The dandelion can currently be seen springing up all over the place. Well known as a weed, it is actually an extremely valuable wildflower. The flowerhead is formed from many tiny flowers, which makes them very important to pollinating insects, as they provide a plentiful food source – although the dandelion itself does not rely […]

The snowdrop is often heralded as the first sign of spring. These small white flowers appear from January through to March, and are often found poking through snow in small clumps. Although they look delicate, snowdrops are hardy plants. They contain antifreeze proteins, which protect them against damage from frosts and snow. Snowdrops may not […]

The Tansy’s button-like flowerhead is a composite flower, meaning it is made from lots of tiny flowers, known as disc florets. This makes it an excellent source of nectar for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. It is a member of the daisy family, and the flowers can be seen from July through to September. The […]

Hedge woundwort can grow up to 75cm tall, and is easily identified by its spike of purple flowers, and toothed leaves covered with fine hairs which look similar to those of a stinging nettle. Another identifying feature is its distinctive smell. While it may be a member of the mint family, it has a far […]

This violet-blue wildflower, geranium pratense, is also commonly found as a garden geranium. As it is nectar rich it is very popular with many species of bee. Flowers can be seen from June to August, and the stems take on a reddish tinge in autumn The name crane’s-bill comes from the shape of the pointed […]

The name Jack-by-the-hedge reveals its natural tendency to be found along hedgerows, or similar semi-shaded areas such as the edge of woodlands. Also known as garlic mustard due to the taste of its leaves, the whole plant is edible from its roots to its flowers and seeds. It is biennial, meaning its life cycle takes […]

Our wildflower meadow has recently been mown in order to keep it healthy and thriving next year. This may seem counter-intuitive, but mowing helps to keep the grass species under control, while allowing the wildflowers room to grow next year. In our meadows over the course of the year you can see snowdrops, few flowered […]

The White Dead Nettle might look suspiciously like it could sting you, but this nettle is completely harmless! It leaves are far less jagged looking than the stinging nettle, and the White Dead Nettle can be easily identified by its hoops of white flowers clustered together. The flowers of the White Dead Nettle can be […]

Common Knapweed, also known as Hardheads or Black Knapweed, is one of the most hardy wildflowers found in Scotland. Its flowers can be seen all through summer and into September. Although it looks a little thistle-like, this plant has no prickles, and can be identified by its blackish spherical base of the flower head. Its […]

Common Mallow is a beautiful wildflower from the mallow family. Known as Mauve in France, it is where the word for the colour comes from. The original “marshmallows” were made using the roots of mallows, and were used to treat coughs and chest infections. Due to their high mucilage content the roots were also used […]