Wildflower Gallery
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Diverse Gardens UK & Irish Wildflower Gallery—your comprehensive visual guide to identifying, understanding, and cultivating native flora found across Great Britain and Ireland. Whether you are an ecologist, a student of nature, or a gardener looking to rewild a patch of your outdoor space, this directory is designed to help you discover the rich variety of indigenous British and Irish wildflowers.
How to Use This Guide
This gallery serves as an index hub connecting you to detailed species profiles. Each entry features high-resolution photography, botanical descriptions, traditional folklore, and specific ecological data. Scroll through the alphabetical listing below to explore individual wildflowers, or use our profiles to cross-reference plant traits, flowering seasons, and native habitats.
Cultivating Pollinator-Friendly Spaces
Integrating native wildflowers into your landscape is one of the most meaningful ways to support declining biodiversity. Native species—such as the vital nectar sources favoured by various types of bees, hover-flies, and butterflies—have co-evolved with local pollinators over thousands of years. By selecting plants suited to your soil type and micro-climate from this gallery, you can create a resilient, low-maintenance habitat that provides dependable forage from early spring right through to the autumn frosts.
Dive into the collection below to find the perfect additions for your wildlife garden, meadow patch, or container display.
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrimony is an erect, perennial wildflower that’s tolerant of a range of soil types, but prefers free draining sites in grassland, meadows, woodland and hedgerows. A member of the rose family, with the flowers giving off an apricot odour.
Read Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) Guide
Autumn hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis
Flowers are golden – yellow similar to dandelions, but slightly smaller. Autumn hawkbit flowers between June and October and is commonly found in grassland and meadows, especially on poor draining sites.
Bee orchid Ophrys apifera
One of the UK’s most stunning native orchids, it’s a rare orchid that’s been in decline due to habitat loss. Growing up to 30cm high it’s preferred habitat is dry grassland, sand dunes and calcareous soils.
Read Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) Guide
Betony Betonica officinalis
The cheerful, deep pink flowers of betony add a splash of colour during late summertime in grassy places, hedgerows and verges. The tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies, which come to feed on the nectar.
Read Betony (Betinica officinalis) Guide
Birds-foot trefloil Lotus corniculatus
This low growing perennial plant is a member of the pea family and takes its name from the distinctive seed pods which resemble a birds claw. It produces clusters of yellow flowers tinged with red streaks, which supply a rich source of nectar for pollinators.
Black Medic Medicago lupulina
The small yellow pea like flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Commonly found on dry grassland it flowers from April to August. It’s often confused with lesser trefoil.
Read Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) Guide
Bladder campion Silene vulgaris
Bladder campion takes its name from the bladder like bulge that sits behind the flower. It’s rich in nectar and attracts bees, butterflies and other important pollinators.
Read Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris) Guide
Broad-leaved helleborine Epipactis helleborine
Flowering between June and September, broad-leaved helleborine is a species of orchid reaching up to 80 cm in height. It’s primarily a woodland plant associated with deciduous trees and produces ‘drooping’ green flowers, tinged with purple.
Read Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) Guide
Broad-leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum
A perennial wildflower often found on waste ground, bare areas and cultivated soil. The small pink flowers can measure up to 12mm across and can be seen between May and September.
Read Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum) Guide
Bristly-ox tongue Helminthotheca echioides
Flowers are very similar to dandelions, with the long leaves being covered in rough pimples, giving them a rough texture. This wildflower is very common on bare areas and waste ground.
Read Bristly-ox Tongue (Helminthotheca echioides) Guide
Bugle Ajuga reptans
An erect wildflower that grows to 20 cm in height that is a member of the mint family. The blue – violet flowers are very similar to those of selfheal. Bugle prefers damps soils and is frequently found on grassland and the edges of woodland.
Read Bugle (Ajuga reptans) Guide
Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
A very common and recognisable plant as it produces a carpet of blue in woodland areas during the spring time. Sometimes called the British bluebell, it’s very attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Read Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Guide
Borage Borago officinalis
Also called starflower, borage is an annual wildflower with blue, sometimes purple flowers, each with 5 petals. It’s often found in roadside verges and waste ground and is a favourite plant with bees.
