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  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
    131338.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
  • 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
  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
    131336.jpg
  • BUTTERBUR Petasites hybridus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Impressive, patch-forming perennial with creeping rhizomes. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are borne in pinkish red heads with separate sex plants (male flower heads are 7-12mm across, females flower heads are 3-6mm across); carried on impressive and robust spikes, up to 40cm tall, (Mar-May), going over as the leaves appear. FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are heart-shaped, up to 1m across, and most evident in summer. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    144575.jpg
  • Lilac Syringa vulgaris (Oleaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A small deciduous tree, but sometimes little more than a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded crown and a short bole surrounded by suckers. BARK Greyish and spirally fissured in older trees. BRANCHES Usually a mass of ascending branches. The twigs are rounded and shiny greenish-brown. LEAVES Short-petioled and opposite, up to 10cm long, ovate or slightly heart-shaped with entire margins and a slightly leathery feel; they are usually yellowish-green with a smooth surface. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The fragrant lilac flowers are borne in dense, paired conical spikes, up to 20cm long, arising from the apical leaf axils; the flowers are at their best in May and June. Individual flowers are up to 1.2cm long and 4-lobed. The fruit is a pointed ovoid capsule up to 1cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of rocky hillsides in the Balkans, growing in open thickets and scrub, but long cultivated in the rest of Europe for its attractive fragrant flowers. In Britain and Ireland, it is a popular garden plant and frequently naturalised as well, spreading by vegetative means (mainly suckers) rather than seed.
    133701.jpg
  • Lilac Syringa vulgaris (Oleaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A small deciduous tree, but sometimes little more than a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded crown and a short bole surrounded by suckers. BARK Greyish and spirally fissured in older trees. BRANCHES Usually a mass of ascending branches. The twigs are rounded and shiny greenish-brown. LEAVES Short-petioled and opposite, up to 10cm long, ovate or slightly heart-shaped with entire margins and a slightly leathery feel; they are usually yellowish-green with a smooth surface. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The fragrant lilac flowers are borne in dense, paired conical spikes, up to 20cm long, arising from the apical leaf axils; the flowers are at their best in May and June. Individual flowers are up to 1.2cm long and 4-lobed. The fruit is a pointed ovoid capsule up to 1cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of rocky hillsides in the Balkans, growing in open thickets and scrub, but long cultivated in the rest of Europe for its attractive fragrant flowers. In Britain and Ireland, it is a popular garden plant and frequently naturalised as well, spreading by vegetative means (mainly suckers) rather than seed.
    133699.jpg
  • BUTTERBUR Petasites hybridus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Impressive, patch-forming perennial with creeping rhizomes. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are borne in pinkish red heads with separate sex plants (male flower heads are 7-12mm across, females flower heads are 3-6mm across); carried on impressive and robust spikes, up to 40cm tall, (Mar-May), going over as the leaves appear. FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are heart-shaped, up to 1m across, and most evident in summer. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    133494.jpg
  • MARSH SAXIFRAGE Saxifraga hirculus (Saxifragaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy perennial of damp grassy ground in moors and mountains. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 20-30mm across with bright yellow petals; solitary or in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and stalked. STATUS-Local and rare in N England, Scotland and Ireland.
    131626.jpg
  • BUTTERBUR Petasites hybridus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Impressive, patch-forming perennial with creeping rhizomes. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are borne in pinkish red heads with separate sex plants (male flower heads are 7-12mm across, females flower heads are 3-6mm across); carried on impressive and robust spikes, up to 40cm tall, (Mar-May), going over as the leaves appear. FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are heart-shaped, up to 1m across, and most evident in summer. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    130580.jpg
  • FOX-AND-CUBS Pilosella aurantiaca (Asteraceae) Height to 40cm. Variable and spreading perennial, similar in many respects to Mouse-ear Hawkweed, except for the flower colour. Note that the stems are leafy and coated in blackish hairs. Grows in grassy places, and on verges and banks. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with reddish orange florets; carried in clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are lanceolate, hairy and arranged in a basal rosette. STATUS-Introduced and familiar as a garden but widely naturalised as well.
    129685.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.
