Nature Photographers Ltd

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • NPL Blog
Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
{ 1103 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Marlow and Marlow Bridge from the River Thames on the upstream side, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154494.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
  • East side of Lundy showing cleared Rhododendron thickets, Devon.
    155540.jpg
  • Deciduous woodland on the east side of Lundy
    155421.jpg
  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) - on the east side of Lundy, Devon. Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    155428.jpg
  • The west side of Lundy, Devon
    155430.jpg
  • Landing bay and east side, Lundy, Devon
    155439.jpg
  • Coastal cliffs on the west side of Lundy, Devon
    155453.jpg
  • West side of Lundy, Devon
    155455.jpg
  • Polecat Mustela putorius Length 40-60cm Nocturnal predator, mainly of Rabbits. Likely ancestor of the ferret. Adult has coarse fur, dark brown overall but flanks and belly are paler buff. Face has white marks on either side of nose, and on forehead, and dark ‘mask’ through eyes. Screams and hisses when alarmed. Widespread in Britain a century ago but eradicated in much of region by mid-20th century by human persecution and disappearance of Rabbits due to Myxomatosis. Currently staging a comeback but beware confusion with feral ferrets.
    128192.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136124.jpg
  • Landing Bay and east Side, Lundy, Devon
    155440.jpg
  • Pearlsides - Maurolicus pennanti Length to 5cm. Deep sea, laterally flattened fish. Sides are silvery and note pearl-like spots along flanks and on belly. These contain photophores (light-emitting organs) and are thought to be used to deter/confuse would-be predators.
    145702.jpg
  • 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.
    141546.jpg
  • 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.
    141545.jpg
  • 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.
    141544.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128147.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136128.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128148.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128149.jpg
  • Grass Snake Natrix natrix Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.
    136217.jpg
  • Razorbill - Alca torda
    162770.jpg
  • Razorbill - Alca torda
    162766.jpg
  • Red Bartsia - Odontites vernus
    162293.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147883.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147884.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147886.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Immature
    147887.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147889.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult female
    147888.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147890.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147892.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147893.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147895.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147896.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147897.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147898.jpg
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica - Adult male breeding
    147899.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155647.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155660.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn C. pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    135158.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn C. pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    135160.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn C. pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    135157.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
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    135072.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    135000.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134998.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134985.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134906.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134882.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn Crategus pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    134799.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn Crategus pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    133891.jpg
  • Pear-fruited Cockspurthorn Crategus pedicellata (Height to 7m) has broadly ovate, lobed and double-toothed leaves, pear-shaped red fruits, to 2cm long, and 3-5cm-long spines
    133890.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    132365.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.
    141474.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.
    141409.jpg
  • 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
    140312.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
  • ORANGE BALSAM Impatiens capensis (Balsaminaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, hairless and bushy annual. Found in damp ground beside rivers. FLOWERS are 2-3cm long and orange with brown blotches and a curved spur; borne on stalks that arise from leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are explosive capsules. LEAVES are wavy, with fewer than 10 teeth. STATUS-Naturalised locally in England and Wales.
    131943.jpg
  • 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.
    131913.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • CLUSTERED BELLFLOWER Campanula glomerata (Campanulaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, robust and hairy perennial that grows on grassland and verges, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long, the corolla violet-blue and bell-shaped, with blunt teeth; borne mainly in terminal clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are long-stalked and heart-shaped at the base of the plant but narrower and clasping on the stem. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131697.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.
    131603.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    131287.jpg
  • 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.
    131264.jpg
  • COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Downy, herbaceous perennial with hollow, unspotted stems. Found in meadows and woodland margins, and on verges. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels up to 6cm across; bracts absent (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are elongate and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, only slightly hairy and fresh green. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130858.jpg
  • JAPANESE KNOTWEED Fallopia japonica (Polygonaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Fast-growing and invasive perennial, quick to colonise roadsides and other wayside places; hard to eradicate. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in loose, pendulous spikes that arise from leaf bases (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are papery. LEAVES are large, triangular and borne on red, zigzag stems.
    104322.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.
    143569.jpg
  • APANESE KNOTWEED Fallopia japonica (Polygonaceae) Height to 2m. Fast-growing and invasive perennial, quick to colonise roadsides and other wayside places; hard to eradicate. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in loose, pendulous spikes that arise from leaf bases (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are papery. LEAVES are large, triangular and borne on red, zigzag stems.
    144545.jpg
  • APANESE KNOTWEED Fallopia japonica (Polygonaceae) Height to 2m. Fast-growing and invasive perennial, quick to colonise roadsides and other wayside places; hard to eradicate. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in loose, pendulous spikes that arise from leaf bases (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are papery. LEAVES are large, triangular and borne on red, zigzag stems.
    144544.jpg
  • APANESE KNOTWEED Fallopia japonica (Polygonaceae) Height to 2m. Fast-growing and invasive perennial, quick to colonise roadsides and other wayside places; hard to eradicate. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in loose, pendulous spikes that arise from leaf bases (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are papery. LEAVES are large, triangular and borne on red, zigzag stems.
    144546.jpg
  • YELLOW SAXIFRAGE Saxifraga aizoides (Saxifragaceae) Height to 20cm. Colourful, clump-forming perennial of streamsides and damp ground in mountains. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with bright yellow petals; borne in clusters of 1-10 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are fleshy, narrow, toothed and unstalked. STATUS-Locally common in N England, Scotland and N Ireland.
    144621.jpg
Next