Read Borage (Borago officinalis) Guide
Chicory Cichorium intybus
A member of the dandelion family, chicory is a perennial plant with showy pale blue flowers, blooming between July and October. It’s attractive to several species of bee, which visit to feed on the pollen and nectar produced.
Read Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Guide
Common centaury Centaurium erythraea
Keep an eye out for common centaury on sand dunes, heathland and other dry habitats from mid to late summer. This low growing plant produces clusters of pretty pink flowers.
Read Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) Guide
Common dog-violet Viola riviniana
A perennial wildflower often seen in woodland, grassland and pastures. Common dog-violet produces blue – purple flowers, which can be seen from April to June.
Read Common Dog-Violet (Viola riviniana) Guide
Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica
A perennial plant with attractive yellow flowers of the daisy family, common fleabane thrives in damp, marshy habitats. It grows up to a metre in height, with the bright yellow flowers blooming between July and September.
Read Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) Guide
Cats ear Hypochaeris radicata
Cats ear is perennial wildflower that’s a member of the daisy family of plants. It has dandelion like yellow flowers and is frequently found in grassland, waste areas and lawns especially on free draining sites.
Read Cats Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) Guide
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Coltsfoot is a perennial plant and a member of the daisy family. The bright yellow flowers bloom from February to April and appear before the leaves develop. It is usually found on damp soils on pond edges, field edges and disturbed ground.
Read Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) Guide
Common chickweed Stellaria media
Common chickweed is an annual wildflower that produces small white flowers that can be seen all year round. It’s often classed as a weed and can be found in grassland, roadside verges and waste ground.
Read Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) Guide
Common comfrey Symphytum officinale
A perennial wildflower that bears small bell-shaped flowers, often cream or purple in colour, that are attractive to bumble bees. It’s commonly found in verges, riverbanks and ditches.
Read Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Guide
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
A wildflower of meadows and grassland, often seen in roadside verges. Common knapweed has thistle like pink – purple flower heads that can be seen between June and September.
Read Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) Guide
Common mallow Malva sylvestris
Easily recognised by its deep pink flowers that bloom between June and October. Common mallow grows over a metre in height and is often found on waste ground and roadside verges.
Read Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) Guide
Common milkwort Polygala vulgaris
A low growing, sometimes sprawling wildflower, common milkwort favours light, calcareous soils in short grassland. The flowers bloom for most of he summer, varying in colour including blue, pink or white.
Read Common Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) Guide
Common poppy Papaver rhoeas
A very recognisable wildflower with its bright red flowers, that are a symbol of remembrance of the soldiers who died in the first world war. The poppy is a cornfield annual that is found in arable fields, waste ground and roadside verges.
Read Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) Guide
Common restharrow Ononis repens
A low-growing, sprawling plant with pink, pea shaped flowers, Common restharrow can be found on calcareous soils in coastal habitats from July to September.
Common Restharrow (Ononis repens) Guide
Common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii
The most common orchid in the UK, keep a look out for the striking, pink-purple flowers between May and August, growing up to 50cm tall, it can be found in woodland, meadows, verges and hedgerows.
Read Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) Guide
Common storksbill Erodium cicutarium
A low growing, sprawling wildflower often found on free draining soils in grassland and waste sites, particularly on coastal sites. The small pink flowers appear during May and last until September.
Common twayblade Neottia ovata
A perennial wildflower and a member of the orchid family, common twayblade is often found in chalky grassland, flowering between May and July.
Read Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) Guide
Cornflower Centaurea cyanus
Another cornfield annual which was once a common sight in meadows, cornflowers have long since been in decline due to modern farming practices, such as pesticide and herbicide use.
Read Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) Guide
Corn chamomile Anthemis arvensis
Corn chamomile is common cornfield annual often found on waste areas, roadside verges and field perimeters. Flowers are very similar to daisies and it blooms from May to August.
Read Corn Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) Guide
Corncockle Agrostemma githago
Corncockle produces lovely bright pink – purple flowers, although it becoming quite a rare wildflower in present times. A cornfield annual that can be found on field margins and other disturbed areas.
