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  • SMOOTH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis capillaris (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Hairless and branched annual or biennial of dry, grassy places. FLOWERS in heads, 15-25mm across, with yellow florets and 2 rows of bracts, the outer ones spreading; heads in branched clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones with clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Common.
    131276.jpg
  • ASPARAGUS Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Branched, hairless perennial that is either upright or prostrate. Young shoots are the familiar vegetable. Grows in free-draining grassy places. FLOWERS are 4-6mm long, greenish and bell-shaped; borne in leaf axils, with separate sex plants (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are red berries. LEAVES are reduced to tiny bracts; what appear to be leaves are in fact slender, branched stems. STATUS- Garden Asparagus (ssp. officinalis) is locally naturalised; prostrate Wild Asparagus (ssp. prostratus) grows on sea cliffs in SW.
    132017.jpg
  • SMOOTH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis capillaris (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Hairless and branched annual or biennial of dry, grassy places. FLOWERS in heads, 15-25mm across, with yellow florets and 2 rows of bracts, the outer ones spreading; heads in branched clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones with clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Common.
    131407.jpg
  • BUTCHER’S-BROOM Ruscus aculeatus (Liliaceae) Height to 1m. Branched, evergreen perennial of shady woods, often on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are tiny and solitary; borne on upper surface of leaf-like structures (Jan-Apr). FRUITS are red berries. LEAVES are minute; oval, spine-tipped leaf-like structures are flattened branches. STATUS-Locally common native in S; naturalised elsewhere.
    132378.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137906.jpg
  • THORN-APPLE Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) Height to 1m. Distinctive and almost unmistakable, branched annual. Grows on cultivated and disturbed ground. The whole plant is poisonous. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across, white and trumpet-shaped with 5 lobes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are distinctive, green capsules, up to 5cm long, armed with strong spines. LEAVES are long-stalked, up to 20cm long and ovate to triangular with toothed lobes. STATUS-Widely naturalised but its occurrence is unpredictable and annual success is weather-dependent, doing best in warm summers.
    132019.jpg
  • COMMON HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis tetrahit (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, branched and hairy-stemmed annual with stems that are swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields and on verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, the corolla tube being similar in length to the bristly, toothed and persisting calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
    131913.jpg
  • COMMON HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis tetrahit (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, branched and hairy-stemmed annual with stems that are swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields and on verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, the corolla tube being similar in length to the bristly, toothed and persisting calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
    131912.jpg
  • ANNUAL WALL-ROCKET Diplotaxis muralis (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Branched annual with an extremely unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on waste ground and in arable fields, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 4 yellow petals (May-Sep). FRUITS are cylindrical with 2 rows of seeds. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and mainly basal. STATUS-Widespread but local, mainly in the S.
    131866.jpg
  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
    131801.jpg
  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
    131798.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
  • WHITE ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum apenninum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive, branched and spreading shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places on limestone. FLOWERS are 2.5cm across with 5 crinkly, white petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, downy white above and below, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Local, restricted to coastal areas of Devon and Somerset.
    131301.jpg
  • RED HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
    143676.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    143165.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    141582.jpg
  • COMMON ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum nummulariuim (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive, branched undershrub. Found in dry grassland, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2.5cm across with 5 crinkly yellow petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, downy white below and paired; margins slightly inrolled. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in SE and E England but scarce further N and W.
    139925.jpg
  • TRIFID BUR-MARIGOLD Bidens tripartita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Branched, almost hairless annual with reddish stems. Grows in damp ground and shallow water. FLOWERS in heads, 10-25mm across, with yellow disc florets (no ray florets) and 5-8 leaf-like bracts below (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are oblong and flattened with 1 barbed bristle. LEAVES are stalked and 3-lobed. STATUS-Locally common only in S.
    131901.jpg
  • TRIFID BUR-MARIGOLD Bidens tripartita (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Branched, almost hairless annual with reddish stems. Grows in damp ground and shallow water. FLOWERS in heads, 10-25mm across, with yellow disc florets (no ray florets) and 5-8 leaf-like bracts below (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are oblong and flattened with 1 barbed bristle. LEAVES are stalked and 3-lobed. STATUS-Locally common only in S.
    131894.jpg
  • PERENNIAL GLASSWORT Sarcocornia perennis (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and patch-forming succulent perennial with woody lower stems that turn orange with age. Entirely coastal; restricted to drier reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are small and yellow (Aug-Oct). FRUITS are minute; appear at stem junctions, in 3s, the central one largest. LEAVES are small, paired and fleshy. STATUS-Local in S and E England, and S Wales.
