INTRODUCING FLOWERING PLANTS

---

Flowering plants are very much a feature of our coast. There are the generalist plants that, although locally abundant on the coast, are also found inland – Bramble and Common Nettle are examples. But then there are the coastal specialities, found nowhere else. Plants growing on the coast must tolerate harsh environmental conditions: in many locations, salt spray is a constant factor, while some species even thrive with occasional or regular immersion in sea water.

SALTMARSH PLANTS

Common Sea-lavender in a north Norfolk saltmarsh.

Mudflats often form where currents slow as rivers empty into the sea. Deposited with the sediment is a rich soup of organic matter, and it is little wonder that a range of specialist plants have evolved to exploit this resource. They must, however, be able to tolerate both freshwater run-off and daily immersion in sea water from the tide. Their roots bind the muddy substrate, leading to the formation of saltmarshes. Community members include glassworts, Sea Purslane, species of sea-lavender and Common Cord-grass.

SANDY COASTS

Sand dunes and Marram.

Our beaches, so beloved of holidaymakers, are formed of shifting sand, which without some binding influence would remain constantly on the move. The restraint is provided by plants, or rather their roots. Along the strandline the process of colonisation is started by Sea Sandwort, but the real star of the show is Marram grass; were it not for this species, sand dunes would never become stable. The dunes themselves are forever growing from the constant deposition of sand by the sea. Inland from the beach, grassland communities develop, with shrubs and even trees colonising the oldest parts of the dune system.

SHINGLE FLORA

Sea-holly growing on shingle.

In a temperate environment, the shingle beach must surely be one of the most challenging habitats for a plant. The pebbles themselves are abrasive, the substrate is incredibly free-draining, and what little debris collects (soil is too grand a word for it) is likely to be salt-laden. But a group of hardy specialists do thrive here, including Sea-holly, Yellow Horned-poppy and Sea-kale.

SEA CLIFFS

Thrift carpeting a coastal slope on Lundy.

For breathtaking scenery and a sense of untamed nature, coastal cliffs are hard to beat. Part of their charm, in spring at least, comes from the colourful plants that flower on their tops and ledges. Unrivalled in its impact, Thrift forms colourful pink carpets and in many western areas is the dominant cliff species. A pleasing contrast is provided by the presence of Sea Carrot, Sea Campion and various species of sea-spurrey.

Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides Height to 10m

Phellinus hippophaeicola

Dense, thorny, branched shrub. Native of coastal sand dunes but planted inland. FLOWERS are tiny and greenish, male and female flowers on separate plants (Mar–Apr). FRUITS are bright orange berries (on female plants only). LEAVES are narrow and greyish green. STATUS Native to E coast but planted elsewhere. NOTE Bracket fungus Phellinus hippophaeicola is found only on Sea Buckthorn trunks.

French Tamarisk Tamarix gallica Height to 8m

Straggly, windswept tree. FLOWERS are minute, pink and 5-petalled; in long sprays (May–Jun). FRUITS are wind-dispersed. LEAVES are greenish blue and scale-like. STATUS Introduced as a windbreak and sometimes naturalised.

Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare Height to 10m

Wild Privet, fruits

Branched semi-evergreen shrub of calcareous dunes and scrub. FLOWERS are 4–5mm across, creamy white, fragrant and 4-petalled; in terminal spikes (May–Jun). FRUITS are shiny, globular and poisonous, ripening black in autumn; borne in clusters. LEAVES are shiny, untoothed, oval and opposite. STATUS Widespread and locally common, mainly in the S.

Elder Sambucus nigra Height to 10m

Elder, fruits

Deciduous shrub or small tree with spreading, outcurved main branches and corky bark. Grows in coastal scrub, doing best on calcareous and nitrogen-enriched soils. FLOWERS are 5mm across and creamy white; in flat-topped clusters, 10–20cm across (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are clusters of blackish-purple berries. LEAVES are unpleasant-smelling and divided into 5–7 leaflets. STATUS Widespread and common.

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Height to 6m

Blackthorn, fruits

Densely branched shrub with spiny twigs and blackish-brown bark. Dominates coastal scrub in many parts. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled, to 17mm across; produced prolifically (Feb–Mar). FRUITS are sloes: to 2cm long, ovoid and blue-black. LEAVES are ovate, toothed, to 4.5cm long. STATUS Widespread and common.

Grey Willow Salix cinerea Height to 6m

Large shrub or small tree with downy grey twigs. A typical scrub species. FLOWERS are ovoid catkins, with males and females on separate trees (Mar–Apr). Female catkins are yellower than males and produce plumed seeds. LEAVES are oblong, pointed and short-stalked. Upper surface is matt; lower surface is downy and grey in spring, acquiring rusty hairs by autumn in some forms. STATUS Widespread and common.

Creeping Willow Salix repens Height to 1.5m

Low-growing, creeping shrub with downy twigs. Grows in coastal dune-slacks. FLOWERS are ovoid catkins (Apr–May). LEAVES are ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above, silkily hairy below. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Ivy Hedera helix Height to 20m

Ivy, fruits

Evergreen climber that also carpets the ground. Found in coastal woods and scrub. FLOWERS are yellowish green and 4-parted; in globular heads (Sep–Nov). FRUITS are berries that ripen purplish black. LEAVES are glossy, dark green, and 3- or 5-lobed with paler veins. STATUS Widespread and common.

Common Nettle Urtica dioica Height to 1m

Familiar stinging nettle. Favours disturbed, nitrogen-enriched soils. FLOWERS are pendulous catkins, borne on separate-sex plants (Jun–Oct). FRUITS resemble flowers. LEAVES are oval and toothed, to 8cm long. STATUS Widespread and common.

Small Nettle Urtica urens Height to 50cm

Similar to Common Nettle but smaller and annual. Grows on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are pendulous catkins, males and females on same plant (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are similar to female flowers. LEAVES are oval, pointed-tipped and toothed; to 4cm long. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Pellitory-of-the-wall Parietaria judaica Height to 7cm

Spreading, downy perennial with reddish stems. Colonises walls and rocky ground. FLOWERS appear in clusters at leaf bases (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are clustered at leaf bases. LEAVES are oval, up to 5cm long and stalked. STATUS Widespread in England, Wales and Ireland; commonest on W coasts.

Knotgrass Polygonum aviculare Height to 1m (often prostrate)

Branched annual of bare coastal ground. FLOWERS are pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are nut-like, enclosed by withering flower. LEAVES are oval and leathery, with a silvery basal sheath. STATUS Widespread and common.

Ray’s Knotgrass Polygonum oxyspermum

Prostrate Mat-forming annual of coastal sand and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are pinkish white and arise in leaf axils (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are nut-like and protrude beyond withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate, sometimes with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS Local; commonest in the W.

Sea Knotgrass Polygonum maritimum

Prostrate Similar to Ray’s Knotgrass but perennial and woody at base. Grows on sand and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are pinkish and arise in leaf axils (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are nut-like and protrude well beyond withering flower. LEAVES are grey-green and rolled under at margins. STATUS Rare; SW Britain only.

Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Height to 60cm

Usually upright perennial of coastal grassland. Often turns red when mature. FLOWERS are reddish; in slender spikes (May–Jul). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are green, arrow-shaped and narrow; taste mildly of vinegar. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella Height to 25cm

Upright perennial of bare, acid soils. FLOWERS are greenish and borne in slender spikes (May–Aug). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are arrow-shaped with basal lobes pointing forwards; upper leaves clasp stem. STATUS Widespread and common.

Curled Dock Rumex crispus Height to 1m

Upright perennial of coastal grassland and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, upright, leafless spikes (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long with wavy edges. STATUS Widespread and common.

Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Height to 1m

Familiar upright perennial of coastal grassland and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in loose spikes that are leafy at base (Jun–Aug). FRUITS have prominent teeth and 1 tubercle. LEAVES are broadly oval, heart-shaped at base and up to 25cm long. STATUS Widespread and very common.

Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus Height to 1m

Clustered Dock, flowers

Upright perennial with a zigzag stem and spreading branches. Found in coastal grassland and undercliffs, often on damp soil. FLOWERS are borne in leafy spikes (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are small and untoothed, with 3 elongated tubercles. LEAVES are oval; lower leaves are heart-shaped at base and often waisted. STATUS Mostly common except in Scotland.

Shore Dock Rumex rupestris Height to 1m

Shore Dock, flowers

Shore Dock, fruit

Spreading perennial, similar to Clustered Dock. Restricted to freshwater seepages on rocky shores and at cliff bases. FLOWERS are borne in spikes, leafy only at base (Jun–Jul). FRUITS have large, inflated tubercles. LEAVES are greyish and blunt. STATUS Rare; restricted mainly to S Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Fiddle Dock Rumex pulcher Height to 30cm

Fiddle Dock, flowers

Fiddle Dock, fruit

Perennial whose branches spread at right angles. Favours well-drained soils, often in coastal areas. FLOWERS are borne in spikes in widely separated whorls (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are toothed with 3 tubercles. LEAVES are up to 10cm long, waisted and violin-shaped. STATUS Local; restricted to S England and S Wales.

Springbeauty Claytonia perfoliata Height to 30cm

Annual, introduced from N America but now widely naturalised on dry, sandy soil. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5mm across; in loose spikes (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and stalked at base; flowering stems bear fused pairs of perfoliate leaves. STATUS Widespread and locally abundant.

Hottentot-fig Carpobrotus edulis Creeping

Exotic-looking fleshy perennial, introduced from S Africa. Forms carpets on coastal cliffs and banks. FLOWERS are usually yellow (sometimes fading pinkish), 7–10cm across and many-petalled (May–Aug). FRUITS are swollen and succulent. LEAVES are dark green, succulent, 3-sided, 6–7cm long and narrow. STATUS Naturalised in SW Britain.

Babington’s Orache Atriplex glabriuscula Prostrate

Spreading, mealy annual of shingle and bare coastal ground. Stems are usually reddish and whole plant often turns red in autumn. FLOWERS are borne in leafy spikes (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped, maturing silvery white. LEAVES are triangular or diamond-shaped. STATUS Locally common.

Frosted Orache Atriplex laciniata Usually prostrate

Distinctive silvery-grey plant, characteristic of sandy beaches. Stems are usually flushed pink. FLOWERS are whitish; borne in clusters (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are diamond-shaped and toothed. LEAVES are fleshy, mealy, toothed and diamond-shaped. STATUS Widespread, locally common and exclusively coastal.

Grass-leaved Orache Atriplex littoralis Height to 1m

Upright annual of bare coastal ground. FLOWERS are small and greenish; borne in spikes with small leaves (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are greenish, toothed and warty. LEAVES are long and narrow, sometimes with shallow teeth. STATUS Locally common.

Red Goosefoot Chenopodium rubrum Height to 60cm

Variable upright annual, favouring nitrogen-enriched soils. Stems often turn red in old or parched specimens. Coastal plants are sometimes prostrate. FLOWERS are small; borne in upright, leafy spikes (Jul–Oct). FRUITS are rounded and almost enclosed by sepals. LEAVES are shiny, diamond-shaped and toothed. STATUS Widespread and common, mainly in the S.

Saltmarsh Goosefoot Chenopodium chenopodioides Height to 30cm

Recalls Red Goosefoot but mature leaves are always red below and whole plant is often red-tinged. Grows in drying mud of lagoons on coastal grazing marshes. FLOWERS are reddish green; borne in clusters (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are enclosed by sepals. LEAVES are diamond-shaped and untoothed. STATUS Restricted mostly to Thames Estuary; N Kent is its stronghold.

Stinking Goosefoot Chenopodium vulvaria Height to 30cm, often prostrate

Spreading, mealy plant of slightly disturbed, often nitrogen-enriched soils, mainly near coasts. FLOWERS are green, mealy and borne in clusters (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are similar to flowers. LEAVES are green, mealy and smell strongly of rotting fish. STATUS Rare and very local, mainly in S England.

Sea Beet Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Height to 1m

Sea Beet, flowers

Sprawling, clump-forming perennial of cliffs, shingle beaches and other coastal habitats. FLOWERS are green and borne in dense, leafy spikes (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are spiky, often sticking together in a clump. LEAVES are dark green, glossy and leathery, with reddish stems; shape varies from oval to triangular. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Sea Purslane Halimione portulacoides Height to 1m

Spreading, mealy perennial that sometimes forms rounded clumps. Restricted to drier reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are yellowish; borne in spikes (Jul–Oct). FRUITS are lobed. LEAVES are grey-green; basal leaves are oval, stem leaves are narrow. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Common Glasswort Salicornia europaea Height to 30cm

Common Glasswort, flowers

Fleshy yellowish-green annual that fancifully recalls a miniature cactus. Often appears segmented. Entirely coastal. A classic saltmarsh plant that tolerates tidal immersion in sea water. FLOWERS are tiny; appear at stem junctions, of equal size and in 3s (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are minute seeds. LEAVES are small, paired and fleshy. STATUS Locally abundant.

Perennial Glasswort Sarcocornia perennis Height to 30cm

Perennial Glasswort, flowers

Branched, patch-forming succulent perennial with woody lower stems that turn orange with age. Coastal; restricted to drier reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are small and yellow (Aug–Oct). FRUITS are minute; appear at stem junctions, in 3s, the central fruit largest. LEAVES are small, paired and fleshy. STATUS Local in S and E England, and in S Wales.

Annual Sea-blite Suaeda maritima Height to 50cm

Much-branched annual of saltmarshes. Forms small clumps that vary from yellowish green to reddish. FLOWERS are tiny and green; 1–3 appear in axils of upper leaves (Aug–Oct). FRUITS produce dark, flattish seeds. LEAVES are succulent, cylindrical and pointed. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Shrubby Sea-blite Suaeda vera Height to 1m

Evergreen perennial with woody stems. Restricted to coastal shingle and upper saltmarshes. FLOWERS are tiny and yellowish; 1–3 appear in leaf axils (Jun–Oct). FRUITS produce black seeds. LEAVES are succulent, bluish green and semicircular in cross section. STATUS Locally common in SE England.

Prickly Saltwort Salsola kali Height to 50cm

Sand Dart Agrotis ripae, a moth whose larvae feed on a range of sand-dune plants, notably Prickly Saltwort and Sea Rocket.

Prickly Saltwort, flowers

Prickly annual of sandy beaches, usually growing near the strandline. FLOWERS are tiny and yellowish, appearing at leaf bases (Jul–Oct). FRUITS are similar to flowers. LEAVES are swollen, flattened-cylindrical and spiny-tipped. STATUS Locally common.

Sea Sandwort Honckenya peploides Prostrate

Coast Dart Euxoa cursoria, a moth whose larvae feed on a range of plants of sandy shores, notably Sea Sandwort.

Mat-forming perennial that is familiar on stabilised coastal shingle and sandy beaches. FLOWERS are greenish white and 6–8mm across (May–Aug). Petals are slightly shorter than sepals. FRUITS are yellowish green and pea-like. LEAVES are oval and fleshy; borne as opposite pairs on creeping stems. STATUS Locally common on most suitable coasts.

Sea Mouse-ear Cerastium diffusum Height to 20cm

Low annual that is sometimes prostrate. Covered in sticky hairs and found on sandy ground, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS are white and 3–6mm across, with notched petals (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate and dark green; bracts do not have transparent margins. STATUS Locally common.

