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  • HEATH CUDWEED Gnaphalium sylvaticum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Greyish perennial with rather prostrate, leafy non-flowering stalks and upright, leafy flowering stems. Grows in dry, grassy places on heaths and along woodland rides. FLOWERS are carried in heads, 5-7mm long, with yellow-brown florets and brown-tipped bracts; in clusters or leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are green and hairless above but white-woolly below. STATUS-Locally common.
    131827.jpg
  • SEA BINDWEED Calystegia soldanella (Convolvulaceae) Creeping. Prostrate perennial that grows on sand dunes, and occasionally on stabilised shingle. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, funnel-shaped and pink with 5 white stripes; on slender stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are kidney-shaped, fleshy, up to 4cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread on coasts but locally common only in S.
    131128.jpg
  • ROUND-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia spuria (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, softly-hairy and slightly sticky annual. Grows in cultivated soils, particularly around the margins of arable fields. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long, mainly yellow but with a purple upper lip and a curved spur; borne on slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval or slightly rounded. STATUS-Locally common in S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131480.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    120602.jpg
  • BIRD’S-FOOT CLOVER or FENUGREEK Trifolium ornithopodioides (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, hairless annual that is easily overlooked. Found in dry, grassy places, usually on sand or gravel. FLOWERS are 5-8mm long and white or pale pink; in heads of 1-5 (May-Oct). FRUITS are small pods. LEAVES are clover-like and trifoliate with toothed, oval leaflets. STATUS-Very local in S England, Wales and Ireland.
    133706.jpg
  • SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER Trifolium subterraneum (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, hairy annual, found in short grassland on sand and gravel, usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and creamy white; in clusters of 2-6 in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pods that ‘burrow’ into the soil, pushed by elongating stalks. LEAVES are trifoliate with broadly oval, notched leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    130799.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    130743.jpg
  • CORAL-NECKLACE Illecebrum verticillatum (Prostrate) is a charming and distinctive annual with square reddish stems along which are borne discrete, rounded clusters of white flowers (Jun-Sep). The plant grows in damp ground, often in trampled hollows at the margins of drying ponds and ruts in the New Forest.
    153701.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    144436.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132039.jpg
  • SHARP-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia elatine (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, hairy and branching annual. Grows in cultivated soils and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long, yellow with a purple upper lip and a straight spur; borne on slender stalks arising from leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are triangular to arrow-shaped. STATUS-Local, mainly S and E England.
    131442.jpg
  • SAND SPURREY Spergularia rubra (Caryophyllaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, stickily hairy annual or biennial. Found dry, sandy ground. FLOWERS are pink and 3-5mm across; 5 petals are shorter than sepals (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and bristle-tipped; borne in whorls with silvery, lanceolate stipules. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131370.jpg
  • YELLOW VETCH Vicia lutea (Fabaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Rather prostrate, hairless, greyish green annual. Found in coastal grassy places and on stabilised shingle. FLOWERS are 25-35mm long and pale yellow; in groups of 1-3 (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are hairy, brown pods up to 4cm long. LEAVES have 3-10 pairs of bristle-tipped leaflets and tendrils. STATUS-Very local, found mainly in S.
    130977.jpg
  • SPOTTED MEDICK Medicago arabica (Fabaceae) Prostrate<br />
Creeping annual of dry, grass places, often near the sea. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in heads (5-7mm across) of 1-6 flowers (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are spirally coiled and spiny pods. LEAVES are trifoliate, the heart-shaped leaflets bearing a dark central spot. STATUS-Local in S and E England, and mainly coastal.
    130938.jpg
  • SPOTTED MEDICK Medicago arabica (Fabaceae) * Prostrate<br />
Creeping annual of dry, grass places, often near the sea. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in heads (5-7mm across) of 1-6 flowers (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are spirally coiled and spiny pods. LEAVES are trifoliate, the heart-shaped leaflets bearing a dark central spot. STATUS-Local in S and E England, and mainly coastal.
