Blue
Cultivated Flax
Cultivated flax is a slender, hairless grey-green annual growing to 80cm. As with all members of the Flax Family it has 5 petals, opposite and undivided leaves with the fruit appearing as globular capsules. The Cultivated flax has soft blue petals with sepals shorted than the fruit, leaves are narrow lanceolate with three veins.
It is cultivated as a food and fibre crop with the textiles produced known as linen. The oil from its seeds are used to produce linseed oil.
Cultivated Flax flowers from June to August. This plant is a relic of cultivation and whilst known from the local area has not been recorded in the immediate vicinity of Ashton and Mouldsworth. The specimen here was found growing in an untended lawn in Brookside Ashton. This illustrates how lawn weeds can occasionally turn out to be something special.
Devilsbit Scabious
Devilbits Scabious is a short/tall downy perennial growing to 1m. The flower is usually dark blue to purple with pink or purple anthers in roundish 15-25mm heads with green bracts. The leaves are elliptical and often blotched purple and it likes growing in damp grassy places on acid soils.
Devilsbit Scabious gets its Latin name – Scabere, meaning to scratch – from its traditional use to treat skin conditions including scabies and even bubonic plague. Its common name arises from the fact its roots look truncated as if bitten off, and by legend, by the Devil!
The flowering season is between June and October. This specimen was found growing at Ashton Grange on an ungrazed bank with betony, pignut and similar species.
Field Scabious
A medium tall hairy fairly stout perennial to 1m. It is also known as Blue Buttons due to the shape of the flowers. Likes dry grassy or cultivated places.
It was reputedly used as a remedy for leprosy, but was best known for helping to remove freckles, pimples, dandruff etc.
Flowers June to October.
This was growing in a meadow at Peel Hall Park.
Harebell
The delicate, nodding bells of the Harebell are one of the prettiest additions to our hedgerows, grasslands, hillsides, sand dunes and cliffs. Flowering between July and September, the Harebell mostly grows on dry, undisturbed ground, but is tolerant of all kinds of habitats. It is regularly visited by bumblebees and Honeybees, providing an autumnal source of nectar for these insects. In Scotland, the Harebell is sometimes known as the ‘Bluebell’; elsewhere, it has picked up various local names, including ‘Witches’ Thimbles’ and ‘Fairy Bells’, alluding to magical associations.
The root has been chewed in the treatment of heart and lung problems. An infusion of the roots has been used as ear drops for a sore ear. A decoction of the plant has been drunk or used as a wash in the treatment of sore eyes.
It flowers June to November. This flower was seen on a bank for the first time at Spy Hill Farm. It can also be seen on the grassy bank on the Baker Way between Gongar Lane and Mouldsworth.
Love in a mist
A delicate, pretty flower with five pale blue petal-like spurred sepals surrounded by leaf-like bracts (the ‘mist’). Leaves are thread-like. A frequent garden escape.
Its scientific name Nigella Damascena relates to damascenine, a toxic alkaloid found in the plant’s seed.
Flowers June to August. The flower shown was a garden escape growing in gravel in Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth.
Meadow Cranesbill
A handsome tall perennial to 1m. It likes grassland on limey soil.
Flowers June to September.
The below was growing in a meadow at Peel Hall Park.
Tufted Vetch
The most conspicuous of the commoner vetches. It is a tall scrambling perennial to 2m. It likes scrub, woodland and rough grassland.
Flowers June to August.
It can be found growing in the verge towards the lower end of Smithy Lane.
Brown
Bulrush
Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail, bulrush, common bulrush, common cattail, cat-o’-nine-tails, great reedmace, cooper’s reed, cumbungi) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Typha. It is found as a native plant species in North and South America, Europe, Eurasia, and Africa. Bulrushes are one of the most important native wetland plants, providing wildlife habitat, improving water quality and providing food for wildlife
The rhizomes roots are high in starch and Native Americans used them to make flour. The thick roots can also be used as a water chestnut alternative.
It flowers June to August.
This was seen at a pond at Spyhill but can be seen in various ponds around the area.
Green
Branched Bur-reed
The largest and tallest Bur-reed to 1.5m. Grows by and in fresh water.
Flowers June to August. This was found in a pond at Spyhill.
Fat Hen
A well branched erect annual wildflower to 1.5m with tiny green flowers. It likes cultivated and disturbed ground, or in the below case, debris at the base of a wall.
In the past the plant was used to fatten poultry.
Flowers June to October. This example was spotted at the base of a wall down Westend.
Hop
A hairy climbing perennial reaching up to 8m. It female flowers form globular heads which enlarge to make fruiting cones. It can be found growing on hedges and scrub.
