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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.
    130907.jpg
  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    143612.jpg
  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    143616.jpg
  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
    131796.jpg
  • KNOTTED PEARLWORT Sagina nodosa (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 12cm. Wiry perennial; stems look ‘knotted’ due to clustered arrangement of leaves. Found on damp, sandy soils; often coastal. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled (petals twice as long as sepals) and 10mm across, with 5 styles (cf Spring Sandwort, pxxx) (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short and clustered. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131627.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131528.jpg
  • FINE-LEAVED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe aquatica (Apiaceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright, bushy biennial with shiny, hollow and grooved stems. Found around the margins of still and slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 2-5cm across, both terminal and arising opposite leaf stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are ovoid. LEAVES are delicate-looking; submerged ones are 3- or 4-pinnate with fine lobes while aerial leaves are 3-pinnate with ovate segments. STATUS-Widespread in England, E Wales and Ireland but extremely local.
    131517.jpg
  • NODDING BUR-MARIGOLD Bidens cernua (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Trifid Bur-marigold but with hairy stems. Grows in damp ground and shallow water. FLOWERS in nodding heads, 15-30mm across with yellow disc florets and 5-8 leaf-like bracts below (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are narrow and flattened with 3-4 barbed bristles. LEAVES are lanceolate, unstalked and undivided. STATUS-Locally common in S.
    132144.jpg
  • BROAD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Epipactis helleborine (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with rather downy stems. Grows in shady woodland and scrub. FLOWERS comprise broad, greenish sepals that are tinged purple around the margins, broad upper petals that are strongly purple tinged, and purplish, heart-shaped lip, the tip of which is usually curved under; borne in dense spikes of up to 100 flowers (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broadly oval and strongly veined. STATUS-Locally common in most parts, except N Scotland.
    131713.jpg
  • LADY’S BEDSTRAW Galium verum (Rubiaceae) Height to 30cm. Attractive, branched perennial and the only true bedstraw with yellow flowers. Stems are square and whole plant smells of hay. Found in dry grassland. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, yellow and 4-petalled; in dense clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are smooth nutlets that ripen black. LEAVES are narrow with down-rolled margins; in whorls of 8-12. Leaves blacken when dry. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131631.jpg
  • DUKE OF ARGYLL’S TEAPLANT Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae) Height to 1.5m. Deciduous perennial with spiny and greyish white, woody stems; these often root where they droop and touch the ground. Grows on disturbed ground and in hedgerows, often near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, purplish and 5-lobed, with projecting, yellow anthers; borne in groups of 1-3 flowers that arise from leaf axils (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, red berries. LEAVES are lanceolate and grey-green. STATUS-Introduced from China and naturalised, especially near the sea.
    131611.jpg
  • DARK MULLEIN Verbascum nigrum (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1m. Upright and ridge-stemmed biennial; stems purplish and usually unbranched. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground, on calcareous and sandy soils. FLOWERS are 1-2cm across and yellow, the stamens coated in purple hairs; borne in elongated spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green and oval, lower ones long-stalked, upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England only.
    131603.jpg
  • GREATER WATER-PARSNIP Sium latifolium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m. Hairless perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in fens on riverbanks. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 6-10cm across (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are pinnate with 4-8 pairs of narrow, toothed leaflets plus a terminal one. STATUS-Local, mainly SE England; commonest in E Anglia.
    131545.jpg
  • SQUARE-STALKED ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum tetrapterum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Imperforate St John’s-wort but the square stems are distinctly winged. Found in damp ground. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals and undotted, pointed sepals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N.
    131539.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131534.jpg
  • GREATER WATER-PARSNIP Sium latifolium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m. Hairless perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in fens on riverbanks. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 6-10cm across (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are pinnate with 4-8 pairs of narrow, toothed leaflets plus a terminal one. STATUS-Local, mainly SE England; commonest in E Anglia.
