One of the classic plant habitats of northern England - limestone pavement in the Pennines
Juniperus communis ssp.communis (Juniper)
in habitat
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Juniper woodlands used to be far more common in northern Britain than they are now. Remaining sites are often strictly-protected, although their decline continues, with young plants often failing to appear.
Juniper is an easily-recognised shrub, and one of only two conifers native to Britain. Its glaucous, hard fruits mature into the familiar purplish-blue berries beloved by gin drinkers! The foliage is short, stiff and very prickly.
Three subspecies of this variable shrub are found in Britain: ssp.nana is a dwarf, montane plant, most frequent in western Scotland, ssp.hemisphaerica is an extremely rare plant, confined to oceanic parts of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, and ssp.communis is the most widespread and easily-seen.
Juniper is an easily-recognised shrub, and one of only two conifers native to Britain. Its glaucous, hard fruits mature into the familiar purplish-blue berries beloved by gin drinkers! The foliage is short, stiff and very prickly.
Three subspecies of this variable shrub are found in Britain: ssp.nana is a dwarf, montane plant, most frequent in western Scotland, ssp.hemisphaerica is an extremely rare plant, confined to oceanic parts of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, and ssp.communis is the most widespread and easily-seen.
Trollius europaeus (Globeflower)
below Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Globeflower is a widespread plant of damp pastures and hay meadows in northern England, although it has suffered steep declines in some areas due to drainage and intensive agriculture.
The species is described in more detail in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Tortoiseshell Wood NR, Lincolnshire
Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue)
Ingleborough, North Yorkshire
Kilnsey Crag SSSI, North Yorkshire
This graceful plant is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Ingleborough
Kilnsey Crag SSSI
Ingleborough
Kilnsey Crag SSSI
Thalictrum alpinum (Alpine Meadow-rue)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This widespread plant of upland flushes is rather scarce in northern England, where it is mainly confined to the Lake District and a small area of the northern Pennines around Teesdale. I've described it in the Flora of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Myrica gale (Bog-myrtle)
Askham Bog SSSI, North Yorkshire
This aromatic small shrub of bogs and fens is locally common in the west of Cumbria. Drainage and habitat destruction has left it very rare indeed in the eastern half of England, although it still thrives in pristine habitats like Askham Bog, near York, where these photos were taken.
The foliage of Bog-myrtle is rather willow-like, but gives off a distinctive smell when bruised. Traditionally the bruised leaves were used as a midge repellant, and it does seem to work!
The foliage of Bog-myrtle is rather willow-like, but gives off a distinctive smell when bruised. Traditionally the bruised leaves were used as a midge repellant, and it does seem to work!
Lychnis flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin)
Upper Dunsforth NR, North Yorkshire
This attractive perennial of wet pastures is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Cerastium sp
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Text coming soon!
Minuartia verna (Spring Sandwort)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Sagina nodosa (Knotted Pearlwort)
Ingleborough, North Yorkshire
Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This common carnivorous plant is described in the Flora of Dorset section of the site.
Helianthemum oelandicum ssp.levigatum
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This very rare plant is one of the special sights of Cronkley Fell. H. oelandicum is a variable species, with three subspecies recognised in Great Britain. Ssp. levigatum is endemic to Cronkley Fell. Ssp. incanum is found on limestone in Wales and NW England, while ssp. pilosellum is found in similar habitat in western Ireland.
All forms of this lovely plant are smaller in all respects than the Common Rock Rose.
All forms of this lovely plant are smaller in all respects than the Common Rock Rose.
Viola sp (rupestris or riviniana)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
I had hoped to find Viola rupestris on my visit to Cronkley Fell - it is one of the class sugar limestone species of upland Teesdale.
This poor photo is somewhat ambiguous, although the plant here doesn't look hairy enough to be V. rupestris and the view of the leaves isn't good enough to judge their shape.
This poor photo is somewhat ambiguous, although the plant here doesn't look hairy enough to be V. rupestris and the view of the leaves isn't good enough to judge their shape.
Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This common upland species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Salix repens (Creeping Willow)
Creeping Willow is described in the Flora of Tentsmuir NNR section of the site.
Cardamine pratensis (Cuckoo-flower)
Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve, Staffordshire
One of the classic signs of late spring and early summer, Cuckoo Flower is always a lovely sight. It is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This widespread upland shrub is described in the Flora of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Tortoiseshell Wood NR, Lincolnshire
Bird's-eye Primrose (Primula farinosa)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
+3 bep
Kilnsey Crag SSSI, North Yorkshire
This lovely species is one of the iconic species of northern England, where it grows in calcareous flushes in the Pennines. It is instantly recognisable, whether in flower or if only the grey, powdery leaves are visible.
Lysimachia nemorum (Yellow Loosestrife)
Askham Bog SSSI, North Yorkshire
Parnassia palustris (Grass of Parnassus)
Malham Tarn SSSI, North Yorkshire
This species is described in the Flora of Corrie Fee NNR section of the site.
Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
A classic plant of upland moors in northern Britain, this lovely species is easy to recognise with its finely-toothed, palmate leaves and non-prickly stems which form creeping colonies amongst heathers and other typical associates. It is a plant of peaty, damp soils.
Cloudberry bears a single flower on each shoot, followed by a single orange fruit in autumn. These are seldom seen, though, as the species can be shy-flowering and any berries that do form are swiftly eaten by birds.
Cloudberry bears a single flower on each shoot, followed by a single orange fruit in autumn. These are seldom seen, though, as the species can be shy-flowering and any berries that do form are swiftly eaten by birds.
Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
While familiar as a garden shrub, this species is very rare in Britain as a native, with many populations coming from escaped or discarded plants. Cumbria, Teesdale and western Ireland are the only areas where it is a true native plant.
Shrubby Cinquefoil grows as medium-sized shrub, up to a metre in height and has distinctive greyish, downy, untoothed leaves. The flowers aren't shown well in the photo, but are five-petalled and around 2cm across.
Shrubby Cinquefoil grows as medium-sized shrub, up to a metre in height and has distinctive greyish, downy, untoothed leaves. The flowers aren't shown well in the photo, but are five-petalled and around 2cm across.
Potentilla tabernaemontana (Spring Cinquefoil)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This lovely upland species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Text coming soon!
Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot Trefoil)
Ingleborough NNR, North Yorkshire
Common across Britain, this important meadow species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the sie.
Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn)
Donna Nook NNR, Lincolnshire
Text coming soon!
Daphne laureola (Spurge Laurel)
Anston Stones Wood, South Yorkshire
Text coming soon!
Lythrum salicaria (Purple-loosestrife)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
This beautiful aquatic plant is surely one of our most attractive late summer species. It grows to over a metre in height and forms large colonies around lake, marsh and river margins. No other species is likely to be mistaken for it.
Purple-loosestrife is widespread throughout Britain in suitable habitat.
Purple-loosestrife is widespread throughout Britain in suitable habitat.
Wood Cranesbill (Geranium sylvaticum)
Text coming soon!
Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed)
Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon!
Silaum silaus (Pepper-saxifrage)
Farnham Mires SSSI, North Yorkshire
This unassuming umbellifer grows in damp lowland pastures and meadows where the soil is neutral. The bright yellow, tiny, flowers are characteristic of this species and the narrow, finely pinnate foliage is distinctive as well. The common name comes from the peppery smell of the crushed leaves.
Nationally, this species is almost entriely restricted to England.
Nationally, this species is almost entriely restricted to England.
Oenanthe aquatica (Fine-leaved Water-dropwort)
Askham Bog NR, North YorkshireNorthern England is the limit of this species' distribution and it is uncommon here. Like other Oenanthe species, O. aquatica bears umbels of tiny white flowers, and identification usually involves details of the leaves and fruits.
As the common name suggests, this species bears finely-divided, 3-pinnate leaves but other key features are the short-stalked umbels coming from the leaf axils and stem apex and swollen lower stem with transverse joints. The most similar species is O. fluviatile but that has 2-pinnate leaves, longer fruits and grows in fast-flowing water.
