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  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149116.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149122.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143951.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143953.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143954.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens - juvenile
    149110.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149120.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149117.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149115.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149114.jpg
  • Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156889.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156192.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143952.jpg
  • Little Egret - Egretta garzetta. L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    157653.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149121.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149119.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens
    149118.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    139514.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143950.jpg
  • Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156894.jpg
  • Green Heron - Butorides virescens - adult
    160431.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156192.jpg
  • Marbled Godwit - Limosa fedoa
    160612.jpg
  • LUCERNE Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm. Downy or hairless perennial. Found in grassy places but also cultivated. FLOWERS are 7-8mm long and borne in stalked heads of 5-40 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are spirally twisted. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, toothed leaflets that broaden towards the tip. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a relict of cultivation.
    131818.jpg
  • PINK-SORREL Oxalis articulata (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Tufted, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; borne on stalked umbels (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate marked with orange spots below. STATUS-A familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally.
    130855.jpg
  • Winter Stalkball - Tulostoma brumale
    132322.jpg
  • Laminaria digitata
    141625.jpg
  • Purple Gallinule - Porphyrio martinicus
    160623.jpg
  • Winter Stalkball - Tulostoma brumale
    132323.jpg
  • Laminaria hypoborea stem
    141624.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
  • 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 Orchids, 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.
    156621.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 Dactylorhiza 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.
    156623.jpg
  • COMMON SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza 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.
    131102.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dactylorhiza fushii - var. rhodochila (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.
    156622.jpg
  • COMMON SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza 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.
    131103.jpg
  • BROAD-LEAVED PONDWEED Potamogeton natans (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial of still or slow-flowing water. FLOWERS are small, 4-parted and greenish; in 8cm-long spikes, on stalks rising above the water (May-Sep). FRUITS are round and short-beaked. FLOATING LEAVES are oval, up to 12cm long; stalk has flexible joint near blade. SUBMERGED LEAVES are long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    116168.jpg
  • COMMON WHITLOWGRASS Erophila verna (Brassicaceae) Height to 20cm. Variable, hairy annual of dry, bare places. FLOWERS are 3-6mm across and comprise 4 deeply notched whitish petals (Mar-May). FRUITS are elliptical pods, borne on long stalks. LEAVES are narrow and toothed; form a basal rosette from the centre of which the flowering stalk arises.
    105992.jpg
  • COMMON WHITLOWGRASS Erophila verna (Brassicaceae) Height to 20cm. Variable, hairy annual of dry, bare places. FLOWERS are 3-6mm across and comprise 4 deeply notched whitish petals (Mar-May). FRUITS are elliptical pods, borne on long stalks. LEAVES are narrow and toothed; form a basal rosette from the centre of which the flowering stalk arises. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
    141576.jpg
  • BROAD-LEAVED PONDWEED Potamogeton natans (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial of still or slow-flowing water. FLOWERS are small, 4-parted and greenish; in 8cm-long spikes, on stalks rising above the water (May-Sep). FRUITS are round and short-beaked. FLOATING LEAVES are oval, up to 12cm long; stalk has flexible joint near blade. SUBMERGED LEAVES are long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132065.jpg
  • COMMON BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Sprawling, solid-stemmed and usually hairless perennial. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are red in bud but yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May-Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair at stalk base). STATUS-Common.
    131197.jpg
  • COMMON BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Sprawling, solid-stemmed and usually hairless perennial. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are red in bud but yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May-Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair at stalk base).
    106080.jpg
  • COMMON BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) Height to10cm. Sprawling, solid-stemmed and usually hairless perennial. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are red in bud but yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May-Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair at stalk base). STATUS-Common.
    153647.jpg
  • COMMON BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) Height to10cm. Sprawling, solid-stemmed and usually hairless perennial. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are red in bud but yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May-Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair at stalk base). STATUS-Common.
    153650.jpg
  • GREATER BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus pedunculatus (Fabaceae) Height to 50cm. Hairy, hollow-stemmed perennial found in damp grassy places and fens. FLOWERS are 15mm long and yellow; in heads on stalks up to 15cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 dark green leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair sited at stalk base). STATUS-Locally common.
    141420.jpg
  • GREATER BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus pedunculatus (Fabaceae) Height to 50cm. Hairy, hollow-stemmed perennial found in damp grassy places and fens. FLOWERS are 15mm long and yellow; in heads on stalks up to 15cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 dark green leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair sited at stalk base). STATUS-Locally common.
