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  • HEATH GROUNDSEL Senecio sylvaticus (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Groundsel but taller and more robust. Grows on disturbed, sandy soils on heaths and in woodlands. FLOWERS comprise stickily hairy, conical heads, 10mm long, of yellow discs floret, recurved ray florets and bracts that are not black-tipped; heads are carried in open clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairy. LEAVES are deeply pinnately divided. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    131777.jpg
  • SCENTED MAYWEED Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Similar to Scentless Mayweed but scented and aromatic. Grows on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of solitary, long-stalked heads, 20-30mm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Jun-Aug). No scales between disc florets. Receptacle is hollow and conical. FRUITS are achenes without black oil glands. LEAVES are feathery and much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and common only in the S.
    141370.jpg
  • SCENTLESS MAYWEED Tripleurospermum inodorum (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm. Scentless, hairless and often rather straggly perennial of disturbed and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of solitary, long-stalked heads, 20-40mm across, comprising yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Apr-Oct). No scales between disc florets. Receptacle is domed and solid. FRUITS are achenes tipped with black oil glands. LEAVES are feathery and much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    141593.jpg
  • SCENTED MAYWEED Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Similar to Scentless Mayweed but scented and aromatic. Grows on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of solitary, long-stalked heads, 20-30mm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Jun-Aug). No scales between disc florets. Receptacle is hollow and conical. FRUITS are achenes without black oil glands. LEAVES are feathery and much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and common only in the S.
    132190.jpg
  • Pineapple-weed - Matricaria discoidea. Bright green, hairless perennial that smells strongly of pineapple when crushed. Grows on disturbed ground, paths and tracks. FLOWERS comprise yellowish green disc florets only (no ray florets) and these are borne in rounded to conical heads, 8-12mm long, the receptacles of which are hollow (May-Nov). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are finely divided and feathery.
    155392.jpg
  • SEA ASTER Aster tripolium (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Attractive, branched, hairless and salt-tolerant perennial that grows in saltmarshes and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each of which consists of yellow disc florets and bluish lilac ray florets, and is 1-2cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are fleshy and narrow, with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Locally common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.
    132086.jpg
  • 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.
    131919.jpg
  • TRIFID BUR-MARIGOLD Bidens tripartita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Branched, almost hairless annual with reddish stems. Grows in damp ground and shallow water. FLOWERS in heads, 10-25mm across, with yellow disc florets (no ray florets) and 5-8 leaf-like bracts below (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are oblong and flattened with 1 barbed bristle. LEAVES are stalked and 3-lobed. STATUS-Locally common only in S.
    131894.jpg
  • 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.
    131771.jpg
  • ALPINE FLEABANE Erigeron borealis (Height to 25cm) has a basal rosette of hairy, lanceolate leaves and upright stems that carry solitary heads comprising pinkish lilac ray florets and yellowish disc florets, 2cm across (Jul-Aug). It is a rare plant of the E Highlands.
    131761.jpg
  • Pineappleweed - Matricaria matricarioides. Bright green, hairless perennial that smells strongly of pineapple when crushed. Grows on disturbed ground, paths and tracks. FLOWERS comprise yellowish green disc florets only (no ray florets) and these are borne in rounded to conical heads, 8-12mm long, the receptacles of which are hollow (May-Nov). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are finely divided and feathery.
    101452.jpg
  • Pineapple-weed - Matricaria discoidea. Bright green, hairless perennial that smells strongly of pineapple when crushed. Grows on disturbed ground, paths and tracks. FLOWERS comprise yellowish green disc florets only (no ray florets) and these are borne in rounded to conical heads, 8-12mm long, the receptacles of which are hollow (May-Nov). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are finely divided and feathery.
    155393.jpg
  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae), Lundy Island, Devon. Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
    156586.jpg
  • 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.
    131981.jpg
  • COMMON FLEABANE Pulicaria dysenterica (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Creeping perennial with upright, branched and woolly flowering stems. Grows in damp meadows and ditches on heavy soils. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with spreading yellow ray florets and deeper yellow, central disc florets; arranged in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes with a hairy pappus. LEAVES are heart-shaped and clasping on the stem; basal leaves soon wither. STATUS-Common, except in Scotland.