    130790.jpg
  • SEA MOUSE-EAR Cerastium diffusum (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm. Low annual that is sometimes prostrate. Covered in sticky hairs and found on sandy ground, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS are white and 3-6mm across, with notched petals (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate and dark green; bracts do no have transparent margins. STATUS-Locally common near the coast but scarce inland.
    130654.jpg
  • SEA BINDWEED Calystegia soldanella (Convolvulaceae) Creeping. Prostrate perennial that grows on sand dunes, and occasionally on stabilised shingle. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, funnel-shaped and pink with 5 white stripes; on slender stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are kidney-shaped, fleshy, up to 4cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread on coasts but locally common only in S.
    153684.jpg
  • CORAL-NECKLACE Illecebrum verticillatum (Prostrate) is a charming and distinctive annual with square reddish stems along which are borne discrete, rounded clusters of white flowers (Jun-Sep). The plant grows in damp ground, often in trampled hollows at the margins of drying ponds and ruts in the New Forest.
    153702.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    134440.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    132026.jpg
  • CORAL-NECKLACE Illecebrum verticillatum (Prostrate) is a charming and distinctive annual with square reddish stems along which are borne discrete, rounded clusters of white flowers (Jun-Sep). The plant grows in damp ground, often in trampled hollows at the margins of drying ponds and ruts in the New Forest.
    131876.jpg
  • SEA SANDWORT Honckenya peploides (Caryophyllaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming perennial that is familiar on stabilised coastal shingle and sandy beaches. FLOWERS are greenish white and 6-8mm across (May-Aug). Petals are slightly shorter than sepals. FRUITS are yellowish green and pea-like. LEAVES oval and fleshy; borne as opposite pairs on creeping stems. STATUS-Locally common around coasts.
    131727.jpg
  • ROUND-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia spuria (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, softly-hairy and slightly sticky annual. Grows in cultivated soils, particularly around the margins of arable fields. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long, mainly yellow but with a purple upper lip and a curved spur; borne on slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval or slightly rounded. STATUS-Locally common in S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131504.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131456.jpg
  • 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.
    131344.jpg
  • LESSER SWINE-CRESS Coronopus didymus (Brassicaceae) * Prostrate. Creeping annual or biennial of dry, disturbed soils and waste ground. Similar to Swine-cress but flowers are even smaller and leaves more finely divided. FLOWERS are tiny, the petals often absent (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are flattened, rounded and smooth. LEAVES are deeply pinnately divided and toothed. STATUS-Common only in S and SW.
    131189.jpg
  • SPOTTED MEDICK Medicago arabica (Fabaceae) Prostrate<br />
Creeping annual of dry, grass places, often near the sea. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in heads (5-7mm across) of 1-6 flowers (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are spirally coiled and spiny pods. LEAVES are trifoliate, the heart-shaped leaflets bearing a dark central spot. STATUS-Local in S and E England, and mainly coastal.
    130939.jpg
  • PROCUMBENT PEARLWORT Sagina procumbens (Caryophyllaceae) Prostrate. Creeping perennial of damp, bare ground. Forms mats comprising a central rosette with radiating shoots that root at intervals giving rise to erect flowering stems. FLOWERS are green, petal-less and borne on side shoots (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, bristle-tipped but not hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130892.jpg
  • SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER Trifolium subterraneum (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, hairy annual, found in short grassland on sand and gravel, usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and creamy white; in clusters of 2-6 in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pods that ‘burrow’ into the soil, pushed by elongating stalks. LEAVES are trifoliate with broadly oval, notched leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    130795.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    134442.jpg
  • CORNISH MONEYWORT Sibthorpia europaea (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Intriguing and distinctive, hairy and mat-forming perennial with slender, creeping stems that root at the nodes. Grows on damp, shady banks in woodlands and beside streams. FLOWERS are tiny, the corolla with 2 yellow lobes and 3 pink ones; solitary and borne on short, slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 2cm across, long stalked and kidney-shaped with 5-7 lobes. STATUS-Very locally common, but scattered and restricted to SW England, Sussex, S Wales and SW Ireland.
