Walnut

Warwickshire Weed; see Elm

Watercress

Watercress is easily identified and fairly common, growing in and around running water in the UK. It is an aquatic plant, which can be found creeping or growing up to 50cm (20inches). Its leaves are silky green and slightly toothed and the planet produces a small bunch of white flowers between May and October.  It is nearly identical to the cultivated variety we buy in shops and has a very high vitamin C content. It is very important not to pick cress from stagnant water as this can often harbour harmful organisms including the liver fluke Fasciola Hepatica that is harmful to most mammals.  It is also wise to avoid picking from areas near or in pastureland with sheep or cows as these can also spread the liver fluke. Do not pull up the plant by the roots as this will destroy future stocks, and wash well. Liver Fluke larvae are killed by boiling, as are many other water borne organisms so it is often safest to boil the watercress before eating. Watercress can be added to potato stock to make a soup.

Wet the Bed; see Dandelion

Wolfsbane; see Monks Hood

Wood Sorrell