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  • Downy Birch Woodland. Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
 Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    117404.jpg
  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    153682.jpg
  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    153683.jpg
  • BALM-LEAVED FIGWORT Scrophularia scorodonia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched and downy grey perennial with stems that are square and angled. Grows in woodland and on damp flushes on rocky cliffs. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled, with downy hairs on both surfaces. STATUS-Locally common in SW England only.
    133648.jpg
  • MUGWORT Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 1.25m <br />
Upright and aromatic plant, the upper part of which is much branched. The stems are ribbed, reddish and downy. Grows on roadside verges, disturbed land and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in reddish heads, 2-3mm across, that are arranged in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnate, dark green and hairless above, but silvery downy below; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131953.jpg
  • BALM-LEAVED FIGWORT Scrophularia scorodonia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched and downy grey perennial with stems that are square and angled. Grows in woodland and on damp flushes on rocky cliffs. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled, with downy hairs on both surfaces. STATUS-Locally common in SW England only.
    133649.jpg
  • WHITE MULLEIN Verbascum lychnitis (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright biennial. Stems are rounded below but angled and downy above. Grows in dry, grassy places, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across, 5-lobed and white with whitish hairs on all the stamens; borne in branched spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate, shiny dark green above and downy below. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131436.jpg
  • YORKSHIRE FOG Holcus lanatus Height to 1m<br />
Variable, tufted perennial with grey-green, downy stems. Grows in meadows, woods and waste ground. FLOWERS in heads that are tightly packed at first but then spread; comprise reddish-tipped, grey-green, 2-flowered spikelets (May-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and downy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131099.jpg
  • BALM-LEAVED FIGWORT Scrophularia scorodonia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched and downy grey perennial with stems that are square and angled. Grows in woodland and on damp flushes on rocky cliffs. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled, with downy hairs on both surfaces. STATUS-Locally common in SW England only.
    132435.jpg
  • HOARY RAGWORT Senecio erucifolius. Height to 1.5m. Perennial, similar to Common Ragwort but with downy stems and undersides to leaves. Found in neutral and basic grassland. Flowers pale yellow heads 15-20mm across; in clusters (July-Aug). Fruits downy. Leaves divided; lobes pointed and narrower than Common Ragwort. Status locally common in England and Wales.
    131699.jpg
  • WHITE MULLEIN Verbascum lychnitis (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright biennial. Stems are rounded below but angled and downy above. Grows in dry, grassy places, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across, 5-lobed and white with whitish hairs on all the stamens; borne in branched spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate, shiny dark green above and downy below. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131437.jpg
  • WAYFARING-TREE Viburnum lantana (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 6m. Deciduous shrub with downy, rounded twigs buds without scales. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across and creamy white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 6-10cm across (May-Jun). FRUITS are berries that ripen from red to black, but not simultaneously. LEAVES are ovate, finely toothed, wrinkled, dark green above and downy white below. STATUS-Locally common in SE England only.
    130868.jpg
  • HOARY RAGWORT Senecio erucifolius. Height to 1.5m. Perennial, similar to Common Ragwort but with downy stems and undersides to leaves. Found in neutral and basic grassland. Flowers pale yellow heads 15-20mm across; in clusters (July-Aug). Fruits downy. Leaves divided; lobes pointed and narrower than Common Ragwort. Status locally common in England and Wales.
    131731.jpg
  • LESSER BURDOCK Arctium minus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, downy biennial of waste ground, verges and hedgerows. Similar to Greater Burdock but note differences in flowers and leaves. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs. LEAVES are heart-shaped with hollow stalks; basal leaves are wider than long. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132053.jpg
  • RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Familiar downy perennial found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are pinkish red and borne in dense, unstalked heads that are 2-3cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and the oval leaflets each bear a white crescent-shaped mark; stipules are triangular and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
    132028.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
  • RED HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
    143676.jpg
  • GOAT’S-RUE Galega officinalis (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Bushy, much-branched perennial that is hairless or slightly downy. Found on disturbed and waste ground. FLOWERS are 10mm long and pale bluish lilac; in elongated spikes up to 5cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise 9-17 oval leaflets. STATUS-Naturalised in C and S England, often on roadside verges.
