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  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
    139852.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137908.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137906.jpg
  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
    134184.jpg
  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
    134169.jpg
  • LADY’S BEDSTRAW Galium verum (Rubiaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, branched perennial and the only true bedstraw with yellow flowers. Stems are square and whole plant smells of hay. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, yellow and 4-petalled; in dense clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are smooth nutlets that ripen black. LEAVES are narrow with down-rolled margins; in whorls of 8-12. Leaves blacken when dry. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131631.jpg
  • YELLOW OAT-GRASS Trisetum flavescens Height to 50cm<br />
Slender, softly hairy perennial of dry grassland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in an open inflorescence of yellowish, 2-4-flowered spikelets, each with a bent awn (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and flat with a blunt ligule. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131524.jpg
  • FLATTENED MEADOW-GRASS Poa compressa. Height to 40cm. Upright, tufted and hairless perennial with flattened stems. Grows in dry, grassy places. Flowers in a pyramidal inflorescence, the purplish-brown spikelets carried on whorls of stalks (May-July). Fruits small, dry nutlets. Leaves with a hooded tip and blunt ligule. Status widespread but local.
    131453.jpg
  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131340.jpg
  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131305.jpg
  • HOARY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla argentea Height to 50cm. Spreading perennial of dry, gravelly soils. Stems are coated in silvery hairs. Flowers 8-12mm across, with 5 yellow petals; in branched clusters (May-June). Fruits dry, papery. Leaves digitate with narrow leaflets, the undersides coated with silvery hairs. Status local, mainly in SE England.
    131274.jpg
  • SHEEP’S-BIT Jasione montana (Campanulaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, spreading and downy biennial that grows in dry grassland, and on coastal cliffs, heaths and dunes, favouring acid soils and absent from calcareous locations. FLOWERS are sky blue and borne in rounded heads, 30-35mm across, on slender stalks (May-Sep). Note that the anthers do not project (cf. Devil’s-bit Scabious). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are wavy-edged and hairy at the base, forming a rosette, but narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread but local, and commonest in W and near the sea.
    131162.jpg
  • SPRING CINQUEFOIL Potentilla tabernaemontani (Rosaceae) Height to 15cm. Creeping, mat-forming perennial with woody stem bases. Found in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 1-2cm across with 5 yellow petals; borne in loose clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES comprise palmate basal leaves with 5-7 leaflets, and trifoliate stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread but extremely local.
    130731.jpg
  • 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.
    130683.jpg
  • QUAKING-GRASS Briza media Height to 40cm. Distinctive perennial of dry grassland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in an open, inflorescence, the dangling spikelets resembling miniature hops or cones and carried on wiry stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are pale green and form loose tufts. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    130603.jpg
  • BARREN STRAWBERRY Potentilla sterilis (Rosaceae) Height to 15cm. Hairy perennial with long, rooting runners. Favours dry, grassy places and woodland rides. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 white and widely separated petals (Mar-May). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are bluish green and trifoliate, the terminal tooth of end leaflet is shorter than adjacent ones. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130570.jpg
  • WAVY HAIR-GRASS Deschampsia flexuosa Height to 1m<br />
Tufted perennial of dry ground on heaths and moors, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in inflorescences comprising open clusters of purplish spikelets with a long, bent awn (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are inrolled and hair-like. STATUS-Locally common in Britain; scarce in Ireland.
    125054.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
  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
    144502.jpg
  • 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.
    143549.jpg
  • SEA BARLEY Hordeum marinum. Height to 5cm<br />
Tufted, blue-green annual of bare ground and dry, grassy places near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in long, unbranched spikes, 7-8cm long, the spikelets in 3s, with stiff, spreading awns (Jul-Aug); flowering stems are prostrate at base. FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are 4-5mm wide. STATUS-Local and exclusively coastal.
    141508.jpg
  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
    139851.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137907.jpg
  • BLUE MOOR-GRASS Sesleria caerulea Height to 45cm<br />
Blue-green, tufted perennial of dry, limestone grassland; often forms large patches. FLOWERS are borne in dense, egg-shaped heads with bluish green spikelets (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough-edged and blunt with a fine point at the tip. STATUS-Locally common only in N England, S Scotland and W Ireland.