    131474.jpg
  • BEAKED HAWK'S-BEARD Crepis vesicaria. Height to 1.2m. Branched, roughly hairy plant of grassland, verges and waste ground. Flowers in heads 15-25mm across, with orange-yellow florets, outer ones striped red (June-Sep). Fruits with a pappus of unbranched hairs. Leaves irregularly pinnate, with a large end lobe. Status introduced but common in S England.
    131116.jpg
  • SMITH’S PEPPERWORT Lepidium heterophyllum (Brassicaceae) Height to 40cm. Grey-green, hairy and branched perennial of dry, bare soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers; borne in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval and smooth. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common, especially in S and W.
    131054.jpg
  • GUELDER-ROSE Viburnum opulus (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 4m. Branched and deciduous shrub with hairless and angled twigs and scaly buds. Grows in hedgerows and scrub, mainly on heavy soils. FLOWERS are white; borne in flat-topped clusters comprising outer flowers that are 15-20mm across the inner ones that are 4-7mm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are red berries, borne in clusters. LEAVES are divided into 5 irregularly-toothed lobes. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N
    131021.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    143168.jpg
  • Michelmas Daisy Aster novi-belgii (Asteraceae) H to 75cm<br />
Attractive, branched, perennial. Grown in gardens and occasionally naturalised. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each of which consists of orange-yellow disc florets and bluish-lilac ray florets, and is 1-2cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow-oval, with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Occasional.
    132207.jpg
  • COMMON ORACHE Atriplex patula (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable, branched annual; sometimes upright but often prostrate. Found on bare ground. FLOWERS are small, greenish and borne in leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped, toothless and lack warts. LEAVES are toothed; upper ones are lanceolate while lower ones are triangular. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132166.jpg
  • 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.
    131875.jpg
  • THORN-APPLE Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) Height to 1m. Distinctive and almost unmistakable, branched annual. Grows on cultivated and disturbed ground. The whole plant is poisonous. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across, white and trumpet-shaped with 5 lobes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are distinctive, green capsules, up to 5cm long, armed with strong spines. LEAVES are long-stalked, up to 20cm long and ovate to triangular with toothed lobes. STATUS-Widely naturalised but its occurrence is unpredictable and annual success is weather-dependent, doing best in warm summers.
    131782.jpg
  • BROOM Cytisus scoparius (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Deciduous, branched and spineless shrub with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. Found on heaths and hedgerows, favouring acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bright yellow and solitary, or in pairs (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are oblong, blackening pods that explode on dry, sunny days. LEAVES are usually trifoliate. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130873.jpg
  • RED HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
    143677.jpg
  • Dark-leaved Willow Salix myrsinifolia (pka S. nigricans) (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 4m. Branched, shrubby willow. SHOOTS Downy at first, becoming smoother and dull brown with age. LEAVES Ovate, to 7cm long, dark green above but glaucous below; note toothed margin and large stipules. Leaves turn black when dried. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Males catkins are ovoid and yellow, female catkins are greener. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, favouring damp, stony and rocky ground. A northern and upland species.
    134457.jpg
  • Dark-leaved Willow Salix myrsinifolia (pka S. nigricans) (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 4m. Branched, shrubby willow. SHOOTS Downy at first, becoming smoother and dull brown with age. LEAVES Ovate, to 7cm long, dark green above but glaucous below; note toothed margin and large stipules. Leaves turn black when dried. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Males catkins are ovoid and yellow, female catkins are greener. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, favouring damp, stony and rocky ground. A northern and upland species.
    134450.jpg
  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
    141583.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    141581.jpg
  • HAIRY-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella eriocarpa (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are hairy and have 5 terminal calyx teeth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS- Probably introduced. Very rare-Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.
    140032.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137908.jpg
  • HOARY ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched, spreading and variably hairy shrubby perennial. Found in dry, grassy places, mostly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 5 crinkly, yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are very narrow and greyish white below. STATUS-Extremely local in N England, Wales; locally very common in W Ireland.
    137907.jpg
  • BALM-LEAVED FIGWORT Scrophularia scorodonia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched and downy grey perennial with stems that are square and angled. Grows in woodland and on damp flushes on rocky cliffs. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled, with downy hairs on both surfaces. STATUS-Locally common in SW England only.
