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.

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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...

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Marsh Arrowgrass

Flower: Marsh Arrowgrass produces delicate, star-like flowers arranged along a slender, upright spike that can reach 10–30 cm in height. Each flower has six narrow pinkish-purple or greenish tepals (not true petals or sepals), and yellow-tipped stamens, creating a subtle but attractive display from June to ... Fruit: The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical capsule that splits into six longitudinal segments when mature. These fruits are green at first but turn brown as they dry out. Each segment contains a single seed, and the fruits persist into late summer or early autumn, gradually releasing their contents to assis... Leaves: The leaves of Marsh Arrowgrass are long, slender, and grass-like, arising from the base of the plant. They are linear, fleshy, and grooved, typically 10–30 cm long, with a blunt tip and no visible midrib. Unlike true grasses, they are hairless and often emit a slightly aromatic or salty scent when c...

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Broad-leaved Arrowhead

Flower: Broad-leaved Arrowhead produces striking three-petalled white flowers arranged in whorls along an upright flowering stalk. Blooming from July to September, the flowers have a delicate symmetry, with bright yellow stamens at the centre of the male flowers and green pistils in the female flowers. Thes... Fruit: After pollination, Sagittaria latifolia forms clusters of small, dry, wedge-shaped fruits known as achenes. These are buoyant and float on the surface of the water, aiding dispersal. The plant also spreads via its rhizomes and produces starchy tubers beneath the mud, which are important for vegetati... Leaves: The leaves are broad, arrow-shaped (sagittate), and rise well above the water surface. They have long, sturdy stalks and are dark green with prominent veins. The shape and size of the leaves can vary depending on growing conditions, but the bold arrowhead outline makes the plant easy to identify. Su...

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Narrow-leaved Arrowhead

Flower: The flowers of Sagittaria subulata are small, white, and three-petaled, typically blooming in summer (June to September). They arise above the water surface on slender stalks, with separate male and female flowers often found on the same inflorescence—males higher up, females below. Each flower meas... Fruit: Fruits are small, dry achenes grouped into globular clusters after flowering. Each achene has a distinctive wing or beak that aids in water dispersal. The seeds have no known culinary or foraging use for humans but may be eaten by waterfowl and contribute to the aquatic food web. Leaves: Leaves are extremely narrow, linear, and grass-like, typically submerged or sometimes floating. Unlike the typical arrow-shaped leaves of some other Sagittaria species, this one has no pronounced blade—hence the species name subulata, meaning awl-shaped. The leaves can reach 10–30 cm long but are us...

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Canadian Arrowhead

Flower: Canadian Arrowhead (Sagittaria rigida) produces small, three-petalled white flowers with a distinctive yellow centre, typically blooming from June to September. The flowers are arranged in whorls along tall, erect stems that rise above the water’s surface. Male and female flowers are usually found o... Fruit: After successful pollination, the female flowers develop into compact clusters of small, dry fruits known as achenes. These are flattened and ribbed, sometimes with a slight wing, and are released in late summer or early autumn. The seeds may float and are dispersed by water, allowing the plant to c... Leaves: Unlike many other arrowhead species, Sagittaria rigida typically has narrow, strap-like or lance-shaped submerged or emergent leaves rather than the classic arrow-shaped foliage. This linear leaf shape helps distinguish it from related species like Sagittaria latifolia. The leaves are bright green, ...

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Bog Arum

Flower: Bog Arum produces a striking, arum-like inflorescence consisting of a creamy-white spathe that wraps around a short, yellow-green spadix. The spathe is around 4–6 cm long, and the flowering period typically occurs in late spring to early summer (May to July). The spadix is covered with tiny, bisexua... Fruit: The plant develops a cluster of bright red berries in late summer. These are fleshy, rounded, and contain several seeds. While visually attractive, the berries are toxic if ingested, containing irritating compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Leaves: Bog Arum has glossy, dark green, heart- or kidney-shaped leaves with long stalks, often growing up to 15 cm long. They emerge from a creeping rhizome and often form a loose rosette. The leaves are thick and waxy, helping them survive in their typical waterlogged habitats.

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Bog Asphodel

Flower: Bog Asphodel displays striking star-shaped yellow flowers arranged in a dense, upright spike. Blooming from July to August, each flower has six pointed tepals with prominent orange stamens that give the inflorescence a fiery appearance. The flowers are highly visible in acidic bog habitats, standing... Fruit: The fruit of Bog Asphodel is a small, dry capsule that splits open when mature to release numerous fine seeds. These capsules form after flowering and persist into autumn, gradually turning brown as the plant completes its reproductive cycle. The seeds are light and adapted for wind dispersal across... Leaves: The leaves are narrow, grass-like, and arranged in a basal tuft. They are somewhat leathery with a channelled upper surface and may appear slightly bluish-green. A few smaller leaves may be found along the stem. The foliage is adapted to waterlogged, acidic soils and often grows among sphagnum mosse...

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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...

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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 ...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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White Beak-sedge

Flower: White Beak-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) features small, inconspicuous flowers with pale to creamy-colored petals, typically arranged in compact clusters or spikelets at the tips of its slender, grass-like stems. The flowers are delicate and often go unnoticed due to their subtle appearance, but they ad... Fruit: The fruit of White Beak-sedge consists of small, nut-like achenes. These achenes are typically dark brown or black and are attached to the plant's stem in clusters. They have a hard, seed-like shell and are dispersed by wind or water, contributing to the plant's reproductive cycle. Leaves: The leaves of White Beak-sedge are long, slender, and grass-like in appearance. They are typically dark green and have a linear shape. These leaves grow in dense tufts and arise from the base of the plant, forming an attractive clump. The leaves are typically smooth and narrow, adding to the overall...

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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.

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