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]

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...

[view all information]

Allseed

Flower: Allseed produces tiny, star-like white flowers, just 1–2 mm across, with four petals and four sepals, both about the same length. The petals are often shorter or missing entirely, making the sepals more prominent. Flowers are borne in delicate, branching sprays (cymes) and appear from June to August... Fruit: The fruit is a very small, dry capsule that splits into four segments, each releasing a single seed. These minute seeds are dispersed close to the parent plant, typically falling onto bare, damp soil. The seeds germinate quickly under the right conditions, allowing the plant to complete its life cyc... Leaves: Leaves are tiny (1–4 mm long), opposite, and narrowly oval, with no stalks (sessile) and smooth edges. They form neat pairs along the hair-thin, wiry stems, which typically grow 2–10 cm tall. The plant has a very delicate, thread-like appearance and can easily be overlooked among mosses and other lo...

[view all information]

Arrowhead

Flower: Arrowhead produces striking white flowers with three broad petals and a yellow or purplish centre. These appear in whorled clusters on tall, upright stems from July to September. The flowers are unisexual, with male flowers usually above the female ones on the same plant. They grow above the water s... Fruit: After pollination, the female flowers develop into small, rounded clusters of dry fruits known as achenes. These achenes are buoyant and can float, aiding dispersal via water currents. Each fruit contains a single seed, and the entire cluster may remain attached to the plant above the water or event... Leaves: The plant's name comes from its distinctive arrowhead-shaped leaves, which are sharply pointed and emerge above the water on long stalks. Submerged leaves, however, are strap-like or linear and quite different in form. This dual-leaf structure helps the plant thrive in aquatic environments. The emer...

[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]

Aunt Eliza

Flower: Aunt Eliza (Crocosmia paniculata) is notable for its tall, upright stature and showy panicles of warm orange flowers with hints of red or amber. Each flower is trumpet-shaped with six spreading lobes and appears along strongly branched stems, often forming a loose, airy display. Flowering occurs fro... Fruit: After flowering, the plant may produce small, round seed capsules which start off green and ripen to brown. These capsules contain hard, black seeds, although viable seed production is rare in the UK climate. Most spread is through underground corms rather than seed. Leaves: The leaves are tall, lush, and lanceolate—sword-shaped with a gracefully arching habit. They can grow over a metre in height and have a slightly pleated texture with prominent parallel veins. The foliage is a rich green and helps form bold vertical clumps, making Aunt Eliza one of the most striking ...

[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]

Balm of Gilead

Flower: Balm of Gilead (Populus × jackii) is a hybrid poplar that produces long, drooping catkins in early spring—typically March to April—before the leaves emerge. As with other poplars, the species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate trees. The male catkins are more visually s... Fruit: Female trees produce clusters of small, capsule-like fruits in late spring or early summer. These capsules split open to release tiny seeds attached to silky white hairs that help them disperse by wind. The fluffy seeds can often be seen floating through the air in early summer, sometimes accumulati... Leaves: The leaves of Populus × jackii are broad, heart-shaped to ovate with finely toothed margins and a pointed tip. They are deep green and glossy above, with a paler, matte underside. Leaf stalks are relatively long and flattened, causing the leaves to flutter easily in the wind—a typical trait of popla...

[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]

Arrow Bamboo

Flower: Arrow Bamboo flowers are extremely rare and typically appear only once every several decades. When they do, the plant may produce small, grass-like panicles with inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers. Like many bamboos, flowering is often followed by the plant's death, a phenomenon called monocarpi... Fruit: When fruit does occur (rarely), it resembles a small grain, similar to other grass seeds, but it is not commonly seen due to the plant’s infrequent flowering. In cultivation, fruiting is essentially absent, and propagation is done via rhizomes or stem cuttings. Leaves: Leaves are broad, lanceolate (spear-shaped), typically 10–25 cm long and up to 5 cm wide—larger than those of many other bamboo species. They are dark green, glossy, and have parallel veins with a prominent midrib. The leaves grow alternately along the culm branches and give the plant a lush, dense ...

[view all information]

Annual Beard-grass

Flower: Annual Beard-grass produces dense, silky, spike-like panicles that are pale green to purplish in colour. Flowering from June to August, the inflorescences are notably feathery due to long, hair-like awns extending from the glumes. These airy flower heads shimmer in the breeze and are easily recognis... Fruit: The fruits are tiny, dry grains (caryopses), each enclosed within husks with long awns that aid in wind dispersal. As the inflorescence matures, it becomes more fragile and may break apart, releasing seeds to colonise muddy or disturbed ground near water margins. Leaves: Leaves are flat, narrow, and bright green with a soft, floppy texture. The sheaths often feel slightly sticky or hairy near the nodes, and the ligules are large, papery, and prominent—one of the key features that help distinguish this species from similar grasses.

[view all information]