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  • CANADIAN FLEABANE Conyza canadensis. Height to 1m. Upright, hairy annual of disturbed and bare ground; often seen beside roads. Flowers in heads 5-8cm long, with pinkish or white florets; in dense and much-branched inflorescences (Jul-Oct). Fruits achenes. Leaves narrow. Status introduced and increasing.
    131911.jpg
  • REFLEXED SALTMARSH-GRASS Puccinellia distans. Similar to Common Saltmarsh-grass but inflorescence branches reflexed in fruit. Mainly coastal but also inland in E England beside salted roads.
    131592.jpg
  • NORTHERN DOCK Rumex longifolius (Polygonaceae) Upright perennial of disturbed ground, often beside rivers and roads, or near the coast. Rather similar to Curled Dock. FLOWERS are pale green, borne in narrow spikes. FRUITS are heart-shaped and lack teeth and tubercles (Jul-Sep). LEAVES are up to 80cm long, broader than those of Curled Dock. STATUS-Locally common only in C Scotland.
    129825.jpg
  • View of the town of Pollenca from the road to Puig de Maria, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
    154498.jpg
  • Suburban Road, Southern England
    128997.jpg
  • COMMON HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis tetrahit (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, branched and hairy-stemmed annual with stems that are swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields and on verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, the corolla tube being similar in length to the bristly, toothed and persisting calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
    131913.jpg
  • DWARF ELDER Sambucus ebulus (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 2m. Unpleasant-smelling deciduous shrub or small tree with grooved stems. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across and pinkish white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 8-15cm across (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are black, poisonous berries that are borne in clusters. LEAVES are divided into 7-13 narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but patchily distributed and mainly in the S.
    131910.jpg
  • COMMON HAWKWEED Hieracium vulgatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed; basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette; stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in N Britain; scarce or absent in S.
    131838.jpg
  • DARK MULLEIN Verbascum nigrum (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1m. Upright and ridge-stemmed biennial; stems purplish and usually unbranched. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground, on calcareous and sandy soils. FLOWERS are 1-2cm across and yellow, the stamens coated in purple hairs; borne in elongated spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green and oval, lower ones long-stalked, upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England only.
    131603.jpg
  • BLACK HOREHOUND Ballota nigra (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Straggly, bushy and hairy perennial that has a pungent and unpleasant smell when bruised. Grows on disturbed ground and roadside verges. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and pinkish purple with a concave upper lip; borne in whorls with striking calyx teeth (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and ovate or heart-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131341.jpg
  • 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.
    135077.jpg
  • 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.
    135078.jpg
  • Chusan Palm Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Palm whose tall bole is covered with persistent fibrous leaf bases which hide the bole itself. LEAVES Palmate and up to 1m in diameter, split almost to the base; the segments are stiff and pointed, usually bluish-green on the underside and dark green above. The petioles are up to 50cm long and toothed on the margins, with the base hidden by dense brown fibres. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The fragrant yellow flowers are borne on a long, branched spike, with males and females occurring on different trees. Before opening they are protected by enveloping white or brown bracts. There are 6 yellow segments in the flower, the inner 3 being the largest. Large numbers of 2cm-long, 3-lobed, purple-tinged fruits are produced in late summer. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of China, introduced into Europe as an ornamental tree and common on roadsides and in parks and gardens. One of the hardiest palms, and will survive our climate, so it is also found in many coastal resorts in the milder parts of Britain and Ireland.
    135039.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132899.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132900.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132279.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132254.jpg
  • DWARF ELDER Sambucus ebulus (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 2m. Unpleasant-smelling deciduous shrub or small tree with grooved stems. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across and pinkish white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 8-15cm across (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are black, poisonous berries that are borne in clusters. LEAVES are divided into 7-13 narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but patchily distributed and mainly in the S.
    134580.jpg
  • Argentine Dock Rumex frutescens (Polygonaceae) H to 1.5m<br />
Upright perennial of roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in loose spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have prominent teeth and 1 tubercle. LEAVES are broadly oval and up to 25cm long. STATUS-Introduced and spreading.