    132394.jpg
  • THYME-LEAVED SANDWORT Arenaria serpyllifolia (Caryophyllaceae) Usually prostrate. Downy, grey-green annual of dry, bare soils. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5-7mm across (May-Sep); green sepals are shorter than petals. FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are oval; in opposite pairs on slender stems. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130962.jpg
  • SUFFOCATED CLOVER Trifolium suffocatum (Prostrate) is easily overlooked because it is low-growing and soon withers and dries. The stalked leaves are arranged around a stalkless cluster of whitish flowers with pointed bracts (Apr-May). The plant grows on bare shingle and sand near the coast and occurs, very locally, from Pagham Harbour to east Kent.
    133705.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132027.jpg
  • GREEN FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica agrestis. Prostrate. Similar to both Common and Field-speedwells but seperable with care. Favours bare and disturbed ground, often on acid soils. Flowers 3-5mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and extremely pale with a white lower lip (Jan-Dec). Fruits with rounded lobes. Leaves fresh green, oval, toothed and in pairs. Status widespread but rather scarce and declining.
    131410.jpg
  • TRAILING ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum humifusum (Clusiaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, hairless perennial with trailing, 2-ridged stems. Found on bare ground on heaths and moors with acid soils. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across with pale yellow petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES have translucent dots and are borne in pairs along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in W Britain and W Ireland.
    131266.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    134441.jpg
  • ALPINE SPEEDWELL Veronica alpina (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Perennial with wiry and downy, creeping stems that root at the nodes, and short, upright flowering stems. Grows in areas of short grass and rocks in mountains. FLOWERS are 7-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and blue; borne on short stalks, in crowded spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are flattened, oval and slightly notched capsules. LEAVES are oval and blunt-toothed. STATUS-Scarce, restricted to Scottish Highlands.
    131720.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131455.jpg
  • SHARP-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia elatine (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, hairy and branching annual. Grows in cultivated soils and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long, yellow with a purple upper lip and a straight spur; borne on slender stalks arising from leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are triangular to arrow-shaped. STATUS-Local, mainly S and E England.
    131451.jpg
  • SWINE-CRESS Coronopus squamatus (Brassicaceae) Prostrate. Creeping annual or biennial of disturbed and waste ground, often near the sea. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across and white; in compact clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are knobbly and flattened. LEAVES are pinnately divided and toothed, sometimes forming a dense mat on the ground. STATUS-Common in S and E England but scarce elsewhere.
    131188.jpg
  • SIX-STAMENED WATERWORT Elatine hexandra (Elatinaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, often mat-forming annual that is often tinged red. Found on the bare, shallow and drying margins of peaty pools and lakes. FLOWERS are tiny and comprise 3 pinkish petals, 3 blunt sepals and 6 stamens (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped; in opposite pairs or 4s. STATUS-Extremely local, mainly SE England.
    144196.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm<br />
Prostrate, spreading undershrub. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Round, to 2cm long and toothed; shiny green above, pale below, both sides with obvious veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Locally common on mountains and, further north, at lower altitudes.
    132698.jpg
  • MIND-YOUR-OWN-BUSINESS Soleirolia soleirolii (Urticaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming perennial with wiry, thread-like stems. FLOWERS are minute and pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are minute and hard to discern. LEAVES are tiny, rounded, untoothed and evergreen. STATUS-A garden escape, colonising walls and paths, mainly in the SW.
    133571.jpg
  • SMALL-LEAVED COTONEASTER Cotoneaster microphyllus (Rosaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, stiff and evergreen undershrub with twigs that are downy when young. Found on coastal limestone. FLOWERS are small with white, spreading petals; usually solitary (May-Jun). FRUITS are spherical, crimson berries. LEAVES are 5-10mm long, oval but blunt or notched at the tip. STATUS-Introduced and locally naturalised.
