Hedblomster

Scientific name: Helichrysum arenarium

Förekomst: Rare

Hedblomster is quite rare and is only known from the southernmost landscapes, from Skåne and Halland to Öland and Gotland. The species grows on dry calcareous sandy soil, preferably near the coast. The main distribution includes the continental parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Hedblomster bloom in July-August.

Hedblomster is very characteristic and is immediately recognizable on the paper-like golden yellow flowers.

The species name arenarium comes from the Latin arena (sand) and means 'grows in sandy places'. The family name Helichrysum comes from the Greek helios (sun) and khrysos (gold), which refers to the golden yellow flowers.

In folk medicine, hedblomster have been smoked against breast diseases, prescribed for bile problems, rheumatism and gonorrhea. The flowers smell slightly aromatic and used to be placed among clothes as protection against moths.

Hedblomster are protected. It is classified as vulnerable.

Hedblomster hittar du på följande platser:

• Gårdby sandhed
• Idehultets rastplats
• Rälla tall/Rällafältet
• Åby sandbackar