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  • CUT-LEAVED GERMANDER Teucriuim botrys (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright and branched, downy annual or biennial. Grows on bare ground, in short grassland often on previously disturbed soil, and in arable fields, on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm long with no upper lip but a lower lip that is deep, pink; borne in small clusters up leafy stems (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are almost triangular but deeply cut, the lower ones almost pinnately so. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few locations in S England, from Cotswolds to Kent.
    131786.jpg
  • WILD CANDYTUFT Iberis amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy annual of calcareous grassland. Favours disturbed soil, often beside Rabbit burrows. FLOWERS comprise 4 white or mauve petals, 2 of which are much longer than the others (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded, winged and notched. LEAVES are toothed and spoon-shaped, becoming smaller up the stem. STATUS-Local, mainly in the Chilterns.
    131872.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131456.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131455.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132039.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132027.jpg
  • HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, downy biennial that smells strongly of mice. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, maroon and 5-lobed; borne in branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS comprise groups of 4 flattened, oval nutlets that are covered in hooked bristles. LEAVES are narrow and hairy; lower ones are stalked. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in S and E England.
    132001.jpg
  • WILD CANDYTUFT Iberis amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy annual of calcareous grassland. Favours disturbed soil, often beside Rabbit burrows. FLOWERS comprise 4 white or mauve petals, 2 of which are much longer than the others (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded, winged and notched. LEAVES are toothed and spoon-shaped, becoming smaller up the stem. STATUS-Local, mainly in the Chilterns.
    131871.jpg
  • WILD CANDYTUFT Iberis amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy annual of calcareous grassland. Favours disturbed soil, often beside Rabbit burrows. FLOWERS comprise 4 white or mauve petals, 2 of which are much longer than the others (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded, winged and notched. LEAVES are toothed and spoon-shaped, becoming smaller up the stem. STATUS-Local, mainly in the Chilterns.
    131870.jpg
  • ANNUAL KNAWEL Scleranthus annuus (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm. Yellowish green annual. Associated with dry, bare soil and arable land. FLOWERS comprise green, pointed sepals and no petals; borne in clustered heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, pointed and borne in opposite pairs along the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131441.jpg
  • FIDDLE DOCK Rumex pulcher (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright to spreading perennial with branches spreading at right angles. Favours well-drained soil, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne on spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are toothed and have 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm, and waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS-Local, and restricted to S England and S Wales.
    131360.jpg
  • COMMON CUDWEED Filago vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, greyish annual with a white-woolly coating. Plant branches towards the top of the plant. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are borne in rounded, woolly clusters, 10-12mm across, of 20-35 heads, not overtopped by leaves; each head has yellow florets and yellowish-tipped, straight bract tips (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, woolly and wavy. STATUS-Locally common in S.
    131346.jpg
  • FIELD PEPPERWORT Lepidium campestre (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Grey-green hairy annual. Found on dry, bare soil and arable fields, especially in the S. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and yellow anthers; in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval, notched pods. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131044.jpg
  • CHANGING FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis discolor (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched, downy annual. Grows in bare, dry and often disturbed ground, especially on sandy soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across and 5-lobed, yellowish at first but soon changing to blue, the mature corolla tube being longer than the calyx; borne in clusters (May-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks are shorter than calyx. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
    131019.jpg
  • HENBIT DEAD-NETTLE Lamium amplexicaule (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. A trailing, branched and often rather straggly annual. Grows on cultivated soil and disturbed ground, typically in dry locations. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish purple with a hairy lip and long corolla tube; borne in widely spaced whorls (Mar-Nov). Only a few flowers in a given whorl open at any one time, and some remain small and closed. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are rounded and blunt-toothed, the upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common and least so in the N.
