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  • PETTY WHIN Genista anglica (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
A rather spindly, hairless shrub that is armed with strong spines. Found on heaths and moors, usually growing among Ling. FLOWERS are 15mm long and deep yellow; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are hairless and inflated. LEAVES are narrow, hairless and waxy. STATUS-Widespread but local in England, Wales and S Scotland.
    130837.jpg
  • COMMON RAGWORT Senecio jacobaea (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Hairless and poisonous biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in grassland; thrives in grazed areas (animals avoid eating living plant). FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across; these are carried in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Nov). FRUITS of disc florets are downy; ray floret fruits hairless. LEAVES are pinnate with a blunt end lobe. Foodplant of Cinnabar Moth larvae. STATUS-Common and widespread.
    131580.jpg
  • COMMON RAGWORT Senecio jacobaea (Asteraceae) - on the cliffs of Lundy. Height to 1m. Hairless and poisonous biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in grassland; thrives in grazed areas (animals avoid eating living plant). FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across; these are carried in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Nov). FRUITS of disc florets are downy; ray floret fruits hairless. LEAVES are pinnate with a blunt end lobe. Foodplant of Cinnabar Moth larvae. STATUS-Common and widespread
    155429.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
  • SHINING CRANE’S-BILL Geranium lucidum (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched, hairless annual that is sometimes tinged red. Found on shady banks and rocky slopes, mainly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across; the petals pink and not notched, and the sepals are inflated (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are shiny and rounded, the margins cut into 5-7 lobes. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    130876.jpg
  • COMMON RAGWORT Senecio jacobaea (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Hairless and poisonous biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in grassland; thrives in grazed areas (animals avoid eating living plant). FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across; these are carried in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Nov). FRUITS of disc florets are downy; ray floret fruits hairless. LEAVES are pinnate with a blunt end lobe. Foodplant of Cinnabar Moth larvae. STATUS-Common and widespread.
    131581.jpg
  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
    141583.jpg
  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
    131300.jpg
  • MEADOW FOXTAIL Alopecurus pratensis Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, hairless perennial that grows in meadows and on verges. FLOWERS are borne in smooth, cylindrical, purplish grey heads, 7-9cm long, of 1-flowered spikelets, with pointed glumes and long awns (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough, 5-8mm wide with blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    130815.jpg
  • 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.
    132078.jpg
  • BROOKWEED Samolus valerandi (Primulaceae) Height to 12cm. Hairless and pale green perennial. Found on damp ground, usually on saline or calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 5 white petals, joined to halfway; in terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are spherical capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped; appear mainly as a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread but local and mainly coastal.
    131179.jpg
  • BUR CHERVIL Anthriscus caucalis (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Delicate annual with hairless, hollow stems, flushed purple at the base. Found on sandy ground, often coastal. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels, 2-4cm across; bracts absent (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked bristles. LEAVES are finely divided, feathery and hairy below. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
    130870.jpg
  • PETTY SPURGE Euphorbia peplus (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright, hairless annual that often branches from the base. Found on arable land and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are greenish with oval bracts (sepals and petals are absent); borne in flattish umbel-like clusters (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are oval, blunt-tipped and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common almost throughout.
    130844.jpg
  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae) Height to 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate. STATUS-Introduced but widely naturalised, mainly on S and SE coasts of England and Ireland.
    143222.jpg
  • SPURGE LAUREL Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 1m. Hairless, evergreen shrub found in woods and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and yellowish, with 4 petal-like sepal lobes; borne in clusters (Jan-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and oval; in clusters at top of stem. STATUS-Widespread but local in England and Wales.
    143610.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
  • 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.
    133707.jpg
  • IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis (Scrophulariaceae) Trailing. Hairless perennial with trailing, purplish stems. Grows on rocks and walls. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across and lilac with yellow and white at the centre, and a curved spur; borne on long stalks (Apr-Nov). FRUITS are capsules, borne on long stalks that become recurved with maturity, forcing the fruit into nooks and crannies. LEAVES are long-stalked, ivy-shaped, 5-lobed and borne on long stalks. STATUS-Originally a garden plant but now widely naturalised throughout much of the region, except N Scotland.
    133653.jpg
  • BLADDERSEED Physospermum cornubiense (Height to 1m) is a hairless perennial with striped, solid stems. Umbels are 2-5cm across with whitish flowers (Jun-Jul). The fruits are inflated and resembled small bladders. This rare plant occurs in Cornwall (it is the only British flower with a reference to Cornwall in its scientific name) and also in Buckinghamshire.
