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  • Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus L 115-125cm. Our smallest swan. Usually seen in medium-sized flocks comprising family groups. Similar to larger Whooper but separated by noting relatively shorter neck and different bill pattern. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly pure white plumage. Bill is wedge-shaped but proportionately shorter than Whooper; yellow colour typically does not extend beyond start of nostrils and yellow patch is usually rounded, not triangular. Juvenile has grubby buffish grey plumage and dark-tipped pink bill Voice Utters various honking and bugling calls. Status Winter visitor, 10,000+ birds found at traditional sites: flooded grassland, marshy meadows and occasionally arable farmland.
    154289.jpg
  • Five-spot Burnet - Zygaena trifolii
    156631.jpg
  • Five-spot Burnet - Zygaena trifolii
    156630.jpg
  • Hanging Sessile Oak Woodland at Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve, Rhayader, Radnorshire, Wales
    153679.jpg
  • Hanging Sessile Oak Woodland at Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve, Rhayader, Radnorshire, Wales
    153680.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    124202.jpg
  • Guillemot Uria aalge L 42cm. Familiar seabird that nests in densely packed breeding colonies. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darkest in N birds) and white underparts. Bill is dark and dagger-like; so-called ‘Bridled Guillemot’ has white ‘spectacle’ around eye. In winter, has white on cheeks and throat but black line running back from eye. Voice Utters growling calls at breeding colonies. Status Locally numerous at seabird colonies with precipitous cliff ledges. Moves offshore outside breeding season. Suffers badly in oil spills.
    143518.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    145934.jpg
  • Bumblebees On Teasel
    137045.jpg
  • Norway Maple - Acer platanoides Aceraceae. Height to 30m. Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Smooth, grey, ridged. Branches Less crowded than Sycamore; twigs green, often tinged red. Leaves To 15cm long with 5–7 toothed and sharply pointed lobes. Reproductive parts Greenish flowers, in erect clusters of 30–40. Paired wings of fruits spread almost horizontally. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
    157525.jpg
  • Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae. Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    157439.jpg
  • Dog Rose - Rosa canina. Height to 3m. Scrambling, variable shrub whose long, arching stems bear curved thorns. Associated with hedgerows, woodland margins and scrub. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, fragrant with 5 pale pink petals and yellow stamens; borne in clusters of up to 4 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are red, egg-shaped hips that typically shed their sepals before they ripen. LEAVES comprise 5-7 hairless leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157361.jpg
  • Sargent’s Rowan Sorbus sargentina Sargent’s Rowan Sorbus sargentiana 10m. Small, often much-branched tree. LEAVES Pinnate, with 4–5 pairs of 5cm-long, sharply toothed leaflets, hairy below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits bright-red. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Discovered in W China by Charles Sargent. Popular here for its fiery-red autumn colours.
    134384.jpg
  • Round-leaved Crowfoot - Ranunculus omiophyllus (Ranunculaceae) Floating. Creeping annual or biennial. Favours damp, muddy places, often water seepages. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and comprise 5 white petals, twice as long as sepals (May-Aug). FRUITS are borne in rounded heads. LEAVES are lobed and rounded. STATUS-Rather local and restricted mainly to S and W England and Wales, and S Ireland.
    155452.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    134443.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132907.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
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  • NEW ZEALAND PIGMYWEED Crassula helmsii (Crassulaceae) Prostrate on land. Unwelcome, creeping perennial that colonises ponds and their margins, eventually excluding all native species. FLOWERS are tiny with 5 white or pink petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are narrow, fleshy and 5-10mm long. STATUS-Introduced, spreading and a major threat to native aquatic plants.
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  • Climbing perennial whose progress is aided by long, unbranched tendrils. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are greenish, 5-parted and borne on separate-sex plants; arise from leaf axils (May-Aug). FRUITS are red, shiny berries. LEAVES are 4-7cm across and divided into 5 lobes.
