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  • Nyman’s Eucryphia Eucryphia x nymansensis (Eucryphiaceae) HEIGHT to 17m. Narrow, columnar evergreen tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Dense. LEAVES Compound, with 3 toothed, glossy dark-green leaflets, paler below, to 6cm long. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled white flowers, to 7.5cm across, contain many pink-tipped stamens; in leaf axils, opening in late summer. Fruit is a small, woody capsule. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Hybrid between E. cordifolia and E. glutinosa, raised in Nymans Garden, Sussex; the most frequently seen Eucryphia.
    133107.jpg
  • COMMON KNAPWEED Centaurea nigra (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Downy or hairy perennial that branches towards the top of the plant. The stems are stiff and grooved and are often swollen beneath the base of the flowers. Grows in a wide range of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, with reddish purple florets and a swollen, hard base covered in brown bracts; heads are usually solitary (Jun-Sep). FRUITS do not have pappus hairs. LEAVES are narrow, those near the base of the plant are slightly lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    141411.jpg
  • Narrow-leaved Clover - Trifolium angustifolium
    162617.jpg
  • Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus<br />
69.008 (1982)
    158278.jpg
  • Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus<br />
69.008 (1982)
    158278.jpg
  • Manna Ash Fraxinus ornus (Oleaceae) HEIGHT to 24m <br />
Medium-sized deciduous tree with a flattish crown. BARK Smooth dark-grey, sometimes almost black. BRANCHES With smooth, grey twigs, sometimes yellow-tinged, ending in greyish, white-bloomed buds. LEAVES Opposite, pinnate, to 30cm long with up to 9 ovate, toothed leaflets, each one to 10cm long and downy, with white or brown hairs on veins beneath. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Showy, creamy-white, fragrant flowers open with leaves. Each flower has 4 petals about 6mm long; they hang in clusters about 20cm across. Narrow-winged fruits, to 2cm long, hang in dense clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of central and S Europe and SW Asia, and planted here as a street tree or for ornamental value.
    135219.jpg
  • River Thames from Streatley Bridge
    154562.jpg
  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
    135062.jpg
  • Northern Pitch Pine Pinus rigida. Similar to Monterey Pine P. radiata. (Height to 20m) Narrowly conical tree with stiff, tough needles in clusters of 3, and small cylindrical or rounded cones with thinner, but stiff (hence rigida) scales. Striking feature, unique to this species of pine, is sprouting foliage on the bole. Native to E coasts of N America, occasionally planted here.
    134931.jpg
  • Pleasure cruiser emerging from Hambleden Lock near Henley, River Thames, Oxfordshire, Uk
    156246.jpg
  • Cruiser exiting the lock on the River Thames at Goring, Oxfordshire, Uk
    156249.jpg
  • Narrowboat on the River Thames at Godstow Lock, Oxford, Uk
    156259.jpg
  • Barge cruising the River Thames in autumn near Newbridge, Oxfordshire, Uk
    156263.jpg
  • Barge cruising the River Thames in autumn near Newbridge, Oxfordshire, Uk
    156264.jpg
  • Tadpole Bridge on the River thames near Bampton in Oxfordshire, Uk
    154534.jpg
  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
    135084.jpg
  • Northern Pitch Pine Pinus rigida. Similar to Monterey Pine P. radiata. (Height to 20m) Narrowly conical tree with stiff, tough needles in clusters of 3, and small cylindrical or rounded cones with thinner, but stiff (hence rigida) scales. Striking feature, unique to this species of pine, is sprouting foliage on the bole. Native to E coasts of N America, occasionally planted here.
    134941.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    134910.jpg
  • White Spruce Picea glauca (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 24m <br />
Narrowly conical evergreen, but broadening with maturity. BARK Purple-grey with roughly circular scales. BRANCHES Turn upwards at tips, bearing hairless, greyish twigs and blunt buds. LEAVES Pointed needles, 4-angled,to 1.3 cm long, pale green (sometimes bluish), and smelling unpleasantly to some when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are about 6cm long and 2cm across, cylindrical, pendent and orange-brown when ripe, with rounded margins to scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native northern North America, widely planted here for timber and ornament in Britain.
