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  • Height to 10cm. Low-growing, spreading shrub with upright flowering stems. The leaves are narrow, leathery and Heather-like, while the flowers are pinkish-purple, bell-shaped, pendulous and in pairs (June-Aug). It grows on acid soils in the Highlands.
    115649.jpg
  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    153719.jpg
  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
    139852.jpg
  • SLENDER RUSH Juncus tenuis. Similar to Hard Rush J. inflexus but is taller. Height to 1.5m, with bracts overtopping flowers. Widespread on damp, bare and acid soils.
    132090.jpg
  • ST DABEOC’S HEATH Daboecia cantabrica (Ericaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairy, evergreen and rather straggly undershrub. Found on dry heaths on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-14mm long, elongate egg-shaped, pinkish purple and nodding; borne in open, terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow-ovate, with down-rolled margins; dark green and hairy above but white below. STATUS-Restricted to heaths in W Ireland but locally common in places.
    131354.jpg
  • COMMON COW-WHEAT Melampyrum arvense (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 35cm. Variable but typically straggly annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on heaths and along woodland rides, and found mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-18mm long, the corolla pale yellow and flattened laterally, 2-lipped but with the mouth almost closed; in pairs, arising from axils of toothed, leaf-like bracts, these borne in spikes (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131224.jpg
  • CREEPING FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis secunda (Boraginaceae) Height to 12cm. Creeping perennial with close-pressed hairs on its upright stems. Grows in watery ground on acid soils including bogs. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across and blue with 5 slightly notched lobes, the calyx divided more than halfway into teeth; borne in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks much longer than calyx. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS-Common in W and N Britain and Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131075.jpg
  • Allseed - Radiola linoides (Linaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Low-growing, rather bushy annual found on damp ground, usually on sandy or peaty ground and acid soils. FLOWERS 1-2mm across with tiny white petals; borne in dense terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local, and most common in SW England.
    155449.jpg
  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
    133204.jpg
  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
    130165.jpg
  • MARSH PENNYWORT Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Apiaceae) Creeping. Low-growing perennial and an atypical umbellifer. Found in short, grassy vegetation on damp, mostly acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny, pinkish and hidden by the leaves; borne in small umbels (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are rounded and ridged. LEAVES are round and dimpled with broad, blunt teeth. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the W of region.
    141424.jpg
  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
    137706.jpg
  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
    137703.jpg
  • GREEN FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica agrestis. Prostrate. Similar to both Common and Field-speedwells, but separable with care. Favours bare and disturbed ground, often on acid soils. Flowers 3-5mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and extremely pale with a white lower lip (Jan-Dec). Fruits with rounded lobes. Leaves fresh green, oval, toothed and in pairs. Status widespread but rather scarce and declining.
    132224.jpg
  • HEATH WOOD-RUSH Luzula multiflora (Juncaceae) Height to 30cm. Tufted perennial that grows on heaths and moors, and in woodlands, on acid soils. FLOWERS are brown and borne in stalked heads of 5-12 flowers, the heads in clusters of 3-10 (May-Jun). FRUITS are brown, globular and shorter than the sepals. LEAVES are grass-like, fringed with white hairs. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131762.jpg
  • SHEEP’S-BIT Jasione montana (Campanulaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, spreading and downy biennial that grows in dry grassland, and on coastal cliffs, heaths and dunes, favouring acid soils and absent from calcareous locations. FLOWERS are sky blue and borne in rounded heads, 30-35mm across, on slender stalks (May-Sep). Note that the anthers do not project (cf. Devil’s-bit Scabious). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are wavy-edged and hairy at the base, forming a rosette, but narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread but local, and commonest in W and near the sea.