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  • MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris (Rosaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairless perennial of marshes and damp meadows. FLOWERS are star-shaped, upright and comprise 5 reddish sepals and smaller purple petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are greyish and pinnately divided into 3 or 5 toothed, oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but local; common only in N England and Ireland.
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  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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  • Opostega salaciella<br />
5.001 (0119)
    159113.jpg
  • Norway Maple - Acer platanoides Aceraceae. Height to 30m. Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Smooth, grey, ridged. Branches Less crowded than Sycamore; twigs green, often tinged red. Leaves To 15cm long with 5–7 toothed and sharply pointed lobes. Reproductive parts Greenish flowers, in erect clusters of 30–40. Paired wings of fruits spread almost horizontally. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
    157543.jpg
  • Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae. Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    157434.jpg
  • Marsh-marigold - Caltha palustris. Height to 25cm. Widespread perennial with stout, hollow stems. Found in damp woodland, marshes and wet meadows. FLOWERS are 25-30mm across and comprise 5 petal-like sepals but no petals (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and shiny, up to 10cm across. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but range is contracting.
    157355.jpg
  • Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria. Height to 50cm<br />
Upright perennial of grassy places, hedgerows and roadside verges. FLOWERS are 5-8mm across with 5 yellow petals; borne in upright spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are bur-like and covered in spines. LEAVES comprise 3-6 pairs of oval, toothed leaflets with smaller leaflets between. STATUS-Widespread and generally common throughout.
    157353.jpg
  • Sun Spurge - Euphorbia helioscopia. Height to 50cm. Upright, hairless and yellowish green annual. Found on disturbed ground and in cultivated soils. FLOWERS lack sepals and petals and are yellow with green lobes; borne in flat-topped umbel-like clusters with 5 leaf-like basal bracts (May-Nov). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    157352.jpg
  • Scarlet Pimpernel - Anagallis arvensis. Creeping. Low-growing, hairless annual of cultivated and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 scarlet or pinkish orange (sometimes blue) petals fringed with hairs; flowers open wide only in bright sunshine and are borne on slender stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and usually in pairs. STATUS-Widespread and generally common throughout the region, except in Scotland.
    157348.jpg
  • Common Centaury - Centaurium erythraea. Height to 25cm. Variable, hairless annual that is found in dry, grassy places, including verges, chalk downland and sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes that open fully only in sunshine; borne in terminal clusters and on side shoots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval, those on the stem narrower than the basal ones (10-20mm across), which form a rosette; all leaves have 3-7 veins. STATUS-Widespread and common, except Scotland. Note-dwarf form var. capitatum (so-called Dumpy Centaury) occurs on coasts of England and Wales.
    157347.jpg
  • Bog Pimpernel - Anagallis tenella (Primulaceae) Creeping<br />
Delicate and attractive hairless perennial; has trailing stems and sometimes forms mats. Found on damp ground, such as bogs and dune slacks, and mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are up to 1cm long, pink and funnel-shaped with 5 lobes; borne on slender, upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs.
    155450.jpg
  • Bog Pimpernel - Anagallis tenella (Primulaceae) Creeping<br />
Delicate and attractive hairless perennial; has trailing stems and sometimes forms mats. Found on damp ground, such as bogs and dune slacks, and mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are up to 1cm long, pink and funnel-shaped with 5 lobes; borne on slender, upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs.
    155451.jpg
  • Round-leaved Crowfoot - Ranunculus omiophyllus (Ranunculaceae) Floating. Creeping annual or biennial. Favours damp, muddy places, often water seepages. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and comprise 5 white petals, twice as long as sepals (May-Aug). FRUITS are borne in rounded heads. LEAVES are lobed and rounded.