Read Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) Guide
Corn marigold Glebionis segetum
The lovely golden yellow flowers of corn marigold, which bloom from May to September measure about 5 cm across. Once a common sight in corn fields, it has long been in decline. It’s attractive to bees, hover flies and butterflies.
Read Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) Guide
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
A creeping, perennial wildflower and the most common of all the buttercups. The distinct golden – yellow flowers have a glossy surface and bloom between May and September. It will grow in grassland, verges and waste areas, preferring damp soils.
Read Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) Guide
Cuckoo flower Cardamine pratensis
Cuckoo flower is an attractive spring – early summer wildflower with white – pale pink flowers, which start to bloom around the same time the cuckoo arrives, from which it takes its name. It’s sometimes referred to as Lady’s smock.
Read Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) Guide
Cowslip Primula veris
This early spring wildflower is a member of the primrose family and can be seen in meadows, banks, verges and woodland during this period. They thrive on dry soils, flowering between April and May.
Read Cowslip (Primula veris) Guide
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
A low growing, sprawling perennial plant, frequently found in hedge banks and roadside verges. Creeping cinquefoil is considered a weed by gardeners as it can be a problem in borders. The yellow flowers bloom between June and September.
Read Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) Guide
Daisy Bellis perennis
One of the most common and easily recognisable wildflowers in the UK, with its distinct white and yellow flowers. It attracts various pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Read Daisy (Bellis perennis) Guide
Dames rocket Hesperis matronalis
A biennial and perennial wildflower, dames rocket produces pink – purple flowers, each with four petals, which bloom between May and August. It’s often found in roadside verges, woodland and waste areas.
Read Dames Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) Guide
Devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis
The nodding, blue-purple flowerheads of devil’s-bit scabious can be seen in damp soils in marshland, river banks and pond & lake margins. It’s an important plant to the larvae of the marsh fritillary butteryfly, which feed on it.
Read Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) Guide
Dove’s-foot cranesbill Geranium molle
A relatively low growing annual wildflower with deep pink, sometimes white flowers that bloom between April and August. It will grow on most types of soil, but prefers free draining, under nourished sites.
Read Dove’s-foot Cranesbill (Geranium molle) Guide
Enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana
Enchanter’s nightshade is a native plant to the UK and prefers shaded locations, such as woodland and hedgerows. The tiny white flowers bloom between June and September and are a valuable source of pollen and nectar to small bees and other pollinators.
Read Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) Guide
Eyebright Euphrasia sp.
A small annual herb, found in all types of short grassland, windswept hillsides and heathland. Eyebright is a semi parasitic plant, attaching its roots to other plants and grasses robbing them of vital nutrients and water.
Read Eyebright (Euphrasia sp.) Guide
Fairy flax Linum catharticum
Also known as Purging flax, it is a herbaceous, annual wildflower found on heathland, dry grassland, sand dunes and calcareous soils. Fairy flax has small, delicate, white flowers that bloom between July and September.
Read Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum) Guide
Fernleaf fiddleneck Phacelia tanacetifolia
A wildflower that can be annual, biennial or perennial, that has tubular lavender – purple flowers, which are very attractive to pollinators. It thrives in full sun and prefers undernourished, free draining soils.
Read Fernleaf Fiddleneck (Phacelia tanacetifolia) Guide
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is a perennial wildflower and a member of the carrot family. The umbrella like clusters of yellow flowers are produced between July and October. The flowers are used in cuisine and also have medicinal properties.
Field scabious Knautia arvensis
A clump forming perennial wildflower found on free draining calcareous soils. Field scabious produces pink – purple disc shaped flowers, blooming between July and September.
Read Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) Guide
Field speedwell Veronica persica
Sometimes referred to as Persian speedwell, this low growing, sprawling wildflower is often found on areas of bare ground and cultivated soils. The blue – white flowers are typical of many speedwells.
Read Field Speedwell (Veronica persica) Guide
Forget me not Myosotis sylvatica
Forget me not is a short lived, perennial wildflower with pretty bright blue flowers that bloom from April to June. Look out for them in shaded areas, such as woodland, hedgerows and roadside verges.