    131516.jpg
  • SKULLCAP Scutellaria galericulata (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Creeping, square-stemmed downy or hairless perennial with upright flowering stalks. Grows in damp ground, in marshes and on river banks. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in pairs on upright, leafy stems, mainly towards the top (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region, except Ireland and N Scotland.
    131513.jpg
  • WILD PARSNIP Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy perennial with hollow, ridged stems; smells strongly when bruised. Found mainly in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in open, bractless umbels, 3-9cm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, flattened and winged. LEAVES are pinnate with oval, lobed and toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in S Britain; scarce or absent elsewhere. Nb. Garden Parsnip (P.s.hortensis), the familiar garden vegetable, is sometimes naturalised.
    131498.jpg
  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
    131495.jpg
  • COMMON FIGWORT Scrophularia nodosa (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are solid and square but not winged. Grows in damp woodland and shady places. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and narrow white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, recalling miniature figs. LEAVES are oval and pointed, with sharp teeth. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N Scotland.
    131433.jpg
  • WATER FIGWORT Scrophularia auriculata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are square with prominent wings. Grows in damp ground, in woodlands and beside fresh water. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and broad white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval but blunt tipped, with rounded teeth; on winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131429.jpg
  • WATER FIGWORT Scrophularia auriculata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are square with prominent wings. Grows in damp ground, in woodlands and beside fresh water. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and broad white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval but blunt tipped, with rounded teeth; on winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131430.jpg
  • Hedge Bedstraw - Galiium mollugo. Height to 1.5m. Scrambling perennial with smooth, square stems. Found in hedgerows and dry, grassy places, typically on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, white and 4-petalled; borne in large, frothy clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are wrinkled, hairless nutlets. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined, bristle-tipped and have forward-pointing bristles on the margins. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, except in the N; absent from Ireland.
    157344.jpg
  • Sticky Catchfly Lychnis viscaria Height to 55cm<br />
Upright perennial with sticky stems. Grows in dry, rocky places. Leaves are narrow-oval and paired. Flowers are pinkish-purple with 5 lobes. Status Rare, restricted to a few sites, mainly in Scotland but also in Wales.
    137915.jpg
  • Sticky Catchfly Lychnis viscaria Height to 55cm<br />
Upright perennial with sticky stems. Grows in dry, rocky places. Leaves are narrow-oval and paired. Flowers are pinkish-purple with 5 lobes. Status Rare, restricted to a few sites, mainly in Scotland but also in Wales.
    137761.jpg
  • Sticky Catchfly Lychnis viscaria Height to 55cm. Upright perennial with sticky stems. Grows in dry, rocky places. Leaves are narrow-oval and paired. Flowers are pinkish-purple with 5 lobes. Status Rare, restricted to a few sites, mainly in Scotland but also in Wales.
    134159.jpg
  • Sticky Catchfly Lychnis viscaria Height to 55cm<br />
Upright perennial with sticky stems. Grows in dry, rocky places. Leaves are narrow-oval and paired. Flowers are pinkish-purple with 5 lobes. Status Rare, restricted to a few sites, mainly in Scotland but also in Wales.
    134014.jpg
  • SPINY RESTHARROW Ononis spinosa (Fabaceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Common Restharrow but upright and bushy, with spiny stems. Favours grassland on clay and heavy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and deep pink, the wings shorter than the keel (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are longer than the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, oval leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in England.
    132044.jpg
  • SPEAR THISTLE Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright biennial with stems that are downy and spiny-winged between the leaves. Grows in grassland and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, that comprise purple florets topping a basal ball coated with spiny bracts; heads are solitary or in small clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131576.jpg
  • SQUARE-STALKED ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum tetrapterum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Imperforate St John’s-wort but the square stems are distinctly winged. Found in damp ground. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals and undotted, pointed sepals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N.
    131549.jpg
  • FOOL’S-PARSLEY Aethusa cynapium (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm. Delicate, hairless annual with slender, ribbed stems. Found in gardens and arable fields. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels, 2-3cm across, the secondary umbels have a ‘beard’ of long upper bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 2-pinnate, flat and triangular in outline. STATUS-Commonest in S.
