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...

[view all information]

Common Alder

Flower: Common Alder produces both male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious). The male catkins are long, drooping, and yellowish-brown, typically appearing in late winter to early spring (February–March), before the leaves emerge. Female flowers are small, upright, and reddish-purple, maturing o... Fruit: By late summer, the fertilised female flowers develop into small, cone-like structures called strobiles. These woody fruits are green at first and mature to a dark brown, releasing small winged seeds that are dispersed by wind and water. The "cones" often persist on the tree through winter. Leaves: Alder leaves are rounded or oval with a distinctive notched (emarginate) tip and a serrated margin. They are a rich green and slightly sticky (glutinous) when young — hence the species name glutinosa. In autumn, they typically fall while still green, rather than turning bright colours.

[view all information]

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.

[view all information]

Wild Angelica

Flower: Wild Angelica blooms from July to September, displaying dome-shaped umbels of tiny, pale pinkish-white to purplish-white flowers. Each umbel can contain dozens of small five-petalled flowers, supported by purple-tinged stems. The flowers are particularly attractive to a wide range of insects, includ... Fruit: Following flowering, the plant produces oblong, flattened fruits that are slightly winged and ribbed. These dry, aromatic fruits develop in small clusters and turn from green to brown as they ripen. Each fruit splits in two when mature, releasing seeds that are dispersed by wind and water. The seeds... Leaves: The leaves of Wild Angelica are large, divided, and fern-like in appearance, with toothed edges and a somewhat glossy surface. They grow alternately along the thick, hollow stem, which often has a purple hue. The lower leaves are especially large, with long stalks and multiple leaflets, while the up...

[view all information]

Garden Angelica

Flower: Yellowish-green flowers, appearing in rounded umbels measuring 5 to 7cm across. 5 stamens per flower. Pollinated by insects. Fruit: Oval, flattened fruits with corky wings, measuring 6 to 8mm long. The seeds ripen in August and September. Leaves: An erect perennial with 2 to 3-pinnate leaves. Each leaf measure up to 60cm (24 inches) in length. Hollow, green stems (occasionally purple). Biennial.

[view all information]

Asarabacca

Flower: The flowers of Asarum europaeum are small, inconspicuous, and nodding, typically hidden beneath the leaves. They appear in spring (April–May) and are bell-shaped with three fleshy, dark purplish-brown sepals that are fused at the base and flare outward slightly. These sepals form the visible "flower... Fruit: The fruit is a small, dry capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, each with a fleshy appendage (elaiosome) that attracts ants, which disperse the seeds through a process known as myrmecochory. The capsules split open when mature in early summer. The fruits are typically hidden at the base of the pla... Leaves: Asarabacca has striking shiny, evergreen, kidney- or heart-shaped leaves, typically 5–10 cm wide, with entire, smooth margins. The foliage forms a low, dense carpet, making the plant ideal for shaded ground cover in woodland gardens. The leaves grow in pairs or loose rosettes and remain glossy green...

[view all information]

Scottish Asphodel

Flower: Scottish Asphodel produces small, star-like, pale yellowish-white flowers in dense, upright spikes typically about 2–5 cm tall. Flowering occurs from June to August. Each flower has six pointed tepals, usually around 3–5 mm long, and is tipped with tiny yellowish anthers. The flower spikes arise on ... Fruit: The plant produces tiny capsules, each containing a few minute seeds. The capsules are oval and measure about 2–3 mm in length. Once mature (late summer), they split open to release the seeds, which are dispersed by wind or water, often settling into wet peaty soils or mossy hollows. The fruits are ... Leaves: Leaves are narrow, grass-like, and linear, forming a basal rosette. They are typically 5–10 cm long, 1–2 mm wide, and have smooth margins with a faint midrib. The leaves are bright green to slightly bluish-green, and their tufted appearance helps identify the plant among mosses and sedges in its dam...

[view all information]

Water Avens

Flower: The flowers of Water Avens are characterized by their nodding, reddish-purple petals. These blooms add a touch of elegance to the plant and typically appear in late spring to mid-summer. Fruit: The fruit of Water Avens consists of small, dry achenes. These one-seeded fruits develop after the flowering period and contribute to the plant's reproductive cycle. Leaves: The basal leaves of Water Avens are pinnate and possess a slightly hairy texture. These toothed leaves contribute to the overall appearance of the plant, forming a lush and green foliage.

[view all information]

Himalayan Balsam

Flower: Himalayan Balsam bears large, helmet-shaped flowers ranging in colour from pale pink to deep purplish-pink, with some white-flowered forms occasionally found. Blooming from June to October, the flowers have a distinctive spur at the rear and are pollinated primarily by bees, which are attracted by t... Fruit: The fruit is a slender, green capsule that, like other Impatiens species, ejects seeds explosively when touched—a mechanism known as ballistic seed dispersal. Each capsule contains around 4–16 seeds, which can be launched several metres away. This highly effective dispersal method allows the species... Leaves: Leaves are lance-shaped with sharply serrated edges and grow in whorls of three or sometimes opposite each other. They are dark green, slightly glossy, and have a prominent central vein. Stems are tall (often over 2 metres), reddish, hollow, and succulent, allowing the plant to grow quickly in moist...