Read Forget Me Not (Myosotis sylvatica) Guide
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
A tall, erect wildflower growing up to 2 meters in height, foxgloves bloom during the summer months and can be seen in open woodland, heathland and roadside verges. They are a valuable source of food for bees.
Read Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Guide
Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys
Often considered a good luck charm for travellers, germander speedwell can be identified by its deep blue flowers, with white centers. Its very common in grassland, hedgerows and roadside verges.
Read Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) Guide
Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
A member of the lily family, grape hyacinth is a low growing, early spring flowering plant. The blue flowers are reminiscent of small bunches of grapes (hence the name) and provide an important source of food to early pollinators.
Great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis
A clump forming perennial plant growing to over a metre in height. Great burnet flowers between June and September and can be found growing in damp conditions, especially on marshland and river margins.
Read Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) Guide
Greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa
A tall, robust plant that grows up to 1.5 metres tall, found growing in dry grassland, roadside verges and woodland rides, especially on calcareous soils. Greater knapweed is very attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Read Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) Guide
Greater stitchwort Rabelera holostea
Greater stitchwort is a spring – early summer wildflower frequently found in woodland, roadside verges and grassy areas. It produces white flowers, each with five white petals that are deeply notched. It provided a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies etc.
Read Greater Stitchwort (Rabelera holostea) Guide
Green alkanet Pentaglottis sempervirens
A perennial wildflower that can grow over a metre in height and is often considered a weed. It prefers damp conditions and can be seen in hedgerows, roadside verges and close to buildings. The blue flowers bloom from April to June.
Read Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) Guide
Golden tickseed Plains coreopsis
A non-native, annual wildflower, that’s a member of the daisy family. Golden tickseed will grow on most soil types but prefers light, free draining sites. The yellow – dark red flowers bloom during the late summertime.
Read Golden Tickseed (Plains coreopsis) Guide
Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Harebell, also called ‘Scottish bluebell’ is a perennial, flowering, herbaceous wildflower that is part of the bellflower family of plants. The nodding, bell shaped flowers bloom in late springtime and continue during the summer.
Read Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) Guide
Heath bedstraw Galium saxatile
A perennial wildflower that blooms from May to August. This low growing plant produces clusters of small white flowers and is very common on nutrient deficient, acidic soils in grassland, heath-land and pastures.
Read Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile) Guide
Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica
Hedge woundwort is an erect perennial wildflower, growing up to a meter in height. It thrives in shady locations like hedgerows, woodland and roadside verges. As it’s name implies it’s used to staunch bleeding and heal wounds.
Read Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) Guide
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum
A tall hairy, perennial wildflower in the daisy family. It prefers low lying, moist sites such as riverbanks. The small pink – purple flowers bloom between July and September and a attractive to butterflies.
Read Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) Guide
Herb robert Geranium robertianum
A common wildflower with small bright pink flowers, that bloom between April and September. It’s a low growing plant, often found in shady areas, such as hedgerows and woodland. To many gardeners it’s often considered a weed, as it can be quite invasive.
Read Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) Guide
Lady’s bedstraw Galium verum
A wildflower that is both annual and perennial, it produces clusters of small yellow flowers in the summertime, that produce a honey like scent. It can be found in grassy meadows, roadside verges and in dunes. It is very common on coastal sites.
Read Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum) Guide
Lady’s mantle Alchemilla vulgaris
A member of the rose family, Lady’s mantle is a low-growing, clump forming perennial herb. They bloom between June and September and is sometimes grown as a ground cover plant in garden borders.
Read Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) Guide
Lesser celandine Ficaria verna
A perennial wildflower that appears early spring, as it creates a yellow carpet of colour in woodland, verges, ditch banks and hedgerows. The bright yellow flowers appear in March before disappearing again in May.
Read Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) Guide
Lesser periwinkle Vinca minor
Lesser periwinkle is a perennial plant with blue – violet flowers, each with 5 petals. It blooms between April and September and and is often found in hedgerows, woodland and waste areas.
Read Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) Guide
Lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula
A wildflower found on moist sites such as pond margins and marshland that’s a member or the buttercup family. It takes its name from its narrow leaves that resemble a spear.
