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This is one of the most common members of the pea family.

Plants - Wildflowers 3

Bluebells, orchids and meadow flowers all have clues in their leaves, stems and habitats. Test your plant spotting skills and learn how wildflowers fit into ecosystems.

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Fascinating Fact

Common bluebell forms carpets in ancient woodland, and its drooping bell-shaped flowers are a familiar sign of spring.

In this Specialist Nature topic, you will practise identifying wildflowers by noticing patterns in petals, leaves, stems, scent, and the habitat where the plant is growing. You will also think about flowering seasons, pollinators, and how responsible wildlife watching helps plants and the animals that rely on them.

Key Terms

Native plant: A species that occurs naturally in the UK, rather than being introduced by people.
Pollinator: An animal that moves pollen between flowers, helping plants make seeds, such as bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.
Rosette: A ring of leaves close to the ground, often seen in many wildflowers before the flowering stem grows.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the best way to identify a wildflower?

The best way to identify a wildflower is to check several features together, including flower shape, petal number, leaf arrangement, stem texture, and habitat. Clear photos of the flower and leaves make identification much easier.

When is the wildflower season in the UK?

Wildflowers can appear from early spring to late autumn, depending on the species and the weather. Many woodland flowers peak in spring, while meadow and grassland flowers often peak in late spring and summer.

Why should you not pick wildflowers?

Picking wildflowers can reduce food for insects and stop plants setting seed for future years. Some sites have rules, and some species are protected, so taking photos and leaving plants in place is the safest choice.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Sannse

Yarrow

Field Bindweed

Birdsfoot-trefoil

Meadow Vetchling

Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Lathyrus
Species: L. pratensis
The stems of this plant can grow up to 120 cms, provided they have a firm support to which they can cling with their tendrils.
Infusions made from stems and leaves can sooth coughs and chronic bronchitis.

2 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of carol

Dwarf Mallow

Bladder Campion

Shepherd's Purse

Spurge

Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Malva
Species: M. neglecta
The fruits of this plant are colloquially known as 'cheeses'.
A useful herb, it contains a substance said to heal inflammations of the stomach and intestine.
It particularly likes soils rich in nitrogen.

3 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Jeffdelonge

Toadflax

Ox-eye Daisy

Great Hairy Willow-herb

Wood Anemone

Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Epilobium
Species: E. hirsutum
Often forms colonies along banks of rivers, streams, canals and ponds.
Prefers calcareous soils and its flowers produce a large quantity of nectar.
In Ancient Greece, its roots were said to have the power to tame any wild animal.

4 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of www.imagines-plantarum.de/

Sweep's Brush

Harebell

St John's wort

Ragged Robin

Order: Poales
Family: Juncaceae
Genus: Luzula
Species: L. campestris
Also known as Field Woodrush.
It is a member of the Rush family.
It flowers on grassy, lowland slopes and mountain sides in early Spring.

5 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Aqwis

Cornflower

Kingcup

Spurge

Heather

Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Calluna
Species: C. vulgaris
Grows in pine and oak forests on acid soils, in old peat bogs and on moorlands.
Its roots live in association with certain species of fungi, without which it is unable to function.

6 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Fredrik Lähnn at Wikipedia

Great Hairy Willow-herb

Meadow Vetchling

Birdsfoot-trefoil

Wood Anemone

Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Lotus
One of the most common members of the pea family.
A profusely blooming double-flowered form is sometimes cultivated in gardens.
A good fodder plant both for cutting and grazing.

7 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Walter Siegmund

Heather

Germander Speedwell

Harebell

Cornflower

Order: Asterales
Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Campanula
Species: C. rotundifolia
Grows most often on rocks, in pastures and at the edges of forests.
Is occasionally found with white flowers.
A strong wind can flick the seeds several metres away from the mother plant.

8 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/notjake13/

Sheep's Sorrel

Coltsfoot

Scarlet Pimpernel

Aaron's Rod

Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Species: R. acetosella
This plant is a good indicator of poor, sandy, acid soils.
It needs plenty of light to thrive well.
Has an extensive root system that forms numerous buds, giving rise to new plants.

9 .

Can you identify this wildflower?

Photograph courtesy of Jasper33

Kingcup

Toadflax

Wild Mustard

Cowslip

Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Caltha
Species: C. palustris
A moist-loving plant which can be seen in spring and autumn, given favourable weather conditions.
Its juice has a sharp taste and is avoided by cattle.
In olden days, unopened flower-buds preserved in vinegar were a replacement of capers.