    131858.jpg
  • MARSH THISTLE Cirsium palustre (Asteraceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, branched biennial that is often tinged reddish. Stems have continuous spiny wings. Grows in damp grassland. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with dark reddish purple florets; heads in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131288.jpg
  • Mexican Fleabane Erigeron karvinskianus Height to 25cm<br />
Much-branched, slender and rather straggly perennial. Flowers are borne in Daisy-like heads, 20mm across, comprising yellow disc florets and either white or pinkish-red ray florets (Jul-Aug). Leaves are narrowly-oval, the basal ones toothed. Naturalised as a garden escape, mainly in S and SW England.
    143660.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.
    141410.jpg
  • Alpine Sow-thistle Cicerbita alpina Height to 80cm<br />
Showy perennial of damp rocky ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads with bluish-purple florets; heads are carried in branched, terminal clusters (Jul-Sep). LEAVES are lobed. Status-Very rare, restricted to a few locations in Scottish mountains.
    134277.jpg
  • 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.
    131920.jpg
  • Michelmas Daisy Aster novi-belgii (Asteraceae) H to 75cm<br />
Attractive, branched, perennial. Grown in gardens and occasionally naturalised. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each of which consists of orange-yellow disc florets and bluish-lilac ray florets, and is 1-2cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow-oval, with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Occasional.
    132207.jpg
  • Mouse-eared Hawkweed - Pilosella officinarum. Height to 25cm. Variable, hairy perennial. Plant has creeping runners and often forms mats. Stems produce a milky latex when broken. Grows in a wide range of dry, grassy places, from meadows to heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with pale yellow florets that have a red stripe below; heads are solitary on leafless stems (May-Oct). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are spoon-shaped, green and hairy above and downy white below; arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157366.jpg
  • CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris radicata (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Tufted perennial with hairless stems. Grows in dry grassland. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 25-40mm across, with yellow florets much longer than the bristly, purple-tipped bracts; flower stalks branch 1-2 times and are swollen beneath the solitary heads (Jun-Sep). Scales present between florets. FRUITS are beaked with some feathery hairs. LEAVES are oblong, bristly, wavy-edged; form a basal rosette. STATUS-Common.
    131983.jpg
  • PERENNIAL SOW-THISTLE Sonchus arvensis (Asteraceae) Height to 2m. Impressive perennial that grow in damp, grassy places and on disturbed ground. Broken stems exude a milky sap. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 4-5cm across, with yellow florets; heads are carried in branched, umbel-like clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are ribbed and flattened with feathery pappus hairs forming a ‘clock’. LEAVES are narrow, shiny, dark green above and greyish below, with pinnate lobes and soft marginal spines; clasping, rounded auricles at base. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    131803.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.
    131576.jpg
  • BEAKED HAWK'S-BEARD Crepis vesicaria. Height to 1.2m. Branched, roughly hairy plant of grassland, verges and waste ground. Flowers in heads 15-25mm across, with orange-yellow florets, outer ones striped red (June-Sep). Fruits with a pappus of unbranched hairs. Leaves irregularly pinnate, with a large end lobe. Status introduced but common in S England.
    131116.jpg
  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae), Lundy Island, Devon. Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
    156585.jpg
  • NODDING BUR-MARIGOLD Bidens cernua (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Trifid Bur-marigold but with hairy stems. Grows in damp ground and shallow water. FLOWERS in nodding heads, 15-30mm across with yellow disc florets and 5-8 leaf-like bracts below (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are narrow and flattened with 3-4 barbed bristles. LEAVES are lanceolate, unstalked and undivided. STATUS-Locally common in S.