    134127.jpg
  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
    132184.jpg
  • FIELD SCABIOUS Knautia arvensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Robust, hairy biennial or perennial of dry grassland. FLOWERS are bluish violet and borne in heads, 3-4cm across, outer flowers larger than inner ones (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES comprise lobed, spoon-shaped basal ones in a rosette and less-divided stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread and common, except N Scotland.
    131572.jpg
  • FIELD SCABIOUS Knautia arvensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Robust, hairy biennial or perennial of dry grassland. FLOWERS are bluish violet and borne in heads, 3-4cm across, outer flowers larger than inner ones (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES comprise lobed, spoon-shaped basal ones in a rosette and less-divided stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread and common, except N Scotland.
    131546.jpg
  • LOOSE SILKY-BENT Apera spica-venti. Height to 1m. Distinctive annual of dry, often sandy, ground. Flowers in pyramidal-shaped inflorescence, the spikelets with very long awns (June-July). Fruits dry nutlets. Leaves flat and up to 1cm wide. Status local, mainly S and E England.
    131443.jpg
  • SLENDER ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum pulchrum (Clusiaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairless perennial with rounded stems. Found in dry, grassy places and heaths, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, the deep yellow petals marked with red spots and dark, marginal dots (latter also on sepals) (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are paired and oval, with translucent spots. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131378.jpg
  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131306.jpg
  • HOARY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla argentea Height to 50cm. Spreading perennial of dry, gravelly soils. Stems are coated in silvery hairs. Flowers 8-12mm across, with 5 yellow petals; in branched clusters (May-June). Fruits dry, papery. Leaves digitate with narrow leaflets, the undersides coated with silvery hairs. Status local, mainly in SE England.
    131273.jpg
  • SHEEP’S-FESCUE Festuca ovina Height to 30cm<br />
Variable, tufted and hairless perennial that grows in dry grassland on chalk and limestone. FLOWERS are borne in branched but compact heads of grey-green spikelets, each with a short awn (May-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are short, narrow, inrolled, hair-like and waxy. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131163.jpg
  • SULPHUR CINQUEFOIL Potentilla recta (Rosaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairy perennial with stiff stems. Favours dry, grassy places and waste ground. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 pale yellow petals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are palmately divided into 5 or 7 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Occasionally naturalised in S and E England.
    130342.jpg
  • RUE-LEAVED SAXIFRAGE Saxifraga tridactylites (Saxifragaceae) Height to 15cm. Stickily hairy annual with reddish, zigzag stems. Found on dry, bare ground and old walls, mainly on sandy or calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-6mm across with 5 white petals; borne in clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are pinnately divided into 1-5 finger-like lobes. STATUS-Widespread and very locally common.
    127685.jpg
  • SPREADING BELLFLOWER Campanula patula Height to 60cm. Delicate and slender perennial of dry, grassy places. Flowers 20-25mm long, bell-shaped ans bluish purple; on slender stalks (July-Sep). Fruits dry capsules. Leaves spoon shaped basal leaves and narrow stem ones. Status local and declining.
    126927.jpg
  • 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.
    118508.jpg
  • Blue Moor-grass (Sesleria caerulea) HEIGHT to 45cm. Blue-green, tufted perennial of dry limestone grassland;often forms large patches. FLOWERS  In dense, egg-shaped heads with buish-green spikelets (Apr-June). FRUITS Small, dry nutlets. LEAVES Rough-edged, blunt with a fine point at the tip.
    106595.jpg
  • 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.
    143552.jpg
  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
    144501.jpg
  • SLENDER ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum pulchrum (Clusiaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairless perennial with rounded stems. Found in dry, grassy places and heaths, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, the deep yellow petals marked with red spots and dark, marginal dots (latter also on sepals) (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are paired and oval, with translucent spots. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    144588.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    154346.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    143086.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    143105.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    127300.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    127861.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    127942.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    143075.jpg
  • Hop Trefoil - Trifolium campestre. Low-growing, hairy annual. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long and yellow; borne in compact, rounded heads, 15mm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are pods, cloaked by brown dead flowers in hop-like heads. LEAVES are trifoliate; terminal leaflet has the longest stalk. STATUS-Widespread and generally common; local in N and Ireland.
    157359.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.
    156655.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.