    131162.jpg
  • BROOM Cytisus scoparius (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Deciduous, branched and spineless shrub with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. Found on heaths and hedgerows, favouring acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bright yellow and solitary, or in pairs (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are oblong, blackening pods that explode on dry, sunny days. LEAVES are usually trifoliate. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130873.jpg
  • WHITE BEAK-SEDGE Rhynchospora alba (Cyperaceae) Height to 40cm. Tufted perennial of bogs and wet heaths on acid soils. FLOWERS are spikelets that are whitish at first; in flat-topped terminal clusters with a narrow bract (Jun-Sep). FRUITS appear similar to flowers. LEAVES are pale green and arise at base of plant and on stem. STATUS-Very local in S Britain but widespread in Scotland and W Ireland.
    130608.jpg
  • WHORLED CARAWAY Carum verticillatum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid stems. Found in damp grassland on acid soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-5cm across, with numerous bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES comprise thread-like leaflets that appear to be borne in whorls. STATUS-Local, mainly in W.
    129788.jpg
  • ARCTIC BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos alpinus (Ericaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming, deciduous undershrub, the stems often bearing the withered remains of the previous year’s leaves. Found on acid moorland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long, urn-shaped and white; in small clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are black berries up to 1cm across. LEAVES are wrinkled and toothed; turn red in autumn. STATUS-N Scotland only.
    129735.jpg
  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    143608.jpg
  • CROWBERRY Empetrum nigrum (Empetraceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, Heather-like evergreen undershrub with stems that are reddish when young. Found on upland moors on damp, acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny and pinkish, with 6 petals; arise at base of leaves (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny berries, 5-7mm across, green at first but ripening black in late summer. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and dark green, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Locally common only in N Britain.
    144475.jpg
  • Broom - Cytisus scoparius. Height to 2m<br />
Deciduous, branched and spineless shrub with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. Found on heaths and hedgerows, favouring acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bright yellow and solitary, or in pairs (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are oblong, blackening pods that explode on dry, sunny days. LEAVES are usually trifoliate. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    157354.jpg
  • Common Milkwort - Polygala vulgaris. Height less than 30cm. Trailing or upright, hairless perennial. Found in grassland on all but the most acid of soils. FLOWERS are 6-8mm long and can be blue, pink or white; borne in open, terminal spikes of 10-40 flowers (May-Sep). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are alternate, narrow and pointed.
    157351.jpg
  • Foxglove mutant - Digitalis purpurea, showing mutation at tip of plant.Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157101.jpg
  • Eared willow Salix aurita (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 2m<br />
Shrubby and much-branched willow. SHOOTS Downy at first, becoming shiny and brown with age. LEAVES Broadly ovate, to 4cm long, with wavy margins and a twisted tip; note the large, leafy stipules (‘ears’) at the leaf base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins greener. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Favours damp, acid soils and common beside moorland and upland streams, and on damp heaths.
    134309.jpg
  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata -Lundy, Pondsbury. Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    155438.jpg
  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    155437.jpg
  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    153720.jpg
  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
    135455.jpg
  • Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum (Ericaceae) HEIGHT to 5m. Evergreen ornamental shrub. BARK Reddish and scaly. BRANCHES Dense and tangled. LEAVES Shiny, leathery, elliptical and dark green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are 4-6cm long, bell-shaped and pinkish red; borne in clusters in May and June. Fruits are dry capsules that contain numerous, flat seeds. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of Himalayas, widely planted here and naturalised in some areas. Favours acid, damp soils.
    134771.jpg
  • Eared willow Salix aurita (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 2m<br />
Shrubby and much-branched willow. SHOOTS Downy at first, becoming shiny and brown with age. LEAVES Broadly ovate, to 4cm long, with wavy margins and a twisted tip; note the large, leafy stipules (‘ears’) at the leaf base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins greener. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Favours damp, acid soils and common beside moorland and upland streams, and on damp heaths.
    133877.jpg
  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
    133200.jpg
  • ALDER BUCKTHORN Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae) Height to 5m. Open, thornless bush or small tree. Found in damp hedgerows and scrub, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, pale green and 5-petalled (May). FRUITS are berries, green then ripening black. LEAVES are oval and have wavy margins; dark green in summer, turning yellow in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales only.