    131849.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.
    131023.jpg
  • FENNEL Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Grey-green, strong-smelling and hairless perennial with solid young stems and hollow older ones. Favours grassy places, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in open umbels, 4-8cm across (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are narrow egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are feathery, comprising thread-like leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in S.
    131862.jpg
  • REDSHANK Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright or sprawling hairless annual with much-branched reddish stems. Found on disturbed ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are pink and borne in terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval, and usually show a dark central mark. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    131560.jpg
  • ANNUAL MERCURY Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 50cm. Hairless, branched and bushy annual. Found on waste ground and in cultivated soils, often near the sea. FLOWERS are yellowish green and borne in spikes on separate sex plants (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are bristly. LEAVES are narrowly ovate, shiny and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in the S but mainly coastal.
    131462.jpg
  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
    131366.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
  • YELLOW-RATTLE Rhinanthus minor (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 45cm. Variable, upright and almost hairless annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. The stems are stiff, 4-angled and often marked with dark spots and streaks. Grows in undisturbed meadows and stabilised dunes. FLOWERS are 10-20mm long, the corolla yellow, 2-lipped and somewhat tubular and straight, the 2 teeth on the upper lip are 1mm long; borne in spikes with triangular, toothed and leaf-like green bracts (May-Sep). FRUITS are inflated capsules inside which the ripe seeds do indeed rattle. LEAVES are oblong with rounded teeth. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130992.jpg
  • HEMLOCK Conium maculatum (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Highly poisonous, hairless biennial with hollow, purple-blotched stems and an unpleasant smell when bruised. Found on damp, wayside ground, motorway verges and riversides. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels that are 2-5cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are globular with wavy ridges. LEAVES are up to 4 times pinnately divided into fine leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the far N.
    130857.jpg
  • Hedge Bindweed - Calystegia sepium. Climbing,  to 2-3m. Vigorous, hairless perennial that twines around other plants to assist its progress. Found in hedgerows, woodland margins and on disturbed ground, often swamping the plants on, and through which, it grows by late summer. FLOWERS are 3-4cm across, white and funnel-shaped (Jun-Sep); the 2 epicalyx bracts, which surround the sepals, do not overlap one another. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are arrow-shaped and up to 12cm long. STATUS-Widespread and common in the S but scarce in the N.
    157343.jpg
  • 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.
    141595.jpg
  • HOG’S FENNEL Peucedanum officinale (Apiaceae) Height to 1.5m. Hairless, dark green perennial with solid stems. Restricted to coastal grassland on clay soils. FLOWERS are deep yellow and borne in open umbels, 15-20cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are narrow-ovate. LEAVES are 4- to 6-trifoliate with flattened, narrow segments. STATUS-Restricted to a couple of locations on the Thames Estuary.
    141504.jpg
  • HOG’S FENNEL Peucedanum officinale (Apiaceae) Height to 1.5m. Hairless, dark green perennial with solid stems. Restricted to coastal grassland on clay soils. FLOWERS are deep yellow and borne in open umbels, 15-20cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are narrow-ovate. LEAVES are 4- to 6-trifoliate with flattened, narrow segments. STATUS-Restricted to a couple of locations on the Thames Estuary.
    141505.jpg
  • CROWN VETCH Securigera varia (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Straggling, hairless perennial. Found in grassy places, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink and white; borne in long-stalked, spherical heads of 10-20 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are 4-angled pods, 6cm long. LEAVES comprise 7-12 pairs of oval leaflets and a terminal leaflet. STATUS-Naturalised locally.
    141464.jpg
  • BILBERRY Vaccinium myrtillus (Ericaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Hairless and deciduous undershrub with 3-angled green twigs. Found on acid soils, growing on heathland and in open woodland. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, greenish pink and globular urn-shaped; pendent and borne on short stalks (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are familiar and delicious black berries. LEAVES are bright green, oval and finely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common across much of the region; least numerous in the E.
    137704.jpg
  • Coriander Coriandrum sativum Height to 60cm. Hairless, aromatic annual. Grows on bare ground. Flowers are pinkish-white, with long outer petals and no bracts; in flat-topped umbels, June-August. Leaves are pinnate and variable; slender near top of plant, broader near base. Status-Widely cultivated as a herb, and occasionally naturalised.
    134552.jpg
  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
    134103.jpg
  • 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.