Read Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) Guide
Lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea
Lesser stitchwort is a creeping perennial wildflower that can bee seen in woodland glades that receive ample sunlight. Flowering from May to August it’s an important food source for bees and butterflies.
Read Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea) Guide
Lords and ladies Arum maculatum
A perennial wildflower found in shaded areas such as woodland and hedgerows. It produces poker-like flowers that are wrapped in a light green hood.
Read Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) Guide
Marsh woundwort Stachys palustris
Growing in damp places including river banks, pond and lake margins, marsh woundwort is a big favoutite of bumble bees, which visit to feed on it’s rich source of nectar.
Read Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) Guide
Meadow saxifrage Saxifraga granulata
Meadow saxifrage is a small, delicate, native perennial wildflower found in short grassland hay meadows. Once common, but now in decline due to habitat loss.
Read Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) Guide
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
A scrambling, perennial wildflower and a member of the pea family. The yellow flowers appear between May and August and are very attractive to bees.
Read Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) Guide
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria
This perennial wildflower is a member of the rose family that thrives on moist soils. The frothy white – cream flowers bloom from June to October, keep an eye out for them in damp woodland and riverbanks.
Read Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Guide
Mouse-ear chickweed Cerastium fontanum
A low growing, short lived perennial wildflower and a persistent weed in turf. It is found in grassland, roadside verges and waste areas. The small white flowers have five deeply cut petals that bloom between April and September.
Read Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) Guide
Mouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarum
A creeping, perennial wildflower of the daisy family, mouse-ear hawkweed has bright yellow ‘dandelion like’ flowers. It’s usually happiest growing in dry places, sucha as free draining grassland, stone walls, heaths and waste areas.
Read Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) Guide
Orange hawkbit Pilosella aurantiaca
A perennial wildflower and a member of the daisy family. The striking orange flowers can be seen from May until September reaching a height of 40cm.
Read Orange Hawkbit (Pilosella aurantiaca) Guide
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
A tall, perennial wildflower and the largest native member in the daisy family. Typical daisy like flowers, only larger, it is frequently found in roadside verges, woodland perimeters and grassy areas.
Read Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) Guide
Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis
A flowering wildflower in the daisy family, sow thistle can reach over a metre in height. It forms in dense patches and can be found on roadside verges, ditch banks and waste ground.
Read Perennial Sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) Guide
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
A tall growing perennial wildflower, that produces deep pink – purple flowers that can be seen from June to September. Frequently found in ditches, meadows, woodland and lake perimeters, especially on moist soils.
Read Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Guide
Purple toadflax Linaria purpurea
Growing up to a metre in height, purple toadflax is happiest on free draining soils that receive ample sunlight. It’s a popular choice for herbaceous borders and gravel gardens and is very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Read Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea) Guide
Pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis
A small orchid, which takes its name from its distinctive pyramid shaped flowers. Growing to around 30cm in height, the bright pink magenta flowers bloom between June and July.
Read Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) Guide
Ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi
Ragged robin is a perennial wildflower that is happiest on wet soils and is commonly found growing in marshy areas and pond margins. The ragged, deeply divided deep pink – red flowers bloom between May and September.
Read Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) Guide
Red campion Silene dioica
Red campion is an attractive, herbaceous flowering perennial wildflower that thrives in damp conditions, such as verges, hedgerows and ditch banks. It’s a valuable food source for many types of pollinator.
Read Red Campion (Silene dioica) Guide
Red clover Trifolium pratense
A herbaceous, perennial wildflower, that’s a member of the bean family. The pink – red flowers bloom between May and October and are very attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Read Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Guide
Red dead-nettle Lamium purpureum
Very common on field margins, waste areas and hedgerows, red dead-nettle is sometimes referred to as the bumble bee flower, as it attracts bumble bees. The deep purple flowers can be seen from March to October.
Read Red Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) Guide
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
A very common perennial wildflower in the UK, frequently found on roadside verges, meadows, lawns and waste areas. The bullet like flower heads can be seen from April until October.
Read Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Guide
Rosebay willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium
A tall, erect plant, rosebay willowherb is adept at colonising new areas with its wind borne seed and is commonly found on waste ground, roadside verges and disturbed woodland.