Hops have been used since the sixteenth century for brewing beer imparting both flavour and preservative qualities. They have sedative, calming properties and are used for the drug lupulin. In a pillow they are meant to help treat insomnia. Applied externally as an infusion it is claimed to relieve neuralgic inflammation and rheumatic pains
It flowers June to September.
This example was found growing by the style at Ashton Brook at the bottom of Gongar Lane.
Mauve
Common Knapweed
A medium branching perennial with very stiff ribbed stems to 1m. The flowers are brush like with pale brown bracts. It likes grassy places.
It was highly regarded as a wound herb, as a useful tonic and as a diuretic.
Flowers June to September.
This was growing near the junction of Smithy Lane and Well Lane in Mouldsworth.
Skullcap
A hardy perennial herb native to the northern areas of the Northern hemisphere. It is a member of the mint family and is a wet loving species.
It was traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilisers and neuralgia.
Flowers June to September. Found in a marshy area by Ashton Brook at Spy Hill.
Orange
Fox-and-cubs
This is a species of Hawkweed, which is easily distinguishable from other Hawkweeds by its fiery orange coloured flowers (all other Hawkweeds having uniformly yellow flowers). The flowers (13-15mm) have paler centres and are densely clustered. Leaves are lanceolate (meaning narrowly oval and pointed) and arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant with a few up the stem. The whole plant (apart from the flower head) is covered in longish, usually dark, hairs. Grows to a height of 40cms.
Fox-and-cubs has many other common names including Tawny Hawkweed, Devil’s Paintbrush,
Orange Hawkweed and Grim-the-Collier (because the black hairs are reminiscent of a miner covered in coal dust).
It flowers June to September. This example was seen growing on the edge of the track that links Smithy Lane and Chapel Lane in Mouldsworth.
Long-Headed Poppy
A hairy annual that loves arable or disturbed ground, self seeding themselves freely. They flower from May to August.
The juice and pollen can cause severe allergic reactions to the eyes. However it was used herbally to treat chest complaints, anxiety, insomnia etc. This example is easily spotted growing in the sandy soil near the new field entrance on the West side of Church Road between Gladstone Barns and April Cottage.
Pink
Bee Orchid
One of the UK’s most beautiful flowers only known from one locality in the area. It grows to about 25cms tall and the flowers mimic the rear of a small bumblebee visiting it. They rely on a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi for both food and water. They like areas where the grass and vegetation growth is weak as they are not strong growers.
In Mediterranean countries the bee orchid is fertilised by a certain type of bee which is lured into trying to ‘mate’ with the flowers. That species of bee is not found in the UK and it is believed therefore that in this country the orchid is self-pollinating. There are other British orchids whose flowers also, to a remarkable extent, resemble insects – such as the fly orchid and early spider orchid. The only reported location in the area is in a lawn at Peel Hall Park, where they spontaneously appeared several years ago. Luckily the base rosette was spotted whilst cutting the grass and allowed to develop. They return every year, the number depending on the previous and current year’s weather.
Betony
A slightly hairy medium perennial to 75cms. Other names are Bétoine, Betónica, Betonica officinalis, Bishopswort, Bishop Wort, Épiaire Officinale, Épiaire Vulgaire, and Hedge Nettles. It grows in grassy places usually avoiding clay.
Betony is used for digestion problems including heartburn, Diarrhoea , and intestinal gas; for breathing problems including bronchitis and asthma; for painful conditions including gout, headache, and facial pain; and for urinary tract conditions including bladder and kidney stones and bladder pain and swelling. It is also used to treat stress and tension, nervousness, and epilepsy. In combination with other herbs, betony is used to treat nerve pain and anxiety.
It flowers June to October. Found growing by Ashton Brook at Spy Hill and also down Smithy Lane.
Broad-leaved Willowherb
The most common of our medium sized Willowherb’s. Distinguishing features include a rounded stem with a 4-lobed stigma at the centre of the flower. This extends after flowering into a long capsule containing the seeds, which eventually peels open to release the seeds each with pappii, or a sprig of fine downy hairs, to help disperse the seeds on the wind. The 12-15mm flowers are purple-pink with deeply notched petals while the leaves are usually broad lanceolate. They prefer shady places.
Willowherb’s all belong to the same family as evening primrose, and are often used in herbal medicine. It is still considered by herbalists to be an effective cure for enlarged prostate, bladder and urinary problems.
They flower June to August. The Broad-leaved Willowherb prefer shady places and are found throughout the area. This plant was growing on Grange Road.