    130991.jpg
  • SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER Trifolium subterraneum (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, hairy annual, found in short grassland on sand and gravel, usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and creamy white; in clusters of 2-6 in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pods that ‘burrow’ into the soil, pushed by elongating stalks. LEAVES are trifoliate with broadly oval, notched leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    130795.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    130768.jpg
  • HEDGE MUSTARD Sisymbrium officinale (Brassicaceae) Height to 90cm. Tough, upright annual or biennial of waste ground and disturbed soil. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 yellow petals; in terminal clusters (May-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical, 1-2cm long and pressed close to the stem. LEAVES are variable: lower leaves are deeply divided while stem leaves are narrow. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    130756.jpg
  • Springbeauty Montia perfoliata H to 30cm. Annual, introduced from N America but now widely naturalised on dry, sandy soil. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5mm across; borne in loose spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and stalked at base; flowering stems bear fused pairs of perfoliate leaves. STATUS Widespread and locally abundant.
    130713.jpg
  • WHITE HOREHOUND Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, upright perennial that is coated with downy white hairs and is aromatic. Grows on dry, often disturbed, ground, mainly on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and white; borne in many-flowered whorls, only a few flowers appearing at any one time (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled. STATUS-Local, mainly near the S coast of England; occasional elsewhere.
    117949.jpg
  • COMMON CUDWEED Filago vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, greyish annual with a white-woolly coating. Plant branches towards the top of the plant. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are borne in rounded, woolly clusters, 10-12mm across, of 20-35 heads, not overtopped by leaves; each head has yellow florets and yellowish-tipped, straight bract tips (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, woolly and wavy. STATUS-Locally common in S.
    143559.jpg
  • MOSSY STONECROP Crassula tillaea (Crassulaceae) Prostrate. Tiny, often reddish annual that is easily overlooked. Found on bare and usually damp sandy soil and gravel. FLOWERS are tiny, whitish and arise from leaf axils (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are 1-2mm long, oval and densely crowded on the slender stems. STATUS-Extremely local, mainly in S and E England.
    134281.jpg
  • MOUSETAIL Myosurus minimus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 10cm. Tufted and inconspicuous annual of arable field margins, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are long-stalked and 5mm across, with yellowish green petals and sepals (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, plantain-like and up to 7cm long. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like. STATUS-Scarce and declining, mainly in S England.
    133999.jpg
  • FIDDLE DOCK Rumex pulcher (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright to spreading perennial with branches spreading at right angles. Favours well-drained soil, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne on spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are toothed and have 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm, and waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS-Local, and restricted to S England and S Wales.
    132081.jpg
  • HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, downy biennial that smells strongly of mice. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, maroon and 5-lobed; borne in branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS comprise groups of 4 flattened, oval nutlets that are covered in hooked bristles. LEAVES are narrow and hairy; lower ones are stalked. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in S and E England.
    132029.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    132026.jpg
  • HOUND’S-TONGUE Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, downy biennial that smells strongly of mice. Grows in dry, grassy places, often on chalky soil and near the coast. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, maroon and 5-lobed; borne in branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS comprise groups of 4 flattened, oval nutlets that are covered in hooked bristles. LEAVES are narrow and hairy; lower ones are stalked. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in S and E England.
    132000.jpg
  • CLUSTERED DOCK Rumex conglomeratus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright perennial with a zigzag stem and spreading branches. Found in meadows and woodland margins, often on damp soil. FLOWERS are borne in leafy spikes. FRUITS are small, untoothed, with 3 elongated tubercles (Jun-Aug). LEAVES are oval; basal ones heart-shaped at base and often waisted. STATUS-Mostly common but rare in Scotland.
    131381.jpg
  • FIDDLE DOCK Rumex pulcher (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright to spreading perennial with branches spreading at right angles. Favours well-drained soil, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne on spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are toothed and have 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm, and waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS-Local, and restricted to S England and S Wales.
    131353.jpg
  • COMMON VALERIAN Valeriana officinalis (Valerianaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, usually unbranched perennial. Grows in grassy, wayside places, beside rivers and in woodland; favours both dry and damp soil, growing tallest in latter situation. FLOWERS are 3-5mm long, the corolla funnel-shaped, 5-lobed and pale pink; borne in dense, terminal umbels (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oblong with a feathery pappus. LEAVES are lanceolate, toothed and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131342.jpg
  • FIDDLE DOCK Rumex pulcher (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright to spreading perennial with branches spreading at right angles. Favours well-drained soil, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne on spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are toothed and have 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm, and waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS-Local, and restricted to S England and S Wales.
