Nipplewort
Lapsana communis

This common native, annual flower is easily recognised by its slender, branched stems, nipple-shaped buds and small clustered flowerheads. It is in bloom May to September and these flowers close in dull weather. It is a fairly tolerant plant that succeeds in most soils and inhabits semi-shaded areas alongside paths and hedgerows, open woodland, wasteland, old walls and gardens. It grows to around two feet tall and has yellow flowerheads containing between 8 and 15 petals which are squared at the tip, with a serrated edge. The shape of the buds gave rise to the use of Nipplewort to treat breast tumours.