    131989.jpg
  • Butternut Juglans cinerea (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 26m <br />
Slender tree. BARK Grey. LEAVES Compound, to 70cm long, leaflets more widely spaced than in Black Walnut; central leaf stalk is densely hairy and leaflets near leaf base are smallest. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Edible fruits in clusters of up to 12. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America, planted here for ornament.
    135008.jpg
  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
    132531.jpg
  • IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis (Scrophulariaceae) Trailing. Hairless perennial with trailing, purplish stems. Grows on rocks and walls. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across and lilac with yellow and white at the centre, and a curved spur; borne on long stalks (Apr-Nov). FRUITS are capsules, borne on long stalks that become recurved with maturity, forcing the fruit into nooks and crannies. LEAVES are long-stalked, ivy-shaped, 5-lobed and borne on long stalks. STATUS-Originally a garden plant but now widely naturalised throughout much of the region, except N Scotland.
    132214.jpg
  • SPEAR-LEAVED ORACHE Atriplex prostrata (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright annual; stems are often tinged red. Favours waste and bare ground near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in rather short spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are triangular and surrounded by green bracts. LEAVES are triangular in outline and toothed; basal, largest teeth are at right angles to the stalk. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131488.jpg
  • Hop Trefoil - Trifolium campestre. Low-growing, hairy annual. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long and yellow; borne in compact, rounded heads, 15mm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are pods, cloaked by brown dead flowers in hop-like heads. LEAVES are trifoliate; terminal leaflet has the longest stalk. STATUS-Widespread and generally common; local in N and Ireland.
    157359.jpg
  • Common Scurvygrass - Cochleria officinalis. Height to 50cm. Biennial or perennial of saltmarshes, coastal walls and cliffs, and mountains inland. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across with 4 white petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are rounded to ovoid, 4-7mm long and longer than stalk. LEAVES comprise kidney-shaped basal leaves more than 2cm long, and clasping, arrow-shaped ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common.
    157349.jpg
  • Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula - white 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.
    156633.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
  • 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
  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
    135003.jpg
  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
    134957.jpg
  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
    134592.jpg
  • SPRING SQUILL Scilla verna (Liliaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Compact and resilient, hairless perennial that grows in dry, short coastal grassland, typically in sight of the sea. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, bell-shaped and lilac blue; borne in upright, terminal clusters on a short stalk, each flower having a bluish purple bract (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry, curly, basal and 4-6 in number; they appear in early spring, before the flowers. STATUS-Locally common on the coasts of W Britain and E Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    133707.jpg
  • IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis (Scrophulariaceae) Trailing. Hairless perennial with trailing, purplish stems. Grows on rocks and walls. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across and lilac with yellow and white at the centre, and a curved spur; borne on long stalks (Apr-Nov). FRUITS are capsules, borne on long stalks that become recurved with maturity, forcing the fruit into nooks and crannies. LEAVES are long-stalked, ivy-shaped, 5-lobed and borne on long stalks. STATUS-Originally a garden plant but now widely naturalised throughout much of the region, except N Scotland.
    133653.jpg
  • GREATER PLANTAIN Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and extremely common throughout.
    132246.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.
    132030.jpg
  • HOP TREFOIL Trifolium campestre (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Low-growing, hairy annual. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long and yellow; borne in compact, rounded heads, 15mm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are pods, cloaked by brown dead flowers in hop-like heads. LEAVES are trifoliate; terminal leaflet has the longest stalk. STATUS-Widespread and generally common; local in N and Ireland.
    131175.jpg
  • PYRENEAN SCURVYGRASS Cochlearia pyrenaica (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Variable biennial or perennial of mountains, rocky slopes and upland stream margins and meadows. FLOWERS are 5-8mm across with 4 white petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are elliptical and shorter than stalk. LEAVES comprise kidney-shaped basal leaves less than 2cm long and clasping stem leaves. STATUS-Local in W and N of region.
    130040.jpg
  • LESSER HAWKBIT Leontodon saxatilis (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Perennial with similarities to both Autumn and Rough Hawkbits. Stems are hairless above but bristly below. Grows in dry, grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with yellow florets. Heads droop in bud and are solitary; scale-like bracts are absent from flower stalk (Jun-Oct). FRUITS form a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and sparsely hairy. STATUS-Common and widespread, except in N.