    134885.jpg
  • Broad-leaved Kindling Bark Eucalyptus dalrympleana (Height to 40m) similar to Ribbon Gum E. viminalis. Broadly domed with orange and buff bark, peeling in strips. Juvenile leaves heart-shaped, adult leaves long and lanceolate. Flower buds green. Widely planted.
    132368.jpg
  • Broad-leaved Kindling Bark Eucalyptus dalrympleana (Height to 40m) similar to Ribbon Gum E. viminalis. Broadly domed with orange and buff bark, peeling in strips. Juvenile leaves heart-shaped, adult leaves long and lanceolate. Flower buds green. Widely planted.
    132367.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    127038.jpg
  • Northern Pitch Pine Pinus rigida. Similar to Monterey Pine P. radiata. (Height to 20m) Narrowly conical tree with stiff, tough needles in clusters of 3, and small cylindrical or rounded cones with thinner, but stiff (hence rigida) scales. Striking feature, unique to this species of pine, is sprouting foliage on the bole. Native to E coasts of N America, occasionally planted here.
    124962.jpg
  • White Spruce Picea glauca (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 24m <br />
Narrowly conical evergreen, but broadening with maturity. BARK Purple-grey with roughly circular scales. BRANCHES Turn upwards at tips, bearing hairless, greyish twigs and blunt buds. LEAVES Pointed needles, 4-angled,to 1.3 cm long, pale green (sometimes bluish), and smelling unpleasantly to some when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are about 6cm long and 2cm across, cylindrical, pendent and orange-brown when ripe, with rounded margins to scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native northern North America, widely planted here for timber and ornament in Britain.
    124956.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    102326.jpg
  • Horse-radish Armoracia rusticana Height to 1.5m<br />
Upright, hairless perennial. Leaves are narrowly oval, long-stalked and up to 30cm long. Flowers are white and 8-9mm across with 4 petals; borne in leafy spikes, May-July. Status-Widespread and locally common, naturalised on damp ground.
    134509.jpg
  • Narrowboat on the River Thames at Godstow Lock, River Thames, Oxford, Uk
    156260.jpg
  • Pleasure boat on the River Thames by Swinford Toll Bridge in Oxfordshire, Uk
    156262.jpg
  • Barge on the River Thames at Newbridge in Oxfordshire, Uk
    156265.jpg
  • Kingston Bridge over the River Thames at sunset, Surrey, Uk
    154485.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    134929.jpg
  • NARROW-LIPPED HELLEBORINE Epipactis leptochila (Orchidaceae) Height to 70cm. Slender, upright perennial. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine but separable with care. Grows in shady woods, mainly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow, greenish white sepals and upper petals, and a narrow heart-shaped lip that is greenish white, sometimes pink-tinged towards the centre, with a tip that does not curve under; in open spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-oval. STATUS-Local, S England only.
    138059.jpg
  • NARROW-LIPPED HELLEBORINE Epipactis leptochila (Orchidaceae) Height to 70cm. Slender, upright perennial. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine but separable with care. Grows in shady woods, mainly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow, greenish white sepals and upper petals, and a narrow heart-shaped lip that is greenish white, sometimes pink-tinged towards the centre, with a tip that does not curve under; in open spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-oval. STATUS-Local, S England only.
    138058.jpg
  • Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus sylvestris. Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. Flowers 2cm long, pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 (June-Aug). Fruits long pods. Leaves comprising one pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils.
    141403.jpg
  • 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.
    131313.jpg
  • HEATH LOBELIA Lobelia urens (Campanulaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairless perennial with angled stems. Grows on damp, grassy heaths and along woodland rides, on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long, the corolla bluish purple and 2-lipped, with 2 narrow upper lobes and 3 narrow lower lobes; in open spikes on long stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, oval at the base of the plant, narrow on the stem. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly Sussex to Devon.
    128381.jpg
  • WATER LOBELIA Lobelia dortmanna (Campanulaceae) Aquatic. Hairless perennial with slender, hollow and leafless stems. Grows in acid waters of upland and western lakes with gravelly bottoms. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla lilac and 2-lipped, the upper with 2 narrow lobes, the lower one with 3 narrow lobes; borne in spikes on slender stalks (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy; in rosettes on lake beds.