    130982.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow - Salix herbacea
    162800.jpg
  • Dwarf Willow - Salix herbacea
    162799.jpg
  • Procumbent Pearlwort - Sagina procumbens
    162314.jpg
  • Trailing St John's-wort - Hypericum humifusum
    159420.jpg
  • Equal-leaved Knotgrass - Polygonum arenastrum
    159381.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
  • 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.
    135362.jpg
  • KNOTGRASS Polygonum aviculare (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m (often prostrate)<br />
Much-branched annual of bare soil and open ground. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate with a silvery basal sheath; main stem leaves are larger than those on side branches.
    105871.jpg
  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height less than 10cm<br />
Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise.
    156340.jpg
  • BASTARD-TOADFLAX Thesium humifusum (Santalaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing plant of chalk grassland with sparse branches and a woody base. FLOWERS are cup-shaped and fused, white inside, yellowish green outside; 4 or 5 pointed lobes create a star-like appearance (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are greenish and ovoid. LEAVES are 5-15mm long, oval and yellowish green. STATUS-Extremely local and habitat-specific.
    134648.jpg
  • KNOTTED HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis nodosa (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm. Roughly hairy annual that is sometimes prostrate; note the solid, ridged stems. Found in arable fields and on sunny banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in umbels, 1cm across, arising from leaf axils (May-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped with warts and spines. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-Local, mainly S and E England.
    131187.jpg
  • BLINKS Montia fontana (Portulacaceae) Usually prostrate<br />
Low-growing, sometimes mat-forming plant of bare, damp ground; sometimes grows partly submerged in water. Stems are sometimes reddish. FLOWERS are tiny and white; borne in terminal clusters (May-Oct). FRUITS are rounded capsules. LEAVES are narrow oval and opposite. STATUS-Widespread and common but least so in the S.
    130163.jpg
  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height to 10cm. Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    145971.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista Pilosa. Height to 1m but often prostrate. Low growing shrub. It recalls Petty Whin but is spineless, and Dyer's Greenweed but its leaves are silvery-downy below. The flowers are yellow, in terminal heads (May-June). It grows on maritime heaths and sea cliffs. It is also found, locally, on the North Cornish coast and in West Wales.
    153661.jpg
  • JUNIPER Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae) Height to 5m (sometimes prostrate). Dense shrub of well-drained soils, from chalk downland to mountains. FLOWERS appear on separate sex plants; those on female plants are green and oval (much of year). FRUITS ripen in 2nd year to form blue-black berry-like cones. LEAVES are stiff, bluish green, needle-like and arranged in whorls of 3. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    134429.jpg
  • MOSSY STONECROP Crassula tillaea (Crassulaceae) Prostrate. Tiny, often reddish annual that is easily overlooked. Found on bare and usually damp sandy soil and gravel. FLOWERS are tiny, whitish and arise from leaf axils (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are 1-2mm long, oval and densely crowded on the slender stems. STATUS-Extremely local, mainly in S and E England.
    134281.jpg
  • COMMON ORACHE Atriplex patula (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable, branched annual; sometimes upright but often prostrate. Found on bare ground. FLOWERS are small, greenish and borne in leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped, toothless and lack warts. LEAVES are toothed; upper ones are lanceolate while lower ones are triangular. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132165.jpg
  • SEA KNOTGRASS Polygonum maritimum (Prostrate) is similar to Ray’s Knotgrass but perennial and woody at the base. The leaves are grey-green and rolled-under at the margins. The flowers are pinkish and arise in the leaf axils and the fruits are nut-like and protrude well beyond the perianth (Jul-Sep). The species grows on sand and shingle beaches and is sometimes discovered on the coasts of S Ireland too.
    131967.jpg
  • SEA STORK'S-BILL Erodium maritimum (Geraniaceae) Height to 10cm. Stickily hairy annual; often prostrate. Found in short grass and on walls, invariably within sight of the sea. Flowers 3-5mm across; petals tiny, whitish, often absent; usually fall by 9am anyway (May-July). Fruits long, beak-like. Leaves oval, lobed. Status local; coastal, mainly in the south-west.