Read Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium) Guide
Rosy garlic Allium roseum
Rosy garlic is an edible species of garlic appearing during the late spring / early summer period. Growing up to 70cm in height it provides a valuable source of nectar for bees.
Read Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum) Guide
Sainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia
Sainfoin blooms from May to September, producing striking bright pink, cone-shaped flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It’s typically found on free draining, alkaline soils in meadows and grassland.
Read Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) Guide
Slender speedwell Veronica filiformis
A prostrate, low growing wildflower, often considered a major weed in fine turf. The blue – violet flowers have four petals and can be seen from April to June. It will grow on most soil types, especially moist sites.
Read Slender Speedwell (Veronica filiformis) Guide
Scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis
A low growing annual wildflower sometimes called Poor man’s weatherglass. The small, bright red flowers can be seen between May and October. Widespread throughout the UK, it is frequently found on waste ground and arable land.
Read Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) Guide
Sea holly Eryngium maritimum
Sea holly is perennial plant that grows on free draining sandy soils and is often found at coastal sites such as sand dunes. The small, thorny flowers can be seen from July to September.
Read Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) Guide
Sea purslane Halimione portulacoides
A sprawling, bushy perennial plant found on coastal areas, such as beaches, estuaries and salt marshes. Sea purslane thrives on infertile sandy soils, flowering from July to September.
Read Sea Purslane (Halimione portulacoides) Guide
Sea rocket Cakile maritima
An annual wildflower that is a member of the mustard family found on sandy beaches and sand dunes. The white – lilac flowers can be seen between June and September.
Read Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima) Guide
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
A low growing plant often found in grassland, roadside verges and lawns, where it is classed as a weed. The violet – purple flowers are reminiscent of bugle, they are very attractive to bees and wasps and bloom between June and September.
Read Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) Guide
Shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
An annual plant that’s a member of the mustard family. Shepherds purse is a common garden weed as it thrives on bare ground and cultivated soils, such as borders. The tiny white flowers can appear all 12 months of the year.
Read Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) Guide
Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata
Skullcap is a perennial plant that thrives on moist sites, such as marshes and pond margins. It takes it name from the shape and darker shade of the hood on top of the flower.
Read Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) Guide
Small scabious Scabiosa columbaria
A slender, native, perennial wildflower that favours chalky soils. The Lilac – mauve flowers bloom between June and September and are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Read Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) Guide
Springbeauty Claytonia perfoliata
A short hairless, annual wildflower that thrives on free draining, sandy soils. The tiny white flowers can be seen between April and July.
Read Springbeauty (Claytonia perfoliata) Guide
Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis
A sign that spring is just around the corner, the snowdrop appears in January and flowers until March when it disappears once again. Frequently found in woodland, hedgerows, roadsides and churchyards.
Read Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) Guide
Snowflake Leucojum spp.
Snowflakes are often confused with snowdrops, as they look similar and thrive in a similar habitat, such as woodland and hedgerows. However, they grow taller and bloom slightly later during the spring.
Read Snowflake (Leucojum spp.) Guide
St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum
A herbaceous, perennial plant with small bright yellow flowers appearing from June to September. St John’s wort can be spotted in hedgerows, open woodland and waste ground.
Read St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Guide
Tormentil Potentilla erecta
Tormentil is a low-growing, creeping wildflower found on roadside verges, heathland and pastures. The small yellow flowers bloom between May and September providing nectar to bees and other pollinators.
Read Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) Guide
Tufted vetch Vicia cracca
Tufted vetch is a scrambling, perennial wildflower that prefers moist, fertile soils. It’s often found in hedgerows, woodland perimeters and rough grassland. The blue – purple flowers bloom between June and September.
Read Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) Guide
Thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia
A perennial mat forming perennial wildflower that thrives in most soil conditions. Frequently found in grassland, pastures, woodland and waste areas. The tiny white and blue – purple flowers can be seen from March to October.
Read Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) Guide
Viper’s bugloss Echium vulgare
A member of the borage family, viper’s bugloss is found on free draining banks and dunes that receive ample sunlight. Flowering between May and September and reaching a height of 75cm.