    144598.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 - 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 Pear (Cultivated Pear) Pyrus communis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. A normally upright and slender deciduous tree with a stout bole and a dense framework unless pruned. BARK Dark-brown and breaking up into small square plates. BRANCHES Ascending in young trees, but becoming more spreading in older specimens; some branches may bear a few spines. Young twigs are reddish-brown and sparsely hairy, but they become smoother with age. LEAVES Up to 8cm long, and usually oval to elliptic in shape, but there is always some variation; the margins have numerous small teeth, and the leaves are smooth and almost glossy when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are pure white and open before the leaves have fully expanded, typically two to four weeks earlier and cultivated apples flower in the same location. A pear orchard is a spectacular sight on a sunny spring day. The pear-shaped fruits may be up to 12cm long, with a soft, but slightly gritty, sweet-tasting flesh. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of western Asia originally, but cultivated for millennia and now widespread across Europe, including Britain and Ireland
    132277.jpg
  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
    141580.jpg
  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
    141579.jpg
  • YELLOW CENTAURY Cicendia filiformis (Gentianaceae) Height to 15cm. Slender and extremely delicate annual or biennial that is extremely easy to overlook when not in flower. Found on damp, sandy ground, usually growing in short turf, and often near the sea. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across with 4 petal-like corolla lobes that open only in full sunshine (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are tiny, narrow and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Extremely local and restricted to S and SW Britain and SW Ireland; perhaps easiest to find in the New Forest.
    136560.jpg
  • YELLOW CENTAURY Cicendia filiformis (Gentianaceae) Height to 15cm. Slender and extremely delicate annual or biennial that is extremely easy to overlook when not in flower. Found on damp, sandy ground, usually growing in short turf, and often near the sea. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across with 4 petal-like corolla lobes that open only in full sunshine (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are tiny, narrow and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Extremely local and restricted to S and SW Britain and SW Ireland; perhaps easiest to find in the New Forest.
    136559.jpg
  • American Skunk Cabbage Lysichiton americanus Height to 15cm Perennial member of Arum family. Smells strongly of ‘skunk’ when in flower. Leaves are up to 80cm long, broad and inrolled at first. Flower comprise a bright yellow spathe and spike-like green spadix. Status Introduced to Britain from North America (mainly as a naturalised garden escape). Now widespread but local in damp woodland.
    133529.jpg
  • AUTUMN LADY’S-TRESSES Spiranthes spiralis (Orchidaceae) Height to 15cm. Charming little orchid that is easy to overlook until you have got your eye in. Grows in short, dry grassland, both inland and on coastal turf and dunes. FLOWERS are pure white and both the petals and sepals are downy; borne in a distinct spiral up the grey-green stem (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and downy. LEAVES appear as a basal rosette of oval leaves that wither long before the flower stem appears. STATUS-Locally common in S England, Wales and SW Ireland.
    132192.jpg
  • FAIRY FLAX Linum catharticum (Linaceae) Height to 12cm<br />
Slender, delicate annual that is easily overlooked when not in flower. Found in both wet and dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-6mm across and white; borne in loose, terminal clusters (May-Sep). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are narrow, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    131992.jpg
  • LAX-FLOWERED SEA-LAVENDER Limonium humile (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 25cm. Similar to Common Sea-lavender but with subtle differences in appearance of flower heads and leaves. Restricted to saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long and pinkish lilac; borne in open, lax clusters with well-spaced flowers; sprays branch below the middle (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and long-stalked. STATUS-Local in England, Wales and S Scotland; widespread and fairly common on Irish coasts.
    131936.jpg
  • BLADDERSEED Physospermum cornubiense (Height to 1m) is a hairless perennial with striped, solid stems. Umbels are 2-5cm across with whitish flowers (Jun-Jul). The fruits are inflated and resembled small bladders. This rare plant occurs in Cornwall (it is the only British flower with a reference to Cornwall in its scientific name) and also in Buckinghamshire.
    131849.jpg
  • DWARF CUDWEED Gnaphalium supinum (Asteraceae) Height to 10cm. Tufted, compact and greyish-green perennial that grows on damp ground in mountains, and typically found on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in small, compact and brown heads, fringed by bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and woolly on both sides, the upper ones surrounding the flower heads. STATUS-Very locally common only in the Scottish Highlands.
    131748.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
  • 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.
    131371.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
  • 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
  • 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.
    129891.jpg
  • YELLOW STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Gagea lutea (Liliaceae) Height to 15cm. Delicate perennial that grows damp woodland, often on calcareous or heavy soils. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 2cm across, yellow and star-like; borne in umbel-like clusters of 1-7 flowers (Mar-May). FRUITS are 3-sided capsules. LEAVES comprise a single, narrow basal leaf with a hooded tip and 3 distinctly ridged veins. STATUS-Local and generally scarce; least uncommon in central England.