    141468.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
  • WATER AVENS Geum rivale (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Downy perennial of damp meadows, marshes and mountain ledges, mostly on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are nodding, bell-shaped and comprise dark red sepals and pink petals (May-Sep). FRUITS are bur-like but feathery. LEAVES comprise pinnate basal leaves but trifoliate ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in S England.
    136409.jpg
  • BLACK MEDICK Medicago lupulina (Fabaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Downy annual of short grassland and waste places. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in dense, spherical heads (8-9mm across) of 10-50 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are spirally coiled, spineless and black when ripe. LEAVES are trifoliate, each leaflet bearing a point at the centre of its apex. STATUS-Widespread and rather common.
    132197.jpg
  • HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, downy biennial that smells strongly of mice. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, maroon and 5-lobed; borne in branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS comprise groups of 4 flattened, oval nutlets that are covered in hooked bristles. LEAVES are narrow and hairy; lower ones are stalked. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in S and E England.
    132029.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131994.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
  • LUCERNE Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm. Downy or hairless perennial. Found in grassy places but also cultivated. FLOWERS are 7-8mm long and borne in stalked heads of 5-40 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are spirally twisted. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, toothed leaflets that broaden towards the tip. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a relict of cultivation.
    131819.jpg
  • 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.
    131814.jpg
  • BETONY Stachys officinalis (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, unbranched and downy or hairless perennial. Grows along woodland rides and in grassy waysides and hedgerows, typically on sandy or chalky soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple; borne in showy, dense and terminal heads, reminiscent of marsh-orchid spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and oblong, typically heart-shaped at the base but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131584.jpg
  • BETONY Stachys officinalis (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, unbranched and downy or hairless perennial. Grows along woodland rides and in grassy waysides and hedgerows, typically on sandy or chalky soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple; borne in showy, dense and terminal heads, reminiscent of marsh-orchid spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and oblong, typically heart-shaped at the base but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131582.jpg
  • MOTHERWORT Leonurus cardiaca (Lamiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, unbranched and variably downy perennial with a pungent smell and historical association with midwifery. Grows on verges and in shady hedgerows and waste ground, usually close to habitation. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink of white, the upper lip being hairy; borne in whorls with striking calyx teeth (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are long-stalked; upper ones are deeply palmately lobed while upper ones are toothed. STATUS-Naturalised in a few, scattered locations across the region.
    131411.jpg
  • SQUARE-STALKED WILLOWHERB Epilobium tetragonum (Onograceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy perennial with 4-ridged stems (sometimes winged). Found in damp woods and on riverbanks. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across (upright in bud) with pink petals and a club-shaped stigma (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods (6-10cm long) that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are narrow and finely toothed. STATUS-Common only in England and Wales.
    131221.jpg
  • SEA STOCK Matthiola sinuata (Brassicaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Downy, grey-green perennial, the base of which is not woody. Associated with coastal dunes and sea cliffs. FLOWERS are fragrant and 25-50mm across, with 4 pinkish petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow and elongated pods. LEAVES are narrow with toothed or lobed margins. STATUS-Rare, SW England, S Wales, S Ireland and Channel Islands only.
    131127.jpg
  • GRASS VETCHLING Lathyrus nissolia (Fabaceae) Height to 90cm. Upright, hairless or slightly downy perennial. Easily overlooked when not in flower, in its favoured grassy habitat. FLOWERS are 18mm long and crimson; solitary or paired on long, slender stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are narrow pods. LEAVES reduced to 1 pair of narrow, extremely grass-like leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in SE England.
    131025.jpg
  • COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Downy, herbaceous perennial with hollow, unspotted stems. Found in meadows and woodland margins, and on verges. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels up to 6cm across; bracts absent (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are elongate and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, only slightly hairy and fresh green. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130884.jpg
  • PINK-SORREL Oxalis articulata (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Tufted, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; borne on stalked umbels (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate marked with orange spots below. STATUS-A familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally.