    131333.jpg
  • SMITH’S PEPPERWORT Lepidium heterophyllum (Brassicaceae) Height to 40cm. Grey-green, hairy and branched perennial of dry, bare soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers; borne in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval and smooth. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common, especially in S and W.
    131054.jpg
  • SMITH’S PEPPERWORT Lepidium heterophyllum (Brassicaceae) Height to 40cm. Grey-green, hairy and branched perennial of dry, bare soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers; borne in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval and smooth. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common, especially in S and W.
    131043.jpg
  • FIELD FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis arvensis (Boraginaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, downy and branching annual. Grows in dry grassland, disturbed soil and arable land and verges. FLOWERS are 5mm across, with 5 blue lobes, the corolla tube shorter than the calyx; borne in forked clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks are longer than calyx, which is coated in spreading, hooked hairs. LEAVES are oblong, the basal ones forming a rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
    130833.jpg
  • SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER Trifolium subterraneum (Fabaceae) Prostrate. Low-growing, hairy annual, found in short grassland on sand and gravel, usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and creamy white; in clusters of 2-6 in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pods that ‘burrow’ into the soil, pushed by elongating stalks. LEAVES are trifoliate with broadly oval, notched leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in S.
    130799.jpg
  • HEDGE MUSTARD Sisymbrium officinale (Brassicaceae) Height to 90cm. Tough, upright annual or biennial of waste ground and disturbed soil. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 yellow petals; in terminal clusters (May-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical, 1-2cm long and pressed close to the stem. LEAVES are variable: lower leaves are deeply divided while stem leaves are narrow. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    130760.jpg
  • HARE’S-TAIL COTTONGRASS Eriophorum vaginatum (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Tussock-forming perennial of moors and heaths on acid, peaty soil. FLOWERS comprise a terminal spikelet emerging from an inflated sheath (Apr-May). FRUITS are yellowish brown with cottony hairs. LEAVES are very narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W Britain, and Ireland.
    130614.jpg
  • MOSSY STONECROP Crassula tillaea (Crassulaceae) Prostrate. Tiny, often reddish annual that is easily overlooked. Found on bare and usually damp sandy soil and gravel. FLOWERS are tiny, whitish and arise from leaf axils (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are 1-2mm long, oval and densely crowded on the slender stems. STATUS-Extremely local, mainly in S and E England.
    126382.jpg
  • MOUSETAIL Myosurus minimus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 10cm. Tufted and inconspicuous annual of arable field margins, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are long-stalked and 5mm across, with yellowish green petals and sepals (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, plantain-like (see ppxxx-xxx) and up to 7cm long. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like. STATUS-Scarce and declining, mainly in S England.
    123584.jpg
  • HARE’S-TAIL COTTONGRASS Eriophorum vaginatum (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm. Tussock-forming perennial of moors and heaths on acid, peaty soil. FLOWERS comprise a terminal spikelet emerging from an inflated sheath (Apr-May). FRUITS are yellowish brown with cottony hairs. LEAVES are very narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W Britain, and Ireland.
    144503.jpg
  • MONKEYFLOWER Mimulus guttatus (Scrophulariaceae) * Height 50cm. Attractive and distinctive perennial, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp soil, typically beside streams and rivers. FLOWERS are 25-45mm across and showy, the corolla yellow, marked with small red spots and a 3-lobed lower lip and 2-lobed upper lip; borne in open, terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and borne in opposite pairs; upper ones unstalked and clasping. STATUS-N American species, introduced and now widely naturalised across the region.
    128066.jpg
  • AUTUMN GENTIAN Gentianella amarella (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable and hairless biennial that is often tinged purple. Found in grassy areas, mostly on calcareous soil and sand dunes. FLOWERS are 1cm across and purple, with 4 or 5 corolla lobes and equal calyx lobes; borne in upright spikes (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES form a basal rosette in the first year but wither before the flower stem appears in the second year.