[view all information]

Orange Balsam

Flower: Orange Balsam produces distinctive, bright orange flowers with reddish speckles and a curved nectar spur. Blooming from July to October, the flowers are shaped like small snapdragons or slippers and are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Each flower hangs from a slender st... Fruit: The fruit of Orange Balsam is a narrow, green capsule that, when mature, explosively ejects its seeds upon touch—hence the plant's other common name, "Touch-me-not." This ballistic seed dispersal is an effective strategy for spreading quickly and colonising moist, shady areas. The seeds are small, b... Leaves: Leaves are oval to lance-shaped with toothed edges and are arranged alternately along the stem. They are a soft green, often tinged slightly reddish, and have a smooth texture with prominent veins. The stems are succulent and slightly translucent, helping the plant retain moisture in its favoured da...

[view all information]

Touch-me-not Balsam

Flower: Touch-me-not Balsam showcases delicate, pale yellow to orange flowers with vivid red or purple spots, creating a charming spectacle in the British countryside. These blossoms, adorned with their distinct markings, gently sway in the breeze, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies during the... Fruit: The fruit of Touch-me-not Balsam is comprised of elongated seed pods that develop following the flowering period. These pods, known as capsules, are characteristically slender and cylindrical, gradually maturing to a pale green or brown hue. Upon reaching maturity, the pods exhibit a remarkable mech... Leaves: The leaves of Touch-me-not Balsam are broadly oval in shape and feature serrated edges, imparting a distinctive appearance to this native British plant. These verdant foliage adornments are arranged alternately along the stems, creating a lush canopy of greenery in shaded woodlands, damp meadows, an...

[view all information]

Small Balsam

Flower: Small Balsam features delicate pale yellow blossoms with a distinctive spurred shape. These flowers, native to the UK, thrive in damp woodland areas, showcasing their charming allure along riverbanks and streamsides. 5 stamens. Pollinated by insects. Fruit: The fruit of Small Balsam, native to the UK, is a small, elongated capsule that bursts open when touched, dispersing its seeds. This capsule is typically green in color and contains numerous seeds, contributing to the plant's prolific spread in woodland habitats across the country. Leaves: The leaves of Small Balsam, native to the UK, are ovate to lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges. They are typically a vibrant green colour and have a slightly glossy appearance. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and often have a reddish tint on the undersides.

[view all information]

Gagnepain's Barberry

Flower: Gagnepain’s Barberry (Berberis gagnepainii) produces small, bright yellow flowers arranged in short, arching clusters (racemes) that appear in late spring, typically May to June. Each flower is around 5–7 mm across with six petals and numerous stamens. The rich colour and nectar attract pollinators,... Fruit: The fruits are oval to ellipsoid berries, about 1 cm long, ripening from green to dark purple or bluish-black by late summer. They contain a few seeds and have a sour, acidic taste. The berries persist into autumn and are eaten by birds, which help disperse the seeds. Leaves: Leaves are glossy, dark green, and leathery with a holly-like appearance. Each leaf has sharply toothed or spiny margins and is typically up to 6 cm long. The leaves are arranged alternately and often grouped in small clusters along the branches. The shrub is evergreen, retaining foliage year-round.

[view all information]

Spiny Bearsbreech

Flower: Spiny Bearsbreech is known for its striking, architectural flowers. The blossoms are characterized by their tall, spiky inflorescences, which feature hood-like bracts with spiky tips. The individual flowers are tubular and emerge from these bracts, forming a dense, elongated spike. The color of the ... Fruit: Spiny Bearsbreech does not produce typical fleshy fruits. Instead, it reproduces through seeds. After the flowering period, the plant forms seed capsules that contain the seeds. These capsules are dry and split open when mature, releasing the seeds. The seeds are small and are often dispersed by win... Leaves: The leaves of Spiny Bearsbreech are large, deeply lobed, and glossy green in colour. Each leaf typically has several sharply toothed segments that give them a distinctive, spiky appearance. The lobes are deeply cut and have spiny tips, contributing to the plant's name. The overall leaf structure is ...

[view all information]

Ivy-leaved Bellflower

Flower: Ivy-leaved Bellflower bears delicate, pale bluish-lilac, starry bell-shaped flowers with five shallow lobes and a slight twist to each petal. The flowers are around 8–10 mm across and sit singly on long, slender stalks that rise above the foliage. Blooming from June to September, the flowers have a ... Fruit: The fruit is a small, ovoid capsule that develops after flowering and contains numerous minute seeds. These are released through pores or by capsule splitting as they dry. Though modest in size, the plant can spread efficiently in damp, mossy environments where its seeds readily take hold. Leaves: The leaves are small, rounded to heart-shaped with three to five lobes, resembling miniature ivy leaves—hence the species name hederacea. They are soft, thin, and toothed, growing alternately along creeping, wiry stems. These stems often root at the nodes, forming a spreading mat close to the ground...

[view all information]