    106380.jpg
  • Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus sylvestris. Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. Flowers 2cm long, pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 (June-Aug). Fruits long pods. Leaves comprising one pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils.
    141404.jpg
  • WATER LOBELIA Lobelia dortmanna (Campanulaceae) Aquatic. Hairless perennial with slender, hollow and leafless stems. Grows in acid waters of upland and western lakes with gravelly bottoms. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla lilac and 2-lipped, the upper with 2 narrow lobes, the lower one with 3 narrow lobes; borne in spikes on slender stalks (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy; in rosettes on lake beds.
    144604.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
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131704.jpg
  • Osier - Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    157441.jpg
  • Violet Helleborin -, Epipactis purpurata - var.rosea. Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    156688.jpg
  • The Streak Chesias legatella Wingspan 30-35mm. A distinctive moth that rests with its narrow forewings overlapping one another. Adult has marbled grey-brown forewings with a long, narrow white streak running parallel to leading edge. Flies September-October. Larva feeds on Broom. Widespread and fairly common throughout.
    140593.jpg
  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    133881.jpg
  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    133752.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131706.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131702.jpg
  • GOAT’S-BEARD Tragopogon pratensis (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Upright annual or perennial of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-4cm across, with yellow florets and long, narrow bracts; flowers close by midday and remain closed on dull mornings (May-Aug). FRUITS are white ‘clocks’, 8-10cm across. LEAVES are narrow, grass-like and clasping, or sheathing, at the base. STATUS-Locally common only in England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131296.jpg
  • LONG-HEADED POPPY Papaver dubium (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-7cm across with 4 papery, orange-red overlapping petals with no dark basal blotch; on stalks with adpressed hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and hairless capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, including the N.
    131242.jpg
  • LONG-HEADED POPPY Papaver dubium (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-7cm across with 4 papery, orange-red overlapping petals with no dark basal blotch; on stalks with adpressed hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and hairless capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, including the N.
    131240.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.
    131225.jpg
  • CRESTED DOG’S-TAIL Cynosurus cristatus (Poaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive, tufted perennial with wiry stems. Grows in grassland and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are borne in compact, flat heads, the spikelets usually greenish (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and short, with narrow and blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    131100.jpg
  • GRASS VETCHLING Lathyrus nissolia (Fabaceae) Height to 90cm. Upright, hairless or slightly downy perennial. Easily overlooked when not in flower, in its favoured grassy habitat. FLOWERS are 18mm long and crimson; solitary or paired on long, slender stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are narrow pods. LEAVES reduced to 1 pair of narrow, extremely grass-like leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in SE England.
    131025.jpg
  • TALL ROCKET Sisymbrium altissimum (Brassicaceae) Height to 2m. Upright annual of waste ground; hairless above but hairy below. Flowers 1cm across, yellow petals, twice the length of sepals (June-Aug). Fruits slender, narrow and up to 10cm long. Leaves have very narrow lobes, Status introduced but established in S and E England. Eastern Rocket S. orientale is similar but with smaller flowers and divided leaves that are spear-shaped overall. Waste ground in S.
    130026.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza traunsteineri (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Delicate orchid of fens and marshes. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, the well-marked lip 3-lobed with the central lobe longer than side ones; borne in short, open and few-flowered spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow, lanceolate, keeled and usually unspotted. STATUS-Very local in England, Wales and Ireland.
    127853.jpg
  • Osier - Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    157552.jpg
  • Osier - Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    157544.jpg
  • Violet Helleborin -, Epipactis purpurata - var.rosea. Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    156687.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    156686.jpg
  • Cypress Pug Eupithecia phoeniceata Wingspan 19-22mm. A distinctive pug with narrow, pointed wings that are spread flat at rest. Adult has grey-buff wings marked with narrow, blackish lines. Abdomen has black line across middle. Flies August-September.  Larva feeds on Monterey Cypress and possibly Leyland Cypress. This recent arrival to Britain was first noted in 1959; it is now widespread in southern and central England.