As the common name suggests, this species bears finely-divided, 3-pinnate leaves but other key features are the short-stalked umbels coming from the leaf axils and stem apex and swollen lower stem with transverse joints. The most similar species is O. fluviatile but that has 2-pinnate leaves, longer fruits and grows in fast-flowing water.
Oenanthe lachenalii (Parsley Water-dropwort)
Farnham Mires SSSI, North Yorkshire
Mainly a coastal species in Britain, inland this is a very rare plant of fens. The most immediate feature of it is the convex flower umbels, unlike O. aquatica above.
Key features in identifying this species are the blunt, obovate basal leaflets (not shown here) and oval fruits. The umbel rays are also spreading and slender, giving a more open inflorescence. The two most similar species, O. pimpinelloides and O. silaifolia do not occur in the same fen habitat. Other Oenanthe species lack the very fine, drawn-out upper leaves shown here.
Key features in identifying this species are the blunt, obovate basal leaflets (not shown here) and oval fruits. The umbel rays are also spreading and slender, giving a more open inflorescence. The two most similar species, O. pimpinelloides and O. silaifolia do not occur in the same fen habitat. Other Oenanthe species lack the very fine, drawn-out upper leaves shown here.
Berula erecta (Lesser Water-parsnip)
Farnham Mires SSSI, North Yorkshire
A common umbellifer of marshes and ditches, B. erecta has inflorescences that look similar to several other species that grow in the same habitats. Its broad, singly-pinnate leaves with toothed edges enable easy identification. The individual umbels are small and on short stalks.
Lesser Water-parsnip is fairly widespread in suitable lowland habitats in northern England, but is more common further south.
Lesser Water-parsnip is fairly widespread in suitable lowland habitats in northern England, but is more common further south.
Apium nodulosum (Fool's-water-cress)
Upper Dunsforth NR, North Yorkshire
Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Text coming soon!
Gentianella sp
Conistone Old Pasture NR, Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon.
Lycopus europaeus (Gypsywort)
Text coming soon!
Stachys palustris (Marsh Woundwort)
Upper Dunsforth NR, North Yorkshire
This species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Pedicularis sylvatica (Lousewort)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This attractive species is described in the Flora of Scotland section of the site.
Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia)
Locally frequent in many shaded habitats in northern England, this statuesque perennial occurs in two colour forms, one white-flowered and one purple-flowered.
The species is described in more detail in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Galium palustre (Marsh Bedstraw)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
This species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site, along with a much better photo!
Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
Guelder Rose is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon!
Marsh Valerian (Valeriana dioica)
Text coming soon!
Cirsium vulgare
Ingleborough NNR, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon!
Cirsium heterophyllum (Melancholy Thistle)
Ingleton NNR, North Yorkshire
Melancholy Thistle is a common plant in limestone pavement areas in northern England. I've described it more in the Flora of Corrie Fee NNR section of the site.
Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid)
Ancaster Valley NR, Lincolnshire
This widespread spring-flowering species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine)
Kilnsey Flush SSSI, North Yorkshire
Gymnadenia conopsea (Fragrant Orchid)
Conistone Old Pasture SSSI, North Yorkshire
Fragrant Orchid is a common species in upland limestone areas of northern England. It is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Kilnsey
Kilnsey
Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush)
Kilnsey Crag SSSI
A rare plant in northern England, Black Bog-rush is a plant of peaty but calcareous habitats - a scarce combination in much of the region. The very dark flowerheads with a single, long bract make it easy to recognise, especially in its specialised habitat.
Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass)
Kilnsey Flush SSSI, North Yorkshire
Carex disticha (Brown Sedge)
Upper Dunsforth NR, North Yorkshire
This wetland sedge is widespread in much of England and southern Scotland, although local losses have no doubt occurred through land drainage.
Brown Sedge can be identified by its somewhat shaggy, brown inflorescences with densely-clustered spikes. It also has an unusual growth habit among British sedges, as individual shoots appear along a creeping rhizome, rather than plants growing as tufts.