    132144.jpg
  • MOUSE-EAR HAWKWEED Pilosella officinarum (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, hairy perennial. Plant has creeping runners and often forms mats. Stems produce a milky latex when broken. Grows in a wide range of dry, grassy places, from meadows to heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with pale yellow florets that have a red stripe below; heads are solitary on leafless stems (May-Oct). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are spoon-shaped, green and hairy above and downy white below; arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    131980.jpg
  • HEMP-AGRIMONY Eupatorium cannabinum (Asteraceae) Height to 1.5m. Tall, upright and downy perennial that grows mainly in damp grassland and marshes, but (perhaps surprisingly) also in scrub on chalk. FLOWERS are dull pinkish lilac; borne in heads, 2-5mm across, comprising 5-6 florets, in rather dense, terminal clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are 1-seeded with pappus hairs. LEAVES are trifoliate and borne in opposite pairs up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
    131789.jpg
  • GREAT LETTUCE Lactuca virosa (Asteraceae) Height to 2m<br />
Similar to Prickly Lettuce but taller; note differences in leaves. Stems often tinged purple and exude a milky sap when broken. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 9-11mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are maroon with unbanched pappus hairs. LEAVES are dark green and spreading with rounded, clasping bases; lower leaves may have broad lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131775.jpg
  • WOOLLY THISTLE Cirsium eriophorum (Asteraceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright biennial of calcareous grassland. Stems are furrowed, cottony and unwinged. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 6-7cm across, comprising reddish purple florets topping a ball coated with cottony bracts; heads are solitary (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    131507.jpg
  • GREATER KNAPWEED Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Elegant perennial. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen beneath the base of the plant. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple disc florets (the outer ones are elongated, spreading and ray-like) and a swollen base coated with brown bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairless achenes. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnate. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131339.jpg
  • MEADOW THISTLE Cirsium dissectum (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm. Creeping perennial that produces upright long, slender flowering stems that are unwinged, downy and ridged. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with reddish purple florets and darker bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Jul). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed, green and hairy above and white cottony below. STATUS-Locally common in S and central England, Wales and Ireland.
    131141.jpg
  • NIPPLEWORT Lapsana communis (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, much-branched annual with stiff stems that do not produce latex when broken. Grows in cultivated and disturbed ground, and often in gardens. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, with yellow florets; carried in open clusters (Jul-Oct). Flowers are nipple-like in bud. FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are oval to lanceolate, toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    132034.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.
    131995.jpg
  • CANADIAN FLEABANE Conyza canadensis. Height to 1m. Upright, hairy annual of disturbed and bare ground; often seen beside roads. Flowers in heads 5-8cm long, with pinkish or white florets; in dense and much branched inflorescences (Jul-Oct). Fruits achenes. Leaves narrow. Status introduced and increasing.
    131881.jpg
  • PRICKLY LETTUCE Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) Height to 1.75m. Upright and stiff biennial, the upper part of which is branched. Broken stems exude a milky sap. Grows on disturbed and waste ground, verges and railways. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 11-13mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are brown with unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are grey-green and held stiffly erect with pointed clasping bases; margins and lower midrib have weak spine; lower leaves may have narrow lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131851.jpg
  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    131641.jpg
  • COTTON THISTLE Onopordum acanthium (Asteraceae) Height to 2.5m. Tall biennial with strongly winged stems armed with spines and coated in cottony down. Grows on waste and disturbed ground, and on verges. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 30-35mm across, with reddish purple florets and a globular base covered in spine-tipped bracts; in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are oblong with wavy, spiny lobes; cottony on both surfaces. STATUS-Possibly introduced; now widespread and local in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131475.jpg
  • WELTED THISTLE Carduus crispus (Asteraceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright and much-branched biennial with cottony stems that have spiny wings along almost their entire length, except just below the flower heads. Grows in grassland, scrub, verges and open woodland. FLOWERS are borne in cylindrical or egg-shaped heads, 2-3cm long, with reddish purple florets and woolly green bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are oblong, deeply pinnate, 3-lobed and spiny at base of plant; upper leaves are narrower and stalkless. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except in Ireland and N Scotland.
    131371.jpg
  • COMMON HAWKWEED Hieracium vulgatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed; basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette; stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in N Britain; scarce or absent in S.
    131372.jpg
  • SCENTED MAYWEED Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Similar to Scentless Mayweed but scented and aromatic. Grows on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of solitary, long-stalked heads, 20-30mm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Jun-Aug). No scales between disc florets. Receptacle is hollow and conical. FRUITS are achenes without black oil glands. LEAVES are feathery and much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and common only in the S.