    127631.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
  • GREATER YELLOW-RATTLE Rhinanthus angustifolius (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, semi-parasitic annual. Similar to Yellow-rattle but branched, and with subtle differences in flower structure. Grows in undisturbed grassland. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla yellow, 2-lipped with a concave dorsal surface; the 2 teeth on the upper lip are 2mm long; in spikes with triangular, toothed and yellowish green bracts (May-Sep). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are oblong with rounded teeth. STATUS-Rare, restricted to a few scattered locations from S England to Scotland.
    143577.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
  • Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula - Pink form (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring.  STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156634.jpg
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae), Lundy Island, Devon. Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
    156586.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
  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height to 10cm. Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    145970.jpg
  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height to 10cm. Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    145971.jpg
  • Dove Tree (Handkerchief Tree) Davidia involucrata (Nyssaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Slender, conical deciduous tree; stout, tapering bole. BARK Orange-brown, peeling vertically. BRANCHES Thick; shoots are smooth and brown and buds are red. LEAVES To 18cm long, heart-shaped with a pointed tip and toothed margin, 5–9 pairs of veins and a 15cm-long pinkish or yellow-green petiole; dark shiny green above, paler and downy below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are small, petal-less, in dense clusters of many male flowers with purple anthers and one hermaphrodite flower; surrounded by large pair of white bracts, one larger than the other, to 20cm long. Rounded fruits, to 2.5cm across, are green at first, ripening to purple-brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, popularly planted here.
    132999.jpg
  • 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.
    140421.jpg
  • YARROW (PURPLE) BROOMRAPE Orobanche purpurea (Orobanchaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright, unbranched purplish-tinged annual. Whole plant lacks chlorophyll and is entirely parasitic on the roots of Yarrow Achillea millefolium. Found in dry grassland and in coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 20-30mm long, the corolla pinkish-purple with darker veins. Stigmas are white. Flowers borne in open, upright spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules, concealed by the dead flowers. LEAVES are scale-like. STATUS-Very rare. Scattered, from Norfolk to Isle of Wight.
    140030.jpg
  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • GREATER YELLOW-RATTLE Rhinanthus angustifolius (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, semi-parasitic annual. Similar to Yellow-rattle but branched, and with subtle differences in flower structure. Grows in undisturbed grassland. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla yellow, 2-lipped with a concave dorsal surface; the 2 teeth on the upper lip are 2mm long; in spikes with triangular, toothed and yellowish green bracts (May-Sep). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are oblong with rounded teeth. STATUS-Rare, restricted to a few scattered locations from S England to Scotland.
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  • MILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.
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  • MILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.
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  • MILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.
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  • MILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.
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  • American Skunk Cabbage Lysichiton americanus Height to 15cm Perennial member of Arum family. Smells strongly of ‘skunk’ when in flower. Leaves are up to 80cm long, broad and inrolled at first. Flower comprise a bright yellow spathe and spike-like green spadix. Status Introduced to Britain from North America (mainly as a naturalised garden escape). Now widespread but local in damp woodland.
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  • 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.
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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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  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • SMALL TEASEL Dipsacus pilosus (Dipsacaceae) Height to 1.25m. Upright biennial with stems that are hairy towards the top of the plant. Grows along woodland margins and on banks. FLOWERS are white and carried in spherical to egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with spiny bracts; borne on tall stems (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are dry, papery and borne in the dry flower heads. LEAVES are oval, those at the base long-stalked and forming a rosette; stem leaves sometimes have 2 basal lobes but are not joined around the stem. STATUS-Local, in England and Wales only.
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  • MARSH CUDWEED Gnaphalium uliginosum (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm. Greyish green, woolly and branched annual that grows in damp, disturbed ground and on tracks. FLOWERS are borne in unstalked heads, 3-4mm long, comprising yellow disc florets and brown bracts; in clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and woolly on both sides, the top ones surrounding, sometimes over-topping, the flower heads. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE Epipactis phyllanthes (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with rather insignificant-looking flowers. Grows in shady woods on calcareous soils, and sometimes on dunes. FLOWERS comprise yellowish-green sepals and petals; flowers are pendent, invariably do not open fully and are borne in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and strongly veined. STATUS-Very local in S England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE Epipactis phyllanthes (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with rather insignificant-looking flowers. Grows in shady woods on calcareous soils, and sometimes on dunes. FLOWERS comprise yellowish-green sepals and petals; flowers are pendent, invariably do not open fully and are borne in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and strongly veined. STATUS-Very local in S England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
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  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • GRASS VETCHLING Lathyrus nissolia (Fabaceae) Height to 90cm. Upright, hairless or slightly downy perennial. Easily overlooked when not in flower, in its favoured grassy habitat. FLOWERS are 18mm long and crimson; solitary or paired on long, slender stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are narrow pods. LEAVES reduced to 1 pair of narrow, extremely grass-like leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in SE England.
