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  • Streaked scrub Warbler - Scotocerca inquieta
    162160.jpg
  • Streaked Scrub Warbler - Scotocerca inquieta
    162119.jpg
  • Goat Willow (Sallow) - Salix caprea (Salicaceae). HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the sho
    157425.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    156795.jpg
  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
    135642.jpg
  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
    105835.jpg
  • IVY Hedera helix (Araliaceae) Height to 20m<br />
Evergreen, self-clinging climber that also carpets the ground. Found in woodlands, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are yellowish green and 4-parted; borne in globular heads (Sep-Nov). FRUITS are berries that ripen purplish black. LEAVES are glossy, dark green and 3- or 5-lobed with paler veins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    136990.jpg
  • 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.
    130914.jpg
  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal.
    104028.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    137380.jpg
  • Brown Hairstreak - Thecla betulae - (female - top; male - bottom). Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
    156982.jpg
  • Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring.  STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156632.jpg
  • LIZARD ORCHID Himantoglossum hircinum (Orchidaceae) Height to 1m. Extraordinary orchid of scrub, undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Bizarrely, the flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish grey hood, adorned on the inside with reddish streaks, and an extremely long and twisted lip (up to 5cm); borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves that soon wither, and smaller stem leaves that persist. STATUS-Regularly seen in E Kent only; very occasionally turns up elsewhere.
    154943.jpg
  • LIZARD ORCHID Himantoglossum hircinum (Orchidaceae) Height to 1m. Extraordinary orchid of scrub, undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Bizarrely, the flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish grey hood, adorned on the inside with reddish streaks, and an extremely long and twisted lip (up to 5cm); borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves that soon wither, and smaller stem leaves that persist. STATUS-Regularly seen in E Kent only; very occasionally turns up elsewhere.
    154946.jpg
  • Scrub Patch
    129408.jpg
  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
    144891.jpg
  • Sorbus hibernica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. A shrub or small tree. LEAVES Ovate to slightly obovate, with toothed lobes on distal half of leaf; whitish woolly below and leaves have 9-1 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are pinkish red, to 15mm long, with few lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Confined to areas of scrub and woodland on limestone in central Ireland.
    134741.jpg
  • Cornelian-cherry Cornus mas (Cornaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, spreading deciduous tree with an untidy crown. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Mostly level, ending in numerous greenish-yellow, slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Opposite, short-stalked, ovate and pointed, to 10cm long and 4cm wide with rounded bases; dull green above and slightly downy with entire margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers in small stalked heads, about 2cm across, consist of up to 25 small yellow flowers, each about 4mm across. Flowers open early in year, well before leaves. Fruit is a short-stalked, pendulous, bright-red, fleshy berry, to 2cm long, with pitted apex and acid taste. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of scrub and open woodlands in central and SE Europe, grown here for its winter flowers and edible fruits. Naturalised occasionally.
    134571.jpg
  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
    132179.jpg
  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
    130140.jpg
  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    140218.jpg
  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
    137874.jpg
  • SPIKED STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Ornithogalum pyrenaicum (Liliaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial of open woodland. Also known as Bath Asparagus. Grows in scrub and open woodland. FLOWERS are 2cm across and greenish white; borne in tall, drooping-tipped spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and basal; they soon wither. STATUS-Very local, mainly from Bath east along M4 corridor.
    136493.jpg
  • WILD MADDER Rubia peregrina (Rubiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Straggly, bedstraw-like perennial; 4-angled stems have backward-pointing bristles on the angles. Grows in hedgerows and scrub and mainly coastal. FLOWERS are 4-6mm across, yellowish green and 5-lobed; in small clusters arising from leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are black, spherical berries. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and leathery with prickles on the margins and midrib below. STATUS-Local, mainly coastal and in S.
    132393.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
  • SPURGE LAUREL Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 1m. Hairless, evergreen shrub found in woods and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across and yellowish, with 4 petal-like sepal lobes; borne in clusters (Jan-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and oval; in clusters at top of stem. STATUS-Widespread but local in England and Wales.
    131987.jpg
  • 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
  • DEADLY NIGHTSHADE Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae) Height to 1m. Robust and much-branched, and often downy perennial. Grows in scrub and open woods, and on disturbed ground, almost always on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 25-30mm across, purplish and bell-shaped; pendent and borne on stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are globular, black berries, 15-20mm across. As the common name suggests, these are deadly poisonous. LEAVES are broadly oval, pointed and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131812.jpg
  • PERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial with 2-lined stems. Found in grassland, scrub and open woodland, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2cm across, the deep yellow petals often with black marginal spots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent spots; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread; commonest in the S.