    131244.jpg
  • MUSK THISTLE Carduus nutans (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright and elegant biennial. The stems are cottony, mainly with spiny wings although stalks below flowers are spine-free. Grows in dry, grassy areas including verges and dunes. FLOWERS are carried in rayless heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple florets and purplish, spiny bracts; heads are solitary and nodding (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Locally common only in England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131097.jpg
  • GREATER KNAPWEED Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Elegant perennial. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen beneath the base of the plant. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple disc florets (the outer ones are elongated, spreading and ray-like) and a swollen base coated with brown bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairless achenes. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnate. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    144497.jpg
  • GREAT LETTUCE Lactuca virosa (Asteraceae) Height to 2m<br />
Similar to Prickly Lettuce but taller; note differences in leaves. Stems often tinged purple and exude a milky sap when broken. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 9-11mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are maroon with unbanched pappus hairs. LEAVES are dark green and spreading with rounded, clasping bases; lower leaves may have broad lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131571.jpg
  • COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale agg. (Asteraceae) Height to 35cm. Extremely variable perennial. Experts recognise several sub-groups (sections), containing numerous so-called micro-species; however, for simplicity’s sake, here they are lumped together as a single species. Grows in a wide variety of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with yellow florets; heads are solitary and borne on hollow stems that yield a milky sap if broken (Mar-Oct). FRUITS have a hairy pappus, arranged as a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and sharply lobed; arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    143169.jpg
  • 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.
    131859.jpg
  • WALL LETTUCE Mycelis muralis (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright and hairless perennial. Stems are often purple tinged and exude a milky sap when broken. Grows on shady banks and wall, usually on chalky soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 7-10mm across, with 5 yellow ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, the end lobe triangular; upper leaves are clasping. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
    131730.jpg
  • CREEPING THISTLE Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Creeping perennial with upright, unwinged and mostly spineless flowering stems. Grows in disturbed ground and grassy areas. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with pinkish lilac florets and darker bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny, the upper leaves clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131578.jpg
  • PRICKLY LETTUCE Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) Height to 1.75m. Upright and stiff biennial, the upper part of which is branched. Broken stems exude a milky sap. Grows on disturbed and waste ground, verges and railways. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 11-13mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are brown with unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are grey-green and held stiffly erect with pointed clasping bases; margins and lower midrib have weak spine; lower leaves may have narrow lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131570.jpg
  • SMOOTH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis capillaris (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Hairless and branched annual or biennial of dry, grassy places. FLOWERS in heads, 15-25mm across, with yellow florets and 2 rows of bracts, the outer ones spreading; heads in branched clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones with clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Common.
    131407.jpg
  • MELANCHOLY THISTLE Cirsium heterophyllum (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Upright and unbranched perennial with stems that are grooved, cottony, spineless and unwinged. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple florets; heads usually solitary or in small clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and barely spiny, green and hairless above but coated with white felt underneath. STATUS-Locally common only in N England and Scotland.
    131072.jpg
  • COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale agg. (Asteraceae) Height to 35cm. Extremely variable perennial. Experts recognise several sub-groups (sections), containing numerous so-called micro-species; however, for simplicity’s sake, here they are lumped together as a single species. Grows in a wide variety of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with yellow florets; heads are solitary and borne on hollow stems that yield a milky sap if broken (Mar-Oct). FRUITS have a hairy pappus, arranged as a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and sharply lobed; arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    141299.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.
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  • CANADIAN FLEABANE Conyza canadensis. Height to 1m. Upright, hairy annual of disturbed and bare ground; often seen beside roads. Flowers in heads 5-8cm long, with pinkish or white florets; in dense and much branched inflorescences (Jul-Oct). Fruits achenes. Leaves narrow. Status introduced and increasing.
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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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  • DWARF THISTLE Cirsium acaule (Asteraceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Creeping and flattened perennial with a characteristic rosette of extremely spiny leaves. Grows in short grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple florets; heads are usually stalkless (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnate with wavy, spiny lobes. STATUS-Locally common only in S and E England and S Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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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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  • 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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  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
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  • GREATER KNAPWEED Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Elegant perennial. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen beneath the base of the plant. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple disc florets (the outer ones are elongated, spreading and ray-like) and a swollen base coated with brown bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairless achenes. LEAVES are oblong and deeply pinnate. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • 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.
