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The decline of this plant > Link started before 1950, mainly due to loss of grazing and the resulting smothering by coarser plants and it is nowadays only found as a native population at 21 locations. Meadow clary prefers chalk or limestone soils and sunny, open grassland. It is classified as "Near Threatened" and is specially protected under a 1992 amendment to Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to pick, uproot or damage any plants listed on Schedule 8. The plant has a long history of being used as a medicinal herb, with its seeds having been used in the form of a paste for removing particles from eyes and to reduce inflammation or redness. The name "clary" is derived from "clear-eye". It was reputedly also used as a gargle for sore throats, and to clean teeth and is documented to have been used for flavouring beers and wines. (Due to the scarcity of this plant no detailed location is given.)