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  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
    130571.jpg
  • SWEET VIOLET Viola odorata (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Fragrant perennial herb of woods and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across and violet or white, with blunt sepals (Feb-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked and rounded in spring; larger and heart-shaped ones appear in autumn. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales.
    130573.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    130668.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    138042.jpg
  • BUGLE Ajuga reptans (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Familiar, upright perennial with stems hairy on 2 opposite sides only. Grows in woods and grassy places, usually on damp, heavy soils. Leafy, creeping runners root at intervals. FLOWERS are 15mm long and bluish violet, the lower lip with pale veins. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and commonest in the S.
    137725.jpg
  • BUGLE Ajuga reptans (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Familiar, upright perennial with stems hairy on 2 opposite sides only. Grows in woods and grassy places, usually on damp, heavy soils. Leafy, creeping runners root at intervals. FLOWERS are 15mm long and bluish violet, the lower lip with pale veins. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and commonest in the S.
    137724.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    136444.jpg
  • LARGE BITTER-CRESS Cardamine amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright perennial found in damp, shady places in woods and marshes. FLOWERS are 12mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are slender, beaked pods, up to 4cm long. LEAVES are pinnately divided, with slightly toothed oval lobes. STATUS-Widespread but local; scarce in, or absent from, W England and S Ireland.
    133843.jpg
  • LARGE BITTER-CRESS Cardamine amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright perennial found in damp, shady places in woods and marshes. FLOWERS are 12mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are slender, beaked pods, up to 4cm long. LEAVES are pinnately divided, with slightly toothed oval lobes. STATUS-Widespread but local; scarce in, or absent from, W England and S Ireland.
    133841.jpg
  • BUGLE Ajuga reptans (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Familiar, upright perennial with stems hairy on 2 opposite sides only. Grows in woods and grassy places, usually on damp, heavy soils. Leafy, creeping runners root at intervals. FLOWERS are 15mm long and bluish violet, the lower lip with pale veins. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and commonest in the S.
    132223.jpg
  • DEVIL’S-BIT SCABIOUS Succisa pratensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial with hairy or hairless stems. Grows in damp grassland, woodland rides and marshes. FLOWERS are pinkish lilac to violet blue with projecting anthers (like tiny mallets); borne in dense, domed terminal heads, 15-25mm across, on long, slender stalks (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are spoon-shaped at the base of the plant, and narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    132069.jpg
  • COMMON BUTTERWORT Pinguicula vulgaris (Lentibulariaceae) Height to 15cm. Stickily-hairy carnivorous perennial that grows in bogs and damp flushes. FLOWERS are 12-14mm across, the corolla is violet with a white throat, funnel-shaped with spreading lobes to the lower lip, and a 4-7mm-long spur; borne on slender stems (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are yellow-green, sticky and can trap and digest insects; borne as a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W.
    131719.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.
    131572.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
  • LARGE-FLOWERED BUTTERWORT Pinguicula grandiflora (Lentibulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Stickily-hairy carnivorous perennial that grows in bogs and damp flushes among rocks. FLOWERS are 25-30mm across, the corolla violet with a purple-streaked white throat, a 10-12mm-long spur and overlapping lobes to the lower lip; borne on slender stems (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are yellow-green, sticky and borne as a basal rosette. STATUS-Native to SW Ireland but introduced to Devon and Cornwall.
    130327.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    129733.jpg
  • GREATER PERIWINKLE Vinca major (Apocynaceae) Height to 1m. Woody, trailing evergreen perennial of woods and hedges. FLOWERS are 4-5cm across with 5 bluish violet lobes that are acutely truncated on the outer margin; on slender stalks, the calyx lobes having hairy margins (Mar-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, shiny, dark green, stalked and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Naturalised.
    117930.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    106129.jpg
  • WILD PANSY Viola tricolor (Violaceae) Height to 12cm<br />
Also known as Heartsease. Ssp tricolor is an annual of cultivated ground; ssp curtisii is a perennial of dry grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across; yellow and violet in ssp tricolor but yellow in ssp curtisii (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lancelolate with leaf-like stipules.