    132077.jpg
  • ASPARAGUS Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Branched, hairless perennial that is either upright or prostrate. Young shoots are the familiar vegetable. Grows in free-draining grassy places. FLOWERS are 4-6mm long, greenish and bell-shaped; borne in leaf axils, with separate sex plants (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are red berries. LEAVES are reduced to tiny bracts; what appear to be leaves are in fact slender, branched stems. STATUS- Garden Asparagus (ssp. officinalis) is locally naturalised; prostrate Wild Asparagus (ssp. prostratus) grows on sea cliffs in SW.
    132017.jpg
  • ORANGE BALSAM Impatiens capensis (Balsaminaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, hairless and bushy annual. Found in damp ground beside rivers. FLOWERS are 2-3cm long and orange with brown blotches and a curved spur; borne on stalks that arise from leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are explosive capsules. LEAVES are wavy, with fewer than 10 teeth. STATUS-Naturalised locally in England and Wales.
    131943.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.
    131818.jpg
  • SEA ROCKET Cakile maritima (Brassicaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Straggling, fleshy and hairless annual found on sandy and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6-12mm across, pink or pale lilac and borne in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are waisted pods, the upper half largest. LEAVES are shiny and pinnately lobed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common around coasts of Britain and Ireland.
    131724.jpg
  • FOOL’S-PARSLEY Aethusa cynapium (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm. Delicate, hairless annual with slender, ribbed stems. Found in gardens and arable fields. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels, 2-3cm across, the secondary umbels have a ‘beard’ of long upper bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 2-pinnate, flat and triangular in outline. STATUS-Commonest in S.
    131533.jpg
  • GREATER WATER-PARSNIP Sium latifolium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m. Hairless perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in fens on riverbanks. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 6-10cm across (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are pinnate with 4-8 pairs of narrow, toothed leaflets plus a terminal one. STATUS-Local, mainly SE England; commonest in E Anglia.
    131516.jpg
  • COMMON FIGWORT Scrophularia nodosa (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are solid and square but not winged. Grows in damp woodland and shady places. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and narrow white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, recalling miniature figs. LEAVES are oval and pointed, with sharp teeth. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N Scotland.
    131433.jpg
  • WATER FIGWORT Scrophularia auriculata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are square with prominent wings. Grows in damp ground, in woodlands and beside fresh water. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and broad white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval but blunt tipped, with rounded teeth; on winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131429.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.
    131414.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.
    131276.jpg
  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
    131251.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED BIRD’S-FOOT TREFOIL Lotus glaber (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Rather upright, hairless perennial of damp grassy places on clay. Similar to Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil but more slender. FLOWERS are 10mm long; borne on relatively short stalks, in heads of 2-4 (May-Aug). FRUITS are slender pods. LEAVES have 5 narrow, pointed leaflets, but appear trifoliate. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    131196.jpg
  • WHITE CLOVER Trifolium repens (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; borne in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, the rounded leaflets often bearing white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
    131178.jpg
  • COMMON TOADFLAX Linaria vulgaris (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 75cm. Greyish green, hairless perennial that is upright but often much-branched. Grows in dry grassland, on roadside verges and occasionally on the margins of arable fields. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and yellow, with orange centres and long spurs; borne in tall, cylindrical spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, linear and are borne up the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common; scarce in Ireland.
    131071.jpg
  • PINK WATER-SPEEDWELL Veronica catenata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless perennial, similar to Blue Water-speedwell, with which it hybridises, but smaller and often tinged purple; nb hybrid cross is often commoner than parents. Grows in damp ground and around pond margins. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pink; in rather open spikes comprising paired flowers arising from leaf axils, their stalks shorter than the bracts. FRUITS are flattened, rounded and notched capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, pointed and toothed. STATUS-Locally common.
    131045.jpg
  • YELLOW CORYDALIS Pseudofumaria lutea (Fumariaceae) Height to 30cm. Tufted, hairless perennial found on rocky ground and old walls. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long, bright yellow and 2-lipped; borne in clusters opposite the upper leaves (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 2- to 3-times pinnately divided and greyish green. STATUS-Naturalised as a garden escape.
    130769.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    127719.jpg
  • Yellow Asphodel Asphodeline lutea (Height to 1metre) Upright, hairless perennial. Mediterranean and southern Europe. Leaves, narrow, grey-green and mainly basal. Flowers yellow, star-shaped and 3-4cm across; borne on tall flower spikes, March-May. Grows on stony ground and garrigue.