    134501.jpg
  • Argentine Dock Rumex frutescens (Polygonaceae) H to 1.5m<br />
Upright perennial of roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in loose spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have prominent teeth and 1 tubercle. LEAVES are broadly oval and up to 25cm long. STATUS-Introduced and spreading.
    134502.jpg
  • Meadow Oat-grass Helictotrichon (Avenula) pratensis Height to 70cm. Tufted perennial of disturbed grassland, roadside verges and waysides. FLOWERS are borne in an open inflorescence comprising numerous 2-flowered, awned spikelets (May-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are broad and long. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common. Sometimes planted in seed mixes.
    134128.jpg
  • CREEPING CINQUEFOIL Potentilla reptans (Rosaceae) Height to 20cm. Creeping perennial whose trailing stems root at the nodes (unlike Tormentil). Found in grassy places, including verges. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are long-stalked, hairless and divided into 5-7 leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    132198.jpg
  • LESSER BURDOCK Arctium minus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, downy biennial of waste ground, verges and hedgerows. Similar to Greater Burdock but note differences in flowers and leaves. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs. LEAVES are heart-shaped with hollow stalks; basal leaves are wider than long. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132053.jpg
  • DWARF ELDER Sambucus ebulus (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 2m. Unpleasant-smelling deciduous shrub or small tree with grooved stems. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across and pinkish white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 8-15cm across (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are black, poisonous berries that are borne in clusters. LEAVES are divided into 7-13 narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but patchily distributed and mainly in the S.
    132002.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131995.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131994.jpg
  • MONTBRETIA Crocosmia aurea x C.pottsii (Iridaceae) Height to 70cm. Showy perennial that grows in hedgerows and on roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are reddish-orange and borne in 1-sided spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, linear, flat and superficially iris-like. STATUS-A cultivated hybrid, naturalised as a garden escape, mainly in the S.
    131973.jpg
  • LESSER BURDOCK Arctium minus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, downy biennial of waste ground, verges and hedgerows. Similar to Greater Burdock but note differences in flowers and leaves. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs. LEAVES are heart-shaped with hollow stalks; basal leaves are wider than long. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131957.jpg
  • MUGWORT Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 1.25m <br />
Upright and aromatic plant, the upper part of which is much branched. The stems are ribbed, reddish and downy. Grows on roadside verges, disturbed land and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in reddish heads, 2-3mm across, that are arranged in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnate, dark green and hairless above, but silvery downy below; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131953.jpg
  • WOOD CALAMINT Clinopodium menthifolium (Height to 60cm) is similar to Common Calamint but with larger leaves and larger, pinker flowers; these are stalked and borne in open heads (Jul-Oct). It grows on chalk scrub and, in our region, is confined to the Isle of Wight.
    131917.jpg
  • COMMON CALAMINT Clinopodium ascendens (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairy and tufted perennial that branches from the base and smells of mint. Grows in dry grassland, hedgerows and verges, often on chalk or limestone soils. FLOWERS are 3-4cm long and pinkish lilac with darker spots on the lower lip; borne in clustered heads that comprise dense whorls (Jun-Sep). LEAVES are rounded and long-stalked. STATUS-Very locally common in the S but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131918.jpg
  • COMMON CALAMINT Clinopodium ascendens (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, hairy and tufted perennial that branches from the base and smells of mint. Grows in dry grassland, hedgerows and verges, often on chalk or limestone soils. FLOWERS are 3-4cm long and pinkish lilac with darker spots on the lower lip; borne in clustered heads that comprise dense whorls (Jun-Sep). LEAVES are rounded and long-stalked. STATUS-Very locally common in the S but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131916.jpg
  • COMMON HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis tetrahit (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, branched and hairy-stemmed annual with stems that are swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields and on verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, the corolla tube being similar in length to the bristly, toothed and persisting calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
    131912.jpg
  • FEVERFEW Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, much-branched and downy perennial that is strongly aromatic. Grows in disturbed ground, and on verges, waysides and old walls. FLOWERS are borne in daisy-like heads, 1-2cm across, that comprise yellow disc and white ray florets; in loose clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are yellowish green and pinnately divided; lower leaves stalked, upper ones unstalked. STATUS-Introduced as a garden plant and widely naturalised, often in the vicinity of habitation.