    106128.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    144566.jpg
  • MEADOW CLARY Salvia pratensis (Lamiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Attractive, downy and slightly aromatic upright perennial. Grows in dry grassland on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 2-3cm long and bluish violet, the calyx being downy but lacking long white hairs; borne in whorls on upright and showy spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, heart-shaped at the base, bluntly toothed and wrinkled; basal leaves are stalked while upper leaves are increasingly stalkless up the stem. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few sites in S England.
    145487.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    138043.jpg
  • DWARF PANSY Viola kitaibeliana (Height to 10cm) is clearly recognisable as a member of the violet family but is low-growing with tiny flowers (5mm long). It is found in short turf on sandy ground and flowers in early spring (Apr-May). Look for it on Bryher; the species also occurs on the Channel Islands.
    133646.jpg
  • SKULLCAP Scutellaria galericulata (Lamiaceae) Height to 40cm. Creeping, square-stemmed downy or hairless perennial with upright flowering stalks. Grows in damp ground, in marshes and on river banks. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in pairs on upright, leafy stems, mainly towards the top (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region, except Ireland and N Scotland.
    131513.jpg
  • WILD 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.
    130967.jpg
  • MONK’S-HOOD Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Dark green, almost hairless perennial of damp woodland, often beside streams. FLOWERS are bluish violet, 20mm across and helmeted; in upright spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are dry and many-seeded. LEAVES are deeply divided into palmate lobes. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and SW. Beware confusion with naturalised garden Aconitum species.
    130949.jpg
  • GREATER PERIWINKLE Vinca major (Apocynaceae) Height to 1m. Woody, trailing evergreen perennial of woods and hedges. FLOWERS are 4-5cm across with 5 bluish violet lobes that are acutely truncated on the outer margin; on slender stalks, the calyx lobes having hairy margins (Mar-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, shiny, dark green, stalked and in opposite pairs. STATUS-Naturalised.
    130712.jpg
  • MONK’S-HOOD Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Dark green, almost hairless perennial of damp woodland, often beside streams. FLOWERS are bluish violet, 20mm across and helmeted; in upright spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are dry and many-seeded. LEAVES are deeply divided into palmate lobes. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and SW. Beware confusion with naturalised garden Aconitum species.
    130527.jpg
  • MEADOW CLARY Salvia pratensis (Lamiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Attractive, downy and slightly aromatic upright perennial. Grows in dry grassland on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 2-3cm long and bluish violet, the calyx being downy but lacking long white hairs; borne in whorls on upright and showy spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, heart-shaped at the base, bluntly toothed and wrinkled; basal leaves are stalked while upper leaves are increasingly stalkless up the stem. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few sites in S England.
    130344.jpg
  • FUCHSIA Fuchsia magellanica (Onograceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Deciduous, much-branched shrub. Favours rocky ground and rough slopes, often coastal. FLOWERS are 2cm long and bell-shaped, with red sepals and violet petals; pendent, on slender stalks ((Aug-Oct). FRUITS are black berries. LEAVES are ovate. STATUS-Introduced for hedging; naturalised locally, mainly in W Britain and SW Ireland
    129837.jpg
  • NETTLE-LEAVED BELLFLOWER Campanula trachelium (Campanulaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and roughly-hairy perennial with sharply angled stems. Grows in hedgerows, scrub and open woodland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 3-4cm long, the corolla bluish violet and bell-shaped with flared, triangular lobes; borne in leafy spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are stalked and heart-shaped at the base of the plant; stem leaves are short-stalked, oval, toothed and nettle-like. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    127702.jpg
  • ROUND-HEADED RAMPION Phyteuma orbiculare (Campanulaceae) Height to 50cm. Distinctive, hairless and unbranched perennial; grows in chalk grassland. FLOWERS are bluish violet and borne in rounded heads, 10-15mm across, on long, slender stems (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are oval at the base of the plant, narrow and unstalked on the stem. STATUS-Local, restricted to a few locations in S England; an indicator of undisturbed sites but absent from many seemingly suitable locations.
    122086.jpg
  • SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial with leafy runners that root at intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in grassy places and woodland rides, on calcareous and netural soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and bluish violet; borne in dense, cylindrical and terminal heads adorned with purplish bracts and calyx teeth (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are paired and oval. STATUS-Widespread but commonest in the S.
