Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis or Eranthis hyemalis)).
An introduced perennial. Poisonous.
Mostly in woods in southern England.
Seen in Porri’s Wood and Moated Settlement on 24th Jan 2023.
Hemp Agrimony (Eupatonium cannabinum)
Also known as Raspberries and Cream or Holy Rope.
Perennial.
Flowers July to September.
Whitish pink flowers – masses.
Butterflies love this plant in late summer.
First root planted in February 2024
Arum Italicum or Arum Lily.
Also known as Italien Lords and ladies.
Perennial – most of Europe and UK.
Water Avens (Geum rivale)
Perennial.
Likes a damp position.
Flowers April to June.
Height 30cm.
Orange/pink flowers with purple sepals.
First root planted in February 2024.
Flowered in June.
Wood Avens (Geum urbanum)
Also known as Herb Bennet.
Native perennial.
Used medicinally by the Romans as a substitute for quinine. The roots give off a smell of cloves, said to repel evil spirits.
Flowers May to August.
Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium)
Also known as Bellbine.
Introduced perennial.
The climbing, trailing stems grow up to 3m in length.
Flowers from June to September..
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
Also known as Buttercup
Native perennial. Poisonous.
The flowers, rubbed on a cow’s udder, were thought to improve the milk. Held under the chin, show’s you like butter if skin turns yellow.
Flowers from April to June.
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)
Also known as Pilewort and related to the buttercup family.
Native perennial.
Marsh, woodland, damp grass and pond edges.
The bulbous roots used in an infusion were traditionally effective in curing haemorroids.
Flowers from January to May.
Moated Settlement on 18th February 2024.
Cleavers (Galium aparine).
Also known as Goosegrass and Sticky Willie.
Native annual.
The stems, leaves and fruits have hooked bristles which catch on animals and clothing. Provide inspiration for Velcro.
Flowers May to August.
White Clover (Trifolium repens).
Also known as Dutch Clover.
Native perennial.
Main stems creep along ground for up to 50cm. Flower stems stand up to 25cm.
Olwen of Welsh mythology left a track of white clover wherever she walked.
Flowers May to September.
Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus).
Plus snowdrops seen in Station Road on 17th Feb 2023.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Native perennial.
Flowers only open in bright sun. Leaves are delicious cooked, or eaten in a salad. Roots may be dried, roasted and then ground to make coffee. Used to clear up urinary problems.
Flowers March to September.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Native shrub.
Traditionally held in great awe as to burn elder would allow bad sprits to enter the house.
Flowers and berries are used for wine and other drinks.
Flowers May to July.
Feverfew (Tanacelum parthenium)
Possibly introduced biennial.
A popular herb in physic gardens as used against fever. Infusions are taken to ease colic, ease digestion and as a tonic.
Flowers June to August.
Introduced to Moated Settlement Feb 2024. Flowered in June.
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Also known as Roberts Geranium after Robert II of France. A common species of cranebill.
Native annual.
Leaves are multi varied in colour from bight green to dark red.
Flowers June to August.
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
Also known as Cow Parsnip.
Native biennial.
Until recently the plants were gathered for pig fodder. The young shoots are quite pleasant to eat, quite like asparagus.
Flowers June to August.
Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis).
Pond area. June 2023. June 2024.
Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
Pond area. June 2023.
Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor).
Possible native, perennial.
Flowers may also be white.
Flowers February to May.
Seen at Moated Settlement on 20th Feb 2023.
Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata)
Also known as Plantain and Ribgrass.
Native perennial.
Game played with the flower heads, striking one against the other until one falls off. Also stem looped around head to catapult it off. Hence nicknamed Soldiers or Fighting Cocks.
Flowers April to August.
Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Native biennial to annual.
Up to 1.5m in height.
Flowers June to October.
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
Native shrub.
Extremely variable species with over 60 varieties. Pink and white flowers.
Flowers June and July
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis).
Seen by main road into Healing on 17th Feb 2023.
Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea)
Introduced perennial.
Flowers June to August
Greyish leaves Flowers in spikes of purple, snapdragon-like.
Introduced to Moated Settlement in February 2024.
Tutsan (Hypericum androsaemum)
Also know as Sweet Amber
Native shrubby perennial.
Leaves are slightly aromatic and used to be pressed between the pages of the Bible for good luck.
Flowers June to August.
Common Vetch (Lathyrus pratensis).
Native perennial.
Similar to Birdfoot-Trefoil and Horseshoe Vetch.
Seen in the balance pond area.
Flowers May to August.
Meadow Vetchling (Vicia salina).
Native annual.
A climbing plant with stems up to 1m long. Not the most common vetch!
Seen in balance pond area.
Flowers April to September.
Dog Violet (Viola riviniana).
Native perennial.
Flowers can vary in colour, can be white, and have no smell.
Flowers March to July.
Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium or Epilobium angustifolium).
Also known as Fireweed as likes to spread where there has been a fire.
Native perennial.
Flowers June to September.
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris)
Perennial.
Likes a damp position.
Flowers July to August.
Height 30 to 152cm.
Froth of white flowers often tinged with pink.
First root planted in February 2024.
Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia)
Perennial.
Likes a shady position.
Flowers July to September.
Height 30cm
Greenish yellow flowers with prominent maroon stamens.
First root planted in February 2024.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Perennial.
Likes a damp position.
Flowers June to August.
Height 60 to 120cm.
Bright purple spike flowers.
First root planted in February 2024.
Others seen so far (June 2024):
Bramble
Buddleia
Campion – Pink
Coltsfoot
Cow Parsley
Cranesbill – Cut Leaved
Cranesbill – Shining
Daisy
Dock – Broad Leaved
False Oat Grass
Garlic – Hedge
Groundsel
Horsetail
Ivy
Ivy – Ground
Mayweed – Scented
Meadowgrass – Annual
Nettle – Stinging
Petty Spurge
Pignut
Plantain – Greater
Reed – Common
Thistle
Toadflax – Ivy Leaved
Wall Barley
Yorkshire Fog