Sea Pearlwort Sagina maritima Height to 8cm

Wiry but fleshy annual. Found on bare, dry ground, mainly near the sea. FLOWERS have minute greenish petals and 4 longer purplish sepals that do not spread in fruit (May–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are fleshy and blunt. STATUS Widespread but local.

Procumbent Pearlwort Sagina procumbens Prostrate

Creeping perennial of damp, bare ground. Forms mats comprising a central rosette with radiating shoots that root at intervals, giving rise to erect flowering stems. FLOWERS are green, petal-less and borne on side shoots (May–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow; bristle-tipped but not hairy. STATUS Widespread and common on coasts.

Lesser Sea-spurrey Spergularia marina Prostrate

Straggly, often stickily hairy annual. Found on drier, grassy upper margins of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are deep pink and 6–8mm across; 5 petals are shorter than sepals (May–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fleshy and pointed; in opposite pairs on trailing stems. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Greater Sea-spurrey Spergularia media Height to 10cm

Robust, fleshy perennial associated with drier upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are pinkish white and 7–12mm across; 5 petals are longer than sepals (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are fleshy, bristle-tipped and semicircular in cross section. STATUS Widespread and common around coasts.

Rock Sea-spurrey Spergularia rupicola Height to 20cm

Rock Sea-spurrey, flowers

Crescent Dart Agrotis trux lunigera (Length 16mm) is a speciality of coastal cliffs in southwest Britain. The moth flies in July and August and its larvae feed mainly on Rock Sea-spurrey and Thrift.

Stickily hairy perennial, often with purplish stems. Found on cliffs and rocky places near the sea. Sometimes forms clumps with woody bases. FLOWERS are pink, 5-petalled (petals and sepals equal) and 8–10mm across (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, flattened and fleshy; borne in whorls. STATUS Locally common in the W.

Red Campion Silene dioica Height to 1m

Hairy biennial or perennial of hedgerows, grassy banks and cliffs. FLOWERS are reddish pink and 2–3cm across; male flowers are smaller than females and on separate plants (Mar–Oct). FRUITS reveal 10 reflexed teeth when ripe. LEAVES are hairy; borne in opposite pairs. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sea Campion Silene uniflora Height to 20cm

Cushion-forming perennial of cliffs and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are white and 20–25mm across; on upright stems (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, waxy and fleshy. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Nottingham Catchfly Silene nutans Height to 50cm

Nottingham Catchfly, in day time

Nottingham Catchfly, at night

Downy, sticky perennial of chalk grassland and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are nodding, 17mm across and pollinated by moths; pinkish-white petals are inrolled by day but roll back at dusk (May–Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval; lower leaves are stalked, stem leaves are unstalked. STATUS Local.

Sand Catchfly Silene conica Height to 35cm

Stickily hairy annual of sandy coastal soils. FLOWERS are 4–5mm across with 5 notched and pinkish petals (May–Jul). FRUITS form within inflated, flagon-shaped capsules. LEAVES are narrow and downy. STATUS Scarce; mainly coastal SE England.

Yellow Horned-poppy Glaucium flavum Height to 50cm

Yellow Horned-poppy, fruit

Yellow Horned-poppy, flower

Blue-grey clump-forming perennial of shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6–9cm across with yellow petals (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are elongated, curved capsules up to 30cm long. LEAVES are pinnately divided; clasping upper leaves have shallow, toothed lobes. STATUS Locally common but absent from the far N.

Danish Scurvygrass Cochlearia danica Height to 20cm

Compact, often prostrate annual of sand, shingle and walls, mainly on coasts. FLOWERS are 4–6mm across with 4 white petals (Jan–Aug). FRUITS are ovoid and 6mm long. LEAVES comprise long-stalked heart-shaped basal leaves and stalked ivy-shaped stem leaves. STATUS Widespread and common around most coasts.

English Scurvygrass Cochlearia anglica Height to 35cm

Biennial or perennial of estuaries and mudflats. FLOWERS are 10–14mm across with 4 white petals (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are elliptical and 10–15mm long. LEAVES are long-stalked and narrow; stem leaves clasp stem. STATUS Locally common.

Common Scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis Height to 50cm

Biennial or perennial of saltmarshes, coastal walls and cliffs. FLOWERS are 8–10mm across with 4 white petals (Apr–Oct). FRUITS are rounded to ovoid, 4–7mm long and longer than stalk. LEAVES are kidney-shaped at base, arrow-shaped on stem. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Common Whitlowgrass Erophila verna Height to 20cm

Variable hairy annual of dry, bare places. FLOWERS are 3–6mm across with 4 deeply notched whitish petals (Mar–May). FRUITS are stalked elliptical pods. LEAVES are narrow and toothed; form a basal rosette. STATUS Widespread and common.

Yellow Whitlowgrass Draba aizoides Height to 12cm

Compact, tufted perennial of limestone cliffs and walls. FLOWERS are 8–9mm across, with 4 yellow petals; in dense, terminal clusters (Mar–May). FRUITS are elliptical and 8–12mm long. LEAVES are narrow, with marginal and terminal bristles; appear as a basal rosette. STATUS Rare; Gower Peninsula only.

Shepherd’s-cress Teesdalia nudicaulis Height to 25cm

Tufted, often hairless annual of bare, sandy ground and shingle. FLOWERS are 2mm across with 4 white petals, 2 of which are shorter than others (Apr–Jun). FRUITS are heart-shaped and notched. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and form a basal rosette. STATUS Locally common in the S; rare elsewhere. (See also Hutchinsia)

Wild Cabbage Brassica oleracea Height to 1.25m

Tough perennial of chalk cliffs and seabird colonies. FLOWERS are 25–35mm across; borne in elongated heads (Apr–Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical and 8cm long. LEAVES are grey-green; lower leaves are fleshy and often eaten by larvae of the Large White butterfly. STATUS Local; mainly SW England and W Wales.

Lundy Cabbage Coincya wrightii Height to 90cm

Bronze Lundy Cabbage Leaf Beetle

Lundy Cabbage Weevil

Impressive perennial. FLOWERS are 8–12mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne in showy heads (May–Jun). FRUITS are elongated pods. LEAVES are grey-green and cabbage-like. STATUS Restricted to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, where it is very locally common. NOTE Sole foodplant for 2 beetles endemic to Lundy: Bronze Lundy Cabbage Leaf Beetle Psylliodes luridipennis and Lundy Cabbage Weevil Ceutorhynchus contractus ssp. pallipes.

Perennial Wall-rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia Height to 80cm

Branched perennial with a strong smell of culinary Rocket when crushed; waste ground, usually near the sea. FLOWERS are 15–30mm across with 4 petals (May–Sep). FRUITS are cylindrical with 2 rows of seeds. LEAVES are pinnately lobed. STATUS Commonest near coasts in S England, particularly the Thames Estuary.

Hoary Stock Matthiola incana Height to 80cm

Downy greyish annual or perennial with a woody base to stem. Grows on sea cliffs. FLOWERS are fragrant and 25–50mm across, with 4 white to purple petals (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are cylindrical pods up to 13cm long. LEAVES are narrow and untoothed. STATUS Scarce and doubtfully native, although possibly so in S England and S Wales.

Sea Stock Matthiola sinuata Height to 80cm

Downy grey-green perennial with a non-woody base. Grows on coastal dunes and cliffs. FLOWERS are fragrant and 25–50mm across, with 4 pinkish petals (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated pods. LEAVES are narrow with toothed or lobed margins. STATUS Rare; SW Britain and Channel Islands only.

Black Mustard Brassica nigra Height to 2m

Robust greyish annual of sea cliffs and waste ground. FLOWERS are 12–15mm across with 4 yellow petals (May–Aug). FRUITS are flattened and pressed close to stem. LEAVES are stalked, the lower ones pinnately lobed and bristly. STATUS Locally common in England and Wales; rather scarce elsewhere.