    155465.jpg
  • Almond Nut Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, open-crowned tree whose blossom appears early in spring. BARK Blackish, breaking into small oblong plates. BRANCHES Ascending, usually rather spiny with numerous thin twigs but many cultivars are regularly branched and lack spines. LEAVES Alternate, to 13cm long, finely toothed and folded lengthways. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink or white flowers are paired and almost sessile; open before leaves. 5 petals each to 2.5cm long, form cup-shaped flowers. Fruit is about 6cm long, flattened ovoid, covered with velvety green down with a tough fleshy layer below, inside which is ridged and pitted ‘stone’ that when cracked reveals edible almond seed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to central and SW Asia and N Africa, but long cultivated for seeds and flowers. In our region, it needs protection from harsh winter weather.
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  • Cider Gum Eucalyptus gunnii (Myrtaceae) - juvenile leaves. HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Medium-sized Gum. BARK Smooth, readily peeling, greenish-white or pink-tinged. BRANCHES Upright to level. LEAVES Juvenile leaves ovate, to 4cm long, opposite with heart-shaped bases. Adult leaves ovate to lanceolate, to 7cm long, with veins sometimes prominent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS White flowers in small clusters of 3 on slightly flattened stalks up to 8mm long. Buds cylindrical, about 8mm long with a rounded cap. Fruit, to 1cm long, is bell-shaped; slightly concave disc and up to 5 valves. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Tasmania. Hardy in our climate and much-planted.
    133178.jpg
  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
    143681.jpg
  • Five-bearded Rockling Ciliata mustela Length to 30cm<br />
Elongate, rather cylindrical fish. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore; adept at slithering into crevices to escape capture. Adult is overall brown above, paler below. 1st dorsal fin has long ray at front; 2nd dorsal fin contuse almost to tail. Head has 5 barbels. Widespread and fairly common, except in N.
    141778.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    144531.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    143306.jpg
  • Sweet Gum Liquidamber styraciflua (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. A large tree with attractive foliage. BARK Greyish brown with scaly ridges. BRANCHES Twisting and spreading to upcurved. LEAVES Sharply lobed with a toothed margin. They are alternate and give off a resinous scent when crushed, unlike maple leaves, which they resemble. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are globose; fruits are spiny and pendulous, 2.5– 4cm across, resembling those of a Plane. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native tree of the south-eastern USA as far south as Central America. Familiar here as a colourful autumn tree in many parks and gardens.
    135423.jpg
  • Sweet Gum Liquidamber styraciflua (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. A large tree with attractive foliage. BARK Greyish brown with scaly ridges. BRANCHES Twisting and spreading to upcurved. LEAVES Sharply lobed with a toothed margin. They are alternate and give off a resinous scent when crushed, unlike maple leaves, which they resemble. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are globose; fruits are spiny and pendulous, 2.5– 4cm across, resembling those of a Plane. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native tree of the south-eastern USA as far south as Central America. Familiar here as a colourful autumn tree in many parks and gardens.
    135422.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    135136.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    135130.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    135103.jpg
  • Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Aceraceae Height to 35m <br />
Vigorous, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Greyish, fissured and flaking. Branches Thick, with grey-green twigs and reddish buds. Leaves To 15cm long, with 5 toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers in pendulous, yellow clusters, to 12cm long. Paired wings of fruits spread acutely, curve in slightly towards tip. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
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  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    135037.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    135038.jpg
  • Silver-lime Tilia tomentosa (Tiliaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly domed tree. BARK Grey, ridged. BRANCHES Mostly straight and ascending. Young twigs whitish and woolly, darkening with age; buds greenish brown, to 8mm long. LEAVES To 12cm long, rounded; with heart-shaped base, tapering tip and toothed margins; dark green, hairless and wrinkled above, white and downy with stellate hairs below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5–10 off-white, strongly scented flowers are supported by yellowish bract. Fruit, to 1.2cm long, is ovoid, warty and downy. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native from Balkans eastwards; planted here and thrives in towns. COMMENTS Woolly leaves ensure no aphids, and hence no honeydew. SIMILAR TREE Pendent Silver-lime T. ‘Petiolaris’ (Height to 30m) is similar to Silver-lime, but branches have pendulous tips. Leaf underside is very white and downy, as is the long petiole.