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  • PERENNIAL CENTAURY Centaurium scilloides (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Perennial with creeping stems and upright flowering stalks. Found in short turf and restricted to coastal cliffs. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across, stalked and pink; borne in few-flowered clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded and stalked on the creeping stems but narrower and unstalked on upright stems. STATUS-Rare and restricted to cliffs in Pembrokeshire; it may have disappeared from N Cornwall.
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  • Alpine Pennycress (Thlaspi caerulescens) HEIGHT to 25cm. Hairless perennial of alpine scree and old lead workings. FLOWERS 3-4mm across with white or lilac petals and violet anthers (Apr-Aug). FRUITS Narrowly heart-shaped, flattened, with a beak. LEAVES Oval, entire and tapering gradually to the stalk.
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  • GREATER PLANTAIN Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes.
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  • SPRING SQUILL Scilla verna (Liliaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Compact and resilient, hairless perennial that grows in dry, short coastal grassland, typically in sight of the sea. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, bell-shaped and lilac blue; borne in upright, terminal clusters on a short stalk, each flower having a bluish purple bract (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry, curly, basal and 4-6 in number; they appear in early spring, before the flowers. STATUS-Locally common on the coasts of W Britain and E Ireland; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • Plymouth Pear - Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • 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.
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  • Southern Evergreen Magnolia or Bull Bay Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
A large, spreading evergreen tree with a broadly conical crown. BARK Smooth, dull grey. BRANCHES Large, the youngest shoots covered with thick down and terminate in red-tipped buds. LEAVES Elliptical, to 16cm long and 9cm wide with a smooth or sometimes wavy margin. Upper surface is shiny, dark green, and underside is rust-coloured and downy, as is the 2.5cm-long petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are striking, composed of 6 white petal-like segments, borne at tips of shoots; conical in bud, later opening out to a spreading cup-shape, to 25cm across. Fruit is conical, to 6cm long, composed of scale-like carpels on a single orange stalk. Flowers from midsummer to late autumn. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, introduced into Europe in 18th century. Popular in gardens here and does well if grown against a wall. In more sheltered areas it will form a splendid free-standing tree.
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  • Greater Plantain - Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes.
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  • Butternut Juglans cinerea (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 26m <br />
Slender tree. BARK Grey. LEAVES Compound, to 70cm long, leaflets more widely spaced than in Black Walnut; central leaf stalk is densely hairy and leaflets near leaf base are smallest. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Edible fruits in clusters of up to 12. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America, planted here for ornament.
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  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • Southern Evergreen Magnolia or Bull Bay Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
A large, spreading evergreen tree with a broadly conical crown. BARK Smooth, dull grey. BRANCHES Large, the youngest shoots covered with thick down and terminate in red-tipped buds. LEAVES Elliptical, to 16cm long and 9cm wide with a smooth or sometimes wavy margin. Upper surface is shiny, dark green, and underside is rust-coloured and downy, as is the 2.5cm-long petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are striking, composed of 6 white petal-like segments, borne at tips of shoots; conical in bud, later opening out to a spreading cup-shape, to 25cm across. Fruit is conical, to 6cm long, composed of scale-like carpels on a single orange stalk. Flowers from midsummer to late autumn. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, introduced into Europe in 18th century.
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  • Southern Evergreen Magnolia or Bull Bay Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
A large, spreading evergreen tree with a broadly conical crown. BARK Smooth, dull grey. BRANCHES Large, the youngest shoots covered with thick down and terminate in red-tipped buds. LEAVES Elliptical, to 16cm long and 9cm wide with a smooth or sometimes wavy margin. Upper surface is shiny, dark green, and underside is rust-coloured and downy, as is the 2.5cm-long petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are striking, composed of 6 white petal-like segments, borne at tips of shoots; conical in bud, later opening out to a spreading cup-shape, to 25cm across. Fruit is conical, to 6cm long, composed of scale-like carpels on a single orange stalk. Flowers from midsummer to late autumn. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, introduced into Europe in 18th century.
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  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • Southern Evergreen Magnolia or Bull Bay Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
A large, spreading evergreen tree with a broadly conical crown. BARK Smooth, dull grey. BRANCHES Large, the youngest shoots covered with thick down and terminate in red-tipped buds. LEAVES Elliptical, to 16cm long and 9cm wide with a smooth or sometimes wavy margin. Upper surface is shiny, dark green, and underside is rust-coloured and downy, as is the 2.5cm-long petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are striking, composed of 6 white petal-like segments, borne at tips of shoots; conical in bud, later opening out to a spreading cup-shape, to 25cm across. Fruit is conical, to 6cm long, composed of scale-like carpels on a single orange stalk. Flowers from midsummer to late autumn. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, introduced into Europe in 18th century. Popular in gardens here and does well if grown against a wall. In more sheltered areas it will form a splendid free-standing tree.
