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FLOWER CUT-OUTS { 955 images } Created 29 Jun 2013

Cut-out images of leaves and flowers for many species of plant, a great aid for identification. We have done the hard work for you, these photographs being ready to for you to drop into any of your projects. Search for individual species by common or scientific name. Images up to A4 size at 300 dpi are downloadable to registered users with the necessary permissions. Many of the images are available as larger files if required. Please contact us for further information. All images and associated text are protected by copyright restrictions and should not be used or copied without the necessary permission.
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  • SPEAR MINT Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Almost hairless perennial that is the most popular cultivated culinary mint. Grows in damp ground; outside the garden context, it is found in meadows and on verges. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and pinkish lilac; borne in tall, whorled terminal spikes (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow-ovate, toothed and almost unstalked. STATUS-Popular as a garden plant but also naturalised locally across the region.
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  • COMMON COW-WHEAT Melampyrum arvense (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 35cm. Variable but typically straggly annual that is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on heaths and along woodland rides, and found mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-18mm long, the corolla pale yellow and flattened laterally, 2-lipped but with the mouth almost closed; in pairs, arising from axils of toothed, leaf-like bracts, these borne in spikes (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131224.jpg
  • PRICKLY LETTUCE Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) Height to 1.75m. Upright and stiff biennial, the upper part of which is branched. Broken stems exude a milky sap. Grows on disturbed and waste ground, verges and railways. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 11-13mm across, with yellow florets; carried in open, branched inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are brown with unbranched pappus hairs. LEAVES are grey-green and held stiffly erect with pointed clasping bases; margins and lower midrib have weak spine; lower leaves may have narrow lobes. STATUS-Common only in S.
    131034.jpg
  • COMPACT RUSH Juncus conglomeratus (Juncaceae) Height to 1m. Upright perennial of damp, grazed grassland, mainly on acid soils. Similar to compact-flowered form of Soft Rush but stems are darker green, ridged, rough and not glossy. FLOWERS are brown and borne in compact clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are dark brown, egg-shaped and as long as sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common.
    143607.jpg
  • BRAMBLE Rubus fruticosus agg. (Rosaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Scrambling shrub that comprises hundreds of microspecies. Arching stems are armed with variably shaped prickles and root when they touch the ground. Found in hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and white or pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are familiar blackberries. LEAVES have 3-5 toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    134777.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.
    131937.jpg
  • GREY FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica polita (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched perennial. Similar to Common Field-speedwell; note differences in flower and leaf colour. Grows in cultivated ground, often on chalky soil. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and entirely blue; solitary and borne on stalks arising from leaf axils (Mar-Nov). FRUITS are flattened and broad capsules with rounded lobes. LEAVES are grey-green, oval, deeply toothed and paired. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common throughout the region, least so in the N.
    132027.jpg
  • 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
  • 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.
    131945.jpg
  • 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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  • TWIGGY MULLEIN Verbascum virgatum. Height to 1.5m. Slender, glandular-hairy biennial of dry grassy places. Flowers 1-2cm across, yellow, in groups of 1-5; flower stalks shorter than calyx (June-Sept). Fruits capsules. Leaves heart-shaped at the base, the upper ones slightly clasping. Status rare; restricted as a native to Devon, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles; occasional elsewhere.
    131542.jpg
  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
    131505.jpg
  • WILD TEASEL Dipsacus fullonum (Dipsacaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Biennial of damp and disturbed grassland on heavy soils. Stems are angled, with sharp prickles on the angles. FLOWERS are pinkish purple and carried in egg-shaped heads, 6-8cm long, adorned with numerous spiny bracts; borne on tall stems (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry, papery and borne in the dry flower heads; popular with Goldfinches. LEAVES are spine-coated and appear as rosettes in the 1st year; in 2nd year, these die back and stem leaves are opposite and joined at the base, the resulting cup collecting water. STATUS-Widespread and common in the S; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    130526.jpg
  • JUNIPER Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae) Height to 5m (sometimes prostrate). Dense shrub of well-drained soils, from chalk downland to mountains. FLOWERS appear on separate sex plants; those on female plants are green and oval (much of year). FRUITS ripen in 2nd year to form blue-black berry-like cones. LEAVES are stiff, bluish green, needle-like and arranged in whorls of 3. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    134433.jpg
  • WILD LIQUORICE Astragalus glycophyllos (Fabaceae) Height to 30cm. Sprawling, hairless perennial with branched, zigzag stems. Found in dry, grassy places on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and yellowish green; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are curved and up to 4cm long. LEAVES are 15-20cm long with oval leaflets and large basal stipules. STATUS-Local, mainly E England and S Scotland.