    130855.jpg
  • SOFT-BROME Bromus hordaceus Height to 1m<br />
Softly downy annual or biennial that grows in meadows and on verges. FLOWERS are borne in moderately compact heads with short-stalked, hairy and egg-shaped spikelets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are greyish green and rolled when young, with hairy sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130845.jpg
  • WHITE DEAD-NETTLE Lamium album (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy, slightly aromatic and patch-forming perennial with square stems. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground in grassland and woodland margins. FLOWERS are 25-30mm long and white, with a hairy upper lip and toothed lower lip; borne in whorls (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate to triangular with a heart-shaped base, toothed and stalked. Superficially similar to those of Common Nettle but lack stinging hairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except N Scotland.
    130753.jpg
  • BLACK MEDICK Medicago lupulina (Fabaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Downy annual of short grassland and waste places. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in dense, spherical heads (8-9mm across) of 10-50 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are spirally coiled, spineless and black when ripe. LEAVES are trifoliate, each leaflet bearing a point at the centre of its apex. STATUS-Widespread and rather common.
    130745.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
  • SPEAR THISTLE Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright biennial with stems that are downy and spiny-winged between the leaves. Grows in grassland and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, that comprise purple florets topping a basal ball coated with spiny bracts; heads are solitary or in small clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    144597.jpg
  • Red Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
    157133.jpg
  • BITTERSWEET Solanum dulcamara (Solanaceae) Height to 1.5m. Downy and scrambling perennial that is woody at the base, hence the alternative name Woody Nightshade. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and often on stabilised shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 purple, petal-like corolla lobes and projecting yellow anthers; borne in hanging clusters of purple stems (May-Sep). FRUITS are poisonous, egg-shaped red berries, up to 1cm long. LEAVES are oval and pointed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except in the N and in Ireland.
    141547.jpg
  • COMMON KNAPWEED Centaurea nigra (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Downy or hairy perennial that branches towards the top of the plant. The stems are stiff and grooved and are often swollen beneath the base of the flowers. Grows in a wide range of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, with reddish purple florets and a swollen, hard base covered in brown bracts; heads are usually solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS do not have pappus hairs. LEAVES are narrow, those near the base of the plant are slightly lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    141411.jpg
  • TORMENTIL Potentilla erecta (Rosaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial of grassy places, heaths and moors. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne on slender stalks (May-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are unstalked and trifoliate, but appear 5-lobed because of two large, leaflet-like stipules at the base. STATUS-Widespread and often abundant.
    141402.jpg
  • ENCHANTER’S-NIGHTSHADE Circaea lutetiana (Onograceae) Height to 65cm. Delicate and slightly downy perennial of woodland and hedgerows. FLOWERS are small with white petals; borne in loose spikes above the leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are club-shaped and bristly. LEAVES are 10cm long, oval, heart-shaped at the base and gently toothed, with round stalks. STATUS-Common and widespread, except in the N.
    140221.jpg
  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    140218.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.
    138042.jpg
  • EARLY FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis ramosissima (Boraginaceae) Height to 10cm. Downy annual of arable fields, bare grassy places and open woodland. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, 5-lobed and sky blue; borne in clusters (Apr-Oct). Corolla tube is shorter than calyx tube. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, basal ones forming a rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common in most parts, except in the far N.
    133647.jpg
  • BUCK’S-HORN PLANTAIN Plantago coronopus (Plantaginaceae) Height to 15cm. Downy, greyish green perennial of grassland, disturbed ground and rocky sites, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS are 2mm across with a brownish corolla and yellow stamens; borne in slender spikes, 2-4cm long (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 20cm long, 1-veined and pinnately divided; in dense basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland; also occurs inland in SE England.
    132235.jpg
  • CANADIAN GOLDENROD Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae) Height to 2m. Variable, upright and downy perennial that grows in damp, wayside ground, hedgerows and rough grassland. FLOWERS are yellow; individual heads are borne in crowded, arching and 1-sided sprays in branching clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are 1-seeded with pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and 3-veined. STATUS-Introduced and now a familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally as an escape.
    132145.jpg
  • AINFOIN Onobrychis viciifolia (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Distinctive, straggly and slightly downy perennial. Found in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pink and red-veined; in conical spikes up to 80cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oval, warty pods. LEAVES comprise 6-14 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Possibly native in SE England but a relict of cultivation elsewhere.
    132015.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.
    131871.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.