    131156.jpg
  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
    129709.jpg
  • Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum (Ericaceae) HEIGHT to 5m. Evergreen ornamental shrub. BARK Reddish and scaly. BRANCHES Dense and tangled. LEAVES Shiny, leathery, elliptical and dark green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are 4-6cm long, bell-shaped and pinkish red; borne in clusters in May and June. Fruits are dry capsules that contain numerous, flat seeds. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of Himalayas, widely planted here and naturalised in some areas. Favours acid, damp soils.
    127907.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    140187.jpg
  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
    137705.jpg
  • BILBERRY Vaccinium myrtillus (Ericaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Hairless and deciduous undershrub with 3-angled green twigs. Found on acid soils, growing on heathland and in open woodland. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, greenish pink and globular urn-shaped; pendent and borne on short stalks (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are familiar and delicious black berries. LEAVES are bright green, oval and finely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common across much of the region; least numerous in the E.
    137704.jpg
  • WOOD SAGE Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy perennial of woodland rides, heaths and coastal cliffs, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, yellowish and with the upper lip (as seen in other Lamiaceae) absent; borne in leafless spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at the base, and wrinkled. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    136638.jpg
  • BOG-MYRTLE Myrica gale (Myricaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Woody, brown-stemmed shrub that is characteristic of boggy habitats, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are orange, ovoid male catkins and pendulous brown female catkins; on separate plants (Apr). FRUITS are brownish nuts. LEAVES are oval, grey-green and smell of resin when crushed. STATUS-Widespread but local; sometimes locally dominant.
    134797.jpg
  • BOG-MYRTLE Myrica gale (Myricaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Woody, brown-stemmed shrub that is characteristic of boggy habitats, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are orange, ovoid male catkins and pendulous brown female catkins; on separate plants (Apr). FRUITS are brownish nuts. LEAVES are oval, grey-green and smell of resin when crushed. STATUS-Widespread but local; sometimes locally dominant.
    134790.jpg
  • CROSS-LEAVED HEATH Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
    134530.jpg
  • HEATH MILKWORT Polygala serpyllifolia (Polygalaceae) Height to  20cm. Trailing, hairless perennial. Similar to Common Milkwort but smaller and with basal leaves in opposite pairs. Found on acid grassland and heaths. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long and usually blue; borne in short spikes of 5-10 flowers (May-Sep). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are narrow and pointed. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    133855.jpg
  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
    133668.jpg
  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
    133651.jpg
  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
    133650.jpg
  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
    132436.jpg
  • FIELD WOUNDWORT Stachys arvensis (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, creeping or upright and slightly hairy annual. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground, mainly on sandy, acid soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, with purple markings; borne in open, leafy spikes (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, bluntly toothed and rather short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in the S and W but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132410.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. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in W but scarce in E.
    132202.jpg
  • PURPLE MOOR-GRASS Molinia caerulea (Poaceae) Height to 80cm. Tussock-forming perennial, usually associated with damp ground on acid heaths and grassy moors. FLOWERS are purplish green spikelets, borne in long, branched spike-like heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and 3-5mm wide, with purplish leaf sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132115.jpg
  • MARSH GENTIAN Gentiana pneumonanthe (Gentianaceae) Height to 30cm. Scarce and attractive, hairless perennial of bogs and damp, grassy heaths on acid soils. FLOWERS are 25-45mm long, trumpet-shaped and bright blue, the outside of the corolla tube being marked with 5 green stripes; borne in terminal clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, blunt, 1-veined and borne up the stem in opposite pairs. STATUS-Local, with scattered sites in England and Wales.