    134344.jpg
  • SEA-BUCKTHORN Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaeagnaceae) Height to 10m. Branched, dense and thorny shrub. Native to stabilised coastal sand dunes but also widely planted. FLOWERS are tiny and greenish, male and female flowers on separate plants (Mar-Apr). FRUITS are bright orange berries (on female plants only). LEAVES are narrow and greyish green. STATUS-Native to E coast but planted elsewhere.
    133924.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131528.jpg
  • FINE-LEAVED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe aquatica (Apiaceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright, bushy biennial with shiny, hollow and grooved stems. Found around the margins of still and slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 2-5cm across, both terminal and arising opposite leaf stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are ovoid. LEAVES are delicate-looking; submerged ones are 3- or 4-pinnate with fine lobes while aerial leaves are 3-pinnate with ovate segments. STATUS-Widespread in England, E Wales and Ireland but extremely local.
    131527.jpg
  • FAT DUCKWEED Lemna gibba (Lemnaceae). Aquatic. Floating, freshwater perennial of ponds and ditches. Flowers minute and seldom seen. Fruits seldom seen. Leaves swollen and spongy, 5-6mm across and 5-6mm deep. Status local.
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  • GOLDILOCKS BUTTERCUP Ranunculus auricomus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 30cm. Slightly hairy perennial of damp, undisturbed woodland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across with yellow petals, 1 or more of which is sometimes imperfect or absent (Apr-May). FRUITS are roughly hairy. LEAVES are rounded and 3-lobed (basal leaves) with narrowly lobed stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread but local and declining.
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  • BUCKTHORN Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) Height to 8m. Deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree. Found in woodland and scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and greenish yellow; borne in clusters (May). FRUITS are berries that ripen black; borne in clusters. LEAVES are 3-6cm long, oval, finely toothed and opposite. STATUS-Locally common in E England only.
    135454.jpg
  • VARIOUS-LEAVED PONDWEED Potamogeton gramineus. Aquatic. Variable, much branched freshwater perennial of slow-flowing or still, acid waters. Flowers in spikes or short stalks (June-Sept). Fruits greenish. Leaves ovate, long-stalked surface leaves and narrow, unstalked submerged ones. Status local, mainly in N.
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  • GREATER DUCKWEED Spirodella polyrhiza (Lemnaceae) Aquatic. Surface-floating, freshwater perennial that grows in still or slow-flowing waters of canals, ditches and ponds. FLOWERS are minute and seldom seen. FRUITS are seldom seen. LEAVES are up to 10mm across, flat and rounded or ovate with several dangling roots. STATUS-Locally common, mainly in the S.
    131509.jpg
  • WOOD AVENS Geum urbanum (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairy perennial of hedgerows and woodland. FLOWERS are 8-15mm across and comprise 5 yellow petals; upright in bud but dropping when fully open (May-Aug). FRUITS are bur-like, with red, hooked spines. LEAVES comprise basal leaves with 3-6 pairs of side leaflets and a large terminal one; stem leaves 3-lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • Bulbous Rush Juncus bulbosus Height to 10cm<br />
Slender, tufted and variable perennial that sometimes roots at the nodes. Flowers are borne in small, compact inflorescences (Jun-Sep). Fruits are blunt-tipped; sometimes viviparous. Leaves are slender with indistinct septa. Favours damp mud and peat, typically on acid soils. Widespread and common throughout.
    143602.jpg
  • SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) Height to 1.5m.<br />
Characteristic perennial of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown and borne in loose or open clusters near the stem tops (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at the tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    143612.jpg
  • Bulbous Rush Juncus bulbosus Height to 10cm<br />
Slender, tufted and variable perennial that sometimes roots at the nodes. Flowers are borne in small, compact inflorescences (Jun-Sep). Fruits are blunt-tipped; sometimes viviparous. Leaves are slender with indistinct septa. Favours damp mud and peat, typically on acid soils. Widespread and common throughout.
