Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea
This common, early season, perennial wildflower is often found in woodland, roadside verges and hedgerows. It can often be seen during spring time with the flowers blooming from April to June. Greater stitchwort flowers are white in colour, 2 -3 cm in diameter, with the five petals being deeply notched, often giving the appearance of ten. The grey-green narrow leaves resemble grass and this plant can reach nearly 50 cm in height.
Corncockle Agrostemma githago
This annual plant is actually poisonous and is widely used in cornfield annual wildflower seed mixes. It produces attractive deep pink flowers with black streaks. Each flower is produced on a solitary stalk and can measure up to 5 cm across. The flowering period is from May to August. The pale green leaves are narrow, lanceolate and pointed. Corncockle favours free draining sandy soils, but will grow on most soil types, It can reach a metre in height.
Red Campion Silene dioica
An attractive biennial or perennial wildflower, often found in shaded areas of woodland, roadside verges, hedgerows and grassy areas. The flowers are a deep rose-pink colour, flowering from May to September and measuring up to 2.5 cm across. Each flower has 5 petals, which are deeply notched, often giving the appearance of 10 petals. The deep green leaves are hairy and grow in opposite pairs. Red campion can grow to nearly a metre in height.
Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi
This distinctive perennial has ragged attractive pink flowers and favours wet and waterlogged soils, especially on agricultural land. However the increase of drainage on agricultural land has caused the decline of ragged robin. The bright pink flowers have a ragged appearance and appear between May and August. The basal leaves are stalked and have a grass like appearance. Ragged robin can grow up to 1 metre in height.
Cornflower Centaurea cyanus
An easy to grow annual wildflower included in a cornfield annuals seed mixture that was once regarded as a weed in arable land. The flowers are traditionally blue, however, there are different varieties that bloom as white, pink, lavender and purple. The flowering period is between June and September. They will grow to a height of 75 cm. The presence of corn flowers has been in decline in recent years due to modern agricultural practices such as chemical and fertiliser use.
Corn Marigold Glebionis segetum
An erect annual wildflower frequently included in cornfield annual seed mixtures, that can reach a meter in height. The bright golden flowers can reach 5 cm in diameter, typically blooming from June to September, attracting a diverse mixture of insects and wildlife. It will grow on most soil types, but prefers free draining sandy soils. The pinnate lobed leaves are a dull greyish-green colour. Its another plant that has been in steep decline, due to agricultural management techniques and practices.
Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis
An annual weed in arable farmland it is often included in cornfield annual wildflower seed mixtures with cornflowers, poppies, corn marigold and corncockle. The daisy like flowers with yellow central discs and white petals bloom between May and October. The leaves are divided and have a feathery appearance. Corn Chamomile can grow to a height of 50 cm and favours free draining soils. Its frequently found on waste sites and arable land.
Common Poppy Papaver rhoeas
An easily recognisable erect annual wildflower that has become a symbol of remembrance. It is very common on arable farmland (where it is treated as a weed), waste ground and other areas of disturbed ground. The vibrant red flowers have 4 overlapping petals and measure up to 10 cm in diameter. Common poppy will grow in most soil types but prefers free draining
sites and can reach a height of over a metre.
Wood Anenome Anemone nemorosa
An early spring flowering perennial plant that is a member of the buttercup family. It is very common in woodland as it produces a dense carpet of colour, it can also be found in hedgerows and other shaded sites. The flowers are white and yellow, with 5 – 8 white petals and many yellow anthers in the centre. Wood anenome flowers between March and April. A relatively low growing wildflower but can reach nearly 50 cm in height.
Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris
A familiar summer perennial wildflower that is very common in meadows, pastures and other grassy areas.It is sometimes called ‘crowfoot’, as the deeply cut green leaves resemble a crows foot. The bright yellow flowers are typical of buttercups and have 5 glossy petals. They can measure up 2.5 cm in diameter and the flowering period is from May to September. Meadow Buttercup will grow in most soil types, but favours calcareous (high pH) soil. It can reach nearly a meter in height.
Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratensis
Also known as ‘Lady’s Smock’ this perennial wildflower thrives in damp areas such as ditches and river banks. The white – light pink flowers bloom from April (Coincides with the arrival of the bird) to June, each of the 4 petals are notched and up to 12 mm long. It forms as a basal rosette of pinnate leaves with rounded leaflets. A fairly low growing plant, however it can reach up to 50 cm in height.