    135035.jpg
  • Large-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos (Tiliaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. Tall and often narrow deciduous tree. Bole is normally free of suckers and shoots, distinguishing this species from Lime. BARK Dark-grey with fine fissures in older trees, which can sometimes be ridged. BRANCHES Mostly ascending but with slightly pendent tips. Twigs are reddish-green and sometimes slightly downy at tip, and ovoid buds, to 6mm long, are dark red and sometimes slightly downy. LEAVES To 9cm long, sometimes to 15cm long, broadly ovate, with a short tapering point and irregularly heart-shaped base. Margins are sharply toothed, upper surface is soft and dark green and lower surface is paler and sometimes slightly hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish-white flowers are borne in clusters of up to 6 on whitish-green, slightly downy bracts, usually opening in June. Hard, woody fruit is up to 1.8cm long, almost rounded or slightly pear-shaped with 3–5 ridges; a few remain on lower branches in winter. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of lime-rich soils in Europe; in Britain it is native to central and S England and Wales, having been introduced elsewhere; it is often planted as a street tree.
    135024.jpg
  • Oriental Hawthorn Crataegus laciniata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Rather low and spreading tree. BARK Scaly, brown with pinkish patches. BRANCHES Often twisted; young twigs and pedicels covered with white hairs; becoming smooth and blackish with age. LEAVES Deeply lobed, to 4cm long, with fine white hairs on both sides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are creamy white, in dense clusters of up to 16; fruits are hairy at first, ripening to orange or red, and containing 3–5 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SE Europe, Spain and Sicily and occasionally planted here for ornament.
    134878.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    134862.jpg
  • Service-tree Sorbus domestica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 20m<br />
Resembles Rowan but note subtle differences in bark, buds and fruit. BARK Rich brown bark, fissured, ridged and often peels in vertical shreds. BRANCHES Upright to spreading. Buds are smooth, rounded and green, unlike the purple, pointed buds of the Rowan. LEAVES Alternate and pinnate, composed of up to 8 pairs of oblong, toothed leaflets about 5cm long, and softly hairy on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are produced in May in rounded, branched clusters; each flower is about 1.5cm across and composed of 5 creamy-white petals. Small pear- or sometimes apple-shaped fruits are up to 2cm long and green or brown like a russet apple. They have a very sharp taste when ripe, but after a frost they become more palatable. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Widespread in southern Europe and a rare British native; also planted occasionally.
    134679.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134585.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    134537.jpg
  • Medlar Mespilus germanica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 9m <br />
Sometimes a small, rounded tree, or often a spreading and untidy shrub. BARK Greyish-brown, in old trees breaking into oblong plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Young shoots are densely hairy. LEAVES To 15cm long, lanceolate to ovate with entire or sometimes very finely toothed margins and deep veins; often a yellowish-green colour and almost shiny above, with dense white hairs on the underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Solitary white flowers are up to 6cm across, with sepals longer than the petals and about 40 red anthers. The curious fruit is about 3cm long, divided into 5 carpels, with a brown russet-like skin and a sunken apex. It is edible, but not until it has started to rot, when it can be used in preserves. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the woodlands of SE Europe and Asia Minor, but has been in cultivation elsewhere for a long time. Usually found in old gardens, but is also naturalised in some woodlands.
    133956.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
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  • Saint Lucie Cherry Prunus mahaleb (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Often little more than a spreading shrub, but sometimes a small tree. BARK Greyish-brown and ringed with brown lenticels. BRANCHES Spreading, the young twigs covered with short greyish hairs and often slightly weeping at the tips. LEAVES Alternate, up to 7cm long and almost rounded, with a short point at the tip and a rounded or nearly heart-shaped base. The margin is finely toothed, the upper surface is glossy and the lower surface finely downy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white, scented flowers, which open in April–May, grow in clusters of 3–10 in groups of racemes at the end of leafy shoots. The 5 petals are about 8mm long and surround the yellowish anthers. The fruit is a 0.6–1cm-long ovate or rounded black berry with bitter-tasting flesh surrounding a smooth rounded stone. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of central and S Europe, growing in woodland glades and thickets. Planted in our region for ornament and naturalised occasionally.