    143613.jpg
  • JOINTED RUSH Juncus articulatus (Juncaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping or tufted and upright perennial that grows in marshes and on damp heaths, moors and dune-slacks. FLOWERS are brown and borne in open, branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and abruptly pointed at the tip. LEAVES are curved, narrow and flattened with a transverse joint. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • TOAD RUSH Juncus bufonius (Juncaceae) Height to 40cm.<br />
Tufted annual; grows on damp, bare ground including ruts along tracks, and margins of ponds. FLOWERS are greenish white and are borne in branched clusters, topped by a sharp spine (May-Sep). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and shorter than the sepals. LEAVES are narrow and grooved. STATUS-Widespread and common almost throughout.
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  • TREE MALLOW Lavatera arborea (Malvaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Imposing woody biennial, covered in starry hairs. Favours rocky ground near the coast, often near seabird colonies. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across with dark-veined pinkish purple petals; borne in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are 5-7 lobed. STATUS-Locally common W coasts of Britain and S and W Ireland.
    143554.jpg
  • SMALLER TREE-MALLOW (CRETAN MALLOW) Lavatera cretica (Malvaceae). Height to 75cm. Similar to Common Mallow but flowers are smaller with narrower petals that are rather waxy-transparent (May-July, and again in autumn). Occurs on the Isles of Scilly and grows in field margins and disturbed ground, particularly around Old Town on St Mary's
    143555.jpg
  • CROWN VETCH Securigera varia (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Straggling, hairless perennial. Found in grassy places, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink and white; borne in long-stalked, spherical heads of 10-20 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are 4-angled pods, 6cm long. LEAVES comprise 7-12 pairs of oval leaflets and a terminal leaflet. STATUS-Naturalised locally.
    141466.jpg
  • WOOD VETCH Vicia sylvatica (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Elegant, straggling perennial of shady woods and steep, coastal slopes. FLOWERS are 12-20mm long, white and purple-veined; borne in spikes of up to 20 flowers (Jun-Aug).  FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of oblong leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in W.
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  • NIPPLEWORT Lapsana communis (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, much-branched annual with stiff stems that do not produce latex when broken. Grows in cultivated and disturbed ground, and often in gardens. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, with yellow florets; carried in open clusters (Jul-Oct). Flowers are nipple-like in bud. FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are oval to lanceolate, toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    132221.jpg
  • BLACK MEDICK Medicago lupulina (Fabaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Downy annual of short grassland and waste places. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in dense, spherical heads (8-9mm across) of 10-50 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are spirally coiled, spineless and black when ripe. LEAVES are trifoliate, each leaflet bearing a point at the centre of its apex. STATUS-Widespread and rather common.
    132197.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
  • FIELD SCABIOUS Knautia arvensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Robust, hairy biennial or perennial of dry grassland. FLOWERS are bluish violet and borne in heads, 3-4cm across, outer flowers larger than inner ones (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES comprise lobed, spoon-shaped basal ones in a rosette and less-divided stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread and common, except N Scotland.
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  • WILD CLARY Salvia verbenaca (Lamiaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Upright, downy and almost unbranched perennial. Upper part of the flowering stem, including the bracts and calyces, are often tinged purple. Grows in dry grassland, typically on calcareous soils and often near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long and bluish violet, the calyx being sticky and coated with long, white hairs; borne in whorls in rather compact spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval with jagged teeth, and mainly basal. STATUS-Widespread but local in S and E England only.
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  • BLACK MEDICK Medicago lupulina (Fabaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Downy annual of short grassland and waste places. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in dense, spherical heads (8-9mm across) of 10-50 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are spirally coiled, spineless and black when ripe. LEAVES are trifoliate, each leaflet bearing a point at the centre of its apex. STATUS-Widespread and rather common.
    130745.jpg
  • GERMANDER SPEEDWELL Veronica chamaedrys (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and attractive perennial with creeping stems that root at the nodes, and upright flowering stems that have 2 lines of hairs. Grows in grassy places, in meadows and open woodlands, and on verges. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and blue with a white centre; borne on slender stalks in open, terminal spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are flattened, hairy and heart-shaped capsules. LEAVES are oval, toothed, hairy and short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    130744.jpg
  • COWSLIP Primula veris (Primulaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Elegant, downy perennial of dry, unimproved grassland, and often associated with calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-15mm across, fragrant, bell-shaped, stalked and orange-yellow; borne in rather 1-sided umbels of 10-30 flowers (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are tapering, wrinkled and hairy, forming a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in Scotland where it is rather scarce.
