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  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
    133231.jpg
  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
    132707.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    138043.jpg
  • MUSK ORCHID Herminium monorchis (Orchidaceae) Height to 15cm. Charming and delicate perennial with yellowish green stems and leaves. Grows in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are tiny and yellowish with narrow lobes to the lip and a fragrance of honey; borne in dainty-looking spikes, 2-4 cm long (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are oval at the base of the plant but small and bract-like up the stem. STATUS-Locally common only in S England.
    134436.jpg
  • WILD MARJORAM Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Downy and tufted perennial. The plant (mainly the leaves) has a pleasantly aromatic smell, familiar to lovers of culinary herbs and the stems are often reddish. Grows in dry grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are maroon when in bud but 6-8mm long and pinkish purple when flowering; borne in dense, terminal clusters that also include purplish bracts (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, pointed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common the S but scarce elsewhere.
    131595.jpg
  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
    131300.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    130875.jpg
  • HERB-PARIS Paris quadrifolia (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Unusual and distinctive perennial that grows in undisturbed damp woodland, often on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are curious and comprise narrow greenish yellow petals and sepals, topped by a dark, purplish ovary and yellow stamens; solitary and terminal (May-Jun). FRUITS are black berries. LEAVES are broad, oval and borne in whorls of 4. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region but always extremely local.
    130739.jpg
  • SPOTTED CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris maculata (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm. Rather distinctive perennial that grows in dry grassland and on broken, rocky slopes, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads 3-5cm across, with lemon yellow florets and blackish bracts; heads are solitary and carried on bristly stalks (Jun-Aug). Has scales between florets. FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are ovate, wavy-edged, bristly and marked with reddish purple spots. STATUS-Rare and local.
    129791.jpg
  • Lesser/Smaller Catstail (Phleum bertelonii) HEIGHT to 60cm. Tufted perennial of grassy places, often on calcareous soils. Similar to Timothy but smaller in all respects. FLOWERS In dense, cylindrical heads, 6-8cm long (June-July). FRUITS Small, dry nutlets. LEAVES Rough, flat, with pointed ligules.
    104186.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dactlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156624.jpg
  • EARLY PURPLE ORCHID Orchis mascula (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156193.jpg
  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
    133853.jpg
  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
    130250.jpg
  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
    130242.jpg
  • 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.
    130141.jpg
  • COMMON SOLOMON’S-SEAL Polygonatum multiflorum (Liliaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping perennial with rounded, arching stems. Grows in dry woodland, often on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are bell-shaped, waisted in the middle, and white; in clusters of 1-3, arising from leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are bluish black berries. LEAVES are ovate and alternate. STATUS-Locally common in S England only; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    143167.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    136444.jpg
  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
    131801.jpg
  • GREATER KNAPWEED Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Elegant perennial. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen beneath the base of the plant. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple disc florets (the outer ones are elongated, spreading and ray-like) and a swollen base coated with brown bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairless achenes. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnate. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131339.jpg
  • LONG-STALKED CRANE’S-BILL Geranium columbinum (Geraniaceae) Height to 60cm. Elegant, hairy annual that is sometimes tinged red. Found on short, dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm across with pink petals that are not notched; borne on long, slender stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless and smooth. LEAVES are divided to the base, the lower ones long-stalked. STATUS-Local.
    131309.jpg
  • GREATER BUTTERFLY-ORCHID Platanthera chlorantha (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Tall and elegant orchid of undisturbed woodland, scrub and grassland, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are greenish white with a long, narrow lip, a long spur (15-25mm) and pollen sacs that form an inverted ‘v’; borne in open spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise a single pair at the base of the plant and a few smaller stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131101.jpg
  • CHALK MILKWORT Polygala calcarea (Polygalaceae) Height to 20cm. Small but attractive hairless perennial. Restricted to short, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long and usually bright blue; borne in short spikes of 6-20 flowers (May-Jun). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are blunt and narrowly ovate; crowded at the base and appear to form a rosette. STATUS-Local in S and SE England only.
    129934.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    129733.jpg
  • MUSK ORCHID Herminium monorchis (Orchidaceae) Height to 15cm. Charming and delicate perennial with yellowish green stems and leaves. Grows in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are tiny and yellowish with narrow lobes to the lip and a fragrance of honey; borne in dainty-looking spikes, 2-4 cm long (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are oval at the base of the plant but small and bract-like up the stem. STATUS-Locally common only in S England.