Read Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare) Guide
Water mint Mentha aquatica
Water mint is a perennial wildflower and a member of the mint family. The leaves are aromatic and can be used for favouring food and drink. The pink flowers can be seen between July and October.
Read Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) Guide
White campion Silene latifolia
Generally a perennial wildflower, but can also be annual and biennial. It is found in hedgerows, roadside verges and waste areas. The white flowers bloom from May to September, with each flower having five deeply cut petals.
Read White Campion (Silene latifolia) Guide
White clover Trifolium repens
White clover is a low growing, perennial plant that is very common throughout the UK. It’s easily recognised by it’s distinct white – pink flowers, that are very attractive to bees and other pollinators. It’s very common in grassy areas, pastures and roadside verges.
Read White Clover (Trifolium repens) Guide
White dead-nettle Lamium album
A herbaceous, non-stinging, perennial wildflower, found in woodland, roadside verges and waste areas, especailly in areas of partial shade. The white flowers can be seen from May to December and are very attractive to bees.
Read White Dead-nettle (Lamium album) Guide
Wild garlic Allium ursinum
Look out for the small white flowers of wild garlic as they carpet the floors of damp woodland in the early spring. An edible plant that’s a favourite of foragers, as well as providing a rich source of pollen and nectar for early season pollinators.
Read Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) Guide
Wild primrose Primula vulgaris
Sightings of wild primrose is a sign that spring is on the way, as the pale yellow flowers appear. A common sight in woodlands, hedgerows and grassland, especially on wet soil, with the flowers blooming from March until May.
Read Wild Primrose (Primula vulgaris) Guide
Wild marjoram Origanum vulgare
Wild marjoram is a native perennial wildflower often found on infertile, dry chalky soils in hedgerows, roadsides and grassland. The small pink flowers bloom between June and September and are very attractive to butterflies.
Read Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) Guide
Wild mignonette Reseda lutea
A clump forming short lived perennial plant that favours free draining, chalky soils on waste areas, grassland and sand dunes. The small yellow – green flower form in spikes and can bee seen between June and September.
Read Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) Guide
Wild teasel Dipsacus fullonum
A biennial wildflower found on waste ground, bare areas and rough grassland. Wild teasel can grow up to two metres in height and it produces green egg shaped flowers later turning purple. They are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators.
Read Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) Guide
Winter heliotrope Petasites fragrans
A winter flowering wildflower found on damp sites, such as river banks, damp meadows and roadside verges. The lilac – white flowers appear from November to February and provide nectar to early emerging insects and pollinators.
Read Winter Heliotrope (Petasites fragrans) Guide
Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa
An early spring flowering wildflower blooming from March to May. Wood anenome can often be seen carpeting woodland floors during the spring period. The white, star shaped flowers supply a good source of pollen for both honey and bumble bees.
Read Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) Guide
Woundwort Stachys sylvatica
Growing to over a metre in height, hedge woundwort flowers between June and August. Preferring shaded location this wildflower thrives in woodland, hedgerows, waste ground and ditch banks.
Read Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) Guide
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
A very common, perennial wildflower that produces clusters of small, white flower heads. It can reach 50 cm in height and is attractive to bees and other pollinators. Yarrow flowers from June to November.
Read Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Guide
Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata
Keep a look out for the delightful bright yellow flowers of yellow-wort from mid summertime until late autumn on chalk and limestone grassland, heathland and sand dunes.
Read Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) Guide
Yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum
Yellow pimpernel is a shade tolerant wildflower, unlike its sun loving cousin ‘scarlet pimpernel’. Flowering from May to August, the bright yellow flowers can be seen in woodland and hedgerows.
Read Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum) Guide
Yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor
Yellow rattle is a valuable plant to sow in wildflower meadows. It feed off other plants, especially competing coarse grasses, robbing them of essential nutrients, supressing growth and giving the wildflowers a chance to thrive..
Read Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) Guide
Yellow suckling clover Trifolium dubium
Sometime referred to as lesser trefoil, yellow suckling clover is an annual wildflower and a major weed in managed turf. It’s a member of the pea family and produces small yellow flowers that bloom between May and October.
Read Yellow Suckling Clover (Trifolium dubium) Guide
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