    131882.jpg
  • FEVERFEW Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, much-branched and downy perennial that is strongly aromatic. Grows in disturbed ground, and on verges, waysides and old walls. FLOWERS are borne in daisy-like heads, 1-2cm across, that comprise yellow disc and white ray florets; in loose clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are yellowish green and pinnately divided; lower leaves stalked, upper ones unstalked. STATUS-Introduced as a garden plant and widely naturalised, often in the vicinity of habitation.
    131883.jpg
  • PRICKLY LETTUCE Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) Height to 1.75m. Upright and stiff biennial, the upper part of which is branched. Broken stems exude a milky sap. Grows on disturbed and waste ground, verges and railways. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 11-13mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are brown with unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are grey-green and held stiffly erect with pointed clasping bases; margins and lower midrib have weak spine; lower leaves may have narrow lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131851.jpg
  • RAMPION BELLFLOWER Campanula rapunculus. Height to 1m. Upright biennial of grassy places and roadside verges. Flowers 1-2cm long, bell-shaped and pale blue, usually on short stalks and held erect (June-Aug). Fruits dry capsules. Leaves narrow, the basal ones slightly toothed. Status naturalised in a few sites.
    131845.jpg
  • AGRIMONY Agrimonia eupatoria (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright perennial of grassy places, hedgerows and roadside verges. FLOWERS are 5-8mm across with 5 yellow petals; borne in upright spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are bur-like and covered in spines. LEAVES comprise 3-6 pairs of oval, toothed leaflets with smaller leaflets between. STATUS-Widespread and generally common throughout.
    131835.jpg
  • GREAT MULLEIN Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 2m. Robust, upright biennial that is covered in a thick coating of white, woolly hairs. Grows in dry, grassy places, on roadside verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are 15-35mm across, 5-lobed and yellow, with whitish hairs on the upper 3 stamens only; borne in tall, dense spikes, sometimes with side branches (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate and woolly; form a basal rosette in 1st year from which tall, leafy stalks arise in 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131829.jpg
  • RED BARTSIA Odontites vernus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 40cm. Straggly, branched and downy annual with stems often tinged reddish. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on disturbed ground, tracks and verges, and in arable field margins. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla pinkish purple and 2-lipped, the lower lip 3-lobed; borne in 1-sided, elongated and slightly curved spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, toothed, unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131817.jpg
  • GREAT LETTUCE Lactuca virosa (Asteraceae) Height to 2m<br />
Similar to Prickly Lettuce but taller; note differences in leaves. Stems often tinged purple and exude a milky sap when broken. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 9-11mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are maroon with unbanched pappus hairs. LEAVES are dark green and spreading with rounded, clasping bases; lower leaves may have broad lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131775.jpg
  • SPEAR MINT Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Almost hairless perennial that is the most popular cultivated culinary mint. Grows in damp ground; outside the garden context, it is found in meadows and on verges. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and pinkish lilac; borne in tall, whorled terminal spikes (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow-ovate, toothed and almost unstalked. STATUS-Popular as a garden plant but also naturalised locally across the region.
    131773.jpg
  • MEADOW CRANE’S-BILL Geranium pratense (Geraniaceae) Height to 75cm. Hairy, clump-forming perennial of meadows and verges, mostly on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are 3-3.5cm across with 5 rounded, bluish lilac petals; borne in pairs on stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS end in a long ‘beak’. LEAVES are deeply divided into 5-7 jagged lobes. STATUS-Locally common, except in SE England, N Scotland and Ireland.
    131696.jpg
  • WHITE DEAD-NETTLE Lamium album (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy, slightly aromatic and patch-forming perennial with square stems. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground in grassland and woodland margins. FLOWERS are 25-30mm long and white, with a hairy upper lip and toothed lower lip; borne in whorls (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate to triangular with a heart-shaped base, toothed and stalked. Superficially similar to those of Common Nettle but lack stinging hairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except N Scotland.