    131533.jpg
  • FINE-LEAVED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe aquatica (Apiaceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright, bushy biennial with shiny, hollow and grooved stems. Found around the margins of still and slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 2-5cm across, both terminal and arising opposite leaf stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are ovoid. LEAVES are delicate-looking; submerged ones are 3- or 4-pinnate with fine lobes while aerial leaves are 3-pinnate with ovate segments. STATUS-Widespread in England, E Wales and Ireland but extremely local.
    131527.jpg
  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
    131505.jpg
  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
    131499.jpg
  • WILD PARSNIP Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, downy perennial with hollow, ridged stems; smells strongly when bruised. Found mainly in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in open, bractless umbels, 3-9cm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, flattened and winged. LEAVES are pinnate with oval, lobed and toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in S Britain; scarce or absent elsewhere. Nb. Garden Parsnip (P.s.hortensis), the familiar garden vegetable, is sometimes naturalised.
    131487.jpg
  • COTTON THISTLE Onopordum acanthium (Asteraceae) Height to 2.5m. Tall biennial with strongly winged stems armed with spines and coated in cottony down. Grows on waste and disturbed ground, and on verges. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 30-35mm across, with reddish purple florets and a globular base covered in spine-tipped bracts; in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are oblong with wavy, spiny lobes; cottony on both surfaces. STATUS-Possibly introduced; now widespread and local in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131475.jpg
  • WATER FIGWORT Scrophularia auriculata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are square with prominent wings. Grows in damp ground, in woodlands and beside fresh water. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and broad white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval but blunt tipped, with rounded teeth; on winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131428.jpg
  • WATER FIGWORT Scrophularia auriculata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are square with prominent wings. Grows in damp ground, in woodlands and beside fresh water. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and broad white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval but blunt tipped, with rounded teeth; on winged stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131427.jpg
  • HEDGE BEDSTRAW Galium mollugo (Rubiaceae) Height to 1.5m. Scrambling perennial with smooth, square stems. Found in hedgerows and dry, grassy places, typically on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, white and 4-petalled; borne in large, frothy clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are wrinkled, hairless nutlets. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined, bristle-tipped and have forward-pointing bristles on the margins. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, except in the N; absent from Ireland.
    131421.jpg
  • COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Downy, herbaceous perennial with hollow, unspotted stems. Found in meadows and woodland margins, and on verges. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels up to 6cm across; bracts absent (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are elongate and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, only slightly hairy and fresh green. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130858.jpg
  • HEMLOCK Conium maculatum (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Highly poisonous, hairless biennial with hollow, purple-blotched stems and an unpleasant smell when bruised. Found on damp, wayside ground, motorway verges and riversides. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels that are 2-5cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are globular with wavy ridges. LEAVES are up to 4 times pinnately divided into fine leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the far N.
    130857.jpg
  • SQUARE-STALKED ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum tetrapterum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Imperforate St John’s-wort but the square stems are distinctly winged. Found in damp ground. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals and undotted, pointed sepals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval with translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N.
    131548.jpg
  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131468.jpg
  • COMMON FIGWORT Scrophularia nodosa (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, hairless perennial with stems that are solid and square but not winged. Grows in damp woodland and shady places. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip, and narrow white borders to the sepal lobes; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, recalling miniature figs. LEAVES are oval and pointed, with sharp teeth. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N Scotland.
    131432.jpg
  • PALE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum montanum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Perennial with round stems. Similar to Hairy St John’s-wort but almost hairless. Found in scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with pale yellow petals and red sepals (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES lack translucent dots but have marginal black dots below. STATUS-Local, in England and Wales.