Sea Radish Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. maritimus Height to 60cm

Sea Radish, fruit

Robust, roughly hairy annual. Found on stabilised shingle, sand dunes and coastal grassland. FLOWERS are yellow (May–Jul). FRUITS are pods with up to 5 beaded segments. LEAVES comprise pinnate lower leaves and narrow, entire upper leaves. STATUS Locally common in the S and SW only.

Sea Rocket Cakile maritima Height to 25cm

Straggling, fleshy, hairless annual of sandy and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6–12mm across, pink or pale lilac; borne in terminal clusters (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are waisted pods, the upper half largest. LEAVES are shiny and pinnately lobed. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Sea-kale Crambe maritima Height to 50cm

Sea Kale, leaves

Robust perennial. Forms expansive domed clumps on shingle and sandy beaches. FLOWERS are 6–12mm across with 4 whitish petals; in flat-topped clusters (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are oval pods. LEAVES are fleshy with wavy margins; lower leaves are 25cm long and long-stalked. STATUS Very locally common around coasts of England, Wales and Ireland.

English Stonecrop Sedum anglicum Height to 5cm

Mat-forming perennial with wiry stems. Found on rocky ground, shingle and old walls. FLOWERS are star-shaped and 12mm across, with 5 white petals that are pink below (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are dry and red. LEAVES are 3–5mm long, fleshy and often tinged red. STATUS Widespread and locally common, especially in the W.

Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre Height to 10cm

Mat-forming perennial of well-drained ground such as sand dunes and old walls. FLOWERS are star-shaped and 10–12mm across, with 5 bright yellow petals (May–Jul). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are fleshy, crowded and pressed close to stem; they taste hot. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia Height to 50cm

Burnet Rose, fruit

Clump-forming shrub whose suckers and stems bear numerous straight thorns and stiff bristles. Associated mainly with sand dunes and calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are 3–5cm across with 5 creamy-white petals; usually solitary (May–Jul). FRUITS are spherical, 5–6mm across and purplish black when ripe. LEAVES comprise 7–11 oval leaflets. STATUS Widespread, but only locally common.

Bramble Rubus fruticosus Height to 3m

Bramble, fruits

Bramble, flowers

Scrambling shrub with arching, rooting stems, armed with variably shaped prickles. Major component of coastal scrub. FLOWERS are 2–3cm across and white or pink (May–Aug). FRUITS are familiar blackberries. LEAVES have 3–5 toothed leaflets. STATUS Widespread and common.

Silverweed Potentilla anserina Creeping

Low-growing perennial with long, creeping stems. Found in damp grassy places and on bare ground. FLOWERS are 15–20mm across with 5 yellow petals (May–Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are divided into up to 12 pairs of leaflets covered in silvery silky hairs. STATUS Widespread and common.

Gorse Ulex europaeus Height to 2m

Evergreen shrub with straight, grooved spines, 15–25mm long. Favours coastal slopes, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, yellow and coconut-scented, with 4–5mm-long basal bracts (Jan–Dec, but mainly Feb–May). FRUITS are hairy pods. LEAVES are trifoliate when young. STATUS Widespread and common.

Western Gorse Ulex gallii Height to 1.5m

Dense evergreen shrub with spines that are almost smooth and 25mm long. Found on acid soils, often near coasts. FLOWERS are 10–15mm long and yellow, with 0.5mm-long basal bracts (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are hairy pods. LEAVES are trifoliate when young. STATUS Restricted mainly to W Britain and Ireland; common on coastal cliffs in the W.

Broom Cytisus scoparius Height to 2m

Broom, flowers

Branched, spineless deciduous shrub with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. Favours acid soils. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bright yellow; solitary or in pairs (Apr–Jun). FRUITS are oblong blackening pods that explode on dry, sunny days. LEAVES are usually trifoliate. STATUS Widespread and common on coasts.

Hairy Greenweed Genista pilosa Height to 1m, but often prostrate

Low-growing shrub of maritime heaths and sea cliffs. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in terminal heads (May–Jun). LEAVES are silvery-downy below. STATUS Very locally common, on the N Cornish coast and in W Wales.

Sea Pea Lathyrus japonicus Height to 12cm

Spreading grey-green perennial with stems up to 1m long. Entirely restricted to coastal shingle and sand. FLOWERS are 2cm long and purple, fading to blue; in heads of 2–15 flowers (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are swollen pods, 5cm long. LEAVES comprise 2–5 pairs of oval leaflets and angular stipules. STATUS Local; mainly in S and E England.

Wood Vetch Vicia sylvatica Height to 1.5m

Elegant straggling perennial of coastal slopes. FLOWERS are 12–20mm long, white and purple-veined; in spikes of up to 20 flowers (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are hairless black pods. LEAVES comprise 6–12 pairs of oblong leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS Widespread, local and commonest in the W.

Spring Vetch Vicia lathyroides Height to 20cm

Delicate annual of coastal grassland on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 5–8mm long, reddish purple and solitary (Apr–Jun). FRUITS are black pods. LEAVES comprise 2–4 pairs of bristle-tipped leaflets and unbranched tendrils. STATUS Widespread but local.

Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Height to 2m

Scrambling scrub and grassland perennial. FLOWERS are 8–12mm long and bluish purple; in 1-sided spikes up to 8cm tall (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are hairless pods. LEAVES comprise up to 12 pairs of leaflets and a branched tendril. STATUS Widespread and common.

Common Restharrow Ononis repens Height to 70cm

Creeping, woody perennial with spineless stems. Found on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10–15mm long and pink, and wings and keel are of similar length; in clusters (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are pods that are shorter than calyx. LEAVES are stickily hairy and trifoliate, with oval leaflets. STATUS Locally common.

Spiny Restharrow Ononis spinosa Height to 70cm

Similar to Common Restharrow but upright, with spiny stems. Favours grassland on heavy soils. FLOWERS are 10–15mm long and deep pink, with wings shorter than keel (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are pods that are longer than calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, oval leaflets. STATUS Local, mainly in England.

Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Height to 30cm

Silky perennial of calcareous grassland and coastal slopes. FLOWERS are yellow, orange or red; in paired kidney-shaped heads, 3cm across (May–Sep). FRUITS are short pods. LEAVES comprise pairs of narrow leaflets, the terminal one being the largest. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Height to 10cm

Sprawling grassland perennial. FLOWERS are red in bud, and yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May–Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets. STATUS Widespread and common.

Black Medick Medicago lupulina Height to 20cm

Black Medick, fruits

Downy annual of short grassland. FLOWERS are small and yellow; in dense spherical heads (8–9mm across) of 10–50 flowers (Apr–Oct). FRUITS are spirally coiled, spineless and ripen black. LEAVES are trifoliate. STATUS Widespread and common.

Bird’s-foot Ornithopus perpusillus Height to 30cm

Low-growing, often trailing downy annual of dry, sandy places. FLOWERS are 3–5mm long, creamy and red-veined; in heads of 3–8 flowers (May–Aug). FRUITS are constricted pods, arranged like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES comprise 5–13 pairs of leaflets. STATUS Locally common on English and Welsh coasts.

Orange Bird’s-foot Ornithopus pinnatus Height to 20cm

Orange Bird’s-foot, fruits

Straggly annual of maritime heaths. FLOWERS are orange-yellow and usually paired (Apr–Sep). FRUITS are constricted pods, arranged like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES comprise usually 3 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal one. STATUS Local on Isles of Scilly (especially Tresco) and Channel Islands.

Hare’s-foot Clover Trifolium arvense Height to 25cm

Spreading annual, covered in soft hairs. Grows in dry, grassy areas, on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than filament-like calyx teeth; in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads that are 2–3cm long (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets. STATUS Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.

