WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Common and widespread throughout the UK. Habitat includes: A wide range of soils in open places such as rocks, cliffs, river-banks, spoil heaps, mining waste, paths, roadside verges, pavements, lawns, pots etc. It can stand heavy trampling. Growing habit: Mat-forming Perennial. Other names include: Bird-eye Pearlwort, Matted Pearlwort. History: Sagina means 'fodder'; the genus was named for a fodder plant, Spurrey, which has since been moved into its own genus, Spergula. Procumbens means 'procumbent' i.e. lying flat on the ground, or 'creeping forwards'.

Myths: It is said to have been the first plant on which Christ set his foot when he came to Earth, or when he rose from the dead. In the highlands of Scotland it was supposed to have derived supernatural powers from having been blessed by Christ, St Bride and St Columba. A spray of it hung from the door lintel gave protection against fairies, especially those who made a practice of spiriting people away. If Pearlwort were stuck in a bull's fore-hooves, the cows with which it mated and the calves and the milk they produced were safeguarded from ills. If a cow ate the herb, its calves and milk, and all who drank the milk, were also protected against fairies. For the young village maiden, Pearlwort brought a bonus. If drunk in an infusion, or used merely to wet the lips, it would attract her favoured lover, and if a piece of it were in the girl's mouth when she kissed him, he was bound to her for ever.