    140524.jpg
  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    133815.jpg
  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    132695.jpg
  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
    102368.jpg
  • CORNCOCKLE Agrostemma githago (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 70cm. Distinctive, downy annual. Associated with arable fields. FLOWERS are 30-45mm across, with 5 pinkish purple petals and long, narrow and radiating sepals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like. STATUS-Formerly widespread and common but now extremely scarce and erratic because of agricultural herbicides.
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  • CORNCOCKLE Agrostemma githago (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 70cm. Distinctive, downy annual. Associated with arable fields. FLOWERS are 30-45mm across, with 5 pinkish purple petals and long, narrow and radiating sepals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like. STATUS-Formerly widespread and common but now extremely scarce and erratic because of agricultural herbicides.
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  • LESSER MARSHWORT Apium inundatum (Apiaceae) * Creeping. Creeping and prostrate, hairless perennial with smooth stems. Found in damp ground, often on the margins of ponds and marshes, and sometimes growing submerged. FLOWERS are white and borne in small stalked umbels with 2-4 rays (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are narrow ovoid. LEAVES are pinnate with narrow, hair-like leaflets, not unlike those of some water-crowfoot species. STATUS-Widespread but rather local.
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  • SEA STOCK Matthiola sinuata (Brassicaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Downy, grey-green perennial, the base of which is not woody. Associated with coastal dunes and sea cliffs. FLOWERS are fragrant and 25-50mm across, with 4 pinkish petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow and elongated pods. LEAVES are narrow with toothed or lobed margins. STATUS-Rare, SW England, S Wales, S Ireland and Channel Islands only.
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  • GOAT’S-BEARD Tragopogon pratensis (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Upright annual or perennial of grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-4cm across, with yellow florets and long, narrow bracts; flowers close by midday and remain closed on dull mornings (May-Aug). FRUITS are white ‘clocks’, 8-10cm across. LEAVES are narrow, grass-like and clasping, or sheathing, at the base. STATUS-Locally common only in England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • FLOATING CLUB-RUSH Eleogiton fluitans (Cyperaceae) Aquatic. Branched perennial with narrow stems; often forms floating and submerged mats. Grows in still or slow-flowing, usually acid, waters. FLOWERS are terminal, brown spikelets borne on upright, emergent stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are whitish yellow. LEAVES are narrow and pale green. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • THREE-CORNERED GARLIC Allium triquetrum (Liliaceae) Height to 45cm. Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic when bruised. Grows in hedges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bell-shaped and white, with narrow green stripes; in drooping umbels on 3-sided stems (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and keeled; 3 per plant. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised locally in SW.
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  • SEA ARROWGRASS Triglochin maritimum (Juncaginaceae) Height to 50cm. Plantain-like tufted perennial that grows in saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, 3-petalled and green, edged with purple; borne in a long, narrow spike, which itself is long-stalked (May-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped with 6 segments. LEAVES are long, narrow and not furrowed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common around all coasts.
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  • SALSIFY Tragopogon porrifolius (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm<br />
Upright annual or perennial of grassy places and disturbed ground, usually near the sea. Similar to Goat’s-beard but flower colour entirely different. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-4cm across, with reddish purple florets and 8 long, narrow bracts; close by midday and remain closed on dull mornings (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are white ‘clocks’. LEAVES are narrow, grass-like and clasping, or sheathing, at the base. STATUS-Introduced and formerly cultivated; now occasionally naturalised, mainly in the S.
