Motherlove

A beneficial herb native to Europe and some parts of Asia, often referred to as Goats Rue (Galega officinalis). Motherlove grows about 5' tall and is very invasive. Believe it or not there is a forsythia behind the tree on the right, pictured in the mint green color.

A herb used to break a fever by increasing sweating in the user, combat fatigue, reduce blood sugar in non-insulin diabetics who respond to dietary changes. Perhaps that explains the added energy. Motherlove is comprised of alkaloids, flavonoids and galegin, to name a few. It obtained FDA approval in 1995.

One of the most potent herb used to increase breast milk in lactating mothers, juices pressed from greens have been used in goat feedings. The main purpose was to clot producing milk as it aided in cheese manufacturing. Dried flowers are fed to cows. Herbivores who grazed on the plant have been poisoned as it can be toxic to them.

Motherlove has long flower stalks that bloom from June to August. The blooms range from white to light lavender. People in my area (non-gardeners,) refer to it as a bleeding heart although the flowers are similar to the pea family. Describing the leaves as "fern like" doesn't convince them otherwise.

In the fall, motherlove develops brown seed pods with 2 to 6 seeds apiece. The seedpods fall and if the soil is moist and rich, another bush appears. Growing the seeds may mean stratifying them depending on what time of year it is. I thought this was sumac and pulled it for a couple of years, then it flowered, I've decided to let it go, even with it being invasive.

It's VERY happy. In the garden.....