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  • COWSLIP Primula veris (Primulaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Elegant, downy perennial of dry, unimproved grassland, and often associated with calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-15mm across, fragrant, bell-shaped, stalked and orange-yellow; borne in rather 1-sided umbels of 10-30 flowers (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are tapering, wrinkled and hairy, forming a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in Scotland where it is rather scarce.
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  • HAIRY BITTER-CRESS Cardamine hirsuta (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright annual with hairless stems. Found on damp, disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across (petals sometimes absent) and terminal (Feb-Nov). FRUITS are curved, up to 2.5cm long and overtop flowers. LEAVES are pinnately divided with rounded lobes; seen mainly as a basal rosette plus 1-4 stem leaves. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • YELLOW ARCHANGEL Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Lamiaceae) Height to 45cm. Attractive and hairy perennial with long, leafy runners and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland rides and hedgerows, mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are 17-20mm long and rich yellow adorned with reddish streaks, the lip divided into 3 equal lobes; borne in whorls (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval to triangular, toothed and similar to those of Common Nettle or White Dead-nettle. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • VERVAIN Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae) Height to 70cm<br />
Upright, roughly hairy perennial with stiff square stems. Grows in dry, grassy places, especially on chalk and limestone. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across and pinkish lilac with 2 lips; borne on slender spikes (Jun-Sep). The flowers are extremely attractive to insects. FRUITS comprise a cluster of nutlets. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and lanceolate. STATUS-Widespread and common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • LESSER BURDOCK Arctium minus (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Robust, downy biennial of waste ground, verges and hedgerows. Similar to Greater Burdock but note differences in flowers and leaves. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 15-20mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in open spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs. LEAVES are heart-shaped with hollow stalks; basal leaves are wider than long. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • MEADOW THISTLE Cirsium dissectum (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm. Creeping perennial that produces upright long, slender flowering stems that are unwinged, downy and ridged. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with reddish purple florets and darker bracts; heads are solitary (Jun-Jul). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed, green and hairy above and white cottony below. STATUS-Locally common in S and central England, Wales and Ireland.
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  • THALE CRESS Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive annual of dry, sandy soils; often on paths. FLOWERS are 3mm across with 4 white petals; in terminal clusters (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and 20mm long. LEAVES are broadly-toothed, oval and form a basal rosette; upright flowering stems also bear a few, small leaves. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in lowland areas.
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  • CREEPING THISTLE Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Creeping perennial with upright, unwinged and mostly spineless flowering stems. Grows in disturbed ground and grassy areas. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 10-15mm across, with pinkish lilac florets and darker bracts; heads are carried in clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny, the upper leaves clasping. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
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  • SPOTTED MEDICK Medicago arabica (Fabaceae) Prostrate<br />
Creeping annual of dry, grass places, often near the sea. FLOWERS are small and yellow; borne in heads (5-7mm across) of 1-6 flowers (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are spirally coiled and spiny pods. LEAVES are trifoliate, the heart-shaped leaflets bearing a dark central spot. STATUS-Local in S and E England, and mainly coastal.
    130544.jpg
  • BLACK BRYONY Tamus communis (Dioscoreaceae) Height to 3m. Twining perennial. Similar to White Bryony but note different leaf shape and lack of tendrils. Grows in hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are tiny, yellowish green and 6-petalled; separate-sex plants (May-Aug). FRUITS are red berries. LEAVES are heart-shaped, glossy and netted. STATUS-Widespread in England and Wales.
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  • UMBELLATE HAWKWEED Hieracium umbellatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, usually on rocky slopes or banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in umbellate clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and unstalked; there is no basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and W Wales; scattered and generally scarce elsewhere.
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  • COMMON WATER-STARWORT Callitriche stagnalis (Callitrichaceae) Aquatic. Variable and rather straggly water plant with slender stems. Grows in still and slow-flowing freshwater, and on the drying muddy margins of pools in summer. FLOWERS are minute, green, petal-less and borne at the base of the leaves (May-Aug). FRUITS are tiny with 4 segments. LEAVES are narrow-oval; those at the water’s surface form a floating rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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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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  • SPOTTED HAWKWEED Hieracium maculatum (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, along woodland rides, on verges and banks, and on heaths. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are shield-shaped, long-stalked and marked with bold dark spots and blotches. STATUS-Local, mainly on limestone; mainly central-southern England.