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  • SWORD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera longifolia (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. An elegant orchid of woods and scrub on calcareous soils. Superficially similar to White Helleborine. FLOWERS are 20mm long, pure white, bell-shaped and open more fully than those of White Helleborine; each has a leafy bract, and they are borne in tall spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS form at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are long and narrow (narrower than White Helleborine), the largest at the base. STATUS-Local and scarce, least so in SE England where it occurs in scattered colonies.
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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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  • SAND CROCUS Romulea columnae (Height to 1cm) is a rare, low-growing perennial with curly, basal leaves, up to 10cm long, and a star-shaped flower, 1cm across, that opens only in sunshine (Mar-May). Sand Crocus grows in short turf at Dawlish Warren in Devon, and is also found on the Channel Islands.
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  • FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae) 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.
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  • FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae) 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.
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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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  • CARLINE THISTLE Carlina vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, branched or unbranched biennial, armed with stiff spines. Grows in dry calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are borne in golden brown, rayless heads, 15-40mm across, surrounded by spreading, straw-coloured bracts; carried in clusters (Jul-Sep); dead flower heads persist. FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are oblong with wavy margins and spiny lobes; lower leaves are downy. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • GREATER YELLOW-RATTLE Rhinanthus angustifolius (Scrophulariaceae)  Height to 60cm. Upright, semi-parasitic annual. Similar to Yellow-rattle but branched, and with subtle differences in flower structure. Grows in undisturbed grassland. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla yellow, 2-lipped with a concave dorsal surface; the 2 teeth on the upper lip are 2mm long; in spikes with triangular, toothed and yellowish green bracts (May-Sep). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are oblong with rounded teeth. STATUS-Rare, restricted to a few scattered locations from S England to Scotland.
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  • MOUNTAIN EVERLASTING Antennaria dioica (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm. Downy perennial with rooting runners and leaf rosettes from which flower stems arise. Grows on upland heaths and moors. FLOWERS in compact, woolly, separate-sex heads, borne in umbel-like clusters; male heads 6mm across with white-tipped bracts, female heads 12mm across with pink-tipped bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are green and hairless above, downy below. STATUS-Locally common in upland and N regions.
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  • AUTUMN LADY’S-TRESSES Spiranthes spiralis (Orchidaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Charming little orchid that is easy to overlook until you have got your eye in. Grows in short, dry grassland, both inland and on coastal turf and dunes. FLOWERS are pure white and both the petals and sepals are downy; borne in a distinct spiral up the grey-green stem (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and downy. LEAVES appear as a basal rosette of oval leaves that wither long before the flower stem appears.
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  • EARLY MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Orchid of damp meadows, often on calcareous soils, but sometimes on acid ground. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but are creamy white or reddish purple in certain subspecies; 3-lobed lip is strongly reflexed along the mid-line, hence flower is narrow when viewed front-on. Flowers borne in spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish-green, unmarked, narrow-lanceolate and often hooded at the tip. STATUS-Local throughout the region.
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  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
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  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
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  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW 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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  • MONKEY ORCHID Orchis simia (Height to 45cm) has flowers that are fancifully monkey-like. They are borne in cylindrical heads; unlike most other orchids, the flowers open in succession from the top downwards (May-Jun). The Monkey Orchid grows at a few locations in Oxfordshire, with further isolated sites in Kent and Yorkshire.
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  • GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE Epipactis phyllanthes (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with rather insignificant-looking flowers. Grows in shady woods on calcareous soils, and sometimes on dunes. FLOWERS comprise yellowish-green sepals and petals; flowers are pendent, invariably do not open fully and are borne in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and strongly veined. STATUS-Very local in S England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE Epipactis phyllanthes (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Slender, upright perennial with rather insignificant-looking flowers. Grows in shady woods on calcareous soils, and sometimes on dunes. FLOWERS comprise yellowish-green sepals and petals; flowers are pendent, invariably do not open fully and are borne in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow-ovate and strongly veined. STATUS-Very local in S England and Wales; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • SLENDER THISTLE Carduus tenuiflorus (Asteraceae), Lundy Island, Devon. Height to 1m. Upright, greyish biennial. Similar to Welted Thistle but stems are spiny-winged right up to the flower heads and extremely cottony. Grows in dry grassland, often near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5-10mm across, with pinkish red florets; in dense, terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, spiny and cottony below. STATUS-Locally common around coasts, except N.