    156654.jpg
  • Wild Thyme - Thymus polytrichus (Lamiaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Creeping and mat-forming perennial with slender, woody runners. The whole plant is faintly aromatic, smelling of culinary thyme. Grows on dry grassland and heaths, and coastal cliffs and dunes. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and pinkish purple; borne in dense, terminal heads with dark, purplish calyx tubes, on 4-angled stems that are hairy on 2 opposite sides (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    156543.jpg
  • Thyme growing on Lundy Island, Devon. Wild Thyme - Thymus polytrichus (Lamiaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Creeping and mat-forming perennial with slender, woody runners. The whole plant is faintly aromatic, smelling of culinary thyme. Grows on dry grassland and heaths, and coastal cliffs and dunes. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and pinkish purple; borne in dense, terminal heads with dark, purplish calyx tubes, on 4-angled stems that are hairy on 2 opposite sides (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    156517.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.
    155598.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
    155425.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
    155426.jpg
  • Prickly Juniper or Cade Juniperus oxycedrus (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Spreading evergreen shrub or small untidy tree. BARK Brown, sometimes tinged with purple; peels away in vertical strips. LEAVES Sharply pointed needles arranged in whorls of 3; upper leaf surface has 2 pale bands separated by slightly raised midrib, and lower surface has pronounced midrib. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are rounded or pear-shaped, and mature to a reddish colour. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, generally preferring dry habitats.
    132727.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    143168.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
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
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  • NARROW-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella dentata (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1cm across (Apr-May). FRUITS are flattened and narrowly ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Very rare in southern England.
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  • WILD THYME Thymus polytrichus (Lamiaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Creeping and mat-forming perennial with slender, woody runners. The whole plant is faintly aromatic, smelling of culinary thyme. Grows on dry grassland and heaths, and coastal cliffs and dunes. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and pinkish purple; borne in dense, terminal heads with dark, purplish calyx tubes, on 4-angled stems that are hairy on 2 opposite sides (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • WILD ONION Allium vineale (Liliaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Bulbous perennial of dry grassland and roadside verges. FLOWERS are pink or white, long-stalked and borne in umbels along with greenish red bulbils and a papery bract; proportion of flowers : bulbils varies considerably (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, hollow and semi-circular in cross-section. STATUS-Common in S
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  • FIELD GARLIC Allium oleraceum (Liliaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Perennial of dry, grassy places. FLOWERS are whitish and bell-shaped, with stamens not protruding; long-stalked and borne in open heads with bulbils and 2 long bracts, the longest 15-20cm long (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are slender and semi-circular or rounded and channelled in cross-section. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • HAIRY-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella eriocarpa (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are hairy and have 5 terminal calyx teeth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS- Probably introduced. Very rare-Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.
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  • 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.
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  • LITTLE ROBIN Geranium purpureum (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Similar to Herb-Robert but overall more slender and straggly. Restricted to dry banks and coastal shingle. FLOWERS are 7-14mm across with pink petals and yellow pollen (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are distinctly wrinkled. LEAVES are hairy and deeply cut into 3 or 5 pinnately divided lobes. STATUS-Local in SW England, S Wales and S Ireland.
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  • 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.
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  • WILD LIQUORICE Astragalus glycophyllos (Fabaceae) Height to 30cm. Sprawling, hairless perennial with branched, zigzag stems. Found in dry, grassy places on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and yellowish green; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are curved and up to 4cm long. LEAVES are 15-20cm long with oval leaflets and large basal stipules. STATUS-Local, mainly E England and S Scotland.
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  • ANNUAL PEARLWORT Sagina apetala (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 8cm. Straggling, wiry annual of short, dry grassland and bare ground, usually on sandy soils. No basal rosette. FLOWERS have minute greenish petals and 4 longer greenish sepals that spread in fruit; borne on long stems (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, bristle-tipped, with hairy margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • HEATH PEARLWORT Sagina subulata (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, downy perennial with a basal rosette. Found on dry, sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS have 5 white petals that are equal to, or longer than sepals; borne on slender, stickily hairy stalks (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, bristle-tipped and downy. STATUS-Locally common in N & W; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • TOWER MUSTARD Arabis glabra. Tall (height to 1m); greyish, arrow-shaped, clasping leaves with tiny pale flowers. Scarce on dry ground in south.