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  • HOARY PLANTAIN Plantago media (Plantaginaceae) Height to 25cm. Persistent and downy perennial of lawns and trampled grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2mm across, the corolla whitish and the anthers lilac; borne on slender spikes up to 20cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are greyish, narrowly ovate, and taper gradually to broad stalks; borne in basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and common in England, but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • Saltmarsh Goosefoot Chenopodium chenopodioides (Chenopodiaceae). Height to 30cm. Recalls Red Goosefoot but the mature leaves are always red below and indeed the whole plant is often red tinged. The reddish-green flowers are borne in clusters (July-Sep) and the plant grows on drying mud in saltmarshes, with north Kent as its stronghold.
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  • HOG’S FENNEL Peucedanum officinale (Apiaceae) Height to 1.5m. Hairless, dark green perennial with solid stems. Restricted to coastal grassland on clay soils. FLOWERS are deep yellow and borne in open umbels, 15-20cm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are narrow-ovate. LEAVES are 4- to 6-trifoliate with flattened, narrow segments. STATUS-Restricted to a couple of locations on the Thames Estuary.
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  • SEA PURSLANE Atriplex portulacoides (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Spreading, mealy perennial that sometimes forms rounded clumps. Entirely coastal, and restricted to drier reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in spikes (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are lobed. LEAVES are grey-green and oval at the base but narrow further up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • GRASS-LEAVED ORACHE Atriplex littoralis (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright annual of bare coastal ground. FLOWERS are small, greenish and borne in spikes with small leaves (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are greenish, toothed and warty. LEAVES are long and narrow, sometimes with shallow teeth. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • TORMENTIL Potentilla erecta (Rosaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial of grassy places, heaths and moors. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne on slender stalks (May-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are unstalked and trifoliate, but appear 5-lobed because of two large, leaflet-like stipules at the base. STATUS-Widespread and often abundant.
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  • COLUMBINE Aquilegia vulgaris (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Familiar garden perennial but also a native plant, favouring open woods on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are nodding, purple and 30-40mm long, the petals with hooked-tipped spurs (May-Jul). FRUITS are dry and many seeded. LEAVES are grey-green and comprise 3-lobed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but extremely local as a native species.
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  • TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca (Fabaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Slightly downy, scrambling perennial. Found in grassy places, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are 8-12mm long and bluish purple; borne in one-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of narrow leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • NARROW-LEAVED PEPPERWORT Lepidium ruderale (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Bushy, hairless annual with an unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on disturbed ground, often near the sea. FLOWERS are 1mm across and greenish, the petals usually absent (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, elliptical, flattened and notched. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves and untoothed ones on stem. STATUS-Mainly in S.
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  • IVY Hedera helix (Araliaceae) Height to 20m<br />
Evergreen, self-clinging climber that also carpets the ground. Found in woodlands, hedgerows and scrub. FLOWERS are yellowish green and 4-parted; borne in globular heads (Sep-Nov). FRUITS are berries that ripen purplish black. LEAVES are glossy, dark green and 3- or 5-lobed with paler veins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • SPINDLE Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae) Height to 6m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree. Found in scrub and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm across and greenish; borne in leaf axils (May-Jun). FRUITS are pinkish and 4-lobed. LEAVES are narrow-oval and pointed, with toothed margins; green in summer but turning reddish in autumn. STATUS-Locally common in England only.
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  • SEA BEET Beta vulgaris ssp maritima (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Sprawling, clump-forming perennial of cliffs, shingle beaches and other coastal habitats. FLOWERS are green and borne in dense, leafy spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are spiky; often stick together in a clump. LEAVES are dark green, glossy and leathery with reddish stems; shape varies from oval to triangular. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • BOG-MYRTLE Myrica gale (Myricaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Woody, brown-stemmed shrub that is characteristic of boggy habitats, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are orange, ovoid male catkins and pendulous brown female catkins; on separate plants (Apr). FRUITS are brownish nuts. LEAVES are oval, grey-green and smell of resin when crushed. STATUS-Widespread but local; sometimes locally dominant.
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  • HOP Humulus lupulus (Cannabaceae) Height to 6m<br />
Twining, hairy hedgerow climber. Grows on a range of soils and often a relict of cultivation. FLOWERS are clustered and greenish yellow (male) or green and hop-like (female) (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are familiar hops that ripen brown in autumn. LEAVES are divided into 3-5 coarse-toothed lobes. STATUS-Widespread, locally common only in S.