    131800.jpg
  • GREAT WILLOWHERB Epilobium hirsutum (Onograceae) Height to 2m. Downy perennial with a round stem. Favours damp habitats such as fens and riverbanks. FLOWERS are 25mm across and pinkish purple with pale centres, and a 4-lobed stigma; in terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval, hairy and clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
    131780.jpg
  • ALPINE BARTSIA Bartsia alpina (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, downy and unbranched perennial; semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows in damp grassland on upland, limestone soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla purple and 2-lipped (upper longer than lower); in spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval, unstalked and untoothed, the upper ones tinged purple. STATUS-Rare, restricted to a few sites in N England and the Scottish Highlands.
    131759.jpg
  • SKULLCAP Scutellaria galericulata (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Creeping, square-stemmed downy or hairless perennial with upright flowering stalks. Grows in damp ground, in marshes and on river banks. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in pairs on upright, leafy stems, mainly towards the top (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region, except Ireland and N Scotland.
    131513.jpg
  • PELLITORY-OF-THE-WALL Parietaria judaica (Urticacae) Height to 7cm. Spreading, downy perennial with reddish stems. Colonises walls, roadsides and rocky ground. FLOWERS appear in clusters at leaf bases (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are clustered at leaf bases. LEAVES are oval, up to 5cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread in England, Wales and Ireland; commonest in coastal areas and in the W.
    131492.jpg
  • WILD PARSNIP Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy perennial with hollow, ridged stems; smells strongly when bruised. Found mainly in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in open, bractless umbels, 3-9cm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, flattened and winged. LEAVES are pinnate with oval, lobed and toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in S Britain; scarce or absent elsewhere. Nb. Garden Parsnip (P.s.hortensis), the familiar garden vegetable, is sometimes naturalised.
    131487.jpg
  • SEA CLOVER Trifolium squamosum (Height to 30cm) is a downy annual whose pinkish flowers are borne in rounded to egg-shaped heads, 1cm long (Jun-Jul); in fruit, these heads resemble miniature Teasel heads. Sea Clover grows in coastal grassland and is typically found on grassy sea walls built to protect low-lying land. North Kent is a stronghold for the species.
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  • GIANT BELLFLOWER Campanula latifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 1m. Upright perennial. Recalls Nettle-leaved Bellflower but larger, downy or hairless and with bluntly-angled stems; flowers are larger. Grows in shady woods and hedgerows. FLOWERS are 4-5.5cm long, the corolla pale blue (sometimes white) and bell-shaped, with triangular lobes; in tall, leafy spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are ovate to lanceolate and toothed; lower ones have winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in central and N England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • HOARY WILLOWHERB Epilobium parviflorum (Onograceae) Height to 75cm. Downy perennial. Similar to Great Willowherb but smaller, with non-clasping leaves. Found in damp habitats. FLOWERS are 12mm across with pale pink, notched petals and a 4-lobed stigma (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval; upper ones are alternate. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
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  • SQUARE-STALKED WILLOWHERB Epilobium tetragonum (Onograceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy perennial with 4-ridged stems (sometimes winged). Found in damp woods and on riverbanks. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across (upright in bud) with pink petals and a club-shaped stigma (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods (6-10cm long) that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are narrow and finely toothed. STATUS-Common only in England and Wales.
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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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  • 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.
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  • WILD CLARY Salvia verbenaca (Lamiaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Upright, downy and almost unbranched perennial. Upper part of the flowering stem, including the bracts and calyces, are often tinged purple. Grows in dry grassland, typically on calcareous soils and often near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long and bluish violet, the calyx being sticky and coated with long, white hairs; borne in whorls in rather compact spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval with jagged teeth, and mainly basal. STATUS-Widespread but local in S and E England only.
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  • THYME-LEAVED SANDWORT Arenaria serpyllifolia (Caryophyllaceae) Usually prostrate. Downy, grey-green annual of dry, bare soils. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5-7mm across (May-Sep); green sepals are shorter than petals. FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are oval; in opposite pairs on slender stems. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • MEADOW BUTTERCUP Ranunculus acris (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Downy perennial of damp grassland habitats. FLOWERS are 18-25mm across and comprise 5 shiny, yellow petals with upright sepals; borne on long, unfurrowed stalks (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are hook-tipped and borne in a rounded head. LEAVES are rounded and divided into 3-7 lobes; upper ones are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and abundant throughout.