Common Mallow
An erect to sprawling perennial to 1m also known as Cheesecakes because of the cheese like shape of its fruits, Pick-Cheese and Bread-and-cheese. It likes quite damp, nitrate rich soil and plenty of sun. Usually found on bare ground, waysides, especially near houses and the sea. A wild plant not out of place in the garden.
A favourite country remedy used for poultices to wounds and for coughs. Was also cooked and used as a vegetable.
It is found in flower from June to September. This was found in a border at Spy Hill.
Dog Rose
The ‘English unofficial rose’ generally the commonest and most variable wild rose growing to 3m or more. It likes growing in hedges, scrub or woodland.
Roses were a political symbol during the Wars of the Roses. They have also been an emblem of silence, and were carved on the ceilings of banqueting rooms to remind guests that what said was not to be repeated.
Roses in general have many culinary flavouring use and also to make syrup from the hips.
It flowers June to July. This example was spotted growing in the hedgerow opposite Gladstone Barns in Church Road.
Foxglove
A common wildflower of the hedgerows and gardens which gently seeds itself around. Long used as a medicinal herb and the source of digitalis, a powerful heart drug. It is much favoured by bees for its nectar. It grows in many places often preferring near trees. The below picture was taken on the right hand side of the main road heading North leaving Ashton Hayes.
Himalayan Balsam
A non-native very invasive annual plant with thick ribbed stems to 2.5m. It spreads rapidly by seed and is difficult to control. An aggressive colonizer of waterways banks and waste ground.
Flowers June to October.
This was growing in Smithy Lane.
Knotgrass
Knotgrass is a hairless annual growing up to a 1m in length though more often much shorter. The flowers are white, pink or reddish-pink. This is a plant of cultivated and other bare ground.
It flowers from June until November.
This example was seen in Shay Lane.
Musk Mallow
A graceful medium tall perennial to 80cm with leaves deeply and narrowly cut. Flowers a distinctive rose pink followed by round flat fruits. The leaves if run through the hand, give off a faint musky smell in warm weather. Likes grassy places and open scrub.
The leaves and flowers were applied as poultices to wounds and an infusion was drunk to soothe coughs.
Flowers June to August.
It can be seen growing by the footpath in the hedgerow on the main road heading towards Kelsall.
Redleg
A member of the Bistort family the Redleg is a weedy, almost hairless annual which can be erect (as in the photograph) or sprawling. Flowers are pink with the grain-like flowers overlapping along the stem. Leaves are a narrow oval shape tapering to a point at each end, usually with dark black/green blotches near their centres. Stems are often reddish in colour – hence the plant’s name. Also known by several common names including Lady’s Thumb, Jesusplant and the oft-used Redshank. Prefers damp ground and mud.
Lady’s Thumb is a medicinal plant. Native Americans used the leaves in treatments of stomach pains and poison ivy. They also rubbed the plant on their horses as an insect repellant. The leaves and young shoots may be eaten as a nutritious leaf vegetable.
Flowers June to September.
The photograph was taken by the footpath that links Moss Lane and Sugar Lane in the Mouldsworth/Manley area.
Rosebay
This plant is a type of Willowherb and has long, narrow leaves (which resemble willow leaves) arranged spirally up the stem. It stands tall (up to about 1.5 m) and proud and is easily recognisable with its red-purple flowers which can be up to 30 cms in diameter. Its original rural habitat was clearings in woods, on heaths and on mountains. It has adapted to human activity and is aggressively spreading and should be kept out of the garden.
The plant, like other Willowherbs, has several medicinal qualities and can be used to improve digestion and relieve mouth ulcers and sore throats.
It flowers June to September.
This specimen was spotted growing in the verge on Well Lane, Mouldsworth.
Rose Campion
This plant is a habitual garden escapee and can be found on dry, light soils. The beautiful flowers are a deep, cerise red, up to 3cm across and the petals are often bent back. The stems are a light grey colour. The flower shown was observed growing in the field behind the old Methodist chapel in Mouldsworth and close to the
footpath that links Chapel Lane and Smithy Lane.
Square-stemmed Willowherb
The willow herbs are common perennials easily recognisable by their pink flowers with four notched petals, and undivided leaves. This example is characterised by the conspicuous 4-sided stem. The flowers are pale pink to 8mm with characteristic club-like stigma, and narrow strap-like unstalked leaves. The Square-stemmed Willowherb can be distinguished from the very similar American Willowherb as there are no gaps between petals.
It flowers June to August This is a very common plant growing on pavements, in gutters and in gardens. The example here was growing on a garden wall in Ashton.
