Asperula cynanchica


Asperula cynanchica, the squinancywort or squincywort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. Its common name is derived from its former use as a medicinal herb to cure quinsy. It is native to much of southern and central Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia.
In Sweden, the roots have been used as a red dying agent.

Description and habitat

It is a perennial plant and grows in short grassland or sand dunes on calcareous soils. The flowers are small and can be either pink or white.