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  • SWEET VERNAL-GRASS Anthoxanthum odoratum Height to 50cm. Tufted, downy perennial with a sweet smell when dried. Grows in grassland. FLOWERS are borne in relatively dense spike-like clusters, 3-4cm long, of 3-flowered spikelets, each with 1 straight and 1 bent awn (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are flat with blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • PINK-SORREL Oxalis articulata (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Tufted, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; borne on stalked umbels (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate marked with orange spots below. STATUS-A familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally.
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  • RED DEAD-NETTLE Lamium purpureum (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and spreading, downy annual that is pungently aromatic when crushed. Whole plant sometimes acquires a purplish tinge. Grows on disturbed ground and cultivated soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and purplish pink, with a hooded upper lip and the lower lip toothed at the base and twice the length of the calyx; borne in whorls on upright stems (Mar-Oct. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are heart-shaped to oval, round-toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout most of the region.
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  • MEADOW BUTTERCUP Ranunculus acris (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Downy perennial of damp grassland habitats. FLOWERS are 18-25mm across and comprise 5 shiny, yellow petals with upright sepals; borne on long, unfurrowed stalks (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are hook-tipped and borne in a rounded head. LEAVES are rounded and divided into 3-7 lobes; upper ones are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and abundant throughout.
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  • PARSLEY-PIERT Aphanes arvensis (Rosaceae) Creeping<br />
Easily overlooked, greyish green downy annual. Found on dry, bare ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are minute, petal-less and green; borne in dense, unstalked clusters along stems (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are fan-shaped, deeply divided into 3 lobes and parsley-like. STATUS-Widespread and generally common.
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  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • PARSLEY-PIERT Aphanes arvensis (Rosaceae) Creeping<br />
 Easily overlooked, greyish green downy annual. Found on dry, bare ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are minute, petal-less and green; borne in dense, unstalked clusters along stems (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are fan-shaped, deeply divided into 3 lobes and parsley-like. STATUS-Widespread and generally common.
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  • BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Scrambling, slightly downy perennial of rough, grassy places and scrub. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and pale lilac; borne in groups of 2-6 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of broadly oval leaflets and end in branched tendrils. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
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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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  • GOAT’S-RUE Galega officinalis (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Bushy, much-branched perennial that is hairless or slightly downy. Found on disturbed and waste ground. FLOWERS are 10mm long and pale bluish lilac; in elongated spikes up to 5cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise 9-17 oval leaflets. STATUS-Naturalised in C and S England, often on roadside verges.
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  • COMMON KNAPWEED Centaurea nigra (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Downy or hairy perennial that branches towards the top of the plant. The stems are stiff and grooved and are often swollen beneath the base of the flowers. Grows in a wide range of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, with reddish purple florets and a swollen, hard base covered in brown bracts; heads are usually solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS do not have pappus hairs. LEAVES are narrow, those near the base of the plant are slightly lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • ENCHANTER’S-NIGHTSHADE Circaea lutetiana (Onograceae) Height to 65cm. Delicate and slightly downy perennial of woodland and hedgerows. FLOWERS are small with white petals; borne in loose spikes above the leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are club-shaped and bristly. LEAVES are 10cm long, oval, heart-shaped at the base and gently toothed, with round stalks. STATUS-Common and widespread, except in the N.
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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. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • CORN BUTTERCUP Ranunculus arvensis (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy annual of arable fields. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across with 5 pale lemon yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are distinctly spiny and bur-like. LEAVES are divided into narrow lobes. STATUS-Formerly widespread but now scarce, local and declining due to agricultural herbicide use; regular only in S England.
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  • COMMON EVENING-PRIMROSE Oenothera biennis (Onograceae) Height to 1.5m. Downy biennial of waste land. FLOWERS are 4-5cm across, yellow and open only on dull days or evenings (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are lanceolate with red veins. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised. O.glaziovana (flowers 6-8cm across) and O.cambrica (flowers 3-5cm across) also occur; fruits have red, swollen-based hairs.
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  • SAINFOIN Onobrychis viciifolia (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Distinctive, straggly and slightly downy perennial. Found in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pink and red-veined; in conical spikes up to 80cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oval, warty pods. LEAVES comprise 6-14 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Possibly native in SE England but a relict of cultivation elsewhere.