    131625.jpg
  • DARK MULLEIN Verbascum nigrum (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1m. Upright and ridge-stemmed biennial; stems purplish and usually unbranched. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground, on calcareous and sandy soils. FLOWERS are 1-2cm across and yellow, the stamens coated in purple hairs; borne in elongated spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green and oval, lower ones long-stalked, upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England only.
    131601.jpg
  • TANSY Tanacetum vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Robust, upright perennial that is strongly aromatic. Grows on roadside verges, and in hedgerows and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in golden yellow, button-like heads, 7-12mm across, that comprise disc florets only; these appear as flat-topped, umbel-like clusters, up to 12cm across, comprising up to 70 heads (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are yellowish green and pinnately divided with deeply cut lobes. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout the region.
    131587.jpg
  • PELLITORY-OF-THE-WALL Parietaria judaica (Urticacae) Height to 7cm. Spreading, downy perennial with reddish stems. Colonises walls, roadsides and rocky ground. FLOWERS appear in clusters at leaf bases (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are clustered at leaf bases. LEAVES are oval, up to 5cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread in England, Wales and Ireland; commonest in coastal areas and in the W.
    131492.jpg
  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131468.jpg
  • GREAT MULLEIN Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 2m. Robust, upright biennial that is covered in a thick coating of white, woolly hairs. Grows in dry, grassy places, on roadside verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are 15-35mm across, 5-lobed and yellow, with whitish hairs on the upper 3 stamens only; borne in tall, dense spikes, sometimes with side branches (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate and woolly; form a basal rosette in 1st year from which tall, leafy stalks arise in 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131328.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
  • 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
  • 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.
    143397.jpg
  • COMMON MALLOW Malva sylvestris (Malvaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright or spreading perennial of grassy verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 25-40mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, much longer than sepals; in clusters from leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at base of plant, 5-lobed on stem. STATUS-Widespread and common in S; scarce elsewhere.
    143556.jpg
  • COMMON MALLOW Malva sylvestris (Malvaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright or spreading perennial of grassy verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 25-40mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, much longer than sepals; in clusters from leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at base of plant, 5-lobed on stem. STATUS-Widespread and common in S; scarce elsewhere.
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  • Razorbill Alca torda L 41cm. Bulky seabird with distinctive bill and essentially black and white plumage. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black head, neck and upperparts, and white underparts; note white wingbar. Bill is large and flattened with vertical ridges and white lines. In winter, similar but throat and cheeks are white and bill is smaller. Voice Mostly silent. Status Locally common on rocky coast seabird colonies in W and N. Nests under boulders and in crevices on cliff ledges. Pelagic outside breeding season; healthy birds seldom seen close to land. Vulnerable to oil spills.
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  • Razorbill - Alca torda
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  • Razorbill - Alca torda
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  • Red Bartsia - Odontites vernus
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  • Orange Peel Fungus - Aleuria aurantia
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  • Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria. Height to 50cm<br />
Upright perennial of grassy places, hedgerows and roadside verges. FLOWERS are 5-8mm across with 5 yellow petals; borne in upright spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are bur-like and covered in spines. LEAVES comprise 3-6 pairs of oval, toothed leaflets with smaller leaflets between. STATUS-Widespread and generally common throughout.
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  • WORMWOOD Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Highly aromatic, upright perennial that has silkily hairy stems. Grows in disturbed coastal grassland and on roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in yellowish heads that are 3-5mm across, bell-shaped and nodding; these are carried in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnately divided into deeply cut lobes that are silvery-hairy on both sides. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere in the region.
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  • WORMWOOD Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Highly aromatic, upright perennial that has silkily hairy stems. Grows in disturbed coastal grassland and on roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in yellowish heads that are 3-5mm across, bell-shaped and nodding; these are carried in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnately divided into deeply cut lobes that are silvery-hairy on both sides. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere in the region.
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  • WORMWOOD Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Highly aromatic, upright perennial that has silkily hairy stems. Grows in disturbed coastal grassland and on roadside verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in yellowish heads that are 3-5mm across, bell-shaped and nodding; these are carried in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnately divided into deeply cut lobes that are silvery-hairy on both sides. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere in the region.