    131315.jpg
  • SWEET CICELY Myrrhis odorata (Apiaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Upright, downy perennial with hollow stems. Whole plant smells of aniseed when bruised. Favours grassland and damp ground, often near habitation. FLOWERS are white, with unequal petals, and borne in umbels up to 5cm across (May-Jun). FRUITS are elongated and ridged. LEAVES are fern-like, up to 30cm long and 2- or 3-pinnate; note the basal sheaths. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised, mainly N England and Scotland.
    130854.jpg
  • SPEAR THISTLE Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright biennial with stems that are downy and spiny-winged between the leaves. Grows in grassland and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, that comprise purple florets topping a basal ball coated with spiny bracts; heads are solitary or in small clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    144597.jpg
  • CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris radicata (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Tufted perennial with hairless stems. Grows in dry grassland. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 25-40mm across, with yellow florets much longer than the bristly, purple-tipped bracts; flower stalks branch 1-2 times and are swollen beneath the solitary heads (Jun-Sep). Scales present between florets. FRUITS are beaked with some feathery hairs. LEAVES are oblong, bristly, wavy-edged; form a basal rosette. STATUS-Common.
    131983.jpg
  • GREATER BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella major (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Branched perennial with hollow, ridged and hairless stems. Found in shady and grassy places. FLOWERS and white and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are usually 1-pinnate with toothed, oval lobes. STATUS-Widespread but distinctly local; commonest in central England.
    131836.jpg
  • DARK MULLEIN Verbascum nigrum (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1m. Upright and ridge-stemmed biennial; stems purplish and usually unbranched. Grows on roadside verges and disturbed ground, on calcareous and sandy soils. FLOWERS are 1-2cm across and yellow, the stamens coated in purple hairs; borne in elongated spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green and oval, lower ones long-stalked, upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England only.
    131601.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets.
    131535.jpg
  • GOOSEBERRY Ribes uva-crispa (Grossulariaceae) Height to 1m. Deciduous shrub with spiny stems. Found in woodlands and hedgerows. FLOWERS are up to 1cm across, yellowish and borne in clusters (Mar-May). FRUITS are green and hairy, eventually swelling to form familiar gooseberries. LEAVES are rounded and irregularly lobed. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common native plant; also widely naturalised.
    131357.jpg
  • HEDGE WOUNDWORT Stachys sylvatica (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm. Roughly hairy perennial with creeping stems, upright flowering stalks and an unpleasant smell to the whole plant when bruised. Grows in hedgerows, wayside ground and in verges, often on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple with white markings on the lower lip; borne in open, terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and long-stalked, the lower ones being rather heart-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout much of the region.
    131319.jpg
  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
    131366.jpg
  • HARD RUSH Juncus inflexus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.2m<br />
Tufted perennial with stiff, ridged and bluish or greyish green stems. Grows in damp, grassy places but avoids acid soils. FLOWERS are brown and borne in loose clusters below a long bract (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown and egg-shaped with a tiny point. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common except in the N.
    131299.jpg
  • HEMLOCK Conium maculatum (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Highly poisonous, hairless biennial with hollow, purple-blotched stems and an unpleasant smell when bruised. Found on damp, wayside ground, motorway verges and riversides. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels that are 2-5cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are globular with wavy ridges. LEAVES are up to 4 times pinnately divided into fine leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the far N.
    131143.jpg
  • MELANCHOLY THISTLE Cirsium heterophyllum (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Upright and unbranched perennial with stems that are grooved, cottony, spineless and unwinged. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-5cm across, with reddish purple florets; heads usually solitary or in small clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and barely spiny, green and hairless above but coated with white felt underneath. STATUS-Locally common only in N England and Scotland.
