Dogs Mercury

Dogs Mercury
Peter Orchard
Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:45








* 4 views











Species Photograph













 




Introduction



Dog’s mercury, Mercurialis perennis, is quite a significant plant as an indicator of primary (or long standing) woodland. It needs shade to thrive and so woodland is its preferred habitat and it spreads mainly by underground rhizomes and so forms large patches wherever it occurs. As it spreads slowly the larger the patch the older the woodland it is in is likely to be. Where you find it in any quantity look for other woodland species like wood anemone and wood sorrel. Dog’s mercury can be encountered in other habitats as well but where it does occur, along hedgerows for example, it is a sign that one day’s time this was woodland. 

 

It is poisonous and should certainly not be eaten as it can cause all manner of problems including liver failure! Some dogs find the plant irresistible although it usually makes them sick after eating it. Even though dogs are not normally considered vegetarian could it be that they find the scent and taste of the plant so attractive that they eat it even though it is poisonous and it makes them sick?  Whether this is why it is called dog’s mercury is not clear as ‘dog’ can mean false or bad. 



Description



Dog's mercury is not a lot to look at and it can seem as though it has no flower at all. It emerges in early spring as a carpet of vibrant green, bearing lance-shaped leaves arranged opposite each other on its stem. Close up, however, it has clusters of cream/green flowers. It is also a plant that has separate male and female forms. It flowers mainly in March and April before the leaves appear on the trees.



Similes



There are no similar plants to confuse dog’s mercury with.



Habitat



Dog’s mercury thrives in the shade of deciduous woodlands. It is a shade-loving plant that prefers the cool, damp soils found beneath the canopy of trees. Its presence often indicates ancient woodlands or undisturbed areas, where it forms extensive colonies.



Locally



Given the lack of extensive woodland in Sidmouth, dog's mercury is not widespread but where it does occur it can be well established and cover a large area. 



Significance



Despite its toxic nature, dog's mercury was once used in herbal medicine, albeit cautiously due to its potential harmful effects. In folklore, it was associated with protection and purification rituals. References to dog's mercury can be found in the works of naturalists and poets, who often drew inspiration from its presence in woodland settings, symbolising the arrival of spring or the passage of time.



Benefits



Being an early bloomer and one of the first plants to emerge in spring, dog's mercury serves as an important food source for early pollinators, including bees and hoverflies. Despite its lack of showy flowers, it plays a crucial role in supporting these essential pollinators. Whilst not a preferred food source for larger animals due to its toxic properties, it provides shelter and nesting sites for various small mammals and insects. Its dense growth offers protection for ground-dwelling creatures. The extensive root system of dog's mercury helps prevent soil erosion and contributes to stabilising the forest floor, fostering a healthier ecosystem.



Summary



Dog's Mercury, with its unassuming beauty and understated presence, exemplifies nature's intricate web of life. From its role in supporting early pollinators to its contribution to the biodiversity of woodland ecosystems, this unpretentious plant weaves its significance into the fabric of the forest floor.











Species Specific
Mercurialis perennis









Species Reference
Blamey 232.02










Species Catalogue





* Spurges - Euphoribiaceae














Species Habitat





* A1.1: Broad-leaved Woodland


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