Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Flower: The flowers of Trachystemon orientalis (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) are star-shaped and typically a vivid bluish-violet, appearing in dense clusters atop thick, fleshy stems in late winter to early spring (February to April in the UK). Each flower has five narrow, pointed petals that curve slightly ba... Fruit: The fruit of Trachystemon orientalis is a dry, nutlet-like structure, typical of many members of the borage family (Boraginaceae). After flowering, the ovary develops into four small, hard nutlets enclosed within the remains of the calyx. These nutlets are brown, wrinkled, and relatively inconspicuo... Leaves: The leaves of Trachystemon orientalis are one of its most distinctive features. They are very large, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, and can grow up to 40 cm across. The surface is rough and slightly hairy, with a somewhat coarse texture, and the margins are often wavy or irregularly toothed. When yo...

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False Acacia

Flower: False Acacia, also known as Black Locust, produces hanging clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer (typically May to June). The pea-like flowers are around 2 cm long, with a yellow blotch on the upper petal, and resemble those of other members of the pea family (Fabaceae). ... Fruit: The fruit of False Acacia appears after flowering and takes the form of flat, brown pods about 5–10 cm long. These papery pods contain several hard, bean-like seeds and remain on the tree well into winter. Though visually similar to edible legumes, the seeds are toxic to humans and many animals if i... Leaves: The leaves of False Acacia are pinnate and alternate along the branches. Each leaf typically contains 7–21 oval leaflets with smooth edges, arranged in opposite pairs along a central stalk. The leaflets are soft green above and slightly paler underneath. In autumn, the foliage turns a striking yello...

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Two-spined Acaena

Flower: The flowers of Acaena ovalifolia are small, greenish to reddish, and grouped in dense, rounded heads atop slender stalks. They are not especially showy and lack petals, but they are functional and bloom in summer. Each flower head can eventually produce barbed fruits, typical of the genus. Fruit: The plant produces dry, burr-like achenes with two prominent, barbed spines per fruit—hence the name “two-spined.” These hooks allow the fruit to cling to animals or clothing for dispersal. While not as aggressively barbed as some Acaena species, it’s still a hitchhiker and should be handled careful... Leaves: The foliage consists of pinnate leaves with rounded, oval leaflets—reflected in the species name ovalifolia. The leaves are usually dark green, with a slightly leathery texture, forming a low mat or spreading ground cover. The leaf arrangement is neat and regularly spaced.

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Spineless Acaena

Flower: The flowers of Acaena inermis are small, globular, and typically reddish or purplish, appearing in compact heads on wiry stems during summer. Unlike many other Acaena species, these flower heads lack showy spines or barbed appendages, giving rise to the species name inermis (meaning “unarmed” or “sp... Fruit: The fruit consists of small achenes, but unlike its relatives such as Acaena novae-zelandiae, A. inermis lacks the hooked spines that commonly aid in animal dispersal. This makes the seed heads less noticeable and less likely to cling to clothing or fur. Leaves: Acaena inermis has attractive, fern-like foliage, with pinnate, silvery-green to greyish-green leaflets. The plant grows as a low mat or ground cover, spreading along the ground to form dense carpets. Its foliage gives it ornamental appeal, especially in rock gardens and gravel beds.

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Winter Aconite

Flower: Cup-shaped flowers, up to 3cm wide. The flowers have large, deeply cut, leafy bracts at their bases. Fruit: Follicles which contain the seeds. Leaves: A perennial with deeply cut, glossy, hairless basal leaves. Throughout the British Isles, Winter Aconite is most common in the east of England and Scotland.

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Common Agrimony

Flower: The flowers of Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) found in the UK are small and yellow, arranged in elongated spikes on slender stems. Each individual flower consists of five petals and has a delicate, cup-shaped appearance. The flowers bloom in clusters and are known for their bright, cheerful y... Fruit: The fruit of Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) found in the UK is composed of small, burr-like structures containing seeds. These fruits typically develop after the flowering period. They have a rough or prickly exterior, designed with hooks that easily attach to fur or clothing, aiding in the d... Leaves: The leaves of Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) found in the UK are compound and alternately arranged along the stem. Each leaf is composed of smaller leaflets arranged in a feather-like or pinnate pattern. The leaflets are serrated along the edges, providing a distinctive appearance. The surfac...

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Bastard Agrimony

Flower: Bastard Agrimony produces small, creamy-white flowers arranged in loose, branching clusters (panicles) that bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Each flower is composed of five petals, which are somewhat rounded and delicate, giving the plant a light, airy appearance. The flowers attract a variety ... Fruit: The fruit consists of small dry nuts (achenes) that mature during late summer to early autumn. These achenes are smooth and equipped with tiny hooked bristles that can cling to animal fur or clothing, aiding in seed dispersal. Unlike true agrimony species, which have spiny burrs, Bastard Agrimony’s ... Leaves: The leaves are pinnate and composed of several small, toothed leaflets arranged opposite each other along a central stem. They resemble those of true agrimony but are generally more delicate and lighter green. The foliage is relatively soft, with a slight sheen on the upper surface, and is arranged ...