    131261.jpg
  • FIELD-ROSE Rosa arvensis (Rosaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Clump-forming shrub whose weak, trailing and purplish stems carry small numbers of curved thorns. Associated with woodland margins, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across with 5 white petals and styles united to form a column at least as long as the stamens; borne in clusters of up to 6 flowers (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded to ovoid red hips, with sepals not persisting. LEAVES have 5-7 oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common in England, Wales and Ireland; almost absent from Scotland.
    131202.jpg
  • BARBERRY Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Small, deciduous shrub with grooved twigs and 3-forked prickles. Found in hedgerows and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are small, yellow and borne in hanging clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are ovoid, reddish berries. LEAVES are sharp-toothed, oval and borne in tufts from axils of prickles. STATUS-Scarce native; also naturalised.
    130954.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED LUNGWORT Pulmonaria longifolia (Boraginaceae) Height to 25cm. Softly hairy perennial that grows in woodland and scrub, usually on heavy soils. FLOWERS are 8mmm across, somewhat bell-shaped and pink at first but soon turning blue; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-May). FRUITS are narrowly egg-shaped nutlets. LEAVES are green with white spots; basal ones are narrowly ovate and taper gradually to the base, stem leaves are unstalked and clasping. STATUS-Locally common and restricted to parts of the New Forest, Isle of Wight and E Dorset.
    130647.jpg
  • DOG-ROSE Rosa canina (Rosaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Scrambling, variable shrub whose long, arching stems bear curved thorns. Associated with hedgerows, woodland margins and scrub. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, fragrant with 5 pale pink petals and yellow stamens; borne in clusters of up to 4 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are red, egg-shaped hips that typically shed their sepals before they ripen. LEAVES comprise 5-7 hairless leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    128025.jpg
  • BRAMBLE Rubus fruticosus agg. (Rosaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Scrambling shrub that comprises hundreds of microspecies. Arching stems are armed with variably shaped prickles and root when they touch the ground. Found in hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and white or pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are familiar blackberries. LEAVES have 3-5 toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    144459.jpg
  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    144600.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    137848.jpg
  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
    157733.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    157709.jpg
  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
    157625.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    157613.jpg
  • Goat Willow (Sallow) - Salix caprea (Salicaceae). HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
    157426.jpg
  • Dog Rose - Rosa canina. Height to 3m. Scrambling, variable shrub whose long, arching stems bear curved thorns. Associated with hedgerows, woodland margins and scrub. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, fragrant with 5 pale pink petals and yellow stamens; borne in clusters of up to 4 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are red, egg-shaped hips that typically shed their sepals before they ripen. LEAVES comprise 5-7 hairless leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157361.jpg
  • Bramble - Rubus fruticosus. Height to 3m<br />
Scrambling shrub that comprises hundreds of microspecies. Arching stems are armed with variably shaped prickles and root when they touch the ground. Found in hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and white or pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are familiar blackberries. LEAVES have 3-5 toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    157357.jpg
  • Green Hairstreak - Callophrys rubi - Upperwing (top) Underwing (bottom) Wingspan 25mm. A small butterfly whose buzzing flight is hard to follow. Adult seldom reveals brown upperwings; underwings are bright green and an extremely good match for the leaves on which it rests. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on gorses, Heather and trefoils. Locally common on heaths, cliffs and downland scrub.
    156981.jpg
  • Island Scrub-Jay - Aphelocoma insularis
    149461.jpg
  • WHITE HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera damasonium (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive orchid of woods and scrub on calcareous soils, often under beech (Fagus sylvatica). FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, creamy white, bell-shaped and partially open; each has a leafy bract and they are borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are broad and oval at the base, but become smaller up the stem. STATUS-Locally common in S England only.
    156685.jpg
  • Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula - Pink form (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring.  STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156634.jpg
  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
    134314.jpg
  • WILD PRIVET Ligusticum vulgare (Oleaceae) Height to 10m<br />
Much-branched, semi-evergreen shrub that has downy young twigs. Found in hedgerows and areas of scrub, mainly on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across, creamy white, fragrant and 4-petalled; they are borne in terminal spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, globular and poisonous, ripening black in the autumn; borne in clusters. LEAVES are shiny, untoothed, oval and opposite. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in S and central England and Wales but generally scarce elsewhere.