    106232.jpg
  • FIELD PEPPERWORT Lepidium campestre (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Grey-green hairy annual. Found on dry, bare soil and arable fields, especially in the S. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and yellow anthers; in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval, notched pods. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem.
    105995.jpg
  • FIELD PEPPERWORT Lepidium campestre (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Grey-green hairy annual. Found on dry, bare soil and arable fields, especially in the S. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and yellow anthers; in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval, notched pods. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132051.jpg
  • BLOOD-DROP-EMLETS Mimulus luteus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 50cm. Showy and distinctive perennial. Similar to Monkeyflower but with strikingly marked flowers. Grows in damp soil, typically beside streams and rivers. FLOWERS are 25-45mm across, the corolla yellow but with large red blotches on the throat, and a 3-lobed lower lip and 2-lobed upper lip; borne in open, terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and borne in opposite pairs, the upper ones clasping the stem. STATUS-Introduced from N America but naturalised, mainly in the N.
    131610.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    130743.jpg
  • ANNUAL KNAWEL Scleranthus annuus (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm<br />
Yellowish green annual. Associated with dry, bare soil and arable land. FLOWERS comprise green, pointed sepals and no petals; borne in clustered heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, pointed and borne in opposite pairs along the wiry stems.
    105912.jpg
  • KNOTGRASS Polygonum aviculare (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m (often prostrate)<br />
Much-branched annual of bare soil and open ground. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate with a silvery basal sheath; main stem leaves are larger than those on side branches.
    105871.jpg
  • Ash - Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae - Flowers. Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
    157450.jpg
  • Sun Spurge - Euphorbia helioscopia. Height to 50cm. Upright, hairless and yellowish green annual. Found on disturbed ground and in cultivated soils. FLOWERS lack sepals and petals and are yellow with green lobes; borne in flat-topped umbel-like clusters with 5 leaf-like basal bracts (May-Nov). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    157352.jpg
  • Foxglove mutant - Digitalis purpurea, showing mutation at tip of plant.Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157101.jpg
  • Violet Helleborin -, Epipactis purpurata - var.rosea. Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    156688.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dactlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156624.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dacttlorhiza fuchsii - White form. var. albiflora. Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156619.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dacttlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156620.jpg
  • Dark Red Helleborine - Epipactis atrorubens (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, downy and rather distinctive perennial that grows on limestone soils. FLOWERS comprise rather broad sepals and upper petals, and a broad heart-shaped lip, all of which are dark reddish purple; borne in spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are pear-shaped and downy. LEAVES are oval and tinged purple. STATUS-Very local and restricted to N England, N Wales, NW Scotland and W Ireland.
    156554.jpg
  • WILD MARJORAM Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Downy and tufted perennial. The plant (mainly the leaves) has a pleasantly aromatic smell, familiar to lovers of culinary herbs and the stems are often reddish. Grows in dry grassland on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are maroon when in bud but 6-8mm long and pinkish purple when flowering; borne in dense, terminal clusters that also include purplish bracts (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, pointed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common the S but scarce elsewhere.
    155598.jpg
  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height less than 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.
    155423.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
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  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
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  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • Allseed - Radiola linoides (Linaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Low-growing, rather bushy annual found on damp ground, usually on sandy or peaty ground and acid soils. FLOWERS 1-2mm across with tiny white petals; borne in dense terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local, and most common in SW England.