Rough Clover Trifolium scabrum Height to 15cm

Downy annual of bare grassland, often on gravel. FLOWERS are white; in unstalked heads that are 10mm long (May–Jul). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with oval leaflets, hairy on both sides, and with lateral veins. STATUS Locally common on coasts of S England and S Wales.

Knotted Clover Trifolium striatum Height to 20cm

Hairy annual of dry, grassy places, usually near coasts. FLOWERS are pink; in unstalked egg-shaped heads that are 15mm long (May–Jul). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with spoon-shaped leaflets, hairy on both sides and without obvious lateral veins. STATUS Locally common in the S.

Subterranean Clover Trifolium subterraneum Prostrate

Low-growing hairy annual, found in short grassland on sand and gravel, usually near coasts. FLOWERS are 8–12mm long and creamy white; in clusters of 2–6 in leaf axils (May–Jun). FRUITS are pods that ‘burrow’ into the soil, pushed by elongating stalks. LEAVES are trifoliate, with broadly oval, notched leaflets. STATUS Local, mainly in the S.

Suffocated Clover Trifolium suffocatum Prostrate

Low-growing annual of coastal sand and gravel. Easily overlooked because it soon withers and dries. FLOWERS are small and whitish; in clusters surrounded by leaves (Apr–May). FRUITS are pods. LEAVES are trifoliate and long-stalked. STATUS Local, mainly on S coast of England.

Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum Height to 15cm

Perennial with creeping stems that root at nodes. Found in grassy places, mostly on clay near the sea. FLOWERS are pink; borne in globular heads, 10–15mm across (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are inflated pinkish heads that resemble pale berries. LEAVES are trifoliate, with unmarked oval leaflets. STATUS Local in the S.

Bird’s-foot Clover Trifolium ornithopodioides Prostrate

Low-growing, hairless annual of bare coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 5–8mm long, white or pale pink; in heads of 1–5 flowers (May–Oct). FRUITS are small pods. LEAVES are trifoliate, with toothed oval leaflets. STATUS Very local in S England, S Wales and S Ireland.

Long-headed Clover Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii Height to 30cm

Robust, downy annual of coastal cliffs. FLOWERS are pale pink; in cylindrical heads, 3–4cm long (May–Jun). FRUITS are inflated heads with spreading calyx teeth. LEAVES are trifoliate with oval leaflets. STATUS Very locally common on the Lizard Peninsula and Jersey.

Sea Clover Trifolium squamosum Height to 30cm

Downy annual of coastal grassland and sea walls. FLOWERS are pinkish; borne in rounded to egg-shaped heads, 1cm long (Jun–Jul). FRUITS resemble miniature teasel heads. LEAVES are trifoliate. STATUS Local in S England; Thames and Severn estuaries are strongholds.

Red Clover Trifolium pratense Height to 40cm

Downy grassland perennial. FLOWERS are pinkish red; in dense, unstalked heads, 2–3cm across (May–Oct). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, with oval leaflets marked with a white crescent; stipules are triangular and bristle-tipped. STATUS Widespread and often very common.

White Clover Trifolium repens Height to 40cm

Creeping, hairless perennial that roots at nodes. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are creamy white, becoming brown with age; in long-stalked rounded heads, 2cm across (May–Oct). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate; rounded leaflets have a white mark and translucent lateral veins. STATUS Widespread and often very common.

Western Clover Trifolium occidentale Prostrate

Low-growing perennial of bare coastal ground. Recalls White Clover. FLOWERS are mostly creamy white but reddish towards centre of flower heads, which are 2cm across (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate, with unmarked leaflets. STATUS Locally common in Cornwall and the Channel Islands.

Sea Stork’s-bill Erodium maritimum Usually prostrate

Sea Stork’s-bill, flower

Stickily hairy annual of bare coastal ground. FLOWERS are 3–5mm across; petals are tiny, whitish, often absent and usually fall by 9am (May–Jul). FRUITS are long and beak-like. LEAVES are oval, lobed and stalked. STATUS Local, commonest in the SW.

Musk Stork’s-bill Erodium moschatum Height to 25cm

Stickily hairy annual of maritime sandy soils and bare coastal ground; smells of musk. FLOWERS are 25–30mm across with pink petals that are easily lost; in dense heads (May–Jul). FRUITS are long and beak-like. LEAVES are pinnate, with toothed oval lobes and broad stipules. STATUS Local, mainly in the SW.

Common Stork’s-bill Erodium cicutarium Height to 30cm

Stickily hairy annual of bare grassy places near the sea. FLOWERS are 8–14mm across with pink petals that are easily lost; in loose heads (May–Aug). FRUITS are long and beak-like. LEAVES are finely divided and feathery; stipules are narrow. STATUS Widespread and locally common, especially on the S coast of England.

Herb-Robert Geranium robertianum Height to 30cm

Hairy annual of hedgerows and banks; also grows on shingle. FLOWERS are 12–15mm across with pink petals and orange pollen; in loose clusters (Apr–Oct). FRUITS are hairy with a long ‘beak’. LEAVES are hairy and deeply cut into 3 or 5 pinnately divided lobes; often tinged red. STATUS Widespread and common.

Little Robin Geranium purpureum Height to 30cm

Similar to Herb-Robert but more slender and often tinged red. Restricted to coastal banks and shingle. FLOWERS are 7–14mm across with pink petals and yellow pollen (Apr–Sep). FRUITS are distinctly wrinkled. LEAVES are hairy and deeply cut into 3 or 5 pinnately divided lobes. STATUS Local in S Britain.

Sea-heath Frankenia laevis Prostrate

Sea Heath, flowers

Branched, mat-forming woody perennial. Grows on upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 5mm across with 5 crinkly pink petals (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are small and narrow with inrolled margins; densely packed and opposite. STATUS Local, mainly in S and SE England.

Dune Pansy Viola tricolor ssp. curtisii Height to 12cm

Perennial of dry coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 15–25mm long and yellow (Apr–Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are narrow with leaf-like stipules. STATUS Local on coasts of W Britain.

Dwarf Pansy Viola kitaibeliana Height to 10cm

Low-growing annual of bare dune grassland. FLOWERS are 5mm long, whitish with a yellow centre and purple veins (Apr–May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are rounded and stalked. STATUS Found on Bryher in the Isles of Scilly, and on the Channel Islands.

Sea Spurge Euphorbia paralias Height to 60cm

Upright perennial of sandy beaches and dunes. FLOWERS are yellowish with petal-like bracts and horned lobes (petals and sepals are absent); in umbel-like heads (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are grey-green, fleshy and closely packed up stems. STATUS Widespread and locally common on coasts of S and W England, Wales and Ireland.

Portland Spurge Euphorbia portlandica Height to 40cm

Hairless greyish perennial; branches at base. Found in coastal grassland and on sea cliffs. FLOWERS have lobes with long, crescent-shaped horns (petals and sepals are absent); in umbel-like clusters (Apr–Sep). FRUITS are rough. LEAVES are spoon-shaped with a prominent midrib. STATUS Locally common on coasts of SW and W Britain.

Common Mallow Malva sylvestris Height to 1.5m

Perennial of disturbed coastal ground. FLOWERS are 25–40mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, much longer than sepals; in clusters from leaf axils (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at base of plant, 5-lobed on stem. STATUS Widespread and common only in the S.

Tree Mallow Lavatera arborea Height to 3m

Imposing woody biennial, covered in starry hairs. Favours rocky coasts, often near seabird colonies. FLOWERS are 3–5cm across, with dark-veined pinkish-purple petals; borne in terminal clusters (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are round, flat capsules. LEAVES are 5–7-lobed. STATUS Locally common on W coasts of Britain and S and W Ireland.