Purple
Bittersweet
A hairless-to-downy perennial with woody lower stems which scrambles over other plants. Grows to 2m or more. Flowers are small (10 – 15mm) and have distinctive bright purple petals and yellow stamens. Stalks are often purplish. Leaves are pointed and oval. Grows in both dry (woodlands, hedges) and damp places (marshes).
Bittersweet is a nightshade and therefore toxic and its bright red berries can cause serious illness.
Flowers June to September.
The specimen shown was seen in a hedge near the footpath that links Moss Lane and Sugar Lane in the Mouldsworth/Manley area.
Black Horehound
A bushy straggly plant to 1m covered in small purple flowers. It has a disagreeably pungent smell.
It flowers June to September and likes rough ground or hedgerows in which it can rapidly spread.
Medicinally it was used as a stimulant and antispasmodic. This example is easily spotted growing under the hedgerow alongside the pavement from the new field entrance on the West side of Church Road and April Cottage.
Corn Cockle
Corn Cockle was noted in Oxfordshire, England in the Iron Age. It was once an abundant cornfield weed that is virtually extinct in the wild and has been placed on the waiting list of the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. It occasionally occurs as a casual, or commonly sown in ‘wildflower mixtures’. It relies on open ground to re-establish itself. Although it can grow on most soils, it does particularly well on free-draining sandy loams. Corn Cockle is known locally as cat’s eyes and kiss-me-quick. Other interesting common names are cat’s ears, cockerel, corn pink, crown of the field, little and pretty, poppy and Robin Hood.
It was formerly regarded as a menace since it was so abundant and made bread taste bitter. Corn Cockle is a poisonous plant, despite it previously being used in folk medicines.
It flowers June to August. This specimen was found in a seeded wildflower meadow at Spy Hill.
Creeping Thistle
One of our two commonest thistles, and the only one with fragrant pale purple flowers. It is an erect perennial to 2m with a creeping rootstock and prolific cottony seed heads. It likes grassy and waste places and can quickly become a nuisance due to its prolific seed production and spiny leaves.
They flower from June to October. This example is easily spotted growing in the sandy soil near the new field entrance on the West side of Church Road between Gladstone Barns and April Cottage.
Hedge Woundwort
A creeping erect plant to 1m which likes hedges banks and other shady places. Its attractive flowers are small and it flowers from June to October. In the past it was used to dress wounds as it was claimed to have antiseptic properties. This specimen was found growing under the trees by the ditch opposite the Welcome to Ashton Hayes sign on the North of the village.
Marsh Woundwort
This is a medium/tall (to 1m), downy plant with both creeping and erect stems. Flowers are pink-purple with sepals which are often maroon. Leaves are narrowly heart-shaped or ovate, the upper leaves being unstorked. Likes damp places. It is closely related to the Hedge Woundwort and hybridises with it.
This wildflower has a long history of use in herbalism, and as its name implies it was used for dressing cuts and other wounds, and it is reputed to cure aching joints when made into an ointment and to have antispasmodic and sedative properties when taken internally.
Flowers late June to September This example seen near the footpath that links Station Road and Smithy Lane in Mouldsworth.
Purple Loosestrife
A conspicuous waterside perennial to 1.5 metres often forming large stands. It likes to be beside fresh water, fens, or marshes.
It was used by herbalists for treating bowel and skin problems. It has been found to have an antibiotic effect.
Flowers June to August.
This was growing at the edge of a pond at Peel Hall Park.
Self Heal
This creeping downy perennial is either very short or entirely prostrate growing in grassy often bare places. The tiny flowers are purple often no more than 12mm long growing in oblong or squarish heads
It flowers from June to October.
Self-heal is edible: the young leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads; the plant in whole can be boiled and eaten; and the aerial parts of the plant can be powdered and brewed in a cold infusion. One of their favourite habitats is in the lawns of Ashton and Mouldsworth growing alongside White Clover. This example was seen in Brookside against a garden wall.
Spear Thistle
Our commonest large flowered thistle. It is a tall stout biennial to 1.5m with spiny winged stems and prolific cottony seed heads. Its name is most apt due to its very sharp spines. It has a creeping rootstock and likes grassy and waste places and can quickly become a nuisance due to its prolific seed production and spiny stem and leaves.
They flower from June to October. This example was growing at the start of the track down to the Scout Hut from Peel Hall Lane.
Red
Red Valerian
A bushy erect perennial to 80cms flowers usually dark pink but can be white. Flowers May to September. Often found on walls, cliffs and quarries, especially near the sea. It is frequently cultivated in gardens.
In some parts of Europe the leaves are eaten either boiled as a vegetable or added freshly chopped to salads This example is easily spotted growing in the entrance to the Community shop. It is common around the centre of the village in both gardens and naturalised.
