Bluebell (Hyacithoides non-scipta)
Description
This bulbous spring flowering plant has small bell shaped flowers which stand upright in bud and hang downwards in full bloom. In a large cluster they can look like a blue carpet in a forest.
Size
Bluebells grow about 15 - 40 cm tall.
Where to see them
Bluebells are widespread in a range of lowland broadleaved woodlands. The larger, more impressive stands tend to occur further south.
Status
Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being removed or sold. It is also illegal to collect bulbs of bluebells.
Distribution
In many places of the UK but there are more towards the west side of the country.
Threats
Bluebells are under threat from unsustainable harvesting of bulbs and from picking and trampling. Also the introduction of hybridised species.
Fascinating facts
The national flower of Scotland is a relative of the common bluebell with the name Campanula rotundifolia commonly called harebell.