb in both medicinal and cultural traditions. The name “mead wort” reflects its ancient use in flavoring mead, ale, and herbal wines, adding both aromatic complexity and mild bitterness to fermented beverages. Revered by Celtic Druids, it was one of three sacred herbs alongside vervain and water mint. In medieval times, meadowsweet’s fragrant flowers were strewn on floors during celebrations, believed to bring joy and purity to the space.

Ancient herbalists such as Dioscorides and Nicholas Culpeper praised meadowsweet for its cooling properties, and Maude Grieve described it in A Modern Herbal as an aromatic and astringent plant traditionally included in teas and syrups. Due to its natural salicylate compounds, it was once a primary source of inspiration for the development of aspirin. However, individuals with aspirin sensitivities, salicylate allergies, or those taking anticoagulants should consult a healthcare professional before using botanical preparations containing meadowsweet.

Contraindications & Warnings

While meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use, caution is advised in the following cases:

• Salicylate Sensitivity – Meadowsweet contains natural salicylates (compounds similar to aspirin) and should be avoided by those with aspirin allergies.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – Limited research exists on its safety during pregnancy, so it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

• Blood-Thinning Medications – Those taking anticoagulants or blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Pollinators & Companion Plants

Blooming from June to August, meadowsweet’s feathery flower clusters are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an essential plant for biodiverse habitats. The flowers give way to spiraled seed pods, ensuring its natural spread along moist landscapes. In the garden, it pairs beautifully with other plants, such as Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Echinacea, Swamp Milkweed, Black Eyes Susans as well as iris, which provide complementary textures and colors; and medicinal herbal choices like comfrey and valerian, which have traditionally been grown nearby in cottage gardens.

Bibliography

Bruton-Seal, Julie & Seal, Matthew. Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies. Skyhorse Publishing, 2009.

Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs: The Essential Guide to More Than 125 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies. Rodale Books, 2010

Garran, Thomas Avery. Western Herbs in Chinese Medicine: Methodology and Materia Medica. Healing Arts Press, 2008.

Treveris, Peter. The Grete Herball. 1526.