Spotlight on the Cuckoo plant

One of the quiet joys of spring at the arboretum is the appearance of the delicate cuckoo plant, also known as lady’s smock (Cardamine pratensis). This native wildflower typically blooms between April and June, often around the same time that cuckoos return to the UK – hence the name.

You’ll find cuckoo plants growing in damp meadows, woodland clearings and along shady paths. Their pale lilac or pinkish flowers sit atop slender stems, gently nodding in the breeze. They’re a valuable early nectar source for pollinators, including orange-tip butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant so their caterpillars can feed on the leaves.

Cuckoo plant is also edible, with a mild peppery taste similar to watercress. Both the young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads or used as a garnish. If foraging, always follow the rule of only picking where the plant is growing in abundance and never take more than you need. At the arboretum, we encourage looking but not picking, to ensure our wild plants thrive for everyone to enjoy – wildlife included.

Cuckoo plants have a long history in British folklore too. In some regions, they were thought to bring luck or predict the weather, while in others they were considered unlucky to pick and bring indoors. Whatever the old beliefs, these graceful flowers remain a welcome sign that spring is well underway.

Next time you’re wandering the arboretum in spring, keep an eye out for these quiet little bloomers – they’re well worth a closer look. You could also join the citizen scientists and log your find on the free iNaturalist.