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  • FLOATING CLUB-RUSH Eleogiton fluitans (Cyperaceae) Aquatic. Branched perennial with narrow stems; often forms floating and submerged mats. Grows in still or slow-flowing, usually acid, waters. FLOWERS are terminal, brown spikelets borne on upright, emergent stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are whitish yellow. LEAVES are narrow and pale green. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • 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.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • BOG PONDWEED Potamogeton polygonifolius (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial of heath and moorland pools with acid waters. FLOWERS are greenish; borne in 4cm-long spikes on long stalks (May-Oct). FRUITS are round with a tiny beak. FLOATING LEAVES are narrow-oval, up to 10cm long, sometimes tinged red, and lack a flexible joint. SUBMERGED LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • BOG PONDWEED Potamogeton polygonifolius (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial of heath and moorland pools with acid waters. FLOWERS are greenish; borne in 4cm-long spikes on long stalks (May-Oct). FRUITS are round with a tiny beak. FLOATING LEAVES are narrow-oval, up to 10cm long, sometimes tinged red, and lack a flexible joint. SUBMERGED LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • PIGNUT Conopodium majus (Apiaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Delicate, upright perennial that is seldom branched and which has smooth, hollow stems. Found in open woodland and grassland, occurring mainly on dry, acid soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are narrow and egg-shaped with erect styles. LEAVES comprise finely divided basal leaves that soon wither and narrow-lobed ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
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  • PIGNUT Conopodium majus (Apiaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Delicate, upright perennial that is seldom branched and which has smooth, hollow stems. Found in open woodland and grassland, occurring mainly on dry, acid soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are narrow and egg-shaped with erect styles. LEAVES comprise finely divided basal leaves that soon wither and narrow-lobed ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
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  • Height to 65cm. Upright perennial that is similar to Narrow-lipped Helleborine. Grows in dune slacks. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow, greenish white sepals and upper petals, and a broadly heart-shaped lip that is greenish white, sometimes pink-tinged towards the centre, and curved under at the tip; in open spikes, flowers seldom opening fully (Jun-Jul).  FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are oval.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • 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.
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  • SWORD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera longifolia (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. An elegant orchid of woods and scrub on calcareous soils. Superficially similar to White Helleborine. FLOWERS are 20mm long, pure white, bell-shaped and open more fully than those of White Helleborine; each has a leafy bract, and they are borne in tall spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS form at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are long and narrow (narrower than White Helleborine), the largest at the base. STATUS-Local and scarce, least so in SE England where it occurs in scattered colonies.
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  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata egg case length to 9cm<br />
Narrow, stongly curved capsule; has one very convex surface. Capsule narrows towards base of shortest pair of horns.
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  • MARSH HELLEBORINE Epipactis palustris (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright and elegant perennial. Grows in marshes, fens and wet dune-slacks. FLOWERS comprise reddish- or brownish-green sepals, narrow, whitish upper petals that are marked with red, and a frilly, whitish lip marked with red streaks towards the base; borne in open spikes of up to 14 flowers (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval towards the base of the plant but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Very locally common in S England, S Wales and S Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • SEASIDE CENTAURY Centaurium littorale (Gentianaceae) Height to 15cm. Similar to Common Centaury but more compact, with subtle differences in the leaves and flowers. Associated with sandy, coastal ground and mainly northern. FLOWERS are 10-16mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes; borne in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green; basal leaves form a rosette and are narrow and 4-5mm wide while stem leaves are narrower still and parallel-sided. STATUS-Locally common on coasts of N and NW Britain.
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  • MARSH HELLEBORINE Epipactis palustris (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright and elegant perennial. Grows in marshes, fens and wet dune-slacks. FLOWERS comprise reddish- or brownish-green sepals, narrow, whitish upper petals that are marked with red, and a frilly, whitish lip marked with red streaks towards the base; borne in open spikes of up to 14 flowers (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval towards the base of the plant but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Very locally common in S England, S Wales and S Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • MARSH HELLEBORINE Epipactis palustris (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright and elegant perennial. Grows in marshes, fens and wet dune-slacks. FLOWERS comprise reddish- or brownish-green sepals, narrow, whitish upper petals that are marked with red, and a frilly, whitish lip marked with red streaks towards the base; borne in open spikes of up to 14 flowers (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval towards the base of the plant but narrower up the stem. STATUS-Very locally common in S England, S Wales and S Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • Dwarf Elder Sambucus ebulus (Caprifoliaceae) HEIGHT to 2m<br />
Unpleasant-smelling deciduous shrub or very occasionally a small tree. BARK reddish brown. BRANCHES Arching and grooved, turning red in September. LEAVES Compound, divided into 7-13 narrow leaflets, narrower than those of Elder. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are 3-5mm across and pinkish white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 8-15cm across and appear from June to August. Fruits are black, poisonous berries that are borne in clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Doubtfully native to Britain and Ireland; patchily distributed and generally scarce, being found mainly in the south of the region. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and on roadside verges.
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