    133648.jpg
  • HAWKWEED OXTONGUE Picris hieracioides (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Branched perennial with stems that are bristly and sometimes are tinged reddish towards the base. Grows in rough grassland, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES resemble those of Bristly Oxtongue but are narrow-oblong, toothed and covered in bristles that are not swollen-based. STATUS-Locally common only in SE England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132194.jpg
  • COMMON ORACHE Atriplex patula (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable, branched annual; sometimes upright but often prostrate. Found on bare ground. FLOWERS are small, greenish and borne in leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped, toothless and lack warts. LEAVES are toothed; upper ones are lanceolate while lower ones are triangular. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132161.jpg
  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132159.jpg
  • SEA ASTER Aster tripolium (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Attractive, branched, hairless and salt-tolerant perennial that grows in saltmarshes and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each of which consists of yellow disc florets and bluish lilac ray florets, and is 1-2cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are fleshy and narrow, with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Locally common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.
    132086.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132039.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131995.jpg
  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131994.jpg
  • WATER-PEPPER Persicaria hydropiper (Polygonaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched annual, characteristic of damp, bare ground such as winter-wet ruts, and shallow water. FLOWERS are pale pink and borne in long spikes that droop at the tip (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small and nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval, with a peppery taste when chewed. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
    131903.jpg
  • ANNUAL WALL-ROCKET Diplotaxis muralis (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Branched annual with an extremely unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on waste ground and in arable fields, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with 4 yellow petals (May-Sep). FRUITS are cylindrical with 2 rows of seeds. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and mainly basal. STATUS-Widespread but local, mainly in the S.
    131902.jpg
  • SMALL FLEABANE Pulicaria vulgaris (Height to 40cm) recalls Common Fleabane but it is more branched and has much smaller flower heads, 1cm across, with short ray florets (Aug-Oct). It grows around the trampled and grazed margins of pools in the New Forest, its best location in our region.
    131895.jpg
  • COMMON FLEABANE Pulicaria dysenterica (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Creeping perennial with upright, branched and woolly flowering stems. Grows in damp meadows and ditches on heavy soils. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with spreading yellow ray florets and deeper yellow, central disc florets; arranged in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes with a hairy pappus. LEAVES are heart-shaped and clasping on the stem; basal leaves soon wither. STATUS-Common, except in Scotland.
    131861.jpg
  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
    131797.jpg
  • CHICKWEED WILLOWHERB Epilobium alsiniflium (Onograceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and usually upright perennial that is almost hairless. Found damp ground in uplands. FLOWERS are 8-11mm across, pinkish purple and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, green and erect. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Local in mountains from N Wales northwards.
    131734.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual; recalls the previous species. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    131460.jpg
  • MUSK-MALLOW Malva moschata (Malvaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Branched and hairy perennial. Found in dry, grassy places. FLOWERS are 3-6cm across and pale pink; in terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are round and flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded and 3-lobed at base of plant but increasingly dissected up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
    131345.jpg
  • BRISTLY OXTONGUE Picris echioides (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Branched and upright annual or biennial. Stems are covered in stiff bristles. Grows in dry grassland and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with pale yellow florets; carried in open clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are oblong, the upper ones clasping; covered in swollen-based bristles and pale spots. STATUS-Locally common in S Britain but scarce elsewhere.
    131302.jpg
  • COMMON ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum nummulariuim (Cistaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive, branched undershrub. Found in dry grassland, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2.5cm across with 5 crinkly yellow petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, downy white below and paired; margins slightly inrolled. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in SE and E England but scarce further N and W.
    131104.jpg
  • ROUGH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis biennis (Asteraceae) Height to 1.2m. Branched biennial; stems roughly hairy and purplish towards base. Grows in grassland. FLOWERS in heads, 25-30mm across, with yellow florets, and 2 rows of bracts, outer ones unequal and spreading (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones without clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Locally common.
    131080.jpg
  • HENBIT DEAD-NETTLE Lamium amplexicaule (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. A trailing, branched and often rather straggly annual. Grows on cultivated soil and disturbed ground, typically in dry locations. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish purple with a hairy lip and long corolla tube; borne in widely spaced whorls (Mar-Nov). Only a few flowers in a given whorl open at any one time, and some remain small and closed. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are rounded and blunt-toothed, the upper ones almost unstalked. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common and least so in the N.