Marsh-mallow Althaea officinalis Height to 2m

Attractive downy perennial with starry hairs; very soft to the touch. Found in coastal wetlands and upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 35–40mm across and pale pink (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are flat, rounded capsules. LEAVES are triangular with shallow lobes. STATUS Locally common on S coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Common Evening-primrose Oenothera biennis Height to 1.5m

Downy biennial of waste ground and dunes. FLOWERS are 4–5cm across, yellow, and open only on dull days or evenings (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are lanceolate with red veins. STATUS Locally common naturalised alien.

Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris Creeping

Marsh Pennywort, flowers

Low-growing perennial and an atypical umbellifer. Found in damp grassy vegetation, often in dune-slacks. FLOWERS are tiny, pinkish and hidden by the leaves; borne in small umbels (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are rounded and ridged. LEAVES are round and dimpled, with broad, blunt teeth. STATUS Widespread, but commonest in the W.

Slender Hare’s-ear Bupleurum tenuissimum Height to 50cm

Slender, easily overlooked annual. Restricted to coastal grassland. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in tiny umbels, 3–4mm across, surrounded by bracts and arising from leaf axils (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are narrow and pointed. STATUS Local; coastal S and E England only.

Sea-holly Eryngium maritimum Height to 60cm

Distinctive hairless perennial of coastal shingle and sand. FLOWERS are blue; borne in globular umbels, up to 4cm long (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are bristly. LEAVES are waxy, blue-green and Holly-like, with spiny white margins and white veins. STATUS Widespread only on the coasts of England, Wales and Ireland.

Alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum Height to 1.25m

Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours disturbed coastal ground, hedgerows and tracksides, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish; borne in umbels, 4–6cm across, with 7–15 rays (Mar–Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate. STATUS Introduced and alarmingly invasive, mainly on S and SE coasts of England and Ireland.

Scot’s Lovage Ligusticum scoticum Height to 80cm

Robust hairless perennial, often forming sizeable clumps. Stems are ribbed and purplish, and hollow towards base. Found on cliffs and stabilised coastal grassland. FLOWERS are white; borne in flat-topped umbels, 4–6cm across, on long reddish stalks (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are oval and flattened, with 4 wings. LEAVES are bright green, shiny and 2 times trifoliate, with oval leaflets and inflated, sheathing stalks. STATUS Locally common on Scottish and N Irish coasts.

Rock-samphire Crithmum maritimum Height to 40cm

Spreading, branched, hairless perennial of maritime rocky habitats and stabilised coastal shingle. FLOWERS are greenish yellow; borne in umbels, 3–6cm across, with 8–30 rays and numerous bracts (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ridged and corky. LEAVES are divided into narrow, fleshy lobes, triangular in cross section. STATUS Widespread and common around coasts of S and W Britain and Ireland.

Corky-fruited Water-dropwort Oenanthe pimpinelloides Height to 1m

Corky-fruited Water-dropwort, fruit

Corky-fruited Water-dropwort, flower

Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp grassy places near coasts, particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white; borne in flat-topped terminal umbels, 2–6cm across, with 6–15 rays (May–Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrowly oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS Scarce and only locally common, in S England.

Wild Celery Apium graveolens Height to 1m

Upright, hairless biennial with a strong smell of celery. Stems are solid and grooved. Favours rough coastal grassland. FLOWERS are white; borne in short-stalked or unstalked umbels, 3–6cm across (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are shiny and pinnate; basal leaves are 1- or 2-pinnate with toothed diamond-shaped lobes; stem leaves appear trifoliate. STATUS Commonest in coastal S England.

Sea Carrot Daucus carota ssp. gummifer Height to 75cm

Hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough coastal grassland and on cliffs. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud); in stalked, flattish umbels, up to 7cm across, with a red central flower and divided bracts beneath (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are flat. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow, slightly fleshy leaflets. STATUS Widespread and locally common in SW Britain only. NOTE Subspecies D. c. carota (known as Wild Carrot) is widespread inland, less so near coasts; it has less fleshy leaves and concave umbels in fruit.

Honewort Trinia glauca Height to 15cm

Hairless grey-green waxy perennial of short grassland on limestone soils. FLOWERS are white, borne on separate-sex plants; male umbels are 1cm across, females 3cm across (May–Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow lobes. STATUS Rare; S Devon and N Somerset only.

Hog’s Fennel Peucedanum officinale Height to 1.5m

Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Gortyna borelii, a moth whose larvae feed exclusively inside the stems and roots of Hog’s Fennel.

Hairless, dark green perennial with solid stems. Restricted to coastal grassland on clay soils. FLOWERS are deep yellow and borne in open umbels, 15–20cm across (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are narrowly ovate. LEAVES are 4- to 6-trifoliate with flattened, narrow segments. STATUS Restricted to a few sites on the Thames Estuary. Locally abundant beside Faversham Creek, Kent.

Sea-milkwort Glaux maritima Height to 10cm

Low-growing and usually creeping, hairless perennial of upper reaches of saltmarshes and sea walls. FLOWERS are 5–6mm across and comprise 5 pink petal-like sepals; borne on upright shoots (May–Sep). FRUITS are dark brown capsules. LEAVES are ovate, succulent and borne in opposite pairs on trailing stems. STATUS Widespread and locally common throughout.

Brookweed Samolus valerandi Height to 12cm

Brookweed, flowers

Hairless, pale green perennial of damp saline or calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2–3mm across with 5 white petals, joined to halfway; in terminal clusters (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are spherical capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped; they appear mainly as a basal rosette. STATUS Widespread but local and mainly coastal.

Bog Pimpernel Anagallis tenella Creeping

Delicate, hairless perennial with trailing stems. Grows on damp coastal ground, including dune slacks, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are pink and funnel-shaped with 5 lobes, to 1cm long; on slender, upright stalks (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, short-stalked and paired. STATUS Widespread and locally common only in W.

Heather Calluna vulgaris Height to 50cm

Dense evergreen undershrub of acids soils on coastal heaths. FLOWERS are 4–5mm long, bell-shaped, and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along stem. STATUS Widespread and locally common on suitable soils.

Bell Heather Erica cinerea Height to 50cm

Hairless evergreen undershrub of acid soils; favours drier locations than Heather. FLOWERS are 5–6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; in spike-like heads (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS Widespread and locally common, on N and W coasts.

Cornish Heath Erica vagans Height to 90cm

Cornish Heath, flowers

Low shrubs that cover extensive areas on suitable soils, mainly on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall. FLOWERS are small and pale pink; in tall, dense spikes (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and arranged in 4s or 5s. STATUS Locally dominant in a few locations on the Lizard Peninsula, notably Kynance Cove.

Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea Height to 25cm

Common Centaury, flowers

Variable hairless annual, found in coastal grassland and on sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10–15mm across, unstalked, pink and with 5 petal-like lobes, opening fully only in sunshine; in terminal clusters and on side shoots (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval, those on stem narrower than basal leaves (10–20mm across), which form a rosette. STATUS Widespread and common, except in Scotland.

Seaside Centaury Centaurium littorale Height to 15cm

Similar to Common Centaury but more compact, with subtle differences in the leaves and flowers. Associated with sandy coastal ground, mainly in the N. FLOWERS are 10–16mm across, unstalked and pink, with 5 petal-like lobes; in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green; basal leaves form a rosette and are 4–5mm wide, while stem leaves are narrower still and parallel-sided. STATUS Locally common on coasts of N and NW Britain.

Lesser Centaury Centaurium pulchellum Height to 15cm

Slender annual that usually branches from near the base. Recalls Common Centaury but lacks a basal rosette of leaves. FLOWERS are 5–8mm across, short-stalked and dark pink; in open clusters (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrowly ovate and appear only on stems. STATUS Widespread but local in England and Wales only; mainly coastal and commonest in the S.

Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia Height to 20cm

Round-leaved Wintergreen, flowers

Elegant plant of damp, calcareous soil in wet dune slacks. FLOWERS are 8–12mm across, white and bell-shaped; S-shaped style protrudes beyond petals (May–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded and form a basal rosette. STATUS Widespread but very local.