    131326.jpg
  • DANISH SCURVYGRASS Cochlearia danica (Brassicaceae) Height to 20cm. Compact, often prostrate, annual of sandy soils, shingle and walls, mainly around the coast. FLOWERS are 4-6mm across with 4 white petals (Jan-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid and 6mm long. LEAVES comprise long-stalked heart-shaped basal leaves and stalked, ivy-shaped stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread and common around most coasts.
    130650.jpg
  • PURPLE SPURGE Euphorbia peplis (Prostrate) is spreading annual with diagnostic forked reddish purple stems; the leaves are ovate and greyish green and the flowers are tiny (Jul-Sep). This species grows on sandy and gravel beaches and its appearance from one year to the next is unpredictable. Occasionally it is discovered on Cornish beaches.
    130112.jpg
  • TRAILING AZALEA Loiseleuria procumbens (Ericaceae) Creeping. Attractive, low-growing perennial undershrub that forms prostrate mats on acid soils and stony ground on mountain plateaux. FLOWERS are 5mm across, bell-shaped, deeply lobed and pink; either solitary or borne in clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are thick, opposite and oblong with down-rolled margins. STATUS-Found mainly in the Scottish Highlands and locally common only in the Cairngorms.
    125032.jpg
  • OYSTERPLANT Mertensia maritima (Boraginaceae) Prostrate. Spreading plant found on stony beaches, around the high-tide mark. Shetland and Orkney are the best British locations for the species and it is very locally common. It can be recognised by its fleshy, blue-green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that are pink in bud but soon turn blue (June-Aug).
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  • HAIRY GREENWEED Genista pilosa. Height to 1m, but often almost prostrate. Low-growing shrub. It recalls Petty Whin but is spineless, and Dyer's Greenwood, but its leaves are silvery-downy below. The flowers are yellow, in terminal heads (May-June). It grows on maritime heaths and sea cliffs. It is also found, locally, on the N Cornish coast and in W Wales.
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  • BIRD’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium ornithopodioides (Fabaceae)  Prostrate. Low-growing, hairless annual that is easily overlooked. Found in dry, grassy places, usually on sand or gravel. FLOWERS are 5-8mm long and white or pale pink; in heads of 1-5 (May-Oct). FRUITS are small pods. LEAVES are clover-like and trifoliate with toothed, oval leaflets.
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  • HEATH BEDSTRAW Galium saxatile (Rubiaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Spreading, rather weak-stemmed perennial that is sometimes almost prostrate and mat-forming. Whole plant blackens when dry. Found on heaths and grassland on acid soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, white and 4-petalled, with a sickly smell; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless, warty nutlets. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and bristle-tipped, with forward-pointing marginal bristles.
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  • CORNISH MONEYWORT Sibthorpia europaea (Scrophulariaceae) ** Prostrate<br />
Intriguing and distinctive, hairy and mat-forming perennial with slender, creeping stems that root at the nodes. Grows on damp, shady banks in woodlands and beside streams. FLOWERS are tiny, the corolla with 2 yellow lobes and 3 pink ones; solitary and borne on short, slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 2cm across, long stalked and kidney-shaped with 5-7 lobes.
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  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
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  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
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  • OYSTERPLANT Mertensia maritima (Boraginaceae) Prostrate. Spreading plant found on stony beaches, around the high-tide mark. Shetland and Orkney are the best British locations for the species and it is very locally common. It can be recognised by its fleshy, blue-green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that are pink in bud but soon turn blue (June-Aug).
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  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height less than 10cm<br />
Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise.
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  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista Pilosa. Height to 1m but often prostrate. Low growing shrub. It recalls Petty Whin but is spineless, and Dyer's Greenweed but its leaves are silvery-downy below. The flowers are yellow, in terminal heads (May-June). It grows on maritime heaths and sea cliffs. It is also found, locally, on the North Cornish coast and in West Wales.
