Native to Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa, North America and Australia. Also known as Cure-All and Poor Man s Weatherglass, this very attractive ground cover will quickly fold away its delicate red flowers when the sky becomes overcast. The leaves are dotted with oil glands and may be tinctured fresh, used as a diuretic and emollient to the urinary tract. They are a mild sedative and anti-depressant. Historically, it was used to avert evil, the plague and other pestilential diseases.
Large doses can be toxic.
Sow the seed in pots, flats or directly in the garden, in the early spring. Likes plenty of water and good soil fertility. When we first planted this, years ago, we let the plants drop their seed and dry out in the flat. Then I started seeing it the next year, first on the greenhouse floor and then in the garden. It makes me happy to see it, so cheerful in the sun.