Gàidhlig / English
Flùr na Cuthaig

Flùr na Cuthaig

Posted by Calum on 11th May, 2023
“Come the song-thrush in the Spring, Come the cuckoo in May”: the popular, and true, line, but the cuckoo has a flower and she comes before the cuckoo: it’s name is “Flùr na Cuthaig” (Cardamine pratensis).

There are a number of different names for Flùr na Cuthaig: Biolair-ghriagain, Spòg na Cuthaige; Smùgaid na Cuthaig; and Gleòrann. There a mention that the people of Colonsay gave it the name “Peabar-uisge” according to a report done in 1909.

It’s been heard to aid with dispelling scurvy and that it is very good for epilepsy.

The Flùr na Cuthaig comes at the start of Spring, with the improvement of the weather. It grows in moors and wet patches of grass. As quickly as the cuckoo comes she leaves and the flower leaves similarly, it is with us only briefly before it leaves with the cuckoo. With its quick coming-and-going people say that it has a supernatural connection: some say that it is unlucky if one were to bring it inside because it is sacred to the “Good-people”. Therefore it is not to be used in garlands or flower-crowns.

Do you know about this flower? Do you have another name or information about this flower? Let us know on facebook, twitter and our own website!
Your comment has been submitted for moderation
There are no comments for this post