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  • Cross-leaved heath - Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
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  • SPOTTED CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris maculata (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm. Rather distinctive perennial that grows in dry grassland and on broken, rocky slopes, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads 3-5cm across, with lemon yellow florets and blackish bracts; heads are solitary and carried on bristly stalks (Jun-Aug). Has scales between florets. FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are ovate, wavy-edged, bristly and marked with reddish purple spots. STATUS-Rare and local.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
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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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  • Large-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos (Tiliaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. Tall and often narrow deciduous tree. Bole is normally free of suckers and shoots, distinguishing this species from Lime. BARK Dark-grey with fine fissures in older trees, which can sometimes be ridged. BRANCHES Mostly ascending but with slightly pendent tips. Twigs are reddish-green and sometimes slightly downy at tip, and ovoid buds, to 6mm long, are dark red and sometimes slightly downy. LEAVES To 9cm long, sometimes to 15cm long, broadly ovate, with a short tapering point and irregularly heart-shaped base. Margins are sharply toothed, upper surface is soft and dark green and lower surface is paler and sometimes slightly hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish-white flowers are borne in clusters of up to 6 on whitish-green, slightly downy bracts, usually opening in June. Hard, woody fruit is up to 1.8cm long, almost rounded or slightly pear-shaped with 3–5 ridges; a few remain on lower branches in winter. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of lime-rich soils in Europe; in Britain it is native to central and S England and Wales, having been introduced elsewhere; it is often planted as a street tree.
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  • Dunkeld (Hybrid) Larch Larix x eurolepis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 32m. Vigorous deciduous conifer, conical in outline when mature. Shares characteristics with both parents (Common Larch and Japanese Larch); most features intermediate between the 2 but rather variable. BARK Similar to Japanese Larch. LEAVES Dark green needles, to 5cm long. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are pinkish at first, but ripen yellow-brown and have slightly reflexed scales with projecting bracts. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION More vigorous than either parents, and copes better with harsh conditions and poor soils; quite widely planted, mostly for timber but occasionally for ornament
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  • Dunkeld (Hybrid) Larch Larix x eurolepis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 32m. Vigorous deciduous conifer, conical in outline when mature. Shares characteristics with both parents (Common Larch and Japanese Larch); most features intermediate between the 2 but rather variable. BARK Similar to Japanese Larch. LEAVES Dark green needles, to 5cm long. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are pinkish at first, but ripen yellow-brown and have slightly reflexed scales with projecting bracts. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION More vigorous than either parents, and copes better with harsh conditions and poor soils; quite widely planted, mostly for timber but occasionally for ornament
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  • Hiba Thujopsis dolabrata (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Single-boled conical tree or broad shrub on a divided trunk. LEAVES Scale-like, glossy green above with white bands below and a pointed, curved tip. Leaves clasp shoots, in opposite pairs on flat sprays. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small blackish male cones at shoot tips. Rounded female cones singly on ends of shoots on same tree. Mature cones about 1.2cm long, brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for ornament. Prefers wet regions with damp soils.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnaceae Height to 10m<br />
Spreading deciduous shrub or small tree. Bark Dark orange-brown, fissured with age. Branches With slender, slightly spiny shoots. Leaves Ovate to rounded, to 6cm long, finely toothed; veins converge towards leaf tip. Reproductive parts Flowers fragrant, with 4 green petals. Fruit is black, shiny and 8mm across. Status Local native, mainly on chalky soils.
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  • Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnaceae Height to 10m<br />
Spreading deciduous shrub or small tree. Bark Dark orange-brown, fissured with age. Branches With slender, slightly spiny shoots. Leaves Ovate to rounded, to 6cm long, finely toothed; veins converge towards leaf tip. Reproductive parts Flowers fragrant, with 4 green petals. Fruit is black, shiny and 8mm across. Status Local native, mainly on chalky soils.
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  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
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  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • BOX Buxus sempervirens (Buxaceae) Height to 5m<br />
Dense, evergreen shrub or small tree. Familiar as a garden plant, used in hedging and topiary. Native on chalky soils. FLOWERS are tiny and yellowish green, lacking petals (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-horned capsules. LEAVES are 1.5-3cm long, oval and leathery, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Widely planted but native only to SE England.
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  • Black-poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 32m  Large, spreading tree when fully mature, with a domed crown and thick, blackish, gnarled bole covered with distinctive burrs and tuberous growths. Rather straggly, however, when growing among other trees in woods. SHOOTS And buds are<br />
smooth and golden-brown when young. LEAVES Triangular and long-stalked with a finely toothed margin and are fresh shiny green on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are pendulous and reddish, female catkins are greenish. Both appear in April. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of our region, preferring heavier soils and damp conditions. Tolerates pollution so sometimes planted in cities. It is known in the north of England as ‘Manchester Poplar’.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana Caprifoliaceae Height to 6m. Small, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Brown. Branches With rounded, greyish, hairy twigs. Leaves Opposite, to 14cm long ovate and toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, to 8mm across, in rounded heads about 10cm across. Fruits oval berries about 8mm long; ripen red to black. Status Native, favouring calcareous soils; also planted.