Common Sea-lavender Limonium vulgare Height to 30cm

Agdistis bennetii, a plume moth whose larvae feed only on Common Sea-lavender.

Distinctive hairless perennial with a woody base. Restricted to saltmarshes and tolerant of tidal inundation. FLOWERS are 6–7mm long and pinkish lilac; in branched, flat-topped heads on arching sprays (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped with long stalks. STATUS Widespread and locally common in S and SE England but scarce or absent elsewhere.

Lax-flowered Sea-lavender Limonium humile Height to 25cm

Similar to Common Sea-lavender but with subtle differences in the appearance of the flower heads and leaves. Restricted to saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 6–7mm long and pinkish lilac; in open, lax clusters with well-spaced flowers; sprays branch below the middle (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and long-stalked. STATUS Local in England, Wales and S Scotland; widespread and fairly common on Irish coasts.

Matted Sea-lavender Limonium bellidifolium Height to 25cm

Recalls Common Sea-lavender but with subtle differences in the appearance of flower heads and leaves; plant branches from near base. Restricted to saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 5–6mm long and pale pinkish lilac; in arching sprays with many non-flowering shoots below. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and mainly basal; wither before flowering shoots appear. STATUS Locally common on N Norfolk coast only.

Rock Sea-lavender Limonium binervosum Height to 30cm

Hairless perennial of coastal cliffs and rocks; occasionally on stabilised shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6–7mm long and pinkish lilac; in small, well-spaced clusters on sprays that branch from below the middle (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and spoon-shaped with winged stalks. STATUS Locally common on suitable coasts.

Portland Sea-lavender Limonium recurvum ssp. portlandicum Height to 30cm

Compact perennial that is entirely restricted to coastal limestone cliffs and crags. FLOWERS are 6–7mm long and pinkish lilac; in dense, curved sprays (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and mainly basal. STATUS Entirely restricted to the Isle of Portland, Dorset. NOTE Other L. recurvum subspecies occur on nearby calcareous cliffs.

Thrift Armeria maritima Height to 20cm

Black-banded Polymixis xanthomista, a moth whose larvae feed almost exclusively on Thrift.

Attractive cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense globular heads, 15–25mm across; carried on slender stalks (Apr–Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS Widespread and locally abundant on suitable coasts. NOTE The sole foodplant for larvae of the Thrift Clearwing and Black-banded moths.

Sea Bindweed Calystegia soldanella Creeping

Prostrate perennial of sand dunes; sometimes also on stabilised shingle. FLOWERS are 3–5cm across, funnel-shaped, and pink with 5 white stripes; on slender stalks (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are kidney-shaped, fleshy, up to 4cm long and long-stalked. STATUS Widespread but locally common only in the S.

Oysterplant Mertensia maritima Creeping

Spreading plant of stony beaches, often growing around the high-tide mark. FLOWERS are bell-shaped, pinkish in bud but soon turning blue (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrowly oval, fleshy and blue-green. STATUS A N species; Orkney and Shetland are its best locations.

Viper’s-bugloss Echium vulgare Height to 80cm

Upright biennial covered in reddish bristles. Grows in dry grassland, mainly on sandy and calcareous soils, and is common on coasts. FLOWERS are 15–20mm long, funnel-shaped, and bright blue with protruding purplish stamens; borne in tall spikes (May–Sep). FRUITS are rough nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and pointed; basal leaves are stalked. STATUS Widespread and common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.

Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia Height to 40cm

Downy perennial, found on coastal cliffs with acid soils. FLOWERS are 5–6mm long, yellowish and lack an upper lip; borne in leafless spikes (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, heart-shaped at base, and wrinkled. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus Height to 5cm

Creeping, mat-forming perennial with slender woody runners. Plant is faintly aromatic, smelling of culinary thyme. Grows in dry coastal grassland and on cliffs and dunes. FLOWERS are 3–4mm long and pinkish purple; in dense terminal heads with dark purplish calyx tubes, on 4-angled stems that are hairy on 2 opposite sides (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS Widespread and common throughout.

Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara Height to 1.5m

Downy, scrambling perennial that is woody at base. Grows in scrub, and often on stabilised shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 10–15mm across with 5 purple petal-like corolla lobes and projecting yellow anthers; in hanging clusters of purple stems (May–Sep). FRUITS are poisonous egg-shaped red berries, up to 1cm long. LEAVES are oval and pointed. STATUS Widespread and common throughout, except in the N and in Ireland.

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Height to 1.5m

Foxglove, rosette

Downy greyish biennial or short-lived perennial of coasts and sea cliffs with acid soils. FLOWERS are 4–5cm long, the pinkish-purple (occasionally white) corolla with darker spots in throat; in tall, elegant spikes (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20–30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in 1st year, from which flowering spike appears in 2nd. STATUS Widespread and common on suitable soils.

Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris Height to 75cm

Hairless greyish-green perennial; upright but often much-branched. Grows in dry grassland, and on undercliffs and dunes. FLOWERS are 15–25mm long and yellow, with orange centres and long spurs; in tall, cylindrical spikes (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, linear and borne on stems. STATUS Widespread and locally common; scarce in Ireland.

Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor Height to 45cm

Upright annual, semi-parasitic of roots of other plants. Stems are stiff and 4-angled. Grows in coastal grassland and on stabilised dunes. FLOWERS are 10–20mm long, the corolla yellow, 2-lipped and somewhat tubular and straight; in spikes with triangular, leaf-like green bracts (May–Sep). FRUITS are inflated capsules inside which ripe seeds do, indeed, rattle. LEAVES are oblong with rounded teeth. STATUS Widespread and common.

Yellow Bartsia Parentucellia viscosa Height to 40cm

Stickily hairy, unbranched annual, semi-parasitic on roots of other plants. Grows in damp coastal grassland, often in dune-slacks. FLOWERS are 15–35mm long, with a bright yellow corolla; in leafy spikes (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are lanceolate and unstalked. STATUS Very locally common in S and SW England and W Ireland.

Common Broomrape Orobanche minor Height to 40cm

Common Broomrape, ssp. maritima, an exclusively coastal subspecies that parasitises Sea-holly

Upright purplish-tinged annual that lacks chlorophyll and parasitises roots of pea family members, notably clovers. Found in grassy places, often in sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10–18mm long, the tubular pinkish-yellow corolla having purple veins; in open, upright spikes (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are capsules, concealed by dead flowers. LEAVES are scale-like. STATUS Locally common in S England, Wales and S Ireland.

Red Valerian Centranthus ruber Height to 75cm

Red Valerian, white form

Branched greyish-green perennial of broken rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. FLOWERS are 8–10mm long, with a reddish or pink (sometimes white) corolla; in dense terminal heads (May–Sep). FRUITS have a feathery pappus. LEAVES are ovate and untoothed; in opposite pairs. STATUS Introduced and widely naturalised around coasts.

Buck’s-horn Plantain Plantago coronopus Height to 15cm

Downy greyish perennial of disturbed coastal ground and cliffs. FLOWERS are 2mm across with a brown corolla and yellow stamens; in slender spikes, 2–4cm long (May–Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are 20cm long, 1-veined and divided; in basal rosettes. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sea Plantain Plantago maritima Height to 15cm

Coastal perennial of cliffs and saltmarshes; tolerates salt spray. FLOWERS are 3mm across with a brown corolla and yellow stamens; in slender spikes, 2–6cm long (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are strap-like and untoothed, with 3–5 faint veins; in basal rosettes. STATUS Widespread and common.