    132106.jpg
  • MARSH SPEEDWELL Veronica scutellata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and downy or hairless perennial with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in damp, often boggy ground, especially on acid soils. FLOWERS are 6-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale pink or white, with dark lines; borne on stalks in open spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS is a flattened, notched capsule that is broader than it is tall. LEAVES are narrow, lanceolate and 2-4cm long. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131915.jpg
  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
    131889.jpg
  • DWARF CUDWEED Gnaphalium supinum (Asteraceae) Height to 10cm. Tufted, compact and greyish-green perennial that grows on damp ground in mountains, and typically found on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in small, compact and brown heads, fringed by bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and woolly on both sides, the upper ones surrounding the flower heads. STATUS-Very locally common only in the Scottish Highlands.
    131748.jpg
  • ALTERNATAE WATER-MILFOIL Myriophyllum alternifolium (Haloragaceae) Aquatic. Bushy, submerged water plant that grows in freshwater, favouring acid conditions. <br />
FLOWERS are inconspicuous and yellow; in leafy spikes with tiny bracts (May-Aug). FRUITS are warty and rather ovoid. LEAVES are pinnate and feathery, the segments up to 25mm long; in whorls of 3-4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131739.jpg
  • THREE-FLOWERED RUSH Juncus triglumis. Short, usually with 3  flowers per head. Damp, acid ground. Scottish mountains.
    131681.jpg
  • WHITE SEDGE Carex curta. Has pale spikelets in compact heads. Acid heaths and moors, mainly in the south.
    131652.jpg
  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    131641.jpg
  • CROWBERRY Empetrum nigrum (Empetraceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, Heather-like evergreen undershrub with stems that are reddish when young. Found on upland moors on damp, acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny and pinkish, with 6 petals; arise at base of leaves (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny berries, 5-7mm across, green at first but ripening black in late summer. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and dark green, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Locally common only in N Britain.
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  • IVY-LEAVED BELLFLOWER Wahlenbergia hederacea (Campanulaceae) Creeping. Charming and delicate, hairless perennial with trailing stems. Grows on damp, shady ground on moors and heaths, typically on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-10mm long, the corolla pale blue and narrowly bell-shaped with flared, triangular lobes at the mouth; borne on long, slender stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are 5-10mm across, pale green and rounded to kidney-shaped with lobes, sometimes like tiny ivy leaves; on slender stalks. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and Wales.
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  • SMALL CUDWEED Filago minima (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Slender, greyish and woolly annual that branches above the middle of the plant. Grows on grassy heaths, on sandy, acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of 3-6 conical or ovoid heads, 3-4mm long, with bracts woolly only at the base, and tipped yellow (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and woolly. STATUS-Very locally common in England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • GREEN FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica agrestis. Prostrate. Similar to both Common and Field-speedwells but seperable with care. Favours bare and disturbed ground, often on acid soils. Flowers 3-5mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and extremely pale with a white lower lip (Jan-Dec). Fruits with rounded lobes. Leaves fresh green, oval, toothed and in pairs. Status widespread but rather scarce and declining.
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  • MARSH PENNYWORT Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Apiaceae) Creeping. Low-growing perennial and an atypical umbellifer. Found in short, grassy vegetation on damp, mostly acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny, pinkish and hidden by the leaves; borne in small umbels (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are rounded and ridged. LEAVES are round and dimpled with broad, blunt teeth. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the W of region.
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  • COMMON BENT Agrostis capillaris (Poaceae) Height to 70cm<br />
Creeping perennial that grows in grassland, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are greenish brown spikelets that are borne in heads with spreading, whorled branches (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are narrow with blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
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  • COMPACT RUSH Juncus conglomeratus (Juncaceae) Height to 1m. Upright perennial of damp, grazed grassland, mainly on acid soils. Similar to compact-flowered form of Soft Rush but stems are darker green, ridged, rough and not glossy. FLOWERS are brown and borne in compact clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are dark brown, egg-shaped and as long as sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • SLENDER ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum pulchrum (Clusiaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairless perennial with rounded stems. Found in dry, grassy places and heaths, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, the deep yellow petals marked with red spots and dark, marginal dots (latter also on sepals) (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are paired and oval, with translucent spots. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • MARSH ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum elodes (Clusiaceae)<br />
Creeping, greyish green and hairy perennial of peaty ground and marshes on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, yellow and terminal (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are rounded to oval, grey-green and clasp the stem. STATUS-Rather local and confined mainly to SW England and Ireland.