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  • BITTER-VETCH Lathyrus linifolius (Fabaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Upright, almost hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in grassy places, heaths and woods, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, red fading to blue or green; in groups of 5-12 flowers (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are brown pods, 4cm long. LEAVES have 2-4 pairs of narrow leaflets and no tendril. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • PEPPER-SAXIFRAGE Silaum silaus (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Slender, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in meadows on damp, heavy soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-6cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 4-pinnate with narrow, pointed leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • SLENDER ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum pulchrum (Clusiaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairless perennial with rounded stems. Found in dry, grassy places and heaths, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, the deep yellow petals marked with red spots and dark, marginal dots (latter also on sepals) (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are paired and oval, with translucent spots. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • WELTED THISTLE Carduus crispus (Asteraceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright and much-branched biennial with cottony stems that have spiny wings along almost their entire length, except just below the flower heads. Grows in grassland, scrub, verges and open woodland. FLOWERS are borne in cylindrical or egg-shaped heads, 2-3cm long, with reddish purple florets and woolly green bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are oblong, deeply pinnate, 3-lobed and spiny at base of plant; upper leaves are narrower and stalkless. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout, except in Ireland and N Scotland.
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  • HEDGE WOUNDWORT Stachys sylvatica (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm. Roughly hairy perennial with creeping stems, upright flowering stalks and an unpleasant smell to the whole plant when bruised. Grows in hedgerows, wayside ground and in verges, often on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and reddish purple with white markings on the lower lip; borne in open, terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and long-stalked, the lower ones being rather heart-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout much of the region.
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  • TUTSAN Hypericum androsaemum (Clusiaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless and semi-evergreen shrub with 2-winged stems. Found in shady woods and hedgerows. FLOWERS are 2cm across with 5 yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are berries that ripen from red to black. LEAVES are oval, up to 15cm long and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Locally common in S and W Britain and Ireland only.
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  • COMPACT RUSH Juncus conglomeratus (Juncaceae) Height to 1m. Upright perennial of damp, grazed grassland, mainly on acid soils. Similar to compact-flowered form of Soft Rush but stems are darker green, ridged, rough and not glossy. FLOWERS are brown and borne in compact clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are dark brown, egg-shaped and as long as sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus sylvestris. Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. Flowers 2cm long, pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 (June-Aug). Fruits long pods. Leaves comprising one pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils.
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  • HOARY RAGWORT Senecio erucifolius. Height to 1.5m. Perennial, similar to Common Ragwort but with downy stems and undersides to leaves. Found in neutral and basic grassland. Flowers pale yellow heads 15-20mm across; in clusters (July-Aug). Fruits downy. Leaves divided; lobes pointed and narrower than Common Ragwort. Status locally common in England and Wales.
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  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
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  • IMPERFORATE ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum maculatum (Clusiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial. Similar to Perforate St John’-wort but with square, unwinged stems. Found in woodland and scrub. FLOWERS are 2cm across with yellow petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval and lack translucent dots. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout, except in the N.
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  • NARROW-LEAVED EVERLASTING-PEA Lathyrus sylvestris (Fabaceae) Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. FLOWERS are 2cm long and pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long pods. LEAVES have 1 pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils. STATUS-Very local.
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  • HEMLOCK Conium maculatum (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Highly poisonous, hairless biennial with hollow, purple-blotched stems and an unpleasant smell when bruised. Found on damp, wayside ground, motorway verges and riversides. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels that are 2-5cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are globular with wavy ridges. LEAVES are up to 4 times pinnately divided into fine leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the far N.
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  • GREAT YELLOW-CRESS Rorippa amphibia (Brassicaceae) Height to 1.2m. Robust, hairless perennial with stout, hollow stems. Favours damp ground and the margins of freshwater habitats. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across with 4 yellow petals, twice the length of the sepals; in terminal heads (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are elliptical pods, 3-6mm long. LEAVES are pinnately lobed. STATUS-Locally common in S but absent from N
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  • COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Downy, herbaceous perennial with hollow, unspotted stems. Found in meadows and woodland margins, and on verges. FLOWERS are white and borne in umbels up to 6cm across; bracts absent (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are elongate and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, only slightly hairy and fresh green. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • SLENDER ST JOHN’S-WORT Hypericum pulchrum (Clusiaceae) Height to 60cm. Hairless perennial with rounded stems. Found in dry, grassy places and heaths, mostly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, the deep yellow petals marked with red spots and dark, marginal dots (latter also on sepals) (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are paired and oval, with translucent spots. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus sylvestris. Height to 3m. Hairless perennial with winged stems. Found in hedges and grassy places, often coastal. Flowers 2cm long, pinkish, flushed with yellow; in long-stalked groups of 3-12 (June-Aug). Fruits long pods. Leaves comprising one pair of narrow leaflets 10-15cm long, narrow stipules and branched tendrils.