    120262.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    117954.jpg
  • 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.
    112196.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    144566.jpg
  • PURPLE MILK-VETCH Astragalus danicus (Fabaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, downy and spreading perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-18mm long and purple; borne in stalked clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are pods, covered in white hairs. LEAVES are hairy and pinnate, comprising 6-12 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Local in E England and S Scotland; scarce in Ireland.
    144576.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dacttlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156620.jpg
  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
    133793.jpg
  • Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare Oleaceae Height to 5m<br />
Branched, semi-evergreen shrub. Bark Reddish brown with distinct gashes. Branches Dense, much-divided; twigs downy. Leaves Shiny, untoothed, oval, opposite. Reproductive parts Flowers creamy white, 4-5mm across, fragrant and 4-petalled; in terminal spikes. Fruits shiny, black and clustered. Status Native on calcareous soils but also widely planted.
    133236.jpg
  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
    133232.jpg
  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
    133197.jpg
  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
    130259.jpg
  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
    129660.jpg
  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
    105848.jpg
  • EARLY SPIDER ORCHID Ophrys sphegodes (Orchidaceae) Height to 35cm. Perennial of dry grassland, on calcareous soils. In grazed areas, the plant is often rather short. FLOWERS comprise green sepals and yellowish green upper petals; the lower lip is 12mm across, expanded, furry and maroon-brown, variably marked with a metallic blue H-shaped mark. Borne in spikes (Apr-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green and seen mainly as a basal rosette. STATUS-Local, in S England only.
    139849.jpg
  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
    137913.jpg
  • DRAGON’S-TEETH Tetragonolobus maritimus (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Hairy, grey-green and sprawling perennial. Found in grassy places on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm long and pale yellow; solitary, on long stalks (May-Aug). FRUITS are 5cm long, deep brown and 4-angled. LEAVES are trifoliate with triangular stipules. STATUS-Extremely local in SE England and probably introduced.
    137911.jpg
  • WILD CANDYTUFT Iberis amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy annual of calcareous grassland. Favours disturbed soil, often beside Rabbit burrows. FLOWERS comprise 4 white or mauve petals, 2 of which are much longer than the others (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded, winged and notched. LEAVES are toothed and spoon-shaped, becoming smaller up the stem. STATUS-Local, mainly in the Chilterns.
    131872.jpg
  • ROUND-LEAVED WINTERGREEN Pyrola rotundifolia (Pyrolaceae) Height to 15cm. Low-growing perennial of damp, calcareous ground including fens and coastal dune slacks. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, white and bell-shaped; style is S-shaped and protrudes beyond petals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, long-stalked and form a basal rosette. STATUS-Local and declining across its range.
    131183.jpg
  • KIDNEY VETCH Anthyllis vulneraria (Fabaceae) Height to 30cm. Perennial covered in silky hairs. Found on calcareous grassland and coastal slopes. FLOWERS are yellow, orange or red; borne in paired, kidney-shaped heads, 3cm across (May-Sep). FRUITS are short pods. LEAVES comprise pairs of narrow leaflets, the terminal one being the largest. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    130988.jpg
  • GLAUCOUS SEDGE Carex flacca (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Common grassland sedge, often on calcareous soils. Stems are 3-sided. FLOWERS comprise an inflorescence with 1-3 brown male spikes above 2-5 brown female spikes (Apr-May). FRUITS are greenish, flattened with only a tiny beak. LEAVES are pale green and stiff. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    130927.jpg
  • SWORD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera longifolia (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. An elegant orchid of woods and scrub on calcareous soils. Superficially similar to White Helleborine. FLOWERS are 20mm long, pure white, bell-shaped and open more fully than those of White Helleborine; each has a leafy bract, and they are borne in tall spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS form at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are long and narrow (narrower than White Helleborine), the largest at the base. STATUS-Local and scarce, least so in SE England where it occurs in scattered colonies.
    130914.jpg
  • HAIRY VIOLET Viola hirta (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Similar to Sweet Violet but unscented and much more hairy. Found in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, with pale violet petals and blunt sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N, scarce in Ireland.
    130734.jpg
  • PASQUEFLOWER Pulsatilla vulgaris (Ranunculaceae) Height to 25cm. Perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are purple, bell-shaped with 6 petal-like sepals; upright at first, then nodding (Apr-May). FRUITS comprise seeds with long silky hairs. LEAVES are divided 2 or 3 times and comprise narrow leaflets. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few sites in S and E England.