    101807.jpg
  • WHITE CLOVER Trifolium repens (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; borne in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, the rounded leaflets often bearing white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
    156510.jpg
  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
    137706.jpg
  • GREEN FIGWORT Scrophularia umbrosa (Scrophulariaceae) H to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial. Grows in damp woodland and shady places. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, recalling miniature figs. LEAVES are oval-triangular. STATUS-Local and generally scarce, mainly in central and northern Britain.
    134108.jpg
  • SPURGE LAUREL Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 1m. Hairless, evergreen shrub found in woods and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and yellowish, with 4 petal-like sepal lobes; borne in clusters (Jan-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and oval; in clusters at top of stem. STATUS-Widespread but local in England and Wales.
    131987.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.
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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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  • 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.
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  • MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris (Rosaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairless perennial of marshes and damp meadows. FLOWERS are star-shaped, upright and comprise 5 reddish sepals and smaller purple petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are greyish and pinnately divided into 3 or 5 toothed, oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but local; common only in N England and Ireland.
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  • CHICKWEED WILLOWHERB Epilobium alsiniflium (Onograceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and usually upright perennial that is almost hairless. Found damp ground in uplands. FLOWERS are 8-11mm across, pinkish purple and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, green and erect. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Local in mountains from N Wales northwards.
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  • SCOTTISH ASPHODEL Tofieldia pusilla (Liliaceae) Height to 20cm. Upright, delicate and hairless perennial that is easy to overlook. Grows in damp ground and bogs, mainly in mountain regions. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across and greenish white with 3 blunt lobes; borne in dense, rounded spikes on slender stems (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are iris-like and borne in a flat, basal fan. STATUS-Restricted to Scottish Highlands (where it is fairly widespread) and Upper Teesdale.
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  • GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris (Saxifragaceae) Height to 25cm. Distinctive, tufted and hairless perennial of damp, peaty grassland, marshes and moors. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across and superficially buttercup-like, with 5 white petals and greenish veins; on upright stalks with clasping leaves (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are deep green; basal leaves are heart-shaped and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in N Britain and Ireland; scarce in, or absent from, the S.
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  • ROCK SPEEDWELL Veronica fruticans (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Attractive and distinctive perennial with stems that are woody and hairless at the base. Grows on rock ledges, at high altitudes in mountains. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and deep blue with a reddish centre; borne in open, few-flowered terminal clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are flattened, elliptical and hairy capsules with a long projecting style. LEAVES are oval, unstalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few locations in the Scottish Highlands.
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  • 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.
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  • CORN PARSLEY Petroselinum segetum (Apiaceae) Height to 60cm. Slender and rather wiry, hairless and dark grey-green perennial that smells of Parsley. Found in grassy places and hedges, usually near the sea. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 3-5cm across; these are open and irregular, due to unequal length of rays (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are pinnate with ovate, toothed leaflets. STATUS-Local and mainly coastal in S England and S Wales only.
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  • NARROW-LEAVED EVERLASTING-PEA Lathyrus sylvestris (Fabaceae) Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. FLOWERS are 2cm long and pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long pods. LEAVES have 1 pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils. STATUS-Very local.
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  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
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  • PORTLAND SPURGE Euphorbia portlandica (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairless, greyish perennial; branches at the base. Found in grassland and on cliffs near the sea. FLOWERS have lobes with long, crescent-shaped horns (petals and sepals are absent); in umbel-like clusters (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are rough. LEAVES are spoon-shaped with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Locally common on coasts of SW and W Britain.
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  • PERENNIAL FLAX Linum perenne (Linaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Slender, spreading and hairless perennial with wiry stems. Found in dry grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm across and lilac blue; borne in open clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are narrow, 1-veined and greyish green. STATUS-Extremely local in E and N England, on chalk or limestone.
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  • SANICLE Sanicula europaea (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Slender, hairless perennial of deciduous woodland, mostly on neutral or basic soils and often under Beech. FLOWERS are pinkish and borne in small umbels on reddish stems (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked bristles. LEAVES have 5-7 toothed lobes; lower leaves are long-stalked. STATUS-Very locally common throughout.
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  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
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  • WHITE CLOVER Trifolium repens (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; borne in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, the rounded leaflets often bearing white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.
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  • WILD GLADIOLUS Gladiolus illyricus (Height to 90cm) is an upright, hairless perennial. The slender, grass-like leaves are easily overlooked but not so the striking, pinkish purple flowers, 3-4cm long, that are borne in tall spikes (Jun-Jul). Wild Gladiolus grows among Bracken on the margins of open woodland and heaths.