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  • Dwarf Birch Betula nana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 1m<br />
A low-growing and often rather prostrate undershrub. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Short and upright or spreading, with stiff, hairy twigs. LEAVES Rather rounded, 6-8mm across, coarsely toothed and hairy when young, smooth and hairless when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females covered with three-lobed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A northern, tundra species in global terms, confined in our region as a native plant to the Scottish Highlands. Here, it grows on upland heaths and in bogs and is tolerant of both waterlogged and relatively free-draining peaty soils.
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  • Dwarf Birch Betula nana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 1m<br />
A low-growing and often rather prostrate undershrub. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Short and upright or spreading, with stiff, hairy twigs. LEAVES Rather rounded, 6-8mm across, coarsely toothed and hairy when young, smooth and hairless when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females covered with three-lobed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A northern, tundra species in global terms, confined in our region as a native plant to the Scottish Highlands. Here, it grows on upland heaths and in bogs and is tolerant of both waterlogged and relatively free-draining peaty soils.
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  • SEA BARLEY Hordeum marinum. Height to 5cm<br />
Tufted, blue-green annual of bare ground and dry, grassy places near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in long, unbranched spikes, 7-8cm long, the spikelets in 3s, with stiff, spreading awns (Jul-Aug); flowering stems are prostrate at base. FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are 4-5mm wide. STATUS-Local and exclusively coastal.
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  • JUNIPER Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae) Height to 5m (sometimes prostrate). Dense shrub of well-drained soils, from chalk downland to mountains. FLOWERS appear on separate sex plants; those on female plants are green and oval (much of year). FRUITS ripen in 2nd year to form blue-black berry-like cones. LEAVES are stiff, bluish green, needle-like and arranged in whorls of 3. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • JUNIPER Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae) Height to 5m (sometimes prostrate). Dense shrub of well-drained soils, from chalk downland to mountains. FLOWERS appear on separate sex plants; those on female plants are green and oval (much of year). FRUITS ripen in 2nd year to form blue-black berry-like cones. LEAVES are stiff, bluish green, needle-like and arranged in whorls of 3. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • GREEN FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica agrestis. Prostrate. Similar to both Common and Field-speedwells, but separable with care. Favours bare and disturbed ground, often on acid soils. Flowers 3-5mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and extremely pale with a white lower lip (Jan-Dec). Fruits with rounded lobes. Leaves fresh green, oval, toothed and in pairs. Status widespread but rather scarce and declining.
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  • COMMON ORACHE Atriplex patula (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable, branched annual; sometimes upright but often prostrate. Found on bare ground. FLOWERS are small, greenish and borne in leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped, toothless and lack warts. LEAVES are toothed; upper ones are lanceolate while lower ones are triangular. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • RAY’S KNOTGRASS Polygonum oxyspermum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of undisturbed coastal sand and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are pinkish white and arise in leaf axils (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are nut-like and protrude beyond the withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate, sometimes with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Local and commonest in W.
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  • WALL BARLEY Hordeum murinum (Poaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Tufted annual of bare ground and waste places, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in long, unbranched spikes, 9-10cm long, with spikelets in 3s, each with 3 stiff awns (May-Jul); flowering stems are prostrate at base. FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are 7-8mm wide with short, blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • SLENDER SPEEDWELL Veronica filiformis (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming, downy perennial with creeping stems. Grows in short grassland, sometimes on lawns. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and bluish with a white lip; borne on relatively long, slender stalks arising from leaf axils (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are seldom produced. LEAVES are 5-10mm across, rounded to kidney-shaped, blunt-toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Introduced; now locally common in S.
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  • SEA-HEATH Frankenia laevis (Frankeniaceae) Prostrate<br />
Branched, mat-forming and woody perennial. Restricted to the drier, upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 5mm across with 5 pink and crinkly petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are small and narrow with inrolled margins; densely packed and opposite on side shoots. STATUS-Local, from Hants to Norfolk only.
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  • NEW ZEALAND WILLOWHERB Epilobium brunnescens (Onograceae) Prostrate. Creeping, mat-forming perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in damp ground in mountains. FLOWERS are 6-7mm across with deeply notched pink or white petals; borne on long, erect stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are slender pods. LEAVES are circular and opposite. STATUS-Introduced but now widespread in many mountain regions.
