Postal stamps: flowers - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 2018 - 15 Euro Cent

In spring, wet meadows seem to be completely covered by pink shimmering foam. Especially this sight owes the meadowfoam herb its German name. The perennial plant belonging to the cruciferous family can grow up to 60 centimeters tall. Near the ground, a base rosette grows out of which the hollow stem rises with unpaired pinnate leaves. The racemose inflorescence is composed of four calyx and four petals. The flower color varies from white to pale pink to tender violet with dark veining. Flowering time is from April to June. The distribution area extends from Europe to North America and North Asia. The botanical name of the plant species is Cardamine pratensis, which means "cress growing on meadows". In addition to this typical location, the meadowfoam herb is found everywhere, where the soil is nutrient-rich and fresh to moist. Above all, the leaves contain larger amounts of mustard oils, bitter substances and vitamin C, which make the herb to an effective medicinal and vegetable plant.