Birds-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Sometimes called ‘Bacon & Eggs’, Bird’s-foot trefoil is perennial plant that is a member of the pea family. It takes its name from the seed pods, which resemble a bird’s foot. The yellow flowers bloom between June and October and are borne in clusters. Each flower measures between 10-15 mm in length. The alternate leaves have 5 leaflets, with 3 upper and 2 lower leaflets. This wildflower will grow in most types of soil, but prefers dry, undernourished sites. It can grow to 50 cm high.
Red Clover Trifolium pratense
A very common perennial wildflower, widespread throughout the UK. It will grow on most soil types, but favours well drained sites. The pink – red flowers are borne in globe like round heads that can measure up to 2 cm in diameter. The flowering period is between the months of May and October, with bees being very attracted to it, as it’s a source of nectar. The leaves are typical of most clovers, with each leaf having 3 leaflets, each leaflet sometimes displaying a pale crescent shaped mark.
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
A familiar and widespread plant that grows in grassy areas, roadside verges and waste areas, it’s often included in wildflower seed mixtures. It’s a herbaceous perennial with narrow oblong leaves that have scalloped edges. The flowers are typical of a daisy, with a yellow center disc and many white petals. The flower heads can measure up to 6 cm across and bloom between June and August. Oxeye daisy can reach nearly a metre in height.
Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra
An upright, branching perennial windflower common in all types of meadows and grassland, reaching a height of 75 cm. This plant is attractive to all types on insects with its thistle like, purple flower heads, which open from tight buds. The flower heads are 2-4 cm across and are seen from June to September. The hairy leaves are a grey-green colour, the lower leaves are lanceolate to ovate and toothed, while the upper leaves are lanceolate with smooth edges.
Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
A straggly, scrambling, downy perennial wildflower that is a member of the pea family, that can be seen in meadows, waste ground, hedgerows and roadside verges. It can reach a height of nearly a metre. The yellow pea like flowers are weakly scented, 14-18 mm long and can be see from May to August. Leaves with 1 pair of grey-green narrow, lanceolate and pointed leaflets. Meadow vetchling is quite common throughout the UK.
Borage Borago officinalis
An erect annual wildflower that is extremely attractive to bees and other insects. Also known as ‘starflower’ it can grow to a metre in height. The attractive, star shaped blue (sometimes pink) flowers, which point downwards, are between 20-25 mm in diameter. the flowering period if from June to October. Borage leaves,stems buds are covered in fine, white hairs giving an almost woolly appearance. This is very common in grassy areas and disturbed ground.
Common Mallow Malva sylvestris
The characteristics can vary considerably in this plant. An erect or spreading annual, biennial or perennial wildflower that is capable of reaching 1.5 metres in height. Its very common on roadsides, footpaths and waste ground and thrives in moist, well drained soils. The large bright pink-purple flowers have 5 heart shaped petals, each petal is 2-3 cm long and are in bloom from June to October. Common mallow has round to kidney shaped leaves are palmate and cut into 5 toothed lobes.
Fernleaf Fiddleneck Phacelia tanacetifolia
A hard annual that is extremely attractive to insects, particularly bumble bees and hover flies. This fast growing plant grows in grassy areas and can reach a height of 1.4 metres. The attractive lilac-blue flowers are arranged in long clusters of bell shaped flowers, with long stamens that extend out of the flowers, blooming from May to September. It thrives in full sun and prefers poor, free draining soils. The pinnately divided leaves are similar to those of tansy.
Common Dog Violet Viola riviniana
Sometimes called wood violet is an annual wildflower and is the County Flower of Lincolnshire. A relatively low growing plant that rarely grows above 20 cm in height, it is frequently found in grassland, woodland and hedgerows. The scentless flowers are purple-blue, have 5 petals and measure 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowering period is between March and June. The glossy green leaves are heart shaped.
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria
A herbaceous, hardy perennial wildflower that belongs to the rose family of plants. Also known as ‘church steeples’ it is common on roadside verges, woodland margins, waste ground and grassy areas. The leaves are pinnate, with the larger leaves having smaller leaves between them. The tiny yellow flowers are borne on short stalks or spikes, with the flowering period between June – September. Agrimony can grow to over a meter in height.
Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Very common in the United Kingdom (almost half are found in the UK), this wildflower covers woodland in a blue carpet during the spring and early summer time. The green leaves are very narrow and the blue (on rare occasions pink or white) hanging flowers are bell shaped, which are borne in clusters of 4-16. Flowering season is from May to June. Reaching a height of 50 cm it favours shady habitats such as woodland and hedgerows.