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  • COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale agg. (Asteraceae) Height to 35cm. Extremely variable perennial. Experts recognise several sub-groups (sections), containing numerous so-called micro-species; however, for simplicity’s sake, here they are lumped together as a single species. Grows in a wide variety of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with yellow florets; heads are solitary and borne on hollow stems that yield a milky sap if broken (Mar-Oct). FRUITS have a hairy pappus, arranged as a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and sharply lobed; arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • NIPPLEWORT Lapsana communis (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, much-branched annual with stiff stems that do not produce latex when broken. Grows in cultivated and disturbed ground, and often in gardens. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, with yellow florets; carried in open clusters (Jul-Oct). Flowers are nipple-like in bud. FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are oval to lanceolate, toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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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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  • PERENNIAL SOW-THISTLE Sonchus arvensis (Asteraceae) Height to 2m. Impressive perennial that grow in damp, grassy places and on disturbed ground. Broken stems exude a milky sap. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 4-5cm across, with yellow florets; heads are carried in branched, umbel-like clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are ribbed and flattened with feathery pappus hairs forming a ‘clock’. LEAVES are narrow, shiny, dark green above and greyish below, with pinnate lobes and soft marginal spines; clasping, rounded auricles at base. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • SAW-WORT Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Slender, hairless and spineless perennial with grooved and rather stiff stems. Grows in damp meadows and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 15-20mm long, that comprise pinkish purple florets and close-pressed purplish bracts; heads are carried in open, terminal clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS have unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES vary from undivided to deeply lobed, but the edges are always saw-toothed. STATUS-Locally common only in SW England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • MARSH CUDWEED Gnaphalium uliginosum (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm. Greyish green, woolly and branched annual that grows in damp, disturbed ground and on tracks. FLOWERS are borne in unstalked heads, 3-4mm long, comprising yellow disc florets and brown bracts; in clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and woolly on both sides, the top ones surrounding, sometimes over-topping, the flower heads. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • CREEPING THISTLE Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Creeping perennial with upright, unwinged and mostly spineless flowering stems. Grows in disturbed ground and grassy areas. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with pinkish lilac florets and darker bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny, the upper leaves clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • Alpine Sow-thistle Cicerbita alpina Height to 80cm<br />
Showy perennial of damp rocky ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads with bluish-purple florets; heads are carried in branched, terminal clusters (Jul-Sep). LEAVES are lobed. Status-Very rare, restricted to a few locations in Scottish mountains.
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  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
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  • Perennial Sow-thistle - Sonchus arvensis
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  • Pink Hawksbeard - Crepis rubra
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  • Perennial Sow-thistle - Sonchus arvensis
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  • Autumn Hawkbit - Leontodon autumnalis
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  • Urospermum - Urospermum dalechampii
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  • Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale
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  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
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  • Common Knapweed - Centaurea nigra
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  • Bristly Ox-tongue - Helminthotheca echioides
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  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
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  • Marsh Thistle - Cirsium palustre
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  • Spear Thistle - Cirsium vulgare
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  • Common Fleabane - Pulicaria dysenterica
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  • Bristly Ox-tongue - Helminthotheca echioides
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  • Marsh Thistle - Cirsium palustre
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  • Bristly Oxtongue - Picris echioides
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  • Spear Thistle - Cirsium vulgare
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  • Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale
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  • Bristly Ox-tongue - Helminthotheca echioides
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  • Greater Knapweed - Centaurea scabiosa
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  • Common Fleabane - Pulicaria dysenterica
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  • Nodding Bur-marigold - Bidens cernua
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  • Nodding Bur-marigold - Bidens cernua
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  • Tordylium - Tordylium apulum
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  • Carline Thistle - Carlina vulgaris
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  • Burnet-saxifrage - Pimpinella saxifraga
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  • Burnet-saxifrage - Pimpinella saxifraga
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  • SMALL FLEABANE Pulicaria vulgaris (Height to 40cm) recalls Common Fleabane but it is more branched and has much smaller flower heads, 1cm across, with short ray florets (Aug-Oct). It grows around the trampled and grazed margins of pools in the New Forest, its best location in our region.
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