Hazelwort

/ˈheɪzəlwɜːrt/ noun

Definition

A low-growing creeping plant (Asarum europaeum) with heart-shaped leaves, sometimes used historically in herbal medicine or as a culinary spice substitute.

Etymology

Compound of 'hazel' and 'wort' (plant); named either for growing near hazel trees or for its supposed resemblance to hazel features, or herbalists' classification.

Kelly Says

Medieval herbalists used the 'doctrine of signatures' to connect plants—hazelwort might've been named for hazel trees because it grew underneath them, not for actual botanical reasons!

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