Dog's Mercury

Mercurialis perennis is commonly known as Dog's Mercury. This springtime flowering plant grows throughout Europe, but almost cannot be met in Ireland, Orkney and Shetland. This hairy perennial gives rise to erect stems and simple leaves with serrated margins.

They are round in shape and deep green with opposite arrangement, covered by tiny hairs.  The flower heads come in green. It often thrives covering big areas in dense stands.  It tolerates shade, frequently forming massive carpets in beech woods and ancient woodlands.

Dog's Mercury is notable by separate male and female plants. The male plant has tiny green-colored blossoms, while the female one has miniature rounded capsules swelling into fruits going in pairs.

Dog's Mercury blooms from February to April, the flowers are notable by wind pollination.

Dog's Mercury is distinguished by acrid smell; the plant is poisonous to animals.

Dog's Mercury Flowers

Mercurialis Perennis
By BerndH - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

Mercurialis Perennis

By Pleple2000 - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2