Wola Błędowa, near Bratoszewice

Native to temperate Northern Hemisphere. Edible plant - strobils (the fertile shoots in spring, as in the photo) cooked and used as an asparagus substitute. Herbal plant - very rich in silica; very astringent and makes an excellent clotting agent, staunching wounds, stopping nosebleeds and reducing the coughing up of blood; it helps speed the repair of damaged connective tissue, improving its strength and elasticity.