Plant names often develop in a tortuous way. Common Fumitory is a good example: its leaves resemble those of rue, and, because it grows in poor ground, fallow land, waste places, and the like, this plant was originally dubbed ‘field rue’ (Erdrautc or Feldraute) in some parts of Germany.

Chamomile is a weed of root and grain crops, but it also grows in stubble fields, on village greens, by the wayside, and on bare ground alongside the fields. Occurring in lowlands and foothills, it is a native of Europe but was introduced to North America and Australia.

Creeping Buttercup and the related Corn Crowfoot (R. arvensis L.) are poisonous to cattle, particularly in the fresh state. If either of these two plants are eaten in great quantity, death can ensue within half an hour. In practice, however, grazing ,cattle avoid buttercups, so there is only a risk if these plants find their way into fodder. Toxicity is decreased or eliminated entirely by drying.

This species is just as aromatic but the flowerheads are composed only of yellow-green tubular flowers; the white ray flowers are absent. It is a native of North America but has spread to other continents.

The annual or overwintering Corn Crowfoot is an upright branching plant, 10 -40 cm high, with small lemon-yellow or green flowers.

Its flowerheads have a semiconical receptacle instead of a conical one and the white ray flowers do not curve downwards.