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  • Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornaceae Height to 4m <br />
Shrub or small tree. Bark Grey, smooth. Branches Twigs are distinctive dark red in winter. Leaves Opposite, oval, with entire margins and 3–4 pairs of prominent veins. Reproductive parts Flowers small, white, in large terminal clusters. Fruits are blackish, rounded berries; borne in clusters. Status Common native on calcareous soils; also widely planted.
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  • Dunkeld (Hybrid) Larch Larix x eurolepis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 32m. Vigorous deciduous conifer, conical in outline when mature. Shares characteristics with both parents (Common Larch and Japanese Larch); most features intermediate between the 2 but rather variable. BARK Similar to Japanese Larch. LEAVES Dark green needles, to 5cm long. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones are pinkish at first, but ripen yellow-brown and have slightly reflexed scales with projecting bracts. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION More vigorous than either parents, and copes better with harsh conditions and poor soils; quite widely planted, mostly for timber but occasionally for ornament
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Hiba Thujopsis dolabrata (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Single-boled conical tree or broad shrub on a divided trunk. LEAVES Scale-like, glossy green above with white bands below and a pointed, curved tip. Leaves clasp shoots, in opposite pairs on flat sprays. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small blackish male cones at shoot tips. Rounded female cones singly on ends of shoots on same tree. Mature cones about 1.2cm long, brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for ornament. Prefers wet regions with damp soils.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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  • Common Whitebeam Sorbus aria Rosaceae Height to 25m <br />
Deciduous tree or spreading shrub. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Spreading; twigs brown above, green below. Buds ovoid, green, tipped with hairs. Leaves Oval, to 12cm long, toothed, very hairy below. Reproductive parts Flowers white, clustered. Fruits ovoid, to 1.5cm long, red. Status Native in S mainly on chalky soils; also widely planted in towns.
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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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  • 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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  • Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnaceae Height to 10m<br />
Spreading deciduous shrub or small tree. Bark Dark orange-brown, fissured with age. Branches With slender, slightly spiny shoots. Leaves Ovate to rounded, to 6cm long, finely toothed; veins converge towards leaf tip. Reproductive parts Flowers fragrant, with 4 green petals. Fruit is black, shiny and 8mm across. Status Local native, mainly on chalky soils.
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  • Black-poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 32m  Large, spreading tree when fully mature, with a domed crown and thick, blackish, gnarled bole covered with distinctive burrs and tuberous growths. Rather straggly, however, when growing among other trees in woods. SHOOTS And buds are<br />
smooth and golden-brown when young. LEAVES Triangular and long-stalked with a finely toothed margin and are fresh shiny green on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are pendulous and reddish, female catkins are greenish. Both appear in April. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of our region, preferring heavier soils and damp conditions. Tolerates pollution so sometimes planted in cities. It is known in the north of England as ‘Manchester Poplar’.
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  • Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus Rhamnaceae HEIGHT to 5m.<br />
Sprawling tree. Bark Smooth, grey with vertical furrows. Branches Spreading, twigs with fine hairs. Leaves Ovate, to 7cm long, with entire margins. Reproductive parts Flowers greenish, 5-petalled, 3mm across, in small axillary clusters. Fruits berry-like, 1cm across, green ripening yellow, red then black. Status Locally common on damp, acid soils.
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  • Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus Caprifoliaceae Height to 4m<br />
Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Reddish brown. Branches Sinuous; twigs smooth, angular and greyish. Leaves Opposite, to 8cm long, with 3–5 irregularly toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers white, in flat heads with showy, outer flowers and smaller, inner ones. Fruit is rounded, translucent red berry, in clusters. Status Favours calcareous soils.
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