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  • Karo Pittosporum crassifolium (Pittosporaceae)HEIGHT to 10m. Small evergreen tree or large shrub. BARK Blackish. BRANCHES Congested. LEAVES Leathery, to 8cm long and 3cm wide, ovate to lanceolate and blunt-tipped; dark green above, paler and woolly below with slightly inrolled margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers, in lax clusters, have 5 deep red petals and yellow anthers. Fruit is an ovoid capsule, to 3cm long, matt and light green, with shiny seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of New Zealand, tolerant of salt spray so planted for coastal hedging and naturalised in parts of SW England.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Wild Service-tree Sorbus torminalis Rosaceae Height to 25m<br />
Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Fissured into squarish plates. Branches Straight; twigs shiny, buds green and rounded. Leaves To 10cm long, 3–5 pairs of pointed lobes; toothed margin. Reproductive parts Flowers white, to 1.5cm across, clustered. Fruits rounded, to 1.8cm across, rounded, brown. Status Scarce native of heavy soils; ancient woodland indicator.
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  • Oriental Hawthorn Crataegus laciniata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Rather low and spreading tree. BARK Scaly, brown with pinkish patches. BRANCHES Often twisted; young twigs and pedicels covered with white hairs; becoming smooth and blackish with age. LEAVES Deeply lobed, to 4cm long, with fine white hairs on both sides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are creamy white, in dense clusters of up to 16; fruits are hairy at first, ripening to orange or red, and containing 3–5 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SE Europe, Spain and Sicily and occasionally planted here for ornament.
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  • Red Horse-chestnut Aesculus x carnea (Height to 20m) is a hybrid between Horse-chestnut and Red Buckeye (see next page) and forms a sizeable, domed tree with a gnarled bole and twisted branches. The leaves are composed of 5–7 leaflets, each dark green and with toothed margins. The flowers are similar to those of Horse-chestnut: sometimes creamy-white with yellow blotches at first but turning pink with red blotches. Red Horse-chestnut is widely planted in parks and formal gardens.
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  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
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  • Silver Maple Acer saccharinum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly columnar tree with spreading crown; suckers freely. BARK Smooth, greyish but scaly with age. BRANCHES Numerous, slender and ascending with pendulous brownish twigs. LEAVES To 16cm long, deeply divided into 5 lobes with irregularly toothed margins, orange or red-tinted at first, green above later, but with silvery hairs below; petiole usually pink-tinged. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish-green flowers (no petals) in small short-stalked clusters of separate sexes in spring. Green, then brown, fruits are about 6cm long, with diverging wings and prominent veins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America, planted here for ornament.
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  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
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  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
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  • Sargent’s Rowan Sorbus sargentina Sargent’s Rowan Sorbus sargentiana 10m. Small, often much-branched tree. LEAVES Pinnate, with 4–5 pairs of 5cm-long, sharply toothed leaflets, hairy below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits bright-red. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Discovered in W China by Charles Sargent. Popular here for its fiery-red autumn colours.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Monterey Pine Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m <br />
Large, variable pine, slender and conical when growing vigorously, becoming more domed and flat-topped on a long bole with age. BARK Fissured and grey, blackening with age. BRANCHES Main ones sometimes hang low enough to touch ground. LEAVES Bright-green needles in bunches of 3; each needle is thin and straight, to 15cm long, with a finely toothed margin and harp-pointed tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers grow in dense clusters near ends of twigs, releasing pollen in spring. Female cones grow in clusters of 3–5 around tips of shoots, ripening to large, solid woody cones, to 15cm long and 9cm across, with a characteristic asymmetrical shape. Cone scales are thick and woody with rounded outer edges, and conceal black, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBTUION Native to a small area around Monterey, California, Guadalupe Island and Baja California, Mexico. Widely planted here in mild areas as a shelter-belt tree or for ornament, growing well next to the sea.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Elder Sambucus nigra Caprifoliaceae Height to 10m<br />
Untidy deciduous shrub or small tree. Bark Grey-brown, furrowed, corky and lichen-covered with age. Branches Spreading, twisted, with white central pith. Leaves Opposite, compound with 5–7 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 12cm long. Reproductive part Flowers, white, sickly-sweet scented, in flat-topped clusters. Fruits are rounded, shiny-black berries, in pendulous heads. Status Common.