Water Figwort
Water figwort is a tall vigorous pond or bog garden plant which produces masses of tiny maroon flowers. It is excellent for wildlife, providing nectar for Bumble bees and pollinated by the common wasp, and is an RHS ‘Plants for Pollinators’ plant.
In the past figwort was used to treat skin injuries, infections, and gangrene. It is also a diuretic and slightly purgative.
Water Figwort flowers from June to September. This specimen was found near Ashton brook ay Spy Hill.
White
Black Nightshade
This plant can be recognised by its black berries and white flowers with yellow anthers. Its berries can sometimes be purplish or remain green. Its stems are blackish and the plant can be erect or sprawling. Grows to 70 cms. Leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, with wavy or large-toothed edges. A weed of cultivated and waste ground.
Though often considered toxic the ripe fruit is in fact edible and has a delicious taste. Unripe (green) fruit should however be avoided as it contains solanine.
Flowers late June to September. This plant was found growing on the edge of the footpath that links Old Lane and Stable Lane, Mouldsworth.
Elderflower
A strong smelling small tree which grows in hedges, woods or scrub, favouring nitrogen rich ground. Often found near rabbit warrens as rabbits won’t eat it.
It flowers May to June.
It was much revered by the Druids as were white flowers in general. In medieval times elder was associated with magic and witchcraft. By one tradition Judas was believed to have hanged himself from an elder tree and another is that the Calvary Cross was made from it.
The flowers make a good cordial and an excellent champagne (see River Cottage for a recipe). In addition its berries can be used to make elderberry wine. Medicinally, elder was considered beneficial in many ways from its bark yielding a black dye, its flowers being a gentle laxative, diuretic and anti-rheumatic and as an infusion for catarrh. The below example was seen on the footpath up to Peel Hall Park.
Enchanter’s Nightshade
This plant of woodland can grow to 60cm and the white flowers are often faintly tinged pink with notched petals. The downy leaves are shallowly toothed and scarcely heart-shaped.
Enchanter’s Nightshade is not related to the true Nightshade but is named from the Ancient Greek enchantress Circe. It was used to make love potions hence the name.
It flowers June to August. This example was found on the path between Old Lane and Stable Lane.
Feverfew
Feverfew is characterised by clusters of daisy-like flowers and yellow-green foliage. It grows up to 70 cms in height.
It is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used to treat fever, migraines and arthritis.
It flowers June to September. The flower shown was seen growing at the edge of the hedgerow that runs along Chapel Lane, Mouldsworth. It can also be seen along Church Road by a house wall.
Field Rose
One of the most distinctive wild rose with its central ‘style’ making a stout column longer than the surrounding ‘stamens’. The flower are always creamy white. It is a prickly scrambling deciduous scrub usually found in hedgerows with trailing stems to 2m.
Roses were a political symbol during the Wars of the Roses. They have also been an emblem of silence, and were carved on the ceilings of banqueting rooms to remind guests that what said was not to be repeated.
Roses in general have many culinary flavouring use and also to make syrup from the hips
It flowers June to August. This example was spotted growing in the hedgerow past the footpath gate down from the Ashton Hayes Scout Hut.
Gallant Soldier
Galinsoga parviflora was brought from Peru to Kew Gardens in 1796, and later escaped to the wild in Great Britain and Ireland, being temporarily known as the ‘Kew Weed’. The plant is named after the Spanish botanist Ignacio Mariano Martinez de Galinsoga. The species name ‘parviflora’ translates to ‘having small flowers’.
In Britain, its name Galinsoga is sometimes popularly rendered as “gallant soldiers”, and then sometimes altered to “soldiers of the Queen”. In Malawi, where the plant is naturalised, it is known as ‘Mwamuna aligone’, which translates to ‘My husband is sleeping’. It is also known as potato weed and quickweed.
When rubbed onto the body, the plant is useful in treating nettle stings. The juice of the plant is applied to treat wounds. It helps to coagulate the blood of fresh cuts and wounds.
Flowers June to October. This example was seen at Spyhill Farm and interestingly is common in certain spots in Chester on a railway bridge and the city walls.
Giant Hogweed
A very large version of the common Hogweed. Its often reddish stems are 5-10 cms. in diameter whilst the height of the plant can extend above 3m. Flowers are white and arranged in umbels which can be up to 1m across. Leaves are large, being up to 1m in length. The plant shown is over 2m tall.
This striking plant is invasive and dangerous as its sap can cause severe skin burns when affected skin is exposed to sunlight. As such it poses a very serious risk to people who are unaware of its potential for harm. The skin reactions are caused by furanocoumarin derivatives (phytotoxic compounds) in the leaves, roots, stems, flowers and seeds of the plant.