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  • COMMON MALLOW Malva sylvestris (Malvaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright or spreading perennial of grassy verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 25-40mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, much longer than sepals; in clusters from leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at base of plant, 5-lobed on stem. STATUS-Widespread and common in S; scarce elsewhere.
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  • CREEPING CINQUEFOIL Potentilla reptans (Rosaceae) Height to 20cm. Creeping perennial whose trailing stems root at the nodes (unlike Tormentil). Found in grassy places, including verges. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are long-stalked, hairless and divided into 5-7 leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • WILD ONION Allium vineale (Liliaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Bulbous perennial of dry grassland and roadside verges. FLOWERS are pink or white, long-stalked and borne in umbels along with greenish red bulbils and a papery bract; proportion of flowers : bulbils varies considerably (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, hollow and semi-circular in cross-section. STATUS-Common in S
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  • Hedgerow Cranesbill - Geranium pyrenaicum
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  • Chusan Palm Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Palm whose tall bole is covered with persistent fibrous leaf bases which hide the bole itself. LEAVES Palmate and up to 1m in diameter, split almost to the base; the segments are stiff and pointed, usually bluish-green on the underside and dark green above. The petioles are up to 50cm long and toothed on the margins, with the base hidden by dense brown fibres. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The fragrant yellow flowers are borne on a long, branched spike, with males and females occurring on different trees. Before opening they are protected by enveloping white or brown bracts. There are 6 yellow segments in the flower, the inner 3 being the largest. Large numbers of 2cm-long, 3-lobed, purple-tinged fruits are produced in late summer. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of China, introduced into Europe as an ornamental tree and common on roadsides and in parks and gardens. One of the hardiest palms, and will survive our climate, so it is also found in many coastal resorts in the milder parts of Britain and Ireland.
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  • Common Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis tetrahit
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hedgerow Crane's-bill - Geranium pyrenaicum
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  • Great Mullein - Verbascum thapsus
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  • Hedge Crane's-bill - Geranium pyrenaicum
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  • Common Toadflax - Linaria vulgaris
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  • Common Toadflax - Linaria vulgaris
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  • Common Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis tetrahit
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hedgerow Crane's-bill - Geranium pyrenaicum
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  • Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris
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  • Whorled Mint - Mentha x verticillata
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  • Dark Mullein - Verbascum nigrum
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  • Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria
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  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
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  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
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  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
    162191.jpg
  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
    162196.jpg
  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
    162190.jpg
  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
    162194.jpg
  • Toad Patrol on a busy Hampshire lane. In early spring every year, thousands of toads, frogs and newts migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These journeys often involve road crossings and many are killed by unsuspecting motorists. With awareness of this major problem growing, volunteer groups are now a common sight in known hotspots, helping to reduce the casualty numbers by slowing traffic and collecting these animals from the road.
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  • View from the Berkshire Downs from the road looking towards Walbury Hill and Inkpen, Berkshire, Uk
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  • Burghfield road bridge over the River Kennet by the Cunning Man pub looking downstream towards Reading, Berkshire in England
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  • River Dee and Dee valley from the road near Braemar, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • The White Hart Pub on High Road in Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, Uk
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  • Hedgehog - Erinaceus europaeus crossing a country road at night. Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Common Toad - Bufo bufo - amplexus pair found at a notorious migration crossing point on a busy village road during the breeding migration period in early spring.
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  • Common Toad - Bufo bufo - amplexus pair found at a notorious migration crossing point on a busy village road during the breeding migration period in early spring.
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  • Otter - Lutra lutra. Adult male killed on the road.  Length 95-135cm Sinuous swimmer with a bounding gait on land. Feeds mainly on fish. Adult has long, cylindrical body, with short legs and long, thickset tail. Blunt head has sensitive bristles and toes are webbed. Coat is mainly brown but chin, throat and belly are whitish. Fur has water-repellent properties: sleek in water but ‘spiky’ when dry. Mostly silent. Persecuted and poisoned (by agricultural pesticides) until mostly extinct in lowland Britain by 1960s. Now recovering and recolonising former haunts.
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