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  • THALE CRESS Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive annual of dry, sandy soils; often on paths. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 white petals; in terminal clusters (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and 20mm long. LEAVES are broadly-toothed, oval and form a basal rosette; upright flowering stems also bear a few, small leaves. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in lowland areas.
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  • UPRIGHT CHICKWEED Moenchia erecta (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 8cm. Tiny, upright annual of short, dry grassland, typically on gravelly or sandy soils. FLOWERS are white with 4 petals; they open only in bright sunshine (Apr-Jun). Sepals are white-edged and longer than petals. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are waxy grey-green, stiff and narrow. STATUS-Local in England and Wales only.
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  • SPRING SQUILL Scilla verna (Liliaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Compact and resilient, hairless perennial that grows in dry, short coastal grassland, typically in sight of the sea. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, bell-shaped and lilac blue; borne in upright, terminal clusters on a short stalk, each flower having a bluish purple bract (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry, curly, basal and 4-6 in number; they appear in early spring, before the flowers. STATUS-Locally common on the coasts of W Britain and E Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • BLUE FLEABANE Erigeron acer (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Roughly hairy annual or biennial; stems are stiff and tinged reddish. Grows in dry, grassy places and on coastal shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 12-18mm across, the bluish purple ray florets mainly concealing the yellow disc florets; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and stalked at base of plant; narrow and unstalked on stem. STATUS-Widespread only in England and Wales.
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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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  • DEWBERRY Rubus caesius (Rosaceae) Height to 10cm<br />
Creeping perennial whose biennial stems bear weak prickles. Found in dry, grassy places but also in fens and dune slacks. FLOWERS are 2-2.5cm across with 5 white petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are bluish black, the large segments covered in a plum-like bloom. LEAVES are trifoliate and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • SMOOTH CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris glabra (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm. Upright, usually hairless annual of dry grassland, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with yellow florets not much longer than the bracts; flower stalks only slightly swollen beneath the heads (Jun-Oct). Scales present between florets. FRUITS have some feathery hairs. LEAVES are oblong, shiny and almost hairless; arranged as a basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common only in S and E England.
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  • BLUE FLEABANE Erigeron acer (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Roughly hairy annual or biennial; stems are stiff and tinged reddish. Grows in dry, grassy places and on coastal shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 12-18mm across, the bluish purple ray florets mainly concealing the yellow disc florets; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and stalked at base of plant; narrow and unstalked on stem. STATUS-Widespread only in England and Wales.
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  • BLUE FLEABANE Erigeron acer (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Roughly hairy annual or biennial; stems are stiff and tinged reddish. Grows in dry, grassy places and on coastal shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 12-18mm across, the bluish purple ray florets mainly concealing the yellow disc florets; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and stalked at base of plant; narrow and unstalked on stem. STATUS-Widespread only in England and Wales.
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  • COMMON CALAMINT Clinopodium ascendens (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairy and tufted perennial that branches from the base and smells of mint. Grows in dry grassland, hedgerows and verges, often on chalk or limestone soils. FLOWERS are 3-4cm long and pinkish lilac with darker spots on the lower lip; borne in clustered heads that comprise dense whorls (Jun-Sep). LEAVES are rounded and long-stalked. STATUS-Very locally common in the S but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • THALE CRESS Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive annual of dry, sandy soils; often on paths. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 white petals; in terminal clusters (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and 20mm long. LEAVES are broadly-toothed, oval and form a basal rosette; upright flowering stems also bear a few, small leaves. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in lowland areas.
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  • THALE CRESS Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive annual of dry, sandy soils; often on paths. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 white petals; in terminal clusters (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and 20mm long. LEAVES are broadly-toothed, oval and form a basal rosette; upright flowering stems also bear a few, small leaves. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in lowland areas.
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  • HEATH CUDWEED Gnaphalium sylvaticum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Greyish perennial with rather prostrate, leafy non-flowering stalks and upright, leafy flowering stems. Grows in dry, grassy places on heaths and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are carried in heads, 5-7mm long, with yellow-brown florets and brown-tipped bracts; in clusters or leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are green and hairless above but white-woolly below. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • GROUND-PINE Ajuga chamaepitys (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Distinctive and unusual hairy annual. Grows on dry, bare and disturbed ground, including cultivated land, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long and mainly yellow, with small purple markings; borne at leaf nodes (May-Aug.) FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES wither early at the base; stem leaves diagnostically deeply divided into 3 narrow lobes that smell of pine when rubbed. STATUS-Rare, S England only.