Flowers June to August. This example was seen growing with three others in the field adjacent to Old Lane.
Ground Elder
A hairless perennial and pestilential weed growing to between 40cms to 1m. It has a creeping habit spreading rapidly to form extensive patches smothering other plants. It likes shady places, waysides and all too often gardens. Once established it is difficult to eradicate as even small fragments of its extensive roots will regrow and weed killers struggle to be effective against it.
It flowers from June to August.
It was probably brought to the UK in the Middle Ages as a food plant as its young leaves can be picked in spring and cooked like spinach. It is also known as Herb Gerard as it was dedicated to St Gerard the patron saint of gout sufferers. The below example was seen at the bottom of Whitegate under a hedge.
Hogweed
The commonest tall wayside white umbellifer typically 1-2m tall with course broad leaves. It has no herbal use and indeed the juice in the stem can be an irritant. It has a strong presence and cannot easily be confused with any other plants. It can be seen in many of the hedgerows along the main road and the footpath down by the stream.
Honeysuckle
A deciduous woody climber twining clockwise to 7m or more. Honeysuckle, also known as Woodbine is hugely valuable to wildlife, supporting several species, many of which are rare. Butterflies, such as the white admiral (which is in decline), rely specifically on honeysuckle, and it is also prized by bumblebees.
Pollinating moths are attracted to the sweet scent of honeysuckle at night, when it is strongest; and birds, including thrushes, warblers and bullfinches, eat the berries when they ripen in late summer and autumn. Dormice also rely on honeysuckle for both shelter and food. They use honeysuckle bark to build nests for their summer young, but also eat the sweet, nectar-rich flowers as a source of energy.
Flowers June to September. This picture was taken in a field next to the forest which used to be part of the forest area. It is however common in hedgerows around the area.
London Pride
Native to Ireland but widely scattered as introductions in the UK, London Pride is a graceful plant having delicate white-petalled flowers on reddish stems. Grows to 40 cm. The bluntly toothed, leathery leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant.
The plant is reputedly called London Pride as it is said to have colonised the bomb sites left after the London Blitz.
Flowers June to August.
This plant was seen growing on a bank on Manley Lane just opposite Quarry Lane. The example shown is assumed to be a garden escapee.
Marsh Bedstraw
This moisture-loving plant is characterised by long, loose, spike-like clusters of tiny white flowers (2 – 4mm), the four petals of which are arranged cross-wise like a crucifer but joined at the base. Leaves are narrow and tend to be downward turning with 4 or 5 leaves in each whorl. The stems are rather weak. Grows to 1m. Likes wet grassy and marshy places, by ditches and ponds.
Flowers June to August.
This example was seen growing by a ditch close to the footpath that links Moss Lane and Sugar Lane in the Mouldsworth/Manley area.
Meadowsweet
A tall hairless perennial forming extensive stands to 1m or more. Meadowsweet has delicate, graceful, creamy-white flowers clustered close together in irregularly-branched flower-heads having a very strong, sweet smell. Meadowsweet has also been referred to as Queen of the Meadow, Pride of the Meadow, Meadow-wort, Meadow Queen, Lady of the Meadow, Dollof, Meadsweet, and Bridewort. It grows by fresh water, marshes, fens and damp woods.
It was one of the most popular strewing herbs in the past for its pervasive perfume. It was also used as an additive to beer. It had a number of medical uses and it is noted that it contains compounds similar to the active ingredients of aspirin.
It flowers June to September. This photograph was taken on Smithy Lane with the plant growing in the roadside ditch.
Nettle Leaved Bell Flower
The nettle leaved bell flower has five sepals which are fused, erect and hairy and five petals which are fused into a bell that is hairy on the inside. The petals are violet/blue in colour but occasionally white (as in the example shown here). It is a perennial plant with one or more unbranched, often reddish, square-edged stems that are roughly hairy. The leaves grow alternately up the stems. The lower leaves are long-stalked and ovate with a heart-shaped base. The upper leaves have no stalks and are ovate or lanceolate, hairy with toothed margins. Grows to 80cm. Likes woods &, hedge banks especially on lime soils.
Flowers June to September.
The plant illustrated was found growing close to the track leading to Forest Stables off Smithy Lane in Mouldsworth. It is a possible garden escapee.
Russian Vine
Rampant deciduous climber scrambling to 10m or more. The Russian Vine is one of the Knotweed family and as such is a fast-growing plant that is grown widely as cover for unsightly fences and other garden structures. However, it has the capacity to become an invasive species by spreading beyond its intended limits. The related Japanese Knotweed is one of the world’s most invasive and damaging pests. Can be found naturalised in hedges, scrub and on cliffs.