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  • HOARY RAGWORT Senecio erucifolius. Height to 1.5m. Perennial, similar to Common Ragwort but with downy stems and undersides to leaves. Found in neutral and basic grassland. Flowers pale yellow heads 15-20mm across; in clusters (July-Aug). Fruits downy. Leaves divided; lobes pointed and narrower than Common Ragwort. Status locally common in England and Wales.
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  • GREAT WILLOWHERB Epilobium hirsutum (Onograceae) Height to 2m. Downy perennial with a round stem. Favours damp habitats such as fens and riverbanks. FLOWERS are 25mm across and pinkish purple with pale centres, and a 4-lobed stigma; in terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval, hairy and clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
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  • GREAT WILLOWHERB Epilobium hirsutum (Onograceae) Height to 2m. Downy perennial with a round stem. Favours damp habitats such as fens and riverbanks. FLOWERS are 25mm across and pinkish purple with pale centres, and a 4-lobed stigma; in terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval, hairy and clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
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  • MARSH WILLOWHERB Epilobium palustre (Onograceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with a round, smooth stem. Found in damp habitats, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across and pale pink, with a club-shaped stigma (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are narrow, untoothed, unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • GREAT WILLOWHERB Epilobium hirsutum (Onograceae) Height to 2m. Downy perennial with a round stem. Favours damp habitats such as fens and riverbanks. FLOWERS are 25mm across and pinkish purple with pale centres, and a 4-lobed stigma; in terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval, hairy and clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
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  • 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.
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  • Lady's Bedstraw - Galium verum
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  • Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea Lathyrus latifolius. Similar to Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea L. sylvetris but is larger in all respects, with broader leaves. Naturalised as a garden escape.
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  • JOINTED RUSH Juncus articulatus (Juncaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping or tufted and upright perennial that grows in marshes and on damp heaths, moors and dune-slacks. FLOWERS are brown and borne in open, branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and abruptly pointed at the tip. LEAVES are curved, narrow and flattened with a transverse joint. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus acutiflorus is similar to Jointed Rush J. articulatus but has sharply pointed tepals (mostly blunt in Jointed Rush). Widespread on acid soils.
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  • Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea Lathyrus latifolius. Similar to Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea L. sylvetris but is larger in all respects, with broader leaves. Naturalised as a garden escape.
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  • COMMON NETTLE Urtica dioica (Urticacae)  Height to 1m<br />
The familiar stinging nettle. FLOWERS are pendulous catkins; borne on separate sex plants (Jun-Oct). FRUITS resemble flowers superficially. LEAVES are oval, pointed-tipped, toothed and borne in opposite pairs; 8cm long and longer than stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common, doing best on nitrogen-enriched and disturbed soils.
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  • HAIRY-BROME Bromopsis ramosus Height to 1.8m. Stout and elegant, tufted perennial of woods and shady places. FLOWERS are borne in open, arching and drooping inflorescences with long-stalked, slender purplish spikelets, each 2cm long with a long awn (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are dark green and drooping. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Wild Carrot - Daucus carota
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Wild Parsnip - Pastinaca sativa
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  • Fool's Parsley - Aethusa cynapium
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  • Spear Thistle - Cirsium vulgare
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  • Spear Thistle - Cirsium vulgare
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  • Nodding Bur-marigold - Bidens cernua
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  • Wild Carrot - Daucus carota
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  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
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  • Broad-leaved helleborine - Epipactis helleborine
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