Today this plant is very common in meadows, uncultivated patches of land and along valley and mountain paths. But in Medieval times it was planted in flower beds among the lilies and the lilies of the valley. Later on, when its therapeutic properties were discovered, it became an important medicinal plant and was especially appreciated for its diuretic effect. Thanks to this property it was known in popular culture as 'pee-in-bed'. It was also called 'lion's mouth', because of the coarse saw-tooth pattern of its leaves. The young leaves are edible, and by toasting the roots a substitute for coffee can be obtained.