Medieval plant remains from Peelo, the Netherlands

Abstract

Information on plant cultivation and vegetation at medieval Peelo was obtained from dry soil samples and waterlogged well deposits. Rye (Secale cereale), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common oat (Avena sativa) were the cereal crop plants. Other cultivated plants included flax (Linum usitatissimum), field pea (Pisum sativum), Celtic bean (Vicia faba var. minor), celery (Apium graveolens) and probably black mustard (Brassica nigra). There is scarce evidence of fruit growing. Weeds of cornfields and vegetable gardens are well represented. Grassland is attested by a great number of species. Other vegetations demonstrated for Peelo include those of ruderal habitats, trodden places and heathlands.