Brown Sedge can be identified by its somewhat shaggy, brown inflorescences with densely-clustered spikes. It also has an unusual growth habit among British sedges, as individual shoots appear along a creeping rhizome, rather than plants growing as tufts.
Carex panicea (Carnation Sedge)
Farnham Mires SSSI, North Yorkshire
This common sedge is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sesleria caerulea
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Northern England is the national stronghold of this attractive grass, which favours upland limestone areas. It is an easy species to identify, as the inflorescences are a fairly short, dense panicle.
Calamagrostis epigeios (probably) (Wood Small-reed)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
Critical characters are needed to distinguish Calamagrostis species, and it may be impossible to tell which of these two similar species is shown here - both occur in the region. C. canescens is a slightly smaller species with a shorter flowering period. More importantly, its flowers have 5-veined lemmas wth very short awns and an acute, untorn ligule.
The lack of obvious hairs on the leaf surface and seemingly wide blades, combined with no view of the ligule make me err towards C. epigeios, but I'm no expert and am happy to be proved wrong.
The lack of obvious hairs on the leaf surface and seemingly wide blades, combined with no view of the ligule make me err towards C. epigeios, but I'm no expert and am happy to be proved wrong.
Carex nigra (Black Sedge)
Askham Bog NR, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon!
Carex spicata (Spiked Sedge)
Clun Castle, Shropshire
Spiked Sedge is the most common member of a tricky group of sedges to identify. I was only able to identify this (poor) photo based on records of Spiked Sedge from the locality. It is a species of open habitats, such as rough grassland (where it was growing here, on the old motte of Clun Castle).
Spiked Sedge can often be recognised by wine-red pigments on the leaves and sometimes other parts. It has a small, prickly, spike-like inflorescence with large, narrow-beaked utricles. The leaves are long and very narrow, and plants closely resemble the tussocky grasses they often grow alongside.
Spiked Sedge is widespread in southern and central England and Wales, but becomes rarer further north and is almost absent from Scotland.
Spiked Sedge can often be recognised by wine-red pigments on the leaves and sometimes other parts. It has a small, prickly, spike-like inflorescence with large, narrow-beaked utricles. The leaves are long and very narrow, and plants closely resemble the tussocky grasses they often grow alongside.
Spiked Sedge is widespread in southern and central England and Wales, but becomes rarer further north and is almost absent from Scotland.
Rhynchospora alba (White Beaked-sedge)
Wem Moss NR, Shropshire
This bog species is described in the Flora of Hampshire section of the site.
Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma crispa)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Text coming soon!
Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort)
Ingleborough NNR, North Yorkshire
Green Spleenwort is a typical fern of damp, calcareous rock ledges and fissures in northern Britain.
It resembles Maidenhair Spleenwort but the midribs are green and the pinnules are more obviously toothed.
growing in limestone pavement
It resembles Maidenhair Spleenwort but the midribs are green and the pinnules are more obviously toothed.
growing in limestone pavement
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern)
Askham Bog NR, North YorkshireText coming soon!
Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Shield Fern)
Salt Lake Quarry, North Yorkshire
The dark green, leathery, fronds with unstalked pinnae will distinguish this fern in the field, which is a characteristic species of damp, upland woodlands.
Asplenium ruta-muraria (Wall Rue)
Wall Rue is a common fern of dry, calcareous rocks. It is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's-tongue Fern)
Ingleborough NNR, North Yorkshire
Text coming soon.
Huperzia selago (Fir Clubmoss)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This montane species is described in the Flora of Scotland section of the site.
Selaginella selaginoides (Lesser Clubmoss)
Malham Tarn NNR, North Yorkshire
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Lesser Clubmoss is a typical species of calcareous flushes and damp grassland. It is an attractive plant, with toothed triangular leaves and distinctive yellow, tiny cones at the top of the stems.
Lesser Clubmoss is widely distributed in northern England in suitable habitat.
Lesser Clubmoss is widely distributed in northern England in suitable habitat.