Flowers June to August.
This specimen was seen growing over a tree and part of the hedgerows in The Meadows. Probably a garden escapee.
Tuberous Comfrey
Comfreys are perennials with bell-shaped flowers. The stems and leaves are clothed with soft hairs. The flowers are initially tightly coiled but unfurl like a fan as they come into bloom. Tuberous Comfrey has large, oval, rounded leaves, and clusters of drooping, tubular flowers that are a pale yellowish-cream or white colour. The plant is similar to the Common Comfrey but is distinguished by its smoother stem (the common variety, which also grows locally, has flanges running down the stem – referred to as “wings” by botanists).
Comfreys, once known as knitbone, have a long history of wound healing, particularly broken bones, torn muscles, sprains and aches. However, the plants should not be taken internally because they contain powerful, naturally occurring toxins (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) that can cause liver damage and abdominal distress.
Flowers June to July.
This flower was found growing against a wall on the roadside verge in Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth.
Weld
Weld is a tall (to 1.5m) erect biennial. The flowers are yellow-green with 4 petals 4-5mm across in long spikes. The leaves are narrow lanceolate, untoothed with wavy edges. This is a plant of disturbed ground.
Also known as Dyers Weed, this species was the most widely used source of the natural dye known as weld, a bright yellow dye.
Weld flowers from June until September. This example was found growing on the footpath through Peel Hall.
White Clover
One of our two commonest clovers, a low sprawling perennial with solid rooting stems. It is white with sometimes pinkish tinges and is scented. It likes grassy places including our lawns, but is much appreciated as a source of nectar for bees and by cattle. It is both wild and also sown for fodder.
They flower from May to November. This example was from the protected Green Space on Church Road opposite the school.
White Stonecrop
A short evergreen perennial to 20cms with green to reddish stubby fleshy leaves. Flowers white with no pink tinge. It grows on walls, rocks and bare ground. Although it is a native plant, it is usually found as a garden escapee.
The old herbalists used the leaves and stalks as a cooling poultice for all kinds of inflammations. Culpepper called this the Small Houseleek and it used to be pickled for culinary use. It can also be used as a salad ingredient or cooked as a green vegetable. This example is easily spotted growing on the top of the lower retaining wall at the Village Hall.
Wild Carrot
The only common white umbellifer with conspicuous forked bracts fringing he underside of the flower. A hairy biennial with a pungent smell when crushed. Stems stiff and solid to 1.5m with feathery often grey / green leaves. The flowers are dull white with often a red / brown flower in the centre
Flowers June to September This was growing in a meadow at Peel Hall Park.
Yarrow
A downy, dark-green, aromatic perennial with creeping runners. The flowers which appear in late June / early July are white tinged pale or deeply pink with a flat umbel-like head. The leaves are long, narrow, and rather feathery 2-3 pinnate. Yarrow is found growing in grassland.
Yarrow is steeped in myth and legend; it is a plant that many cultures of the world have widely used and revered. It was named (Achilles millefolium) in honour of the Greek god Achilles; who according to legend, had course to widely employ this wound staunching herb on the battlefield.
Flowers June to December This specimen was seen at the end of Gongar Lane.
Yellow
Common Evening Primrose
This example is some 50cm tall and is growing beside a dead stem with old seedpods from last year. The flowers open and become fragrant at dusk, probably to attract moths to pollinate it.
It is a native of the Americas but quickly appears in recently cleared areas or in disturbed soils, and can be found in habitat types such as dunes, roadsides, railway embankments, and waste areas. They are often casual and are eventually out competed by other species.
Based on observations of evening primroses, a study discovered that within minutes of sensing the sound waves of nearby bee wings through flower petals, the concentration of the sugar in the plant’s nectar was increased by an average of 20 percent.
The Evening primrose plant has astringent and sedative properties. Also it has long been valued for its oil which contains a fatty acid that is used by the body to produce hormone like substances. This example is easily spotted growing in the sandy soil near the new field entrance on the West side of Church Road between Gladstone Barns and April Cottage.
Common Ragwort
A conspicuous medium /tall perennial to 1.5m with large flat yellow heads.
The plant is toxic to farm animals and horses, to which it can be deadly. However, it is a favourite food plant for the black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar Moth, which at times can be so numerous that they decimate the plants.
Flowers June to November.
This example was spotted growing by the Golden Lion. It is however common in the fields in the area.