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  • MARSH SPEEDWELL Veronica scutellata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and downy or hairless perennial with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in damp, often boggy ground, especially on acid soils. FLOWERS are 6-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale pink or white, with dark lines; borne on stalks in open spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS is a flattened, notched capsule that is broader than it is tall. LEAVES are narrow, lanceolate and 2-4cm long. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • COMMON COW-WHEAT - Melampyrum pratense (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 35cm. Variable but typically straggly annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on heaths and along woodland rides, and found mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-18mm long, the corolla pale yellow and flattened laterally, 2-lipped but with the mouth almost closed; in pairs, arising from axils of toothed, leaf-like bracts, these borne in spikes (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • ALDER BUCKTHORN Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae) Height to 5m. Open, thornless bush or small tree. Found in damp hedgerows and scrub, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, pale green and 5-petalled (May). FRUITS are berries, green then ripening black. LEAVES are oval and have wavy margins; dark green in summer, turning yellow in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales only.
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  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • BITTER-VETCH Lathyrus linifolius (Fabaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, almost hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in grassy places, heaths and woods, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, red fading to blue or green; in groups of 5-12 flowers (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are brown pods, 4cm long. LEAVES have 2-4 pairs of narrow leaflets and no tendril. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • SHEEP’S SORREL Rumex acetosella (Polygonaceae) Height to 25cm. Short, upright perennial of bare, well-drained acid soils. FLOWERS are greenish and borne in loose, slender spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are arrow-shaped but the basal lobes point forwards; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common in suitable habitats.
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  • HEATH MILKWORT Polygala serpyllifolia (Polygalaceae) Height to 20cm. Trailing, hairless perennial. Similar to Common Milkwort but smaller and with basal leaves in opposite pairs. Found on acid grassland and heaths. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long and usually blue; borne in short spikes of 5-10 flowers (May-Sep). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are narrow and pointed. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HARE’S-TAIL COTTONGRASS Eriophorum vaginatum (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Tussock-forming perennial of moors and heaths on acid, peaty soil. FLOWERS comprise a terminal spikelet emerging from an inflated sheath (Apr-May). FRUITS are yellowish brown with cottony hairs. LEAVES are very narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W Britain, and Ireland.
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  • FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • GORSE Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Evergreen shrub with straight, grooved spines, 15-25mm long. Found on heaths and grassy places, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bright yellow and coconut-scented with 4-5mm-long basal bracts (Jan-Dec, but mainly Feb-May). FRUITS are hairy pods. LEAVES are trifoliate when young. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • BILBERRY Vaccinium myrtillus (Ericaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Hairless and deciduous undershrub with 3-angled green twigs. Found on acid soils, growing on heathland and in open woodland. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, greenish pink and globular urn-shaped; pendent and borne on short stalks (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are familiar and delicious black berries. LEAVES are bright green, oval and finely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common across much of the region; least numerous in the E.
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  • LESSER SKULLCAP Scutellaria minor (Lamiaceae) Height to 15cm. Creeping, square-stemmed and hairless perennial with upright flowering stalks. Grows in damp, grassy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 6-10mm long and pink with 2 lips, the lower one being marked with purplish spots; borne on leafy, upright stems, mainly towards the top (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are lanceolate to oval and typically almost untoothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, mainly in S.