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  • WHITE BRYONY Bryonia dioica (Cucurbitaceae) H to 4m<br />
Climbing perennial whose progress is aided by long, unbranched tendrils. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are greenish, 5-parted and borne on separate-sex plants; arise from leaf axils (May-Aug). FRUITS are red, shiny berries. LEAVES are 4-7cm across and divided into 5 lobes. STATUS-Common in England; scarce elsewhere.
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  • Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus Caprifoliaceae Height to 4m<br />
Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Reddish brown. Branches Sinuous; twigs smooth, angular and greyish. Leaves Opposite, to 8cm long, with 3–5 irregularly toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers white, in flat heads with showy, outer flowers and smaller, inner ones. Fruit is rounded, translucent red berry, in clusters. Status Favours calcareous soils.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Paper-bark Birch (Canoe-bark Birch) Betula papyrifera (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. A stout, spreading tree. Best recognized by studying its leaves. BARK Mostly white and smooth, flecked with grey or sometimes orange or brown; it peels horizontally into strips. BRANCHES Spreading, the shoots covered in rough warts and a few long hairs. LEAVES Large by birch standards (to 10cm long), dull green and with only 5 pairs of veins; they are borne on hairy stalks. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females of which eventually produces winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of northern N America from the east to the west coast. It is planted here as an ornamental tree, mainly for the novelty of its bark.
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  • Sweet Gum Liquidamber styraciflua (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. A large tree with attractive foliage. BARK Greyish brown with scaly ridges. BRANCHES Twisting and spreading to upcurved. LEAVES Sharply lobed with a toothed margin. They are alternate and give off a resinous scent when crushed, unlike maple leaves, which they resemble. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are globose; fruits are spiny and pendulous, 2.5– 4cm across, resembling those of a Plane. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native tree of the south-eastern USA as far south as Central America. Familiar here as a colourful autumn tree in many parks and gardens.
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  • Almond Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, open-crowned tree whose blossom appears early in spring. BARK Blackish, breaking into small oblong plates. BRANCHES Ascending, usually rather spiny with numerous thin twigs but many cultivars are regularly branched and lack spines. LEAVES Alternate, to 13cm long, finely toothed and folded lengthways. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink or white flowers are paired and almost sessile; open before leaves. 5 petals each to 2.5cm long, form cup-shaped flowers. Fruit is about 6cm long, flattened ovoid, covered with velvety green down with a tough fleshy layer below, inside which is ridged and pitted ‘stone’ that when cracked reveals edible almond seed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to central and SW Asia and N Africa, but long cultivated for seeds and flowers. In our region, it needs protection from harsh winter weather.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
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  • SEA RADISH Raphanus raphanistrum maritimus (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust, roughly hairy annual. Found on stabilised shingle, sand dunes and coastal grassland. FLOWERS are yellow (May-Jul). FRUITS are pods with up to 5 beaded segments. LEAVES comprise pinnate lower leaves and narrow, entire upper ones. STATUS-Locally common in S and SW only.
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  • COMMON MALLOW Malva sylvestris (Malvaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright or spreading perennial of grassy verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 25-40mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, much longer than sepals; in clusters from leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at base of plant, 5-lobed on stem. STATUS-Widespread and common in S; scarce elsewhere.
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  • ROUND-LEAVED CROWFOOT Ranunculus omiophyllus (Ranunculaceae) Floating. Creeping annual or biennial. Favours damp, muddy places, often water seepages. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and comprise 5 white petals, twice as long as sepals (May-Aug). FRUITS are borne in rounded heads. LEAVES are lobed and rounded. STATUS-Rather local and restricted mainly to S and W England and Wales, and S Ireland.