Dark Mullein
This is a striking, erect, tall plant with brilliant sulphur-yellow flowers. The stems are comparatively slender but nevertheless stout and can rise to 1.5m or higher. The flowers, which can be up to 22mm in diameter, have five petals and orange anthers. The dark green leaves at the base of the stem are large but become smaller as they ascend the stem. It is the second most common of our native Mulleins (after the Great Mullein). The plant grows on waysides and open habitats on banks, usually on dry calcareous soils.
In the Middle Ages the Mullein was credited with considerable curative powers. A decoction of the root was used for cramps and convulsions, and toothache also was supposed to yield to its power.
In more modern times infusions have been used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds and boils.
It flowers June to September. The example pictured was found growing wild in a garden on Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth.
Greater Plantain
Greater Plantains are common and widespread, an often unwelcome sight when they pop up in lawns. The plant has long, straw-coloured flower spikes. It grows to 40 cm. Leaves are broad oval, often wavy with prominent veins. Commonly known as ‘Rat’s Tail’ because of the scaly, tail-like appearance of its flowers.
The mature plant contains pliable and tough fibers that can be used in survival situations to make small cords and fishing lines! For the less adventurous the leaves are edible as a salad green. Older leaves can be cooked in stews.
Grows between June and October. This example seen on Well Lane, Mouldsworth.
Great Mullein
Also known as Aaron’s rod, a striking plant to 2m with a scarcely branched or arranged like a candelabra. The flowers are sulphur yellow flowering in stages up the stem. The leaves and stem are woolly white. Flowers from June to August.
The stalk of the plant was originally used to make candle wicks before cotton was used. It was also attributed with the power to drive away evil spirits. It has been used medicinally in many countries for all sorts of chest complaints, sore throats and tonsillitis as well as for a wide variety of skin complaints. The plant has soothing and antiseptic properties. This fine example is growing in the hedge heading north out of Mouldsworth. It may be a naturalised escape from a garden. There is also one growing at the intersection of Duck Lane, Pentre Lane and Shay Lane in Ashton!
Lady’s Bedstraw
The only UK Bedstraw with yellow flowers. It is a sprawling short to medium perennial to 1m. Likes dry grassland, dunes and hedge banks.
The leaves smelling of new mown hay and were used to stuff mattresses. Was also known in the 16th century as cheese renning / rennet due to its ability to curdle milk and to give cheese a richer colour and flavour. A red dye can be obtained from its roots and yellow from the flowers. It was also believed to stop bleeding and also as a treatment for epilepsy.
Flowers June to September.
This example was growing profusely in a meadow area at Peel Hall Park.
Monkeyflower
The most frequent Monkeyflower in the lowlands. Hairless below, sticky-downy above to 75cms. Likes wet places especially by streams.
The leaves are edible as a bitter herb and can be eaten from October onwards. They are said to be delicious in sandwiches and with cheese or added to soups.
It flowers June to September. This was found where a small stream enters the large pond at Spyhill.
Nipplewort
A rather shaggy perennial to 1m. It can be found in disturbed ground, often in half shade open woods and hedge banks.
It flowers June to October. This example was spotted growing in the field entrance between Gladstone Barns and April Cottage on Church Road.
Rough Sow-thistle
A thistle-like plant with yellow flowers with hollow flower stems that exude a white latex when cut. The prickly leaves wrap around the stem and the part of the leaf clasping the stem (and known as the auricle) is round whereas the Smooth Sow-thistle has pointed auricle. This is a plant of disturbed ground, road verges and waste ground.
It flowers June to August. The example shown here was found in Grange Road.
Smooth Hawksbeard
Generally the commonest and smallest hawksbeard. Low, the stems often trailing along the ground.
Termed ‘smooth’ because it is the only one of the hawksbeard group that is hairless. The flowers are a bright yellow, the outer florets often reddish on the back, on slender stalks. Leaves usually lobed or toothed. Grows in grassy and waste places and on path-sides.
Flowers June to December.
This example seen on the footpath/track that links Station Road and Smithy Lane in Mouldsworth.
Stinking Iris
Also known as the ‘Roast Beef Plant’ for its sweetly foetid smell like ‘high’ meat. It grows in clumps to 80cms with pale grey to purple, occasionally yellow flowers with dark green leaves. Bright orange seeds follow in autumn. It favours woods scrub, hedge banks, sea cliffs, often on lime. It is fairly common but often does not flower.
It was used medicinally in the past as a purge and as an infusion for nervous and hysterical complaints.
It flowers sparingly from June to July. This was found in flower by the northern entry sign to Mouldsworth.
Yellow Iris
Grows in wet and marshy places to 1.5 metres. Easily recognised by its flowers and strap like leaves. Useful plant to grow at the edge of a pond.
These were photographed I the ditch near the village sign as you enter the North side of the village.