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Fragrant Agrimony

Flower: The inflorescence is a long flower spike. The flowers are about 1cm across with notched tips. 12 stamens. 2 pistils. Fruit: Bell-shaped, burred fruit with hooks that are down-turned. The fruit is about 1cm long. Leaves: No basal leaves. The stem leaves are stalked and alternate up the stems. They are pinnate leaves with 3 to 7 pairs. Leaflets are lance-shaped and large toothed. The leaves are more deeply toothed than those of the similar looking Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria). Also, the stems of Fragrant Agr...

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Common Alder

Flower: Yellow and pendulous (male catkins). Green and oval (female catkins). Male and female catkins present on same tree, and grouped in clusters of 3-8 on each stalk. Fruit: In winter the catkins turn into hard, dark, cone-like fruit which eventually release the seeds. Leaves: Deciduous. Round, dark green, leathery, smooth, serrated edges.

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Grey Alder

Flower: Grey Alder produces unisexual catkins—the male catkins are long, pendulous, and yellowish-green, appearing before or with the leaves in early spring, while the female catkins are smaller, upright, and initially green, later turning brown as they mature. The flowers lack petals and rely on wind polli... Fruit: The female catkins mature into small, woody, cone-like structures called strobiles, about 2–3 cm long, which open to release tiny winged seeds in late autumn or winter. These “cones” persist on the tree through winter. Leaves: The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, with a rounded or slightly heart-shaped base, and have a finely serrated margin. They are a pale green above and lighter below, often with fine hairs on the underside.

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Italian Alder

Flower: Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically arranged in pendulous catkins. These catkins can be either male or female. Male catkins are slender and yellowish-green, and they release pollen into the air. Female catkins are shorter and more cylindrical, with ... Fruit: Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) produces elongated and cylindrical catkins, which are an important part of its reproductive structures. These catkins are typically pendulous, hanging from the branches, and they come in two main types: male and female. Male catkins are usually longer and more slender, ... Leaves: The leaves of the Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) are characterized by their heart-shaped form and serrated edges. These deciduous leaves are typically medium to dark green in color and have a glossy appearance on their upper surface. They are arranged alternately along the branches and can grow to be...

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Alexanders

Flower: Alexanders blooms from April to June, producing large, rounded umbels of small yellow-green flowers. These flower heads are made up of many tiny, five-petalled flowers arranged in a characteristic umbrella shape, typical of members of the carrot family. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract num... Fruit: After flowering, Alexanders produces ridged, glossy black fruits that are almost cube-shaped. Each fruit contains two seeds and matures in summer. The fruits were once used as a pepper substitute and can be collected for culinary or propagation purposes. Their distinct shape and dark colour make the... Leaves: The leaves of Alexanders are a deep green and have a shiny, somewhat fleshy appearance. They are divided into three broad leaflets with toothed margins, giving them a bold and robust look. The leaves grow alternately along the thick, grooved stems, which can reach up to 1.5 metres tall. When bruised...

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Green Alkanet

Flower: The flowers of Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) are an intense, vivid blue in color, shaped like a star, and they typically bloom in clusters. These flowers are notably attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies due to their nectar-rich nature. Each individual flower consists of... Fruit: The fruit of Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) is typically small and nut-like, known as a nutlet. These nutlets develop after the flowering period and contain seeds. They are often dark in colour and quite small, each containing the potential to produce a new plant if they find suitable con... Leaves: The leaves of Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) are elongated and rough in texture, often hairy and lance-shaped. They have pronounced veins and are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves resemble those of the forget-me-not, having a coarse texture and covered in tiny, stiff hairs,...

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Yellow Alkanet

Flower: Despite the name, Yellow Alkanet typically produces creamy yellow to pale ochre flowers, not bright yellow. Each flower is funnel-shaped, five-lobed, and measures about 8–12 mm across. The blooms appear in branched cymes, and the flowering period runs from May to July. Its floral structure is simila... Fruit: The fruit is composed of four nutlets, rough and wrinkled, often with small prickles or tubercles. These are typical of the Boraginaceae family and allow for dispersal by animals or water. The nutlets are black or dark brown when mature and develop after the flowers fade. Leaves: Leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and covered in stiff, white hairs, giving them a rough, sandpapery texture. They are arranged alternately on the stem, with basal leaves forming a rosette and upper leaves gradually reducing in size. The stems are also bristly and often branched. The plant can reach he...

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False Alkanet

Flower: False Alkanet produces bright sky-blue to violet-blue flowers, typically 8–12 mm in diameter, with a white eye at the centre. Flowers are five-petalled and flat-faced, borne in loose, coiled cymes (scorpioid inflorescences) typical of Boraginaceae. Blooming usually occurs in late spring to early sum... Fruit: The fruit consists of four nutlets, as is typical of the family, each covered with hooked or barbed tubercles that aid in animal dispersal. The nutlets are oblong and rough, turning dark brown or black when mature. These fruiting bodies are quite distinctive and useful in identifying the plant in la... Leaves: Leaves are alternate, lanceolate to ovate, and covered in stiff, rough bristly hairs, giving the plant a very coarse feel — hence the genus name Cynoglottis, meaning “dog’s tongue” (like Cynoglossum). Basal leaves form a rosette, while stem leaves are stalkless and often clasp the stem. The foliage ...

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