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  • POND WATER-CROWFOOT Ranunculus peltatus (Ranunculaceae) Floating. Annual or perennial of ponds, lakes and other areas of still water. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across with 5 white petals (May-Aug). FRUITS are borne in rounded, long-stalked heads. LEAVES comprise lobed and rounded floating leaves and short, rigid and thread-like submerged ones. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • HAIRY-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella eriocarpa (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are hairy and have 5 terminal calyx teeth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS- Probably introduced. Very rare-Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.
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  • HAIRY-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella eriocarpa (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are hairy and have 5 terminal calyx teeth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS- Probably introduced. Very rare-Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.
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  • BLACKTHORN Prunus spinosa (Rosaceae) Height to 5m<br />
Thorny shrub that often forms dense thickets. Common in hedgerows and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS are 14-18mm across with 5 white petals; they appear before the leaves (Mar-Apr). FRUITS (sloes) are purplish with a powdery bloom, and resemble tiny plums. LEAVES areova, 2-4cm long and have toothed margins. STATUS-Common and widespread.
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  • MEADOW CRANE’S-BILL Geranium pratense (Geraniaceae) Height to 75cm. Hairy, clump-forming perennial of meadows and verges, mostly on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are 3-3.5cm across with 5 rounded, bluish lilac petals; borne in pairs on stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS end in a long ‘beak’. LEAVES are deeply divided into 5-7 jagged lobes. STATUS-Locally common, except in SE England, N Scotland and Ireland.
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  • BASTARD-TOADFLAX Thesium humifusum (Santalaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing plant of chalk grassland with sparse branches and a woody base. FLOWERS are cup-shaped and fused, white inside, yellowish green outside; 4 or 5 pointed lobes create a star-like appearance (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are greenish and ovoid. LEAVES are 5-15mm long, oval and yellowish green. STATUS-Extremely local and habitat-specific.
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  • SEA-HEATH Frankenia laevis (Frankeniaceae) ** Prostrate<br />
Branched, mat-forming and woody perennial. Restricted to the drier, upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 5mm across with 5 pink and crinkly petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are small and narrow with inrolled margins; densely packed and opposite on side shoots. STATUS-Local, from Hants to Norfolk only.
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  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
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  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
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  • HEATH PEARLWORT Sagina subulata (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, downy perennial with a basal rosette. Found on dry, sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS have 5 white petals that are equal to, or longer than sepals; borne on slender, stickily hairy stalks (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, bristle-tipped and downy. STATUS-Locally common in N & W; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • Sticky Catchfly Lychnis viscaria Height to 55cm<br />
Upright perennial with sticky stems. Grows in dry, rocky places. Leaves are narrow-oval and paired. Flowers are pinkish-purple with 5 lobes. Status Rare, restricted to a few sites, mainly in Scotland but also in Wales.
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  • LITTLE MOUSE-EAR Cerastium semidecandrum (Caryophyllaceae) H to 5cm. Hairy perennial of dry sandy ground or gravel. FLOWERS are white, 5-7mm across with 5 deeply notched petals (March-April). Bracts have transparent margins and tips. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS Scarce and mainly coastal.
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  • BURNET ROSE Rosa pimpinellifolia (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm. Clump-forming shrub with suckers and stems that bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes, calcareous grasslands, limestone pavements and heaths. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across with 5 creamy white petals; usually solitary (May-Jul). FRUITS are spherical, 5-6mm across and purplish black when ripe. LEAVES comprise 7-11 oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
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  • BURNET ROSE Rosa pimpinellifolia (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm. Clump-forming shrub with suckers and stems that bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes, calcareous grasslands, limestone pavements and heaths. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across with 5 creamy white petals; usually solitary (May-Jul). FRUITS are spherical, 5-6mm across and purplish black when ripe. LEAVES comprise 7-11 oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
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