    117954.jpg
  • Alpine Pennycress (Thlaspi caerulescens) HEIGHT to 25cm. Hairless perennial of alpine scree and old lead workings. FLOWERS 3-4mm across with white or lilac petals and violet anthers (Apr-Aug). FRUITS Narrowly heart-shaped, flattened, with a beak. LEAVES Oval, entire and tapering gradually to the stalk.
    108937.jpg
  • Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) HEIGHT to 15cm. Softly hairy, strongly smelling perennial with creeping stems that root at regular intervals and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodlands, hedgerows and grassland, and on bare ground; tolerant of both shady and exposed locations. FLOWERS 15-20mm long, bluish violet; in open whorls arising from leaf axils. FRUITS Nutlets. LEAVES Kidney shaped to rounded, toothed, long-stalked.
    106275.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    143674.jpg
  • BASIL-THYME Clinopodium acinos (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy annual with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in dry, grassy habitats on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 7-10mm long and bluish violet with a white patch on the lower lip; borne in few-flowered whorls along much of the stems’ length (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, stalked and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common in S and E England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    143675.jpg
  • COMMON BUTTERWORT Pinguicula vulgaris (Lentibulariaceae) Height to 15cm. Stickily-hairy carnivorous perennial that grows in bogs and damp flushes. FLOWERS are 12-14mm across, the corolla is violet with a white throat, funnel-shaped with spreading lobes to the lower lip, and a 4-7mm-long spur; borne on slender stems (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are yellow-green, sticky and can trap and digest insects; borne as a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in N and W.
    144465.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    144565.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea (Violaceae)  Height to 30cm<br />
Attractive, creeping and almost hairless perennial of upland calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across and may be yellow, bluish violet or both (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate with palmate stipules at the bases.
    144567.jpg
  • Arctic Yellow-violet - Viola biflora
    162830.jpg
  • Common Dog-violet - Viola riviniana, Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire
    162381.jpg
  • Common Dog-violet - Viola riviniana, Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire
    162380.jpg
  • Common Dog-violet - Viola riviniana, Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire
    162382.jpg
  • Arctic Yellow-violet - Viola biflora
    162829.jpg
  • Violet-green Swallow - Tachycineta thalassina
    157908.jpg
  • Violet-green Swallow - Tachycineta thalassina
    157589.jpg
  • WILD RADISH Raphanus raphanistrum has violet-veined white petals and beaded pods with up to 10 segments. Widespread relict of cultivation.
    131078.jpg
  • Violet-green Swallow - Tachycineta thalassina
    157588.jpg
  • CLUSTERED BELLFLOWER Campanula glomerata (Campanulaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, robust and hairy perennial that grows on grassland and verges, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long, the corolla violet-blue and bell-shaped, with blunt teeth; borne mainly in terminal clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are long-stalked and heart-shaped at the base of the plant but narrower and clasping on the stem. STATUS-Locally common in S and E England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131697.jpg
  • SMALL SCABIOUS Scabiosa columbaria (Dipsacaceae) Height to 65cm. Upright and branching perennial of calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are bluish-violet, and borne in compact heads, 2-3cm across, outer flowers larger than inner ones (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves in a rosette, and narrow-lobed stem leaves.
    106367.jpg
  • Bugle - Ajuga reptans, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trust
    162443.jpg
  • Field Pansy - Viola arvensis
    163170.jpg
  • Bugle - Ajuga reptans, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trust
    162466.jpg
  • Devil's-bit Scabious - Succisa pratensis
    161425.jpg
  • Small Scabious - Scabiosa columbaria
    161274.jpg
  • Small Scabious - Scabiosa columbaria
    161271.jpg
  • Nettle-leaved Bellflower - Campanula trachelium
    159366.jpg
  • Nettle-leaved Bellflower - Campanula trachelium
    159365.jpg
  • Nettle-leaved Bellflower - Campanula trachelium
    159364.jpg
  • Clustered Bellflower - Campanula glomerata
    159213.jpg
  • HAIRY VIOLET Viola hirta (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Similar to Sweet Violet but unscented and much more hairy. Found in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, with pale violet petals and blunt sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N, scarce in Ireland.