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  • HOP Humulus lupulus (Cannabaceae) Height to 6m. Twining, hairy hedgerow climber. Grows on a range of soils and often a relict of cultivation. FLOWERS are clustered and greenish yellow (male) or green and hop-like (female) (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are familiar hops that ripen brown in autumn. LEAVES are divided into 3-5 coarse-toothed lobes. STATUS-Widespread, locally common only in S.
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  • WATERCRESS Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (Brassicaceae) Height to 15cm. Usually creeping perennial of shallow streams and ditches. FLOWERS are 4-6mm across with 4 white petals; in terminal heads (May-Oct). FRUITS are narrow pods, 16-18mm long, containing 2 rows of seeds. LEAVES are dark green and pinnately divided; persist through winter. STATUS-Widespread and common; widely cultivated in S England.
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  • SWEET CICELY Myrrhis odorata (Apiaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Upright, downy perennial with hollow stems. Whole plant smells of aniseed when bruised. Favours grassland and damp ground, often near habitation. FLOWERS are white, with unequal petals, and borne in umbels up to 5cm across (May-Jun). FRUITS are elongated and ridged. LEAVES are fern-like, up to 30cm long and 2- or 3-pinnate; note the basal sheaths. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised, mainly N England and Scotland.
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  • ASARABACCA Asarum europaeum (Aristolochiaeae) Height to 30cm. Evergreen perennial associated with shady banks and woodland margins. Note the creeping, hairy stems. In suitable locations, forms carpets often alongside ivy. FLOWERS are purplish brown, 15mm long, bell-shaped with 3 terminal lobes (May-Aug). FRUITS are brownish capsules. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and kidney-shaped. STATUS-Native in a few locations but also naturalised.
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  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
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  • CORNISH MONEYWORT Sibthorpia europaea (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Intriguing and distinctive, hairy and mat-forming perennial with slender, creeping stems that root at the nodes. Grows on damp, shady banks in woodlands and beside streams. FLOWERS are tiny, the corolla with 2 yellow lobes and 3 pink ones; solitary and borne on short, slender stalks (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 2cm across, long stalked and kidney-shaped with 5-7 lobes. STATUS-Very locally common, but scattered and restricted to SW England, Sussex, S Wales and SW Ireland.
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  • BUCK’S-HORN PLANTAIN Plantago coronopus (Plantaginaceae) Height to 15cm. Downy, greyish green perennial of grassland, disturbed ground and rocky sites, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS are 2mm across with a brownish corolla and yellow stamens; borne in slender spikes, 2-4cm long (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 20cm long, 1-veined and pinnately divided; in dense basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland; also occurs inland in SE England.
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  • SILVER RAGWORT Senecio cineraria (Asteraceae)  Height to 80cm. Bushy, woody and silvery grey perennial. Grows on coastal cliffs and walls. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across, with silvery woolly stalks and bracts; heads in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are downy. LEAVES are pinnate, green and downy above but white woolly below. STATUS-Introduced and familiar as a plant of municipal car parks and other formal sites; also naturalised on the coast of SW England.
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  • BURNET ROSE Rosa pimpinellifolia (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm. Clump-forming shrub with suckers and stems that bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes, calcareous grasslands, limestone pavements and heaths. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across with 5 creamy white petals; usually solitary (May-Jul). FRUITS are spherical, 5-6mm across and purplish black when ripe. LEAVES comprise 7-11 oval leaflets. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
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  • WHITE WATER-LILY Nymphaea alba (Nymphaeaceae) Aquatic. Water plant, conspicuous when its large, floating leaves are visible (they die back in winter). Grows in still or slow-flowing freshwater to a depth of 3m. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, fragrant and comprise 20-25 white or pinkish white petals that open fully only in bright sunshine; borne on stalks just above surface of the water (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are globular, green and warty. LEAVES are 10-30cm across, rounded and floating, the upper surface water repellent. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • WHITE CLOVER Trifolium repens (Fabaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at the nodes. Found in grassy places on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; borne in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May-Oct). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, the rounded leaflets often bearing white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS-Widespread and often extremely common throughout the region.
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  • WOOD SORREL Oxalis acetosella (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Charming, creeping perennial. An indicator of ancient, undisturbed woodlands and hedges. FLOWERS are 1cm across, bell-shaped and white or pale pink with lilac veins; borne on stalks (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are hairless capsules. LEAVES are trefoil, fold down at night, and are borne on long stalks. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • MANY-SEEDED GOOSEFOOT Chenopodium polyspermum (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Spreading or upright annual; stems are square and usually reddish. Favours light, disturbed soils. FLOWERS are small and numerous; borne in long spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are partly enclosed by sepals. LEAVES are oval and untoothed, decreasing in size up stem. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common in England; scarce elsewhere.