    130726.jpg
  • HAIRY ROCK-CRESS Arabis hirsuta (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable, hairy biennial found in calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across with 4 white petals; in dense, terminal heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are 3.5cm long, cylindrical and upright pods. LEAVES are barely toothed and oval; basal ones in a rosette, stem leaves clasping. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
    118664.jpg
  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal.
    104028.jpg
  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
    143397.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    143675.jpg
  • GREATER KNAPWEED Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Elegant perennial. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen beneath the base of the plant. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple disc florets (the outer ones are elongated, spreading and ray-like) and a swollen base coated with brown bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairless achenes. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnate. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    144497.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    144565.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    144584.jpg
  • Ash - Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae. Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
    157437.jpg
  • Weld - Reseda luteola. Height to 1.2m. Upright, hollow-stemmed biennial of disturbed calcareous ground. FLOWERS are yellow-green with 4 petals; in tall spikes in the plant’s second year (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are globular pods. LEAVES are narrow; form a basal rosette in the plant’s 1st year but appear as stem leaves in 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, except in N and W.
    157350.jpg
  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
    144417.jpg
  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
    135117.jpg
  • SPINDLE Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae) Height to 6m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree. Found in scrub and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm across and greenish; borne in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pinkish and 4-lobed. LEAVES are narrow-oval and pointed, with toothed margins; green in summer but turning reddish in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England only.
    135105.jpg
  • Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare Oleaceae Height to 5m<br />
Branched, semi-evergreen shrub. Bark Reddish brown with distinct gashes. Branches Dense, much-divided; twigs downy. Leaves Shiny, untoothed, oval, opposite. Reproductive parts Flowers creamy white, 4-5mm across, fragrant and 4-petalled; in terminal spikes. Fruits shiny, black and clustered. Status Native on calcareous soils but also widely planted.
    134001.jpg
  • Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare Oleaceae Height to 5m<br />
Branched, semi-evergreen shrub. Bark Reddish brown with distinct gashes. Branches Dense, much-divided; twigs downy. Leaves Shiny, untoothed, oval, opposite. Reproductive parts Flowers creamy white, 4-5mm across, fragrant and 4-petalled; in terminal spikes. Fruits shiny, black and clustered. Status Native on calcareous soils but also widely planted.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
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  • HOARY PLANTAIN Plantago media (Plantaginaceae) Height to 25cm. Persistent and downy perennial of lawns and trampled grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2mm across, the corolla whitish and the anthers lilac; borne on slender spikes up to 20cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are greyish, narrowly ovate, and taper gradually to broad stalks; borne in basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and common in England, but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • CORALROOT Cardamine bulbifera (Brassicaceae) Height to 70cm. Perennial of undisturbed woodland on calcareous or sandy soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm across with 4 pink petals; in terminal heads (Apr-May). FRUITS are 3.5cm long and narrow. LEAVES are pinnately divided (upper ones less so) with 1-3 pairs of leaflets; borne up stem with brown bulbils in axils. STATUS-Scarce and local; SE England only.
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  • PURPLE GROMWELL Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy and unbranched perennial with creeping stems that root at the tip and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across, funnel-shaped and pink at first, soon turning deep blue; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, white nutlets. LEAVES are narrow lanceolate, dark green and pointed. STATUS-Local and scarce in S England and Wales only.
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  • WILD MARJORAM Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Downy and tufted perennial. The plant (mainly the leaves) has a pleasantly aromatic smell, familiar to lovers of culinary herbs and the stems are often reddish. Grows in dry grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are maroon when in bud but 6-8mm long and pinkish purple when flowering; borne in dense, terminal clusters that also include purplish bracts (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, pointed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common the S but scarce elsewhere.