    130725.jpg
  • HAIRY VIOLET Viola hirta (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Similar to Sweet Violet but unscented and much more hairy. Found in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, with pale violet petals and blunt sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N, scarce in Ireland.
    130722.jpg
  • HAIRY VIOLET Viola hirta (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Similar to Sweet Violet but unscented and much more hairy. Found in dry grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across, with pale violet petals and blunt sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N, scarce in Ireland.
    130734.jpg
  • Siberian Violet-willow Salix acutifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Sometimes also known as ‘Violet Willow’. Similar to S. daphnoides but with subtly different shoots and leaves. SHOOTS Very slender, drooping at the tips and with a waxy feel, turning violet in winter. LEAVES Longer than those of S. daphnoides (to 16cm), narrower and shiny green on both sides. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Russia, but sometimes planted here by streamsides and in large gardens.
    134452.jpg
  • Siberian Violet-willow Salix acutifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Sometimes also known as ‘Violet Willow’. Similar to S. daphnoides but with subtly different shoots and leaves. SHOOTS Very slender, drooping at the tips and with a waxy feel, turning violet in winter. LEAVES Longer than those of S. daphnoides (to 16cm), narrower and shiny green on both sides. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Russia, but sometimes planted here by streamsides and in large gardens.
    134456.jpg
  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
    130592.jpg
  • EARLY DOG-VIOLET Viola reichenbachiana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Similar to Common Dog-violet but with subtle differences in the flower and leaf form. Found in woods and hedgerows, mostly on chalk. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with pale violet, narrow petals and a spur that is darker than the petals and not notched (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow heart-shaped. STATUS-Locally common.
    130574.jpg
  • FEN VIOLET Viola persicifolia. Height to 20cm. Charming, scarce perennial, similar to Marsh Violet but the rounded petals are bluish-white (not lilac) and the spur is short and greenish (not lilac) (May-June). It grows in a few East Anglian fens and, locally, in W Ireland too.
    113546.jpg
  • SWEET VIOLET Viola odorata (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Fragrant perennial herb of woods and hedgerows, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15mm across and violet or white, with blunt sepals (Feb-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked and rounded in spring; larger and heart-shaped ones appear in autumn. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales.
    130593.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131704.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131706.jpg
  • DAME’S-VIOLET Hesperis matronalis (Brassicaceae) Height to 90cm. Hairy biennial or perennial associated with hedgerows and wayside places. FLOWERS are fragrant and 17-20mm across, with 4 violet or pinkish white petals; in terminal clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are long, flattened and curve upwards. LEAVES are narrow, pointed, untoothed and stalked. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a garden escape.
    129824.jpg
  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
    131702.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    130710.jpg
  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • COMMON DOG-VIOLET Viola riviniana (Violaceae) Height to 12cm. Familiar perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the tip, and pointed sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
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  • DAME’S-VIOLET Hesperis matronalis (Brassicaceae) Height to 90cm. Hairy biennial or perennial associated with hedgerows and wayside places. FLOWERS are fragrant and 17-20mm across, with 4 violet or pinkish white petals; in terminal clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are long, flattened and curve upwards. LEAVES are narrow, pointed, untoothed and stalked. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a garden escape.
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  • DAME’S-VIOLET Hesperis matronalis (Brassicaceae) Height to 90cm. Hairy biennial or perennial associated with hedgerows and wayside places. FLOWERS are fragrant and 17-20mm across, with 4 violet or pinkish white petals; in terminal clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are long, flattened and curve upwards. LEAVES are narrow, pointed, untoothed and stalked. STATUS-Widely naturalised as a garden escape.
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  • VIOLET HELLEBORINE Epipactis purpurata (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
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  • Violet Helleborin -, Epipactis purpurata - var.rosea. Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
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  • Violet Helleborin -, Epipactis purpurata - var.rosea. Height to 75cm. Upright and clump-forming perennial with stems strongly violet-tinged. Similar to Broad-leaved Helleborine. Grows in shady woods, mostly under Beech on chalk soils. FLOWERS comprise rather narrow sepals and upper petals that are greenish white inside, and a heart-shaped whitish lip that is tinged purplish towards the centre; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are narrow and parallel-sided. STATUS-Local, mainly S England.
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  • Violet Sea Snail - Janthina janthina
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  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
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  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
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  • MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, hairless perennial with creeping runners. Found in bogs and marshy places on acid soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across with rounded, dark-veined, pale lilac petals and a blunt, pale spur (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are kidney-shaped and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in N and W.
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  • Violet Helleborine - Epipactis purpurata
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  • Lewes Brooks/Water Violet<br />
LOWLAND WETLAND/ COASTAL MARSH
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  • Violet Ground Beetle - Carabus violaceus
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  • Violet Ground Beetle - Carabus violaceus
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  • violet bramble rust<br />
Phragmidium violaceum
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  • violet webcap<br />
Cortinarius violaceus
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  • violet webcap<br />
Cortinarius violaceus
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  • violet sea snail
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  • BUGLE Ajuga reptans (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Familiar, upright perennial with stems hairy on 2 opposite sides only. Grows in woods and grassy places, usually on damp, heavy soils. Leafy, creeping runners root at intervals. FLOWERS are 15mm long and bluish violet, the lower lip with pale veins. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and commonest in the S.
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  • Foxglove Tree Paulownia tomentosa (Scrophulariaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. Small deciduous tree with an upright habit. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Mostly level. LEAVES Opposite and very broadly ovate with heart-shaped bases and tapering tips, often with forward-pointing side lobes. The upper surface is light green and hairy and the lower surface is grey-green and much more hairy. The petiole is about 15cm long, but may be as much as 45cm long, and is very downy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are borne in lax upright spikes about 30cm long; each flower is brown and downy in bud, but opens to become violet, with a yellowish tinge inside the corolla tube. There are 5 spreading lobes and the flower is about 6cm long. The fruit is a short-stalked, ovoid capsule about 5cm long with a tapering tip and glossy-green outer skin; it splits open to release many small, whitish, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the mountains of China, brought as an ornamental tree to Britain and Ireland, where it is often seen in large gardens and sometimes as a street tree.
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  • Foxglove Tree Paulownia tomentosa (Scrophulariaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. Small deciduous tree with an upright habit. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Mostly level. LEAVES Opposite and very broadly ovate with heart-shaped bases and tapering tips, often with forward-pointing side lobes. The upper surface is light green and hairy and the lower surface is grey-green and much more hairy. The petiole is about 15cm long, but may be as much as 45cm long, and is very downy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are borne in lax upright spikes about 30cm long; each flower is brown and downy in bud, but opens to become violet, with a yellowish tinge inside the corolla tube. There are 5 spreading lobes and the flower is about 6cm long. The fruit is a short-stalked, ovoid capsule about 5cm long with a tapering tip and glossy-green outer skin; it splits open to release many small, whitish, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the mountains of China, brought as an ornamental tree to Britain and Ireland, where it is often seen in large gardens and sometimes as a street tree.
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  • LARGE BITTER-CRESS Cardamine amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright perennial found in damp, shady places in woods and marshes. FLOWERS are 12mm across with 4 white petals and violet anthers (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are slender, beaked pods, up to 4cm long. LEAVES are pinnately divided, with slightly toothed oval lobes. STATUS-Widespread but local; scarce in, or absent from, W England and S Ireland.
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  • AUTUMN CROCUS Crocus nudiflorus (Iridaceae) Height to 20cm. Grassland perennial, similar to Spring Crocus but flowering in autumn not spring. Beware confusion with Meadow Saffron (see pxxx). FLOWERS are 3-4cm across (when fully open), violet and veined, with 3 stamens (6 in Meadow Saffron) (Sep-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow with a white midrib stripe. STATUS-Locally naturalised.
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  • DEVIL’S-BIT SCABIOUS Succisa pratensis (Dipsacaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial with hairy or hairless stems. Grows in damp grassland, woodland rides and marshes. FLOWERS are pinkish lilac to violet blue with projecting anthers (like tiny mallets); borne in dense, domed terminal heads, 15-25mm across, on long, slender stalks (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are spoon-shaped at the base of the plant, and narrow on the stem. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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