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Height to 15cm

Perennial of disturbed ground and tracks. FLOWERS are 4mm across with a brown corolla and white stamens; in dense heads, 2cm long, on stalks up to 40cm long (Apr–Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, to 20cm long, with 3–5 distinct veins; in basal rosettes. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sea Arrowgrass Triglochin maritima Height to 50cm

Plantain-like saltmarsh perennial. FLOWERS are 3–4mm across, 3-petalled and green, edged with purple; in slender, long-stalked spikes (May–Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are slender. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Sea Aster Aster tripolium Height to 75cm

Star-wort Cucullia asteris is a mainly coastal moth whose larvae feed on Sea Aster and Sea Wormwood.

Salt-tolerant plant of saltmarshes and sea cliffs. FLOWERS comprise umbel-like clusters of flower heads, each 1–2cm across with yellow disc florets and bluish-lilac ray florets (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are fleshy and narrow. STATUS Locally common.

Goldilocks Aster Aster linosyris Height to 60cm

Attractive upright perennial of limestone sea cliffs. FLOWERS comprise numerous heads of yellow flowers, each 1cm across (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are slender. STATUS Rare, restricted to liffs in Somerset and S Devon.

Golden-samphire Inula crithmoides Height to 75cm

Attractive plant of saltmarshes, coastal shingle and sea cliffs. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 15–30mm across, with yellow ray florets and orange-yellow disc florets (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow and fleshy. STATUS Locally common only around the coasts of SW Britain and Ireland.

Jersey Cudweed Gnaphalium luteoalbum Height to 30cm

Creeping, woolly annual of damp sandy ground. FLOWERS are yellowish; borne in ovoid heads, 3–5mm long (Jun–Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are oblong. STATUS Rare, on coasts of N Norfolk (Holkham), Dorset and the Channel Islands.

Blue Fleabane Erigeron acer Height to 30cm

Blue Fleabane, flower

Roughly hairy plant of grassland, shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, each 12–18mm across, with bluish-purple ray florets and concealed yellow disc florets; carried in clusters (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped at base, narrow on stem. STATUS Widespread only in England and Wales.

Sea Mayweed Tripleurospermum maritimum Height to 60cm

Spreading plant of coastal shingle and sand. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of long-stalked heads, 20–40mm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Apr–Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are divided into cylindrical fleshy segments. STATUS Widespread and common.

Wormwood Artemisia absinthium Height to 80cm

Wormwood, flowers

Aromatic, silkily hairy plant of disturbed coastal grassland. FLOWERS are borne in bell-shaped, nodding yellowish heads, 3–5mm across; in branched spikes (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are divided into deeply cut lobes, silvery-hairy on both sides. STATUS Locally common only in England and Wales.

Sea Wormwood Artemisia maritima Height to 65cm

Aromatic plant of saltmarshes and sea walls; tolerates salt spray. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped yellow heads, 1–2mm across; in dense, branched, leafy spikes (Aug–Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are divided and downy on both sides. STATUS Locally common only on suitable coasts of England and Wales.

Least Lettuce Lactuca saligna Height to 1m

Slender plant of coastal banks and sea walls. Flowers open only in sun, between 9am and 11am. FLOWERS in yellow heads, 1cm across, up stem (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS Local; Thames Estuary and Rye Harbour in Sussex only.

Common Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Height to 35cm

Common Dandelion, seedhead

Variable grassland plant. FLOWERS in heads, 3–6cm across, with yellow florets; on hollow ‘milk’-yielding stems (Mar– Oct). FRUITS have a hairy pappus, arranged as a ‘clock’. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and basal. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sticky Groundsel Senecio viscosus Height to 60cm

Stickily hairy plant of dry, bare places. FLOWERS comprise conical heads, 12mm long, of yellow disc florets and recurved ray florets; in open clusters (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are pinnately divided. STATUS Locally common.

Slender Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus Height to 1m

Spiny-winged, cottony plant of dry coastal grassland. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 5–10mm across, with pinkish-red florets; carried in clusters (Jun–Aug). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate and spiny. STATUS Locally common.

Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta Height to 50cm

Bulbous perennial. Sometimes abundant on coastal cliffs. FLOWERS are bell-shaped, with 6 recurved lobes at mouth, and bluish purple (rarely pink or white); in 1-sided spikes (Apr–Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, glossy green and basal. STATUS Widespread and locally abundant.

Spring Squill Scilla verna Height to 5cm

Compact plant of dry, short coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 10–15mm across, bell-shaped and lilac-blue; in upright, short-stalked clusters, each flower with a bluish-purple bract (Apr–Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry, curly, basal and 4–6 in number; appear in early spring, before flowers. STATUS Locally common only on coasts of W Britain and E Ireland.

Autumn Squill Scilla autumnalis Height to 7cm

Similar to Spring Squill but blooms later and has subtly different flowers. Confined to coastal grassland. FLOWERS are 10–15mm across, bell-shaped and bluish purple; in compact, stalked clusters, flowers lacking a bract (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are wiry and basal; appear in autumn. STATUS Coasts of SW England only.

Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera Height to 30cm

Perennial of dry, mainly calcareous grassland; often common near coasts. FLOWERS have pink sepals and green upper petals; lower petal is inflated, furry and maroon, with pale yellow markings (vaguely bumblebee-like); in spikes (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green and mostly basal. STATUS Locally common only in England, Wales and S Ireland.

Early Spider-orchid Ophrys sphegodes Height to 35cm

Orchid of dry grassland on calcareous soils; mostly coastal. FLOWERS comprise green sepals and yellowish-green upper petals; lower petal is 12mm across, expanded, furry and maroon-brown, variably marked with a metallic blue H-shaped mark; in spikes (Apr–May). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are oval; appear as a basal rosette. STATUS Local, in S England only.

Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii Height to 60cm

Grassland orchid, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS range from pale pink to pinkish purple, with darker markings on 3-lobed lower lip; in open spikes (May–Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are dark-spotted; comprise a basal rosette and narrow stem leaves. STATUS Locally common.

Southern Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa Height to 70cm

Orchid of damp grassland, such as wet dune-slacks, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are pinkish purple with a 3-lobed lip; in tall, dense spikes (May–Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green and unmarked. STATUS Common only in the S.

Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata Height to 60cm

Early Marsh-orchid, var. coccinea

Orchid of damp grassland, including dune-slacks. FLOWERS are usually flesh-pink, but creamy white or reddish purple in some subspecies; 3-lobed lip is reflexed along mid-line; in spikes (May–Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are yellowish green and narrow. STATUS Widespread but local.

Autumn Lady’s-tresses Spiranthes spiralis Height to 15cm

Charming little orchid of short, dry grassland; often common on coastal turf and dunes. FLOWERS are white and downy; in a distinct spiral up the grey-green stem (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped and downy. LEAVES are oval; appear as basal rosette that withers long before flower stem appears. STATUS Locally common in S England, Wales and SW Ireland.

Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum Height to 1m

Extraordinary orchid of undisturbed grassland and stabilised dunes. Flowers smell of goats. FLOWERS have a greenish-grey hood, marked inside with reddish streaks, and a very long, twisted lip (up to 5cm); in tall spikes (May–Jul). FRUITS form at base of flowers. LEAVES comprise basal leaves that soon wither, and stem leaves that persist. STATUS Regularly seen at Sandwich Bay, Kent.

Fen Orchid Liparis loeselii Height to 7cm

Delicate, yellowish-green orchid. Ssp. ovata grows in bare, damp dune slacks. FLOWERS are upwards facing with spiky sepals and petals. FRUITS are pear-shaped (Jun–Jul). LEAVES comprise a basal pair. STATUS Dwindling population in S Wales, declining due to habitat degradation.

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris Height to 50cm

Attractive orchid of wet dune slacks. FLOWERS have reddish-green sepals, whitish upper petals marked with red, and frilly, whitish lip with red streaks; in open spikes (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval towards base of plant, narrower up stem. STATUS Very locally common in S England, S Wales and S Ireland.

Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis Height to 65cm

Understated orchid of dune-slacks. FLOWERS comprise narrow, greