Sidmouth Nature

Hairy Bittercress Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:48 * Read more about Hairy Bittercress * 1 view Intr http://dlvr.it/T0nCHW

Groundsel Peter Orchard Sun, 01/08/2023 - 14:12 * 1 view Species Photograph Introduction Groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, flowers all year round and has many country names, one of which is the old man of spring! Groundsel is actually a common name for a number of different plants, but the most common one is Senecio vulgaris. It is a member of the daisy family and is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa where it is a common weed that can be found in a variety of habitats. It is described as being both tenacious and noxious although not considered invasive. It is poisonous and can cause liver damage if consumed in any great quantity but who would want to eat a plant like this anyway?  Description Groundsel presents as a diminutive herbaceous plant, typically growing between 10 to 40 centimetres tall. Its slender stems bear clusters of small, yellow flowers, surrounded by lobed leaves that are alternately arranged along the s...

Petty Spurge Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:47 Species Photograph Introduction Petty spurge, Euphorbia peplus, is one of those plant gardeners consider to be a scourge! It is certainly our most common Euphorbia, even more so than the familiar sun spurge. It occurs not only in gardens, of course, but in cultivated ground everywhere and is very difficult to eradicate, being one of those flowers that, as you pull them out, you help it spread its seeds! In common with some other Euphorbia it has a white sap in its stems which is highly toxic and it has been used to treat some forms of skin cancer hence other names for the plant include cancer weed and radium weed. So, if you despise petty spurge in your garden stop and think about its beneficial properties. It does not always pay to eradicate weeds, they can have their uses  Description Petty spurge is a small, annual plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a...

Dogs Mercury Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:45 * 4 views Species Photograph   Introduction Dog’s mercury, Mercurialis perennis, is quite a significant plant as an indicator of primary (or long standing) woodland. It needs shade to thrive and so woodland is its preferred habitat and it spreads mainly by underground rhizomes and so forms large patches wherever it occurs. As it spreads slowly the larger the patch the older the woodland it is in is likely to be. Where you find it in any quantity look for other woodland species like wood anemone and wood sorrel. Dog’s mercury can be encountered in other habitats as well but where it does occur, along hedgerows for example, it is a sign that one day’s time this was woodland.    It is poisonous and should certainly not be eaten as it can cause all manner of problems including liver failure! Some dogs find the plant irresistible although it usually makes them sick after ea...

Hazel Peter Orchard Sun, 01/08/2023 - 14:14 Species Photograph Introduction One of the first signs that spring is getting nearer can be seen when the familiar hazel catkin or lamb's tail opens up having been present but tightly closed for most of the winter. The origin of the country name lamb’s tail is pretty obvious given the appearance of the hazel catkin and, of course, they emerge about the same time as lambs are being born. The catkin is the male flower of the hazel, its role is to produce pollen which is wind dispersed. The catkin does not produce the well known hazel nut however, that develops from the totally separate female flower. Description Hazel, Corylus avellana, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall. It has smooth, grey bark and oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips. The flowers are produced in catkins, and appear in early spring. The fruit of the hazel is a nut that is edib...

Lesser Celandine Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:41 * 1 view Species Photograph Introduction If one is looking for signs of spring then look for the golden yellow flowers of the lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria. They will start to flower in sunny spots as soon as the days begin to lengthen early in the new year and gradually increase in numbers until they are in profusion amongst short turf and bare ground almost everywhere. Their flowers are bright rays of sunshine on dreary days in mid winter and a sight to bring joy to the coldest soul. They are one of the plants that flower in shaded areas before the leaves appear on trees and whilst they have access to light. Description Lesser celandine is a low-growing, hairless perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae native to Europe and Western Asia. It has fleshy dark green, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with bright yellow, gloss...

Snowdrop Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:42 Species Photograph Introduction Just when it seems winter will never end and we enter another cold, bleak month in February we are suddenly reminded that things are changing and spring is just around the corner. The most obvious sign is that the days are getting longer at quite a fast rate and the birds are beginning to sing again, some a bit tentatively perhaps, but the signs are there. For most of us, however, it is the appearance of the first spring flowers that tell us spring is on the way and the snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, comes into flower everywhere.  Description Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, belong to a genus of about 20 species of bulbous perennial plants within the Amaryllidaceae family. Snowdrops captivate with their simplicity and elegance. Their bell-shaped, pendulous flowers hang delicately from slender stems, nodding gently in the chilly breeze. Compri...

Dandelion Peter Orchard Sun, 01/08/2023 - 14:10 * 2 views Species Photograph Introduction The dandelion stands as a resilient emblem of nature's endurance and adaptability. Often dismissed as a pesky weed, this unassuming plant, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, holds a wealth of fascinating attributes and a rich history deeply intertwined with human culture and herbal medicine. The dandelion has many medicinal and culinary uses and they are even cultivated for commercial purposes in some parts of the world. Not in Britain though, as soon as they appear the local council swings into action and cuts them down before they can produce those wonderful dandelion clocks we used to blow away as children. Description Dandelions are a common sight in many parts of the world. They are a member of the daisy family and have golden yellow flowers. Each flower is on a single stem that emanates from a basal rosette of j...

Daisy Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:38 Species Photograph Introduction In the world of flowers, few evoke the sense of innocence, purity, and simplicity quite like the Bellis Perennis, better known as the daisy. This unassuming yet captivating bloom has captured hearts for centuries with its delicate beauty and rich symbolism. From its appearance in folklore to its medicinal uses, the daisy remains a beloved flower that continues to inspire and enchant admirers around the globe. It is one of the first flowers we can name when, as youngsters, we are taught to make daisy chains! Love them or hate them if you have a lawn you almost certainly have the daisy growing there. Surely everyone has daisies on their lawn apart from one of my neighbours whose lawn is like astro-turf. Cutting the grass gets rid of them for an hour or two but it is not long before those familiar white and yellow flowers reappear.  Its name is derived from the Ol...

Green Alkanet Peter Orchard Mon, 04/03/2023 - 19:14 Species Photograph Introduction This flower has such lovely deep blue petals one wonders why it is called green alkanet, after all nearly all flowers have green leaves and stems because they contain chlorophyll. The answer would appear to be that this plant retains its green leaves and stems throughout the winter, it is always green even when there are no blue flowers. Green alkanet is native to south western Europe but, as a hardy perennial, it has established itself in various parts of the world, adding a splash of colour. It is also a popular plant in gardens which has encouraged its spread. Description Green Alkanet has lush green leaves and striking blue flowers. The scientific name "Pentaglottis sempervirens" hints at its evergreen nature, as the plant retains its leaves throughout the year. The plant typically reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimetres, forming ...

Winter Heliotrope Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:36 Species Photograph Introduction I can never decide whether the appearance of winter heliotrope flowers  is a sign that spring is on its way or that winter is definitely with us! Sadly, it is probably the latter and there is still a month or two to wait for true signs of spring. Winter heliotrope (Pesasites fragrans) was brought over from the Mediterranean in Victorian times as a garden plant partly for winter colour but also because of its vanilla scented fragrance.  It has subsequently 'escaped' and has become a naturalised wild flower. It is interesting that despite the colder climate here it still flowers at the same time as it would have done in its home Mediterranean region. Description Native to Western Europe, winter heliotrope has heart-shaped leaves that can span up to 12 inches in diameter and has clusters of petite pink to white flowers that create a pic...

Introduction: This flower has such lovely deep blue petals one wonders why it is called green alkanet, after all nearly all flowers have green leaves and stems because they contain chlorophyll. The answer would appear to be that this plant retains its green leaves and stems throughout the winter, it is always green even when there are no blue flowers.  Green alkanet is native to south western Europe but, as a hardy perennial, it has established itself in various parts of the world, adding a splash of colour. It is also a popular plant in gardens which has encouraged its spread. Description Green Alkanet has lush green leaves and striking blue flowers. The scientific name " Pentaglottis sempervirens " hints at its evergreen nature, as the plant retains its leaves throughout the year. The plant typically reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimetres, forming a dense rosette of large, hairy leaves. The lance-shaped leaves are deep green and covered with stiff hairs, giving them a rou...