    134302.jpg
  • EARLY PURPLE ORCHID Orchis mascula (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156193.jpg
  • IVY Hedera helix (Araliaceae) Height to 20m. Evergreen, self-clinging climber that also carpets the ground. Found in woodlands, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are yellowish green and 4-parted; borne in globular heads (Sep-Nov). FRUITS are berries that ripen purplish black. LEAVES are glossy, dark green and 3- or 5-lobed with paler veins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    155100.jpg
  • LIZARD ORCHID Himantoglossum hircinum (Orchidaceae) Height to 1m. Extraordinary orchid of scrub, undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Bizarrely, the flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish grey hood, adorned on the inside with reddish streaks, and an extremely long and twisted lip (up to 5cm); borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves that soon wither, and smaller stem leaves that persist. STATUS-Regularly seen in E Kent only; very occasionally turns up elsewhere.
    154942.jpg
  • LIZARD ORCHID Himantoglossum hircinum (Orchidaceae) Height to 1m. Extraordinary orchid of scrub, undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Bizarrely, the flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish grey hood, adorned on the inside with reddish streaks, and an extremely long and twisted lip (up to 5cm); borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves that soon wither, and smaller stem leaves that persist. STATUS-Regularly seen in E Kent only; very occasionally turns up elsewhere.
    154944.jpg
  • LIZARD ORCHID Himantoglossum hircinum (Orchidaceae) Height to 1m. Extraordinary orchid of scrub, undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Bizarrely, the flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish grey hood, adorned on the inside with reddish streaks, and an extremely long and twisted lip (up to 5cm); borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise oval basal leaves that soon wither, and smaller stem leaves that persist. STATUS-Regularly seen in E Kent only; very occasionally turns up elsewhere.
    154945.jpg
  • Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca L 12-13cm. Small, rather short-tailed warbler with retiring habits but distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have blue-grey crown, dark mask and grey-brown back and wings. Underparts are pale, whitish on throat but washed pale buff on flanks. Has dark legs, dark-tipped grey bill and pale iris. Voice Utters a harsh chek alarm call. Song is a tuneless rattle, sung on one note, usually preceded by short warbling phrase. Status Fairly common summer visitor, mostly to S and SE England. Favours areas scrub and hedgerows with dense Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Wingspan 25mm. A small butterfly whose buzzing flight is hard to follow. Adult seldom reveals brown upperwings; underwings are bright green and an extremely good match for the leaves on which it rests. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on gorses, Heather and trefoils. Locally common on heaths, cliffs and downland scrub.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Wingspan 40-50mm. A lethargic butterfly and a sluggish flier; often prefers to walk over foliage rather than fly. Adult has dark brown upperwings; male has orange patch on forewing. Underwings are orange-brown with white line. Flies August. Larva is slug-like and feeds on Blackthorn. Very local in southern and central England and Wales. Favours Blackthorn scrub and hedgerows.
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  • BITTERSWEET Solanum dulcamara (Solanaceae) Height to 1.5m. Downy and scrambling perennial that is woody at the base, hence the alternative name Woody Nightshade. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, and often on stabilised shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 purple, petal-like corolla lobes and projecting yellow anthers; borne in hanging clusters of purple stems (May-Sep). FRUITS are poisonous, egg-shaped red berries, up to 1cm long. LEAVES are oval and pointed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except in the N and in Ireland.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
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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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  • 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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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Cornelian-cherry Cornus mas (Cornaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, spreading deciduous tree with an untidy crown. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Mostly level, ending in numerous greenish-yellow, slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Opposite, short-stalked, ovate and pointed, to 10cm long and 4cm wide with rounded bases; dull green above and slightly downy with entire margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers in small stalked heads, about 2cm across, consist of up to 25 small yellow flowers, each about 4mm across. Flowers open early in year, well before leaves. Fruit is a short-stalked, pendulous, bright-red, fleshy berry, to 2cm long, with pitted apex and acid taste. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of scrub and open woodlands in central and SE Europe, grown here for its winter flowers and edible fruits. Naturalised occasionally.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • ALDER BUCKTHORN Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae) Height to 5m. Open, thornless bush or small tree. Found in damp hedgerows and scrub, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, pale green and 5-petalled (May). FRUITS are berries, green then ripening black. LEAVES are oval and have wavy margins; dark green in summer, turning yellow in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales only.
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  • BARBERRY Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Small, deciduous shrub with grooved twigs and 3-forked prickles. Found in hedgerows and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are small, yellow and borne in hanging clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are ovoid, reddish berries. LEAVES are sharp-toothed, oval and borne in tufts from axils of prickles. STATUS-Scarce native; also naturalised.