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  • 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.
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  • RED GOOSEFOOT Chenopodium rubrum (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 60cm. Variable upright annual, favouring manure-enriched soils. Stems often turn red in old or parched specimens. FLOWERS are small and numerous, borne in upright, leafy spikes. FRUITS are rounded and enclosed by 2-4 sepals (Jul-Oct). LEAVES are shiny, diamond-shaped and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and common in S England; scarce elsewhere.
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  • FIDDLE DOCK Rumex pulcher (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright to spreading perennial with branches spreading at right angles. Favours well-drained soil, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne on spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are toothed and have 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm, and waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS-Local, and restricted to S England and S Wales.
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  • LESSER SPEARWORT Ranunculus flammula (Ranunculaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright or creeping perennial. Often roots where leaf nodes touch the ground. Favours damp ground, often beside rivers. FLOWERS are 5-15mm across and usually solitary; borne on furrowed stalks (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are beaked but not winged. LEAVES are oval (basal leaves); stem leaves are narrow. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in the N.
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  • BROAD-LEAVED PONDWEED Potamogeton natans (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial of still or slow-flowing water. FLOWERS are small, 4-parted and greenish; in 8cm-long spikes, on stalks rising above the water (May-Sep). FRUITS are round and short-beaked. FLOATING LEAVES are oval, up to 12cm long; stalk has flexible joint near blade. SUBMERGED LEAVES are long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • FIELD PEPPERWORT Lepidium campestre (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Grey-green hairy annual. Found on dry, bare soil and arable fields, especially in the S. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and yellow anthers; in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval, notched pods. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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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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  • PERFOLIATE PONDWEED Potamogeton perfoliatus (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial that grows in still or slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are borne in small, few-flowered spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rounded. LEAVES are all submerged, dark green and translucent; they are oval, tapering and unstalked, with heart-shaped bases that clasp the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • FENNEL PONDWEED Potamogeton pectinatus (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Perennial of still and slow-flowing waters, often growing in brackish conditions. FLOWERS are borne as distinct whorls in short spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rounded. LEAVES are all submerged, long and narrow (less than 1mm wide) and pointed at the tip. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • AINFOIN Onobrychis viciifolia (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Distinctive, straggly and slightly downy perennial. Found in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pink and red-veined; in conical spikes up to 80cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oval, warty pods. LEAVES comprise 6-14 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Possibly native in SE England but a relict of cultivation elsewhere.
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  • SMALL PONDWEED Potamogeton berchtoldii (Potamogetonaceae) Aquatic. Freshwater perennial with slightly flattened stems. Grows in still and slow-flowing water. FLOWERS are borne in small spikes on short stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rounded. LEAVES are all submerged, narrow (50mm long x 1.5-2mm wide), 3-veined and bristle-tipped; air spaces present on either side of midrib. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • HORNED PONDWEED Zannichellia palustris (Zannichelliaceae) Aquatic. Slender and submerged perennial that grows in still or slow-flowing fresh, or slightly brackish, water. FLOWERS are minute, greenish and borne in short-stalked clusters in leaf axils (May-Aug). FRUITS have a slender beak. LEAVES are 1.5mm wide and up to 5cm long, pointed and translucent. STATUS-Widespread throughout, but local.
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  • MARSH-MALLOW Althaea officinalis (Malvaceae) Height to 2m. Attractive, downy perennial with starry hairs; very soft to touch. Found in coastal wetlands and often on the upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 35-40mm across and pale pink (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are rounded flat capsules. LEAVES are triangular with shallow lobes. STATUS-Locally common on S coasts of Britain and Ireland.
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  • COMMON SEA-LAVENDER Limonium vulgare (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 30cm. Distinctive, hairless perennial that is woody at the base. Entirely restricted to saltmarshes and tolerates tidal inundation. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long and pinkish lilac; they are borne in branched, flat-topped heads on arching sprays (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped with long stalks. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in S and SE England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • CANADIAN FLEABANE Conyza canadensis. Height to 1m. Upright, hairy annual of disturbed and bare ground; often seen beside roads. Flowers in heads 5-8cm long, with pinkish or white florets; in dense and much-branched inflorescences (Jul-Oct). Fruits achenes. Leaves narrow. Status introduced and increasing.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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