Broad-leaved Willowherb Epilobium montanum
Arguably the most common of the willowherbs, this perennial wildflower is found in garden borders, waste ground, rocky ground and hedgerows. The solitary flowers have 4 pink-rose coloured petals, 12-18 mm long, the flowering period is between July and September. The leaves are lanceolate to elliptical and irregularly toothed. Broad-leaved willowherb can grow to a height of 1 metre, however 70-80 cm is more common.
Cats Ear Hypochaeris radicata
This dandelion like wildflower is a perennial plant and is sometimes called ‘false dandelion’. It can be major weed in turf, as it has the ability to adapt to a low cutting height, however when left to grow it can reach 60cm in height. The yellow flowers are 2-3 cm in diameter and are seen between June and September. The rough, narrow, hairy green leaves are irregularly lobed. Cats ear prefers free draining soils and if often found in grassy areas and roadside verges.
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
A relatively low growing (up to 25 cm tall) perennial wildflower, that favours heavy, high pH soils that is common in arable land, waste ground and river banks, It can also be a troublesome weed in garden borders. The yellow flowers of coltsfoot actually appear before the broad green leaves. The flowers appear during March and April and measure 3-4 cm in diameter. The large green leaves are round-heart shaped, with the margins being toothed.
Common Storks-bill Erodium cicutarium
An annual or biennial wildflower that is common in grassland, meadows and disturbed ground and gan grow to 60cm in height. The plant takes its name from the beak shaped fruit, which resembles a storks bill. The pink flowers grow in clusters of 3-8, each flower has 5 petals, with 2 being larger than the remainder. The flowering period is between May and September. The leaves are pinnate and arranged in pairs along the stems.
Common Vetch Vicia sativa
A scrambling annual plant that’s a member of the pea family and sometimes called garden vetch. It can be found in grassland, woodland, waste areas and disturbed soils. It typically grows to a height of 70 cm. The small pink-purple pea-like flowers are very attractive to pollinating insects, such as bees. The flowering period is from June to August. Common vetch leaves are lanceolate and grow in rows of opposing pairs.
Doves-foot Cranesbill Geranium molle
A relatively low growing annual wildflower, that is a weed in managed turf, it is often found on free draining, dry soils including grassland, roadside verges and waste ground. The small pink flowers measure 10-12 mm across and can be seen from may to September. It has 5 petals, each petal is deeply notched. The matt green leaves are rounded, but divided into 5-7 lobes. Doves-foot cranesbill will grow to about 35 cm high.
Field Speedwell Veronica persica
An annual plant, sometimes called persian speedwell, it’s often found on arable land, cultivated areas, waste ground and grassland. The small blue-white flowers (8-12 mm across) have 4 petals, with one being smaller than the other three. Field speedwell can flower at any time throughout the year. The matt green leaves are triangular in shape with serrated margins. It grows to up to 60 cm high.
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
A relatively low growing annual wildflower, that gives of an unpleasant odour, commonly found in shaded areas, such as woodland, hedgerows and garden borders. The bright pink flowers have 5 petals, are 12-16 mm in diameter and appear from May to November. The green (sometimes tinged with red) leaves are divided into 5 pinnate divided lobes. Herb robert is straggly plant that can grow to 50 cm in height.
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
A low growing perennial plant and a weed in managed turf, that is thought to have healing properties. The purple flowers are reminiscent of bugle. The two lipped flowers are 12-15mm long, carried together with purplish bracts on cylindrical heads. The oval leaves are opposite, they can be light or dark green, have prominent veins and can measure up to 5 cm long. Selfheal grows in all types of grass land and woodland areas.
Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
A perennial wildflower that is a member of the rose family of plants. Creeping cinquefoil is often found in grassy areas, garden borders, roadside verges and waste areas. The solitary bright yellow flowers have 5 heart shaped petals and measure 1.5 – 2.5cm in diameter. Creeping cinquefoil has between 5 and 7 sharply toothed leaflets which measure up to 7 cm in length. They are very similar to those of silverweed.
Silverweed Potentilla anserina
A silky haired perennial plant often found in damp soils. Silverweed produces a rosette of pinate leaves, each leaf comprising of 7 to 12 leaflets, which can reach 4 cm long. The underside of the leaves are often a silvery – white colour, from which the plant takes its name. The solitary yellow flowers have 5 petals, which can measure up to 2.5 cm across. This plant is common in garden borders, grassy areas and roadside verges.
Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys
Often considered a good luck charm for travellers, this perennial plant is very common in grassy areas, roadside verges and hedgerows. The attractive blue flowers are an excellent source of nectar for bees. The flowers are borne on long stalks, have four petals and measure 12 mm across and can be seen from May to August. Germander speedwell has oval / kidney shaped leaves have toothed edges and form in opposite pairs.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
A very common and recognisable perennial plant with distinctive flowers. It can be found in all types of grassland, waste areas, turf and meadows. The bright yellow flowers are borne on solitary stalks and measure between 2.5 – 5cm across. They can be seen from March to October. Dandelion produces a rosette of long, basal leaves that have deeply lobed edges, giving them the appearance of lions teeth.
Daisy Bellis perennis
A very common and recognisable perennial plant found lawns, grassy areas, meadows, wasteland and woodland. The flowers are borne in clusters of solitary white and yellow flowers, which can measure 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowering period is usually from March to October, but can be longer. The low growing, oval / spoon shaped leaves, may have scalloped edges, are mostly
smooth, but can be found with fine hairs.
Black Medic Medicago lupulina
A relatively low growing annual or short lived perennial plant, frequently found in grassy areas, meadows, waste ground and mown areas. The small yellow flowers form in rounded heads, they are around 6mm across and can be seen from May to October. The fruit pods are kidney shaped which turn black upon ripening. The small clover like leaves are trifoliate and very similar to those of yellow suckling clover.
Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis
A prostrate annual (sometimes perennial) plant that is found on waste ground, bare areas, garden borders and arable land. The pale scarlet flowers have 5 overlapping petals and are 10 – 15mm across. The flowering period is between May to October. Scarlet pimpernel is sometimes called Poor mans barometer, as the flowers open in sunlight and close when the weather turns bad. The oval leaves grow in pairs and reminiscent of common chickweed.
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
A tough, drought resistant perennial plant, mostly found in all types of grassland and managed lawns. It is a serious weed in fine turf as it is hard to eradicate. The creamy white flower heads are about 1 cm across and form in flat topped clusters. Flowering period is from June to November. The finely divided, feathery leaves give of an aromatic smell when crushed. Yarrow prefers nutrient deficient, dry soils and can grow to 60cm in height.
Wild Primrose Primula vulgaris
An early season, hardy perennial plant, very common in shaded areas such as woodland and hedgerows. The flowers are pale yellow measuring 3 cm across. The flowering period is between March and May, but often flower earlier in milder conditions. The leaves form as a loose rosette, they are tongue shaped and heavily wrinkled measuring between 5 and 25 cm in length. Wild primrose prefers heavy, wet soils
Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
A herbaceous, prickly, biennial plant that can grow over 2 metres in height. The can be found on waste ground, bare areas and river banks, where the soil is deficient in nutrients and free draining.. The egg shaped / globular, solitary flowers are pale purple and measure up to 9 cm across. Flowering season is July and August. Wild teasal has basal leaves, which grow to 40 cm long, they are oblong-lanceolate, rough and non-toothed.
Bristly Ox-Tongue Helminthotheca echioides
An erect annual or biennial wildflower commonly found on roadside verges, waste ground and hedgerows, especially on lime rich soils. The yellow dandelion ‘like’ flowers are loosely clustered and are typically 2 – 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowering period is between June and October. The leaves are oblong and covered in sharp pimples, with the basal leaves being larger than the upper leaves. Bristly ox-tongue can grow to a meter in height.
Cowslip Primula veris
A herbaceous perennial early flowering plant in the primrose family common on chalk grassland, woodland, scrub and other lime rich sites. The funnel shaped flowers are bright yellow and measure between 8 – 15mm across. The flowering period is between April and May. The leaves are similar to those of primrose, being dark green, tongue shaped and heavily wrinkled. Cowslip is a relatively low growing plant only reaching 3 cm in height.
Creeping Buttercup Rununculus repens
A perennial wildflower and one of the most common buttercups frequently found on moist soils in grassland, meadows, lawns and wasteland. The bright, glossy yellow flowers are typical of buttercups. Each flower has between 5 and 7 petals, measuring between 2 – 3 cm across, flowering period is between May and August. The drak green leaves are divided into 3 leaflets, which are deeply lobed. Creeping buttercup can grow to 50 cm in height.
Sea Sandwort Honckenya peploides
A plant this is typically found in coastal areas, such as sand dunes, shingly shores. It is very tolerant to sea water and is often found growing very close to the sea. This creeping perennial has fleshy, glossy oblong, fleshy leaves that are a dark lime green in colour. The flowers are green and white in colour and measure up to 1 cm in diameter and are produced between May and August. Sea sandwort can grow up to 15 cm in height.