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  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
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  • AUTUMN HAWKBIT Leontodon autumnalis (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Variable hairless or slightly hairy perennial. Grows in dry, grassy places, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 15-35mm across, with yellow florets; the involucre tapers gradually to the stem that bears numerous scale-like bracts below the head (Jun-Oct). Flowering stems branch 2-3 times. FRUITS form a white clock. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnately lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • ALLSEED Radiola linoides (Linaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Low-growing, rather bushy annual found on damp ground, usually on sandy or peaty ground and acid soils. FLOWERS 1-2mm across with tiny white petals; borne in dense terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local, and most common in SW England.
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  • BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
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  • HEATH LOBELIA Lobelia urens (Campanulaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairless perennial with angled stems. Grows on damp, grassy heaths and along woodland rides, on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long, the corolla bluish purple and 2-lipped, with 2 narrow upper lobes and 3 narrow lower lobes; in open spikes on long stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, oval at the base of the plant, narrow on the stem. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly Sussex to Devon.
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  • FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • TRAILING AZALEA Loiseleuria procumbens (Ericaceae) Creeping. Attractive, low-growing perennial undershrub that forms prostrate mats on acid soils and stony ground on mountain plateaux. FLOWERS are 5mm across, bell-shaped, deeply lobed and pink; either solitary or borne in clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are thick, opposite and oblong with down-rolled margins. STATUS-Found mainly in the Scottish Highlands and locally common only in the Cairngorms.
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  • OVAL SEDGE Carex ovalis (Cyperaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Tufted sedge with 3-sided stems that are rough at the top. Grows in rough grassland, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are yellowish brown and borne in compact, rather egg-shaped terminal clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are brownish and beaked. LEAVES are green and rough-edged. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • DORSET HEATH Erica ciliaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Clump-forming, evergreen undershrub that favours damp, acid soils on heathlands.<br />
FLOWERS are 8-10cm long, elongate egg-shaped and pinkish purple with projecting styles; the flowers opening in succession from the bottom and so the spikes taper towards the top (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are hairless capsules. LEAVES are narrow with bristly margins; borne in whorls of 3. STATUS-Local, restricted to SW England and W Ireland; locally common on Dorset heaths. Note – this species hybridises with Cross-leaved Heath, the result having ciliaris-like flowers and tetralix-like leaves.
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  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
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  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height less than 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower.
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  • Common Bent Grass (Agrostis capillaris) HEIGHT to 70cm. Creeping perennial that grows in grassland, mainly on acid soils.  FLOWERS  Greenish-brown spikelets borne in heads with spreading, whorled branches (June- Aug). FRUITS Small, dry nutlets. LEAVES Narrow, with blunt ligules.
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  • WATER LOBELIA Lobelia dortmanna (Campanulaceae) Aquatic. Hairless perennial with slender, hollow and leafless stems. Grows in acid waters of upland and western lakes with gravelly bottoms. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla lilac and 2-lipped, the upper with 2 narrow lobes, the lower one with 3 narrow lobes; borne in spikes on slender stalks (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy; in rosettes on lake beds.
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  • SHOREWEED Littorella uniflora (Plantaginaceae) Creeping<br />
Aquatic perennial that grows on the margins of ponds and lakes with acid, nutrient-poor waters. Has creeping runners and sometimes forms patches. FLOWERS are greenish; males, with long stamens, are borne on stalks while females are stalkless and basal. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 7-10cm long, semi-circular in cross-section, narrow and spongy; borne in tufted, radiating rosettes.
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  • WOOD SAGE Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy perennial of woodland rides, heaths and coastal cliffs, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, yellowish and with the upper lip (as seen in other Lamiaceae) absent; borne in leafless spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at the base, and wrinkled.
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  • COWBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Ericaceae)  Height to 20cm. Straggly, evergreen undershrub, with round twigs that are downy when young. Found on moors and in woodland on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and pink; borne in drooping terminal clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, up to 1cm across. LEAVES are leathery, oval and untoothed; they are dark green above but paler below.
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  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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