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  • HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, downy biennial that smells strongly of mice. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, maroon and 5-lobed; borne in branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS comprise groups of 4 flattened, oval nutlets that are covered in hooked bristles. LEAVES are narrow and hairy; lower ones are stalked. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in S and E England.
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  • LESSER BURDOCK Arctium minus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, downy biennial of waste ground, verges and hedgerows. Similar to Greater Burdock but note differences in flowers and leaves. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs. LEAVES are heart-shaped with hollow stalks; basal leaves are wider than long. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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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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  • 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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  • PENNYROYAL Mentha pulegium (Height to 30cm) is mint-scented, creeping and downy perennial with upright flowering stems carrying discrete whorls of mauve flowers (Aug-Oct). It grows in damp, grazed ground beside ponds and the New Forest is the best place in the region to see the species.
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  • 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.
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  • PLOUGHMAN’S-SPIKENARD Inula conyzae (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy biennial or perennial; stems often tinged red. Grows in dry grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in ovoid heads, 8-10mm long, comprising yellow florets, and purplish and green bracts; arranged in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves, recalling those of Foxglove, and narrower stem leaves. STATUS-Locally common only in England and Wales.
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  • THYME-LEAVED SPEEDWELL Veronica serpyllifolia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and often downy perennial, with creeping stems that root at intervals, and typically hairless, upright flowering stems. Grows on bare and disturbed ground including short grassland, cultivated land and woodland clearings. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale blue or white; borne on short stalks in loose spikes (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are flattened and rather oval capsules. LEAVES are thyme-like, small, oval and untoothed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • LUCERNE Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm. Downy or hairless perennial. Found in grassy places but also cultivated. FLOWERS are 7-8mm long and borne in stalked heads of 5-40 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are spirally twisted. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, toothed leaflets that broaden towards the tip. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a relict of cultivation.
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  • RED BARTSIA Odontites vernus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 40cm. Straggly, branched and downy annual with stems often tinged reddish. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on disturbed ground, tracks and verges, and in arable field margins. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla pinkish purple and 2-lipped, the lower lip 3-lobed; borne in 1-sided, elongated and slightly curved spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, toothed, unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • CUT-LEAVED GERMANDER Teucriuim botrys (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright and branched, downy annual or biennial. Grows on bare ground, in short grassland often on previously disturbed soil, and in arable fields, on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm long with no upper lip but a lower lip that is deep, pink; borne in small clusters up leafy stems (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are almost triangular but deeply cut, the lower ones almost pinnately so. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few locations in S England, from Cotswolds to Kent.
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  • ALPINE SPEEDWELL Veronica alpina (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Perennial with wiry and downy, creeping stems that root at the nodes, and short, upright flowering stems. Grows in areas of short grass and rocks in mountains. FLOWERS are 7-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and blue; borne on short stalks, in crowded spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are flattened, oval and slightly notched capsules. LEAVES are oval and blunt-toothed. STATUS-Scarce, restricted to Scottish Highlands.
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  • BROAD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Epipactis helleborine (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with rather downy stems. Grows in shady woodland and scrub. FLOWERS comprise broad, greenish sepals that are tinged purple around the margins, broad upper petals that are strongly purple tinged, and purplish, heart-shaped lip, the tip of which is usually curved under; borne in dense spikes of up to 100 flowers (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broadly oval and strongly veined. STATUS-Locally common in most parts, except N Scotland.
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  • WHITE DEAD-NETTLE Lamium album (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy, slightly aromatic and patch-forming perennial with square stems. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground in grassland and woodland margins. FLOWERS are 25-30mm long and white, with a hairy upper lip and toothed lower lip; borne in whorls (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate to triangular with a heart-shaped base, toothed and stalked. Superficially similar to those of Common Nettle but lack stinging hairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except N Scotland.
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  • FIELD GROMWELL Lithospermum arvense (Boraginaceae) Height to 40cm. Upright, downy perennial that grows in arable fields and on dry, disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, 5-lobed and white; borne in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are warty, brown nutlets. LEAVES are strap-shaped, blunter than those of Common Gromwell, and without prominent side veins. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and E England.
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