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...

[view all information]

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...

[view all information]

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.

[view all information]

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.

[view all information]

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]

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 ...

[view all information]

Fragrant Agrimony

Flower: Fragrant Agrimony bears tall, slender spikes of small yellow flowers, typically blooming from July to September. Each flower is about 6–8 mm across, with five rounded petals and a pleasant scent that gives the plant its common name. The flowers are arranged in long, unbranched racemes and are usuall... Fruit: After flowering, Agrimonia procera produces small, burr-like fruits covered with tiny hooked bristles. These fruits cling easily to animal fur and clothing, facilitating seed dispersal over long distances. The fruiting bodies develop at the base of the flower spikes, gradually ripening in late summe... Leaves: The leaves of Fragrant Agrimony are pinnate and arranged alternately along the stem, with 3–6 pairs of toothed leaflets and smaller intermediate ones. The upper surface is dark green and slightly rough to the touch, while the underside is lighter and finely hairy. Crushed leaves release a mild, plea...

[view all information]

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.

[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]

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]

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,...

[view all information]

Sweet Alyssum

Flower: Sweet Alyssum is a charming and petite flowering plant with delicate blooms. The flowers, shaped like small clusters, come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, purple, and lavender. Each flower consists of four petals, creating a dainty and intricate appearance. The fragrance of these blo... Fruit: Sweet Alyssum is not typically grown for its fruit, as it is primarily cultivated for its attractive and fragrant flowers. The plant produces small, inconspicuous fruits that are not commonly a focal point in gardening discussions. The main ornamental appeal of Sweet Alyssum lies in its profusion of... Leaves: Sweet Alyssum features small, lance-shaped leaves that contribute to its overall compact and neat appearance. The leaves are typically green in colour and form a dense carpet of foliage beneath the delicate clusters of flowers. These leaves are relatively small in size, adding to the fine texture of...

[view all information]

Wood Anemone

Flower: The Wood Anemone is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in spring, typically flowering from March to May. Each plant produces a single, star-like flower with 6 to 8 petal-like sepals, usually white but sometimes tinged with pink or purple, especially in upland or shaded areas. The flowers open ... Fruit: After flowering, the plant forms small, dry, woolly fruits known as achenes, each containing a single seed. These achenes are arranged in a cluster and have no special dispersal mechanism, relying instead on gravity and small animals. Seed production is often low, and Wood Anemone spreads primarily ... Leaves: Wood Anemone has deeply divided, toothed leaves arranged in a whorl of three below the flower. The leaves are typically green but may develop a bronze tint in early spring or late in the season. The plant grows from creeping, brittle rhizomes that spread just beneath the soil surface, allowing it to...

[view all information]

Yellow Anemone

Flower: Yellow Anemone bears cheerful, bright yellow flowers, typically 2–4 cm across, with 5 petal-like sepals (true petals are absent). The blooms appear singly on slender stalks from March to May, forming elegant displays in deciduous woodlands. They lack the bluish tinge of A. apennina and the white col... Fruit: After flowering, it forms a cluster of small, dry achenes. These seed-like fruits are hairless and lack any special dispersal adaptations such as wings or hooks. Like other Anemone species, it reproduces more reliably through spreading rhizomes than by seed. Leaves: Its leaves are deeply lobed and toothed, typically divided into three main leaflets. A characteristic whorl of stem leaves appears beneath each flower, while the basal leaves are few and often emerge after flowering. The foliage resembles that of Ranunculus (buttercups), hence the species name ranun...

[view all information]

Blue Anemone

Flower: The Blue Anemone produces delicate star-like flowers, usually in shades of pale to mid-blue, though occasionally white. Each flower typically has 10–15 narrow petal-like tepals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens. Blooming from March to May, these solitary flowers are about 3–4 cm across and oft... Fruit: Following pollination, the plant develops small, dry achenes in a rounded head. Each achene contains a single seed, with a small hooked tip that may assist in limited dispersal, though spread is more effectively achieved through root division than by seed. Leaves: Blue Anemone has attractively divided basal leaves that appear beneath the flowers. Each leaf is deeply lobed and toothed, typically in groups of three, and has a soft, fresh green colour. These leaves persist until summer before the plant goes dormant for the year.

[view all information]