Thrift

Common Name: Thrift

Latin Name: Armeria maritima

Family: Plumbaginaceae

Thrift is also known as sea-pink, cliff clover and ladies cushions. The plant was formally used in the treatment of obesity and it was used as the emblem on the back of the old twelve-sided three penny bit. The thrift family name Plumbaginaceae, derives from an ancient belief that these plants could cure lead poisoning. It is now known that thrift is one of several plants that can tolerate heavy metals. These species are termed as metalophytes.

In the Yorkshire Dales National Park thrift is uncommon but places where it can be seen include Ballowfield Local Nature Reserve in Wensleydale and Kilnsey Moor in Wharfdale, in the vicinity of the old lead mine spoil heaps.