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  • WILD PRIVET Ligusticum vulgare (Oleaceae) Height to 10m<br />
Much-branched, semi-evergreen shrub that has downy young twigs. Found in hedgerows and areas of scrub, mainly on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across, creamy white, fragrant and 4-petalled; they are borne in terminal spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, globular and poisonous, ripening black in the autumn; borne in clusters. LEAVES are shiny, untoothed, oval and opposite.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Height to 15m Spreading deciduous tree or shrub. Bark Fissured with vertical grooves. Branches Densely packed, with sharp spines. Leaves To 4.5cm long, deeply lobed, with teeth near apex. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 15mm across, in flat-topped clusters of 10–18 (May). Fruits (‘haws’) rounded and red. Status Common native of hedgerows and scrub, especially on chalk.
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  • Cornelian-cherry Cornus mas (Cornaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, spreading deciduous tree with an untidy crown. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Mostly level, ending in numerous greenish-yellow, slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Opposite, short-stalked, ovate and pointed, to 10cm long and 4cm wide with rounded bases; dull green above and slightly downy with entire margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers in small stalked heads, about 2cm across, consist of up to 25 small yellow flowers, each about 4mm across. Flowers open early in year, well before leaves. Fruit is a short-stalked, pendulous, bright-red, fleshy berry, to 2cm long, with pitted apex and acid taste. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of scrub and open woodlands in central and SE Europe, grown here for its winter flowers and edible fruits. Naturalised occasionally.
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  • BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Scrambling, slightly downy perennial of rough, grassy places and scrub. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and pale lilac; borne in groups of 2-6 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of broadly oval leaflets and end in branched tendrils. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
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  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • MAN ORCHID Aceras anthropophorum (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. Intriguing and distinctive orchid of calcareous grassland and scrub. FLOWERS are fancifully man-like, with a pronounced green hood (comprising sepals and upper petals) an elongated, 4-lobed lip (12-15mm long) and a spur; borne in tall, dense spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS form and swell at base of flowers. LEAVES are oval, fresh green and form a basal rosette, and sheath the lower part of the flowering stem. STATUS-Local, and restricted to SE England, where it occurs as isolated colonies.
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  • WHITE HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera damasonium (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive orchid of woods and scrub on calcareous soils, often under beech (Fagus sylvatica). FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, creamy white, bell-shaped and partially open; each has a leafy bract and they are borne in tall spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are broad and oval at the base, but become smaller up the stem. STATUS-Locally common in S England only.
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  • BASTARD BALM Melittis melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) Height to 60cm. Attractive, hairy and strong-smelling perennial that grows along woodland rides and in shady hedgerows and areas of scrub. FLOWERS are 25-40mm long, fragrant, mainly white and variably adorned with pink or purple, the length of the corolla tube greater exceeding that of the calyx; borne in whorls (May-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England (mainly the SW) and S Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
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  • PURPLE GROMWELL Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy and unbranched perennial with creeping stems that root at the tip and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across, funnel-shaped and pink at first, soon turning deep blue; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, white nutlets. LEAVES are narrow lanceolate, dark green and pointed. STATUS-Local and scarce in S England and Wales only.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
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  • 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.
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  • SPINDLE Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae) Height to 6m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree. Found in scrub and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm across and greenish; borne in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pinkish and 4-lobed. LEAVES are narrow-oval and pointed, with toothed margins; green in summer but turning reddish in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England only.
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  • PURPLE GROMWELL Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy and unbranched perennial with creeping stems that root at the tip and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across, funnel-shaped and pink at first, soon turning deep blue; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, white nutlets. LEAVES are narrow lanceolate, dark green and pointed. STATUS-Local and scarce in S England and Wales only.
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  • GREEN HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum germanicum (Height to 70cm) is similar to Common Hound’s-tongue but the leaves are green and bristly (not hairy). The flowers are bell-shaped and 5-6mm across (May-Jul). It grows in chalk scrub and hedgerows, mainly on the edge of the Cotswolds.
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  • SPINDLE Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae) Height to 6m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree. Found in scrub and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm across and greenish; borne in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pinkish and 4-lobed. LEAVES are narrow-oval and pointed, with toothed margins; green in summer but turning reddish in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England only.
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  • LADY ORCHID Orchis purpurea (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Impressive and attractive perennial that grows in woodland and scrub, mostly on chalk soils. FLOWERS have a dark red hood and a pale pink, red-spotted lip; borne in a cylindrical spike, 10-15cm tall, with flowers opening from the bottom (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval, forming a basal rosette and loosely sheathing the stem. STATUS-Confined to S England and locally common only in Kent.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • SWEET-BRIAR Rosa rubiginosa (Rosaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear short, curved thorns, bristles and glands. Found in hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in S.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
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