Like a Dusting of Snow

I am not sure what you call these really tiny flowers that look like a carpet of snow in my garden just now. I think it is a Candytuft plant.

It has been very cold and icy today and feels more like mid winter not the first day of Spring. There has been drizzling rain all day with some heavy falls and strong winds at times.

In my extra shots you see the wonderful red Rhododendron which is just coming out all covered in raindrops. The poor daffodil has fallen over with all the rain and wind.

The candytuft flower is one of several species in the Iberis genus – which consists of about 50 different species – and is a member of the brassicaceae family. These blossoms may be either perennial or annual, and are indigenous to regions of the Mediterranean. Candytufts range in height from 12 to 16 inches and can vary greatly in their growth habits.

The candytuft flower name is derived from the Olde English name for the island of Crete – where the plant may have originated – Candie. This name stuck over the ages, as these fluffy blossoms do resemble small puffs of cotton candy. Though edible, these plants are not at all as sweet as the name would imply.

They are, however, quite useful. Before and during the colonial period, every part of these plants were used to cure everything from lung problems to gastrointestinal upsets and even arthritis. More recent studies have shown that these plants truly are effective in treating stomach ailments; so much so that it is not uncommon for a patient in Germany to receive a bitter digestive tonic made of the stalks and leaves of this plant.
For more information on the candytuft

I put up four more Back Blips today from my holiday in Queensland