Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis)

Family: Scrophulariaceae / Plantaginaceae (APG)

Common name: Heath Speedwell

Scientific name: Veronica officinalis

Date taken: 9/6/2024

Notes: A common species of speedwell in acid soils. Compared to other species of speedwell, it can be identified by - 

1. Multiple flowers forming a spike
2. Leaves and stems tends creep on the ground, but sends out a erect spike away from the ground when flowering
3. Often sends out creeping shoots with several pairs of opposite, tidily arranged, hairy leaves
4. Lilac-coloured flowers

Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus)

Family: Juncaceae

Common name: Heath Rush

Scientific name: Juncus squarrosus

Date taken: 9/6/2024

Notes: Common rush species found in heathlands which doesn't need particularly wet conditions. This population is found growing on a dry track. Plant characterised by its conspicuous reddish brown sheaths surrounding inflorescence. Leaves basal and appears cylindrical from afar. When observed up close one could see the strongly recurved leaf margins. 

Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Family: Ericaceae

Common name: Cowberry

Scientific name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Date taken: 9/6/2024

Notes: Very common species in heathlands. Note the glandular dots and inconspicuous secondary veins on the underside of leaves. Not to be confused with bearberry, which has more conspicuous netted veins on the abaxial surface.

Starry Saxifrage (Micranthes stellaris)

Family: Saxifragaceae

Common name: Starry Saxifrage

Scientific name: Micranthes stellaris

Date taken: 9/6/2024, 16/6/2024

Notes: A very attractive plant found near streams and wet places. Elegant flowers with two yellow spots at the base of petals and interesting horn-like fruits.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Family: Scrophulariaceae / Plantaginaceae (APG)

Common name: Foxglove

Scientific name: Digitalis purpurea

Date taken: 9/6/2024

Notes: Iconic species in acid grasslands. 

Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum)

Family: Equisetaceae

Common name: Wood Horsetail

Scientific name: Equisetum sylvaticum

Date taken: 1/6/2024

Notes: Only Equisetum species in the UK with secondary branches.

Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum)

Family: Primulaceae

Common name: Yellow Pimpernel

Scientific name: Lysimachia nemorum

Date taken: 1/6/2024

Notes: Opposite-leaved prostrate plant. Hairless. This population was found on a stream bank.