    130991.jpg
  • WHITE CAMPION Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 1m. Hairy, branched perennial of disturbed ground and grassy habitats. Sometimes hybridises with Red Campion. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 25-30mm across; dioecious, male flowers smaller than females (May-Oct). FRUITS have erect teeth. LEAVES are oval and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130891.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
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  • Red Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
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  • Red Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
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  • NARROW-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella dentata (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1cm across (Apr-May). FRUITS are flattened and narrowly ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Very rare in southern England.
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  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
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  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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  • BALM-LEAVED FIGWORT Scrophularia scorodonia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched and downy grey perennial with stems that are square and angled. Grows in woodland and on damp flushes on rocky cliffs. FLOWERS are 1cm long and greenish with a maroon upper lip; borne in open spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like miniature figs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and wrinkled, with downy hairs on both surfaces. STATUS-Locally common in SW England only.
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  • HAWKWEED OXTONGUE Picris hieracioides (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Branched perennial with stems that are bristly and sometimes are tinged reddish towards the base. Grows in rough grassland, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES resemble those of Bristly Oxtongue but are narrow-oblong, toothed and covered in bristles that are not swollen-based. STATUS-Locally common only in SE England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • GIPSYWORT Lycopus europaeus (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Hairy, usually somewhat branched, and superficially mint-like perennial. Grows in damp ground and beside fresh water, favouring locations such as ditches and pond margins. FLOWERS are 5mm long and whitish with small, purplish spots; borne in compact whorls that arise from the axils of the upper leaves (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are yellowish green and deeply cut or pinnately divided into lobes. STATUS-Widespread and common in central and S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • SEA ASTER Aster tripolium (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Attractive, branched, hairless and salt-tolerant perennial that grows in saltmarshes and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each of which consists of yellow disc florets and bluish lilac ray florets, and is 1-2cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are fleshy and narrow, with a prominent midrib. STATUS-Locally common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.
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  • 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.
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  • PERENNIAL WALL-ROCKET Diplotaxis tenuifolia. Height to 80cm. Branched perennial with an unpleasant smell when crushed; waste ground, usually near the sea. Flowers 15-30mm across with 4 yellow petals (May-Sept). Fruits cylindrical with 2 rows of seeds. Leaves pinnately lobed. Status mainly coastal.
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  • RED BARTSIA Odontites vernus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 40cm. Straggly, branched and downy annual with stems often tinged reddish. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on disturbed ground, tracks and verges, and in arable field margins. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla pinkish purple and 2-lipped, the lower lip 3-lobed; borne in 1-sided, elongated and slightly curved spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, toothed, unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • PERENNIAL WALL-ROCKET Diplotaxis tenuifolia. Height to 80cm. Branched perennial with an unpleasant smell when crushed; waste ground, usually near the sea. Flowers 15-30mm across with 4 yellow petals (May-Sept). Fruits cylindrical with 2 rows of seeds. Leaves pinnately lobed. Status mainly coastal.
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  • CUT-LEAVED GERMANDER Teucriuim botrys (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright and branched, downy annual or biennial. Grows on bare ground, in short grassland often on previously disturbed soil, and in arable fields, on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm long with no upper lip but a lower lip that is deep, pink; borne in small clusters up leafy stems (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are almost triangular but deeply cut, the lower ones almost pinnately so. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few locations in S England, from Cotswolds to Kent.
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  • CHICKWEED WILLOWHERB Epilobium alsiniflium (Onograceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and usually upright perennial that is almost hairless. Found damp ground in uplands. FLOWERS are 8-11mm across, pinkish purple and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, green and erect. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Local in mountains from N Wales northwards.
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  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual; recalls the previous species. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
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  • ROUGH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis biennis (Asteraceae) Height to 1.2m. Branched biennial; stems roughly hairy and purplish towards base. Grows in grassland. FLOWERS in heads, 25-30mm across, with yellow florets, and 2 rows of bracts, outer ones unequal and spreading (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones without clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • SMITH’S PEPPERWORT Lepidium heterophyllum (Brassicaceae) Height to 40cm. Grey-green, hairy and branched perennial of dry, bare soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers; borne in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval and smooth. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Locally common, especially in S and W.