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  • STICKY GROUNDSEL Senecio viscosus (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Recalls Heath Groundsel but whole plant is stickily hairy and pungent. Grows in dry, bare places, often coastal. FLOWERS comprise conical heads, 12mm long, of yellow disc florets, recurved ray florets and bracts that are not black-tipped; in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are pinnately divided. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • TWIGGY MULLEIN Verbascum virgatum. Height to 1.5m. Slender, glandular-hairy biennial of dry grassy places. Flowers 1-2cm across, yellow, in groups of 1-5; flower stalks shorter than calyx (June-Sept). Fruits capsules. Leaves heart-shaped at the base, the upper ones slightly clasping. Status rare; restricted as a native to Devon, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles; occasional elsewhere.
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  • HOARY MULLEIN Verbascum pulverulentum (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 2m. Upright biennial, covered in white, woolly hairs that easily rub off the leaves. Grows in dry calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-35mm across, 5-lobed and yellow, with whitish hairs on all stamens; in branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate; woolly on both sides. STATUS-Local, E Anglia only.
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  • TWIGGY MULLEIN Verbascum virgatum. Height to 1.5m. Slender, glandular-hairy biennial of dry grassy places. Flowers 1-2cm across, yellow, in groups of 1-5; flower stalks shorter than calyx (June-Sept). Fruits capsules. Leaves heart-shaped at the base, the upper ones slightly clasping. Status rare; restricted as a native to Devon, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles; occasional elsewhere.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • COMMON CENTAURY Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, hairless annual that is found in dry, grassy places, including verges, chalk downland and sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes that open fully only in sunshine; borne in terminal clusters and on side shoots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval, those on the stem narrower than the basal ones (10-20mm across), which form a rosette; all leaves have 3-7 veins. STATUS-Widespread and common, except Scotland. Note-dwarf form var. capitatum (so-called Dumpy Centaury) occurs on coasts of England and Wales.
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  • COMMON CUDWEED Filago vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, greyish annual with a white-woolly coating. Plant branches towards the top of the plant. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are borne in rounded, woolly clusters, 10-12mm across, of 20-35 heads, not overtopped by leaves; each head has yellow florets and yellowish-tipped, straight bract tips (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, woolly and wavy. STATUS-Locally common in S.
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  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
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  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
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  • HONEWORT Trinia glauca (Apiaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Compact, hairless, grey-green and waxy perennial. Found in short, dry grassland on limestone soils. FLOWERS are white, with separate sex plants; male umbels are 1cm across, female 3cm across (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow lobes. STATUS-Rare; S Devon and N Somerset only.
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  • BRISTLY OXTONGUE Picris echioides (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Branched and upright annual or biennial. Stems are covered in stiff bristles. Grows in dry grassland and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with pale yellow florets; carried in open clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are oblong, the upper ones clasping; covered in swollen-based bristles and pale spots. STATUS-Locally common in S Britain but scarce elsewhere.
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  • WILD ONION Allium vineale (Liliaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Bulbous perennial of dry grassland and roadside verges. FLOWERS are pink or white, long-stalked and borne in umbels along with greenish red bulbils and a papery bract; proportion of flowers : bulbils varies considerably (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, hollow and semi-circular in cross-section. STATUS-Common in S.
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  • WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria vesca (Rosaceae) Height to 30cm. Low perennial with long, rooting runners. Found in dry, grass places. FLOWERS are 12-18mm across with 5 white petals (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are tiny strawberries. LEAVES comprise 3 oval, toothed leaflets that are hairy beneath; the terminal tooth of end leaflet is usually longer than adjacent ones. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • HOP TREFOIL Trifolium campestre (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Low-growing, hairy annual. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long and yellow; borne in compact, rounded heads, 15mm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are pods, cloaked by brown dead flowers in hop-like heads. LEAVES are trifoliate; terminal leaflet has the longest stalk. STATUS-Widespread and generally common; local in N and Ireland.
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