When this Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet] is in bloom, it fills the whole garden with a very heavy, sweet smell. It just appeared one year and I've left it there to grow, however I keep tight reins on it or it will take over. The blooms are on long stalks, 1.5 - 2 meters off the ground. I've only used it as a cut flower but apparently it is a hugely popular herb, used for flavouring, medicinal purposes, dyes and pot pourri.
I learned lots today about this plant. Here's a copy/paste from a website talking about its Aspirin aspects: "In 1897 Felix Hoffmann created a synthetically altered version of salicin, derived from the species, which caused less digestive upset than pure salicylic acid. The new drug, formally Acetylsalicylic acid, was named aspirin by Hoffman's employer Bayer AG after the old botanical name for meadowsweet, Spiraea ulmaria. This gave rise to the hugely important class of drugs known as NonSteroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs. This plant contains the chemicals used to make aspirin, a small section of root, when peeled and crushed smells like Germolene, and when chewed is a good natural remedy for relieving headaches.."