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  • WILD GLADIOLUS Gladiolus illyricus (Height to 90cm) is an upright, hairless perennial. The slender, grass-like leaves are easily overlooked but not so the striking, pinkish purple flowers, 3-4cm long, that are borne in tall spikes (Jun-Jul). Wild Gladiolus grows among Bracken on the margins of open woodland and heaths.
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  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
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  • Coriander Coriandrum sativum Height to 60cm. Hairless, aromatic annual. Grows on bare ground. Flowers are pinkish-white, with long outer petals and no bracts; in flat-topped umbels, June-August. Leaves are pinnate and variable; slender near top of plant, broader near base. Status-Widely cultivated as a herb, and occasionally naturalised.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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  • HEATH MILKWORT Polygala serpyllifolia (Polygalaceae) Height to  20cm. Trailing, hairless perennial. Similar to Common Milkwort but smaller and with basal leaves in opposite pairs. Found on acid grassland and heaths. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long and usually blue; borne in short spikes of 5-10 flowers (May-Sep). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are narrow and pointed. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • BLUEBELL Hycanithoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
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  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis (Scrophulariaceae) Trailing. Hairless perennial with trailing, purplish stems. Grows on rocks and walls. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across and lilac with yellow and white at the centre, and a curved spur; borne on long stalks (Apr-Nov). FRUITS are capsules, borne on long stalks that become recurved with maturity, forcing the fruit into nooks and crannies. LEAVES are long-stalked, ivy-shaped, 5-lobed and borne on long stalks. STATUS-Originally a garden plant but now widely naturalised throughout much of the region, except N Scotland.
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  • WHITE CLOVER Trifolium repens (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; borne in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, the rounded leaflets often bearing white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
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  • PARSLEY WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe lachenalii (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in damp meadows and marshes; tolerates brackish conditions. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ribbed and lack swollen, cocky bases (see next species). LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow to oval, flat leaflets, the whole recalling young, fresh Parsley leaves. STATUS-Locally common (mainly coastal) in England, Wales and Ireland; scarce in Scotland.
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  • 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.
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  • HEDGE BINDWEED Calystegia sepium (Convolvulaceae) Climbing,  to 2-3m. Vigorous, hairless perennial that twines around other plants to assist its progress. Found in hedgerows, woodland margins and on disturbed ground, often swamping the plants on, and through which, it grows by late summer. FLOWERS are 3-4cm across, white and funnel-shaped (Jun-Sep); the 2 epicalyx bracts, which surround the sepals, do not overlap one another. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are arrow-shaped and up to 12cm long. STATUS-Widespread and common in the S but scarce in the N.
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  • MUDWORT Limosella aquatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 10cm. Hairless, rosette-forming annual with creeping runners. Grows on damp mud, typically on the margins of drying ponds. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across and bell-shaped with 5 pinkish white lobes; on slender stalks arising from leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and long-stalked. STATUS-Rare, mainly in S.
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  • GREATER BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella major (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Branched perennial with hollow, ridged and hairless stems. Found in shady and grassy places. FLOWERS and white and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are usually 1-pinnate with toothed, oval lobes. STATUS-Widespread but distinctly local; commonest in central England.
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  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
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  • BLACK NIGHTSHADE Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae) Height to 60cm. Straggly annual that is usually hairless; stems sometimes blackish. Grows in cultivated and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm across with white corolla lobes and projecting yellow anthers; borne in pendent clusters of 5-10 flowers (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are spherical berries, green at first but ripening black, and not partly concealed by sepals. LEAVES are oval and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in S only.
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  • MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris (Rosaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairless perennial of marshes and damp meadows. FLOWERS are star-shaped, upright and comprise 5 reddish sepals and smaller purple petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are greyish and pinnately divided into 3 or 5 toothed, oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but local; common only in N England and Ireland.
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  • SEA ROCKET Cakile maritima (Brassicaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Straggling, fleshy and hairless annual found on sandy and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6-12mm across, pink or pale lilac and borne in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are waisted pods, the upper half largest. LEAVES are shiny and pinnately lobed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common around coasts of Britain and Ireland.
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  • 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.
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  • IVY-LEAVED BELLFLOWER Wahlenbergia hederacea (Campanulaceae) Creeping. Charming and delicate, hairless perennial with trailing stems. Grows on damp, shady ground on moors and heaths, typically on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-10mm long, the corolla pale blue and narrowly bell-shaped with flared, triangular lobes at the mouth; borne on long, slender stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are 5-10mm across, pale green and rounded to kidney-shaped with lobes, sometimes like tiny ivy leaves; on slender stalks. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and Wales.
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