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  • SPEAR-LEAVED ORACHE Atriplex prostrata (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright annual; stems are often tinged red. Favours waste and bare ground near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in rather short spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are triangular and surrounded by green bracts. LEAVES are triangular in outline and toothed; basal, largest teeth are at right angles to the stalk. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • AUTUMN SQUILL Scilla autumnalis (Liliaceae) Height to 7cm<br />
Similar to Spring Squill but separable by flowering time and subtle difference in appearance of the flowers. Confined to coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, bell-shaped and bluish purple; borne in compact, terminal clusters on a slender stalk, the flowers lacking an accompanying bract (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry, basal and appear in autumn. STATUS-Coasts of SW England only.
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  • PALE WILLOWHERB Epilobium roseum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Similar to Short-fruited Willowherb but with only faint lines on the stem. Favours damp ground. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across, white at first, turning pink later (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are elliptical with a wedge-shaped base; stalk 2cm long. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • PALE WILLOWHERB Epilobium roseum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Similar to Short-fruited Willowherb but with only faint lines on the stem. Favours damp ground. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across, white at first, turning pink later (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are elliptical with a wedge-shaped base; stalk 2cm long. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • PALE WILLOWHERB Epilobium roseum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Similar to Short-fruited Willowherb but with only faint lines on the stem. Favours damp ground. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across, white at first, turning pink later (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are elliptical with a wedge-shaped base; stalk 2cm long. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • HOP TREFOIL Trifolium campestre (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Low-growing, hairy annual. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm long and yellow; borne in compact, rounded heads, 15mm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are pods, cloaked by brown dead flowers in hop-like heads. LEAVES are trifoliate; terminal leaflet has the longest stalk. STATUS-Widespread and generally common; local in N and Ireland.
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  • COMMON SCURVYGRASS Cochlearia officinalis (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Biennial or perennial of saltmarshes, coastal walls and cliffs, and mountains inland. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across with 4 white petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are rounded to ovoid, 4-7mm long and longer than stalk. LEAVES comprise kidney-shaped basal leaves more than 2cm long, and clasping, arrow-shaped ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • 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.
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  • COMMON COMFREY Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 1m. Roughly hairy perennial with strikingly winged stems. Grows in damp ground beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and tubular to bell-shaped; colour varies but usually white, pink or purple, and borne in curved clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny nutlets. LEAVES are oval and hairy, the upper ones clasping, and the stalk running down the main stem. STATUS-Widespread; common only in C and S England.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, slender or slightly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES With spiny branches and purplish twigs. LEAVES Alternate, oval and up to 5cm long, although they are usually much smaller. The margin is finely toothed and the leaf is downy when young, becoming a dull green when older. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open at the same time as the leaves in May and the tree is often covered with white blossom. The fruit is up to 1.8cm long, resembling a tiny pear on a long stalk, and is golden-brown at first, ripening later to red and marked by numerous brown lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A scarce native of SW Britain (also found in W France and the Iberian peninsula). Here, it is usually found in hedgerows and copses.
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  • IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis (Scrophulariaceae) Trailing. Hairless perennial with trailing, purplish stems. Grows on rocks and walls. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across and lilac with yellow and white at the centre, and a curved spur; borne on long stalks (Apr-Nov). FRUITS are capsules, borne on long stalks that become recurved with maturity, forcing the fruit into nooks and crannies. LEAVES are long-stalked, ivy-shaped, 5-lobed and borne on long stalks. STATUS-Originally a garden plant but now widely naturalised throughout much of the region, except N Scotland.
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  • COMMON COMFREY Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 1m. Roughly hairy perennial with strikingly winged stems. Grows in damp ground beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and tubular to bell-shaped; colour varies but usually white, pink or purple, and borne in curved clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny nutlets. LEAVES are oval and hairy, the upper ones clasping, and the stalk running down the main stem. STATUS-Widespread; common only in C and S England.
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  • NAVELWORT Umbilicus rupestris (Crassulaceae) Height to 15cm. Distinctive perennial found on walls and banks, often growing in partial shade. FLOWERS are whitish, tubular and drooping; borne in spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are rounded and fleshy with a depressed centre above the leaf stalk
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  • Alder Carr - Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
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  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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