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  • SQUINANCYWORT Asperula cynanchica (Rubiaceae) Height to 15cm.Hairless perennial that is typically rather prostrate; note the 4-angled stems. Found in dry grassland, mainly on chalk or limestone soils. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, pink, 4-petalled and star-shaped; borne in dense clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are warty nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, variable in length and borne in whorls of 4. STATUS-Locally common in S England only; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • COMMON CHICKWEED Stellaria media (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Annual of disturbed ground. Sometimes prostrate. Stems hairy in lines on alternate sides between leaf nodes. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5-10mm across (Jan-Dec); 3-8 stamens. FRUITS are capsules on long, drooping stalks. LEAVES are oval, fresh green and in opposite pairs; upper ones unstalked.
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  • PROCUMBENT YELLOW-SORREL Oxalis corniculata (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 6-10mm across and bright yellow; borne on stalks (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules, borne on reflexed stalks. LEAVES are trefoil, with notched leaflets. STATUS-Garden escape, naturalised locally.
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  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
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  • TRAILING AZALEA Loiseleuria procumbens (Ericaceae) Creeping. Attractive, low-growing perennial undershrub that forms prostrate mats on acid soils and stony ground on mountain plateaux. FLOWERS are 5mm across, bell-shaped, deeply lobed and pink; either solitary or borne in clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are thick, opposite and oblong with down-rolled margins. STATUS-Found mainly in the Scottish Highlands and locally common only in the Cairngorms.
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  • Dwarf Birch Betula nana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 1m<br />
A low-growing and often rather prostrate undershrub. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Short and upright or spreading, with stiff, hairy twigs. LEAVES Rather rounded, 6-8mm across, coarsely toothed and hairy when young, smooth and hairless when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females covered with three-lobed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A northern, tundra species in global terms, confined in our region as a native plant to the Scottish Highlands. Here, it grows on upland heaths and in bogs and is tolerant of both waterlogged and relatively free-draining peaty soils.
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  • Dwarf Birch Betula nana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 1m<br />
A low-growing and often rather prostrate undershrub. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Short and upright or spreading, with stiff, hairy twigs. LEAVES Rather rounded, 6-8mm across, coarsely toothed and hairy when young, smooth and hairless when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females covered with three-lobed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A northern, tundra species in global terms, confined in our region as a native plant to the Scottish Highlands. Here, it grows on upland heaths and in bogs and is tolerant of both waterlogged and relatively free-draining peaty soils.
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  • SIBBALDIA Sibbaldia procumbens (Rosaceae) Prostrate<br />
Creeping, tufted perennial of bare ground, short grassland and rocky places in mountains. FLOWERS are 5mm across with yellow petals that are sometimes absent (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are bluish green, trifoliate, the leaflets ovate with 3 terminal teeth. STATUS-Local in Scottish Highlands, rare in N England.
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  • SEA STORK'S-BILL Erodium maritimum (Geraniaceae) Height to 10cm. Stickily hairy annual; often prostrate. Found in short grass and on walls, invariably within sight of the sea. Flowers 3-5mm across; petals tiny, whitish, often absent; usually fall by 9am anyway (May-July). Fruits long, beak-like. Leaves oval, lobed. Status local; coastal, mainly in the south-west.
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  • MIND-YOUR-OWN-BUSINESS Soleirolia soleirolii (Urticaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming perennial with wiry, thread-like stems. FLOWERS are minute and pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are minute and hard to discern. LEAVES are tiny, rounded, untoothed and evergreen. STATUS-A garden escape, colonising walls and paths, mainly in the SW.
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  • ARCTIC BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos alpinus (Ericaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming, deciduous undershrub, the stems often bearing the withered remains of the previous year’s leaves. Found on acid moorland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long, urn-shaped and white; in small clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are black berries up to 1cm across. LEAVES are wrinkled and toothed; turn red in autumn. STATUS-N Scotland only.
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