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  • CHANGING FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis discolor (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched, downy annual. Grows in bare, dry and often disturbed ground, especially on sandy soil. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across and 5-lobed, yellowish at first but soon changing to blue, the mature corolla tube being longer than the calyx; borne in clusters (May-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks are shorter than calyx. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
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  • RED VALERIAN Centranthus ruber (Valerianaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, branched, hairless and greyish green perennial. Grows on broken, rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla reddish or pink (sometimes white); borne in dense terminal heads (May-Sep). FRUITS have a feathery pappus. LEAVES are ovate, untoothed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Introduced and widely naturalised but most frequent in coastal districts.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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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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  • BURNET-SAXIFRAGE Pimpinella saxifraga (Apiaceae) Height to 70cm. Downy, branched perennial of dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are white and borne in loose, open umbels (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 1-pinnate with oval leaflets at base of the plant; stem leaves are finely divided into narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, but absent from NW Scotland.
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  • ANNUAL MERCURY Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 50cm. Hairless, branched and bushy annual. Found on waste ground and in cultivated soils, often near the sea. FLOWERS are yellowish green and borne in spikes on separate sex plants (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are bristly. LEAVES are narrowly ovate, shiny and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in the S but mainly coastal.
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  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
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  • MARSH THISTLE Cirsium palustre (Asteraceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, branched biennial that is often tinged reddish. Stems have continuous spiny wings. Grows in damp grassland. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with dark reddish purple florets; heads in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • TUFTED FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis laxa (Boraginaceae) Height to 12cm. Branched perennial that lacks runners. Grows in damp ground. Note the appressed hairs on the stems, leaves and calyx. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across with rounded blue lobes, the calyx having pointed teeth; in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks are 2-3 times calyx length. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS-Common and widespread.
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  • DOVE’S-FOOT CRANE’S-BILL Geranium molle (Geraniaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and branched, extremely hairy annual of dry, grassy places including roadside verges. FLOWERS are 5-10mm across with notched pink petals; borne in pairs (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are hairy and rounded, with the margins cut into 5-7 lobes. STATUS-Common and widespread, especially in the S.
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  • Mediterranean Mallow - Lavatera olbia (Height to 1.5m) Branched, perennial shrub; young stems downy. Leaves with 3-5 lobes and stalked. Flowers pink and 3-4cm across; brown in spike-like clusters, May-August. Favours damp, disturbed ground. Widespread in west Mediterranean.
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  • HAIRY-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella eriocarpa (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are hairy and have 5 terminal calyx teeth. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS- Probably introduced. Very rare-Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.
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  • GIPSYWORT Lycopus europaeus (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Hairy, usually somewhat branched, and superficially mint-like perennial. Grows in damp ground and beside fresh water, favouring locations such as ditches and pond margins. FLOWERS are 5mm long and whitish with small, purplish spots; borne in compact whorls that arise from the axils of the upper leaves (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are yellowish green and deeply cut or pinnately divided into lobes. STATUS-Widespread and common in central and S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • THORN-APPLE Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) Height to 1m. Distinctive and almost unmistakable, branched annual. Grows on cultivated and disturbed ground. The whole plant is poisonous. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across, white and trumpet-shaped with 5 lobes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are distinctive, green capsules, up to 5cm long, armed with strong spines. LEAVES are long-stalked, up to 20cm long and ovate to triangular with toothed lobes. STATUS-Widely naturalised but its occurrence is unpredictable and annual success is weather-dependent, doing best in warm summers.
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  • Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus subbiflorus (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm Rather straggly, branched and densely hairy annual. Flowers 5-10mm long, in heads of 3 or 4  flowers. Fruit is a pod 15mm long. Leaves are trefoil. Scarce and local, mainliy S and SW England. On sand and gravel.
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  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
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  • RED VALERIAN, WHITE FORM Centranthus ruber (Valerianaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, branched, hairless and greyish green perennial. Grows on broken, rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla reddish or pink (sometimes white); borne in dense terminal heads (May-Sep). FRUITS have a feathery pappus. LEAVES are ovate, untoothed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Introduced and widely naturalised but most frequent in coastal districts.
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  • White Campion - Silene latifolia. Height to 1m. Hairy, branched perennial of disturbed ground and grassy habitats. Sometimes hybridises with Red Campion. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 25-30mm across; dioecious, male flowers smaller than females (May-Oct). FRUITS have erect teeth. LEAVES are oval and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • WOOD DOCK Rumex sanguineus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, straggly and branched perennial of grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. FLOWERS are borne in spikes; leafy only at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS have a single elongated wart. LEAVES are oval; basal ones are heart-shaped at base, sometimes red-veined and never waisted. STATUS-Widespread and common, mainly absent from Scotland.
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