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  • DEADLY NIGHTSHADE Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae) Height to 1m. Robust and much-branched, and often downy perennial. Grows in scrub and open woods, and on disturbed ground, almost always on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 25-30mm across, purplish and bell-shaped; pendent and borne on stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are globular, black berries, 15-20mm across. As the common name suggests, these are deadly poisonous. LEAVES are broadly oval, pointed and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE Epipactis phyllanthes (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with rather insignificant-looking flowers. Grows in shady woods on calcareous soils, and sometimes on dunes. FLOWERS comprise yellowish-green sepals and petals; flowers are pendent, invariably do not open fully and are borne in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and strongly veined. STATUS-Very local in S England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
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  • FEN BEDSTRAW Galium uliginosum (Rubiaceae) Height to 70cm. Straggly and slender perennial with rough stems that have backward-pointing bristles on the edges. Found in damp, grassy places, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, white and 4-petalled; in open, few-flowered clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are wrinkled, brown nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, spine-tipped and have backward-pointing marginal bristles; borne in whorls of 6-8. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
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  • SOUTHERN MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Orchidaceae) Height to 70cm. Robust orchid of water meadows, fens and wet dune-slacks, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are pinkish purple with a broad 3-lobed lip, 11-14mm long, the lobes shallow and blunt; borne in tall, dense spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy dark green, unmarked (rarely ring-spotted) and broadly lanceolate, largest at the base and becoming narrower and sheathing up the stem. STATUS-Common only in S.
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  • WELD Reseda luteola (Resedaceae) Height to 1.2m<br />
Upright, hollow-stemmed biennial of disturbed calcareous ground. FLOWERS are yellow-green with 4 petals; in tall spikes in the plant’s second year (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are globular pods. LEAVES are narrow; form a basal rosette in the plant’s 1st year but appear as stem leaves in 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, except in N and W.
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  • COMMON SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • COWSLIP Primula veris (Primulaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Elegant, downy perennial of dry, unimproved grassland, and often associated with calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-15mm across, fragrant, bell-shaped, stalked and orange-yellow; borne in rather 1-sided umbels of 10-30 flowers (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are tapering, wrinkled and hairy, forming a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in Scotland where it is rather scarce.
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  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae)  Height less than 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate.
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  • Ground Pine (Ajuga chamaepitys) HEIGHT to 20cm. Distinctive unusual hairy annual. Grows on dry, bare and disturbed ground, including cultivated land, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS 8-15mm long, mainly yellow, with small purple markings; borne at leaf nodes (May-Aug). FRUITS Nutlets. LEAVES Withering early at the base; stem leaves diagnostically deeply divided into 3 narrow lobes that smell of pine when rubbed.
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  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
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  • PURPLE MILK-VETCH Astragalus danicus (Fabaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, downy and spreading perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-18mm long and purple; borne in stalked clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are pods, covered in white hairs. LEAVES are hairy and pinnate, comprising 6-12 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Local in E England and S Scotland; scarce in Ireland.
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  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
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  • KIDNEY VETCH Anthyllis vulneraria Height to 30cm. Perennial covered in silky hairs. Found on calcareous grassland and coastal slopes. FLOWERS are yellow, orange or red; borne in paired, kidney-shaped heads, 3cm across (May-Sep). FRUITS are short pods. LEAVES comprise pairs of narrow leaflets, the terminal one being the largest. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • DOGWOOD Cornus sanguinea (Cornaceae) Height to 4m<br />
Deciduous shrub whose deep red twigs stand out in winter. Found in hedgerows and scrub, mainly in calcareous soils. FLOWERS are white with 4 petals; in flat clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are berries that ripen black. LEAVES are oval, opposite and have 3-5 veins on both sides of midrib. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales.
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  • SMALL TOADFLAX Chaenorhinum minus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, downy and slightly sticky annual. Grows on dry, disturbed ground including arable fields and railway tracks, favouring calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 6-8mm long and pinkish lilac with a yellow patch and short spur; on long stalks that arise from leaf axils (May-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Fairly common.
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  • BROOKWEED Samolus valerandi (Primulaceae) Height to 12cm. Hairless and pale green perennial. Found on damp ground, usually on saline or calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 5 white petals, joined to halfway; in terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are spherical capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped; appear mainly as a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread but local and mainly coastal.
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  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
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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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  • 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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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
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  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
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  • IVY BROOMRAPE Orobanche hederae (Orobanchaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright plant with a downy, purple-tinged stem that is swollen at the base. Parasitic on Ivy and found mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-20mm long, the corolla creamy white with purple veins with a tube that is mainly straight but swollen at the base; borne in spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules, concealed by the dead flowers. LEAVES are scale-like. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and W Britain.
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  • PASQUEFLOWER Pulsatilla vulgaris (Ranunculaceae)  Height to 25cm. Silky-hairy perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are purple, bell-shaped with 6 petal-like sepals; upright at first, then nodding (Apr-May). FRUITS comprise seeds with long silky hairs. LEAVES are divided 2 or 3 times and comprise narrow leaflets. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few sites in S and E England.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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