A - Z List of Species

Bluebells (Hyacithoides non-scripta)

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.

When to see them

Bluebells flower in April and May, depending on weather.

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 United Kingdom but there are more towards the west side of the country.

Fascinating facts

The national flower of Scotland is a relative of the common bluebell with the name Campanula rotundifolia, commonly called harebell.