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  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height less than 10cm<br />
Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise.
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  • DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height less than 10cm<br />
Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise.
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  • 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.
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  • FEN ORCHID Liparis loeselii (Height to 20cm) has rather curious yellow flowers with narrow, spreading perianth segments; the flowers are borne in spikes (Jun-Jul) that arise from the cup-like arrangement comprising the basal pair of leaves. Fen Orchid grows in a few fen locations in Norfolk, with additional sites in S Wales and N Devon.
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  • TOOTHWORT Lathraea squamaria (Orobanchaceae) Height to 25cm. Bizarre perennial that is entirely parasitic on the roots of woody shrubs, especially Hazel. Grows in woodlands, invariably on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are 15-18mm long, tubular and pinkish lilac to creamy white; borne in 1-sided spikes (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules, contained within the dead flower. LEAVES are scale-like, alternate and clasping. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common; absent N Scotland and W Ireland.
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  • OXTONGUE BROOMRAPE Orobanche artemisiae-campestris (Orobanchaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, unbranched annual that usually has a purplish-tinged stem. Whole plant lacks chlorophyll and is entirely parasitic on the roots of Hawkweed Oxtongue Picris hieracioides. Found in calcareous grassland and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla pinkish yellow with purple veins, tubular with smoothly curved dorsal surface, and 2-lipped; filmaents are hairy at base. Flowers borne in open, upright spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules, concealed by the dead flowers. LEAVES are scale-like. STATUS-Very rare. S England only, from cliffs in Kent and Sussex, to Isle of Wight.
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  • OXTONGUE BROOMRAPE Orobanche artemisiae-campestris (Orobanchaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, unbranched annual that usually has a purplish-tinged stem. Whole plant lacks chlorophyll and is entirely parasitic on the roots of Hawkweed Oxtongue Picris hieracioides. Found in calcareous grassland and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long, the corolla pinkish yellow with purple veins, tubular with smoothly curved dorsal surface, and 2-lipped; filmaents are hairy at base. Flowers borne in open, upright spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules, concealed by the dead flowers. LEAVES are scale-like. STATUS-Very rare. S England only, from cliffs in Kent and Sussex, to Isle of Wight.
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  • CREEPING LADY’S-TRESSES Goodyera repens (Orchidaceae) Height to 25cm. Perennial with both creeping stems and upright, flowering stalks. Grows in mature and undisturbed conifer woodland (mainly Scots Pine). FLOWERS are white, slightly sticky and do not open fully; arranged in a spiral fashion, in open spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are oval, stalked, net-veined and evergreen. STATUS-Locally common only in Scotland and N England; rare in N Norfolk.
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  • HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive and delicate, hairless perennial with wiry stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, both on calcareous and acid soils. FLOWERS are 15mm long, the corolla blue and bell-shaped with sharp, triangular teeth; nodding and borne on slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES comprise rounded ones at the base of the plant, which soon wither, and narrower stem leaves that persist while the plant is in flower. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in SW of the region.
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  • MAY LILY Maianthemum bifolium (Liliaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive perennial with a creeping rhizome and upright stalks bearing a single pair of leaves and the flower spike. Grows in mature woodlands, often on acid soils. FLOWERS are 2-5mm across, white and 4-parted; borne in spikes, 3-4cm long (May-Jun). FRUITS are red berries although these are produced only rarely. LEAVES are heart-shaped and shiny, the lower one long-stalked. STATUS-Local, N England only.
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  • MAY LILY Maianthemum bifolium (Liliaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive perennial with a creeping rhizome and upright stalks bearing a single pair of leaves and the flower spike. Grows in mature woodlands, often on acid soils. FLOWERS are 2-5mm across, white and 4-parted; borne in spikes, 3-4cm long (May-Jun). FRUITS are red berries although these are produced only rarely. LEAVES are heart-shaped and shiny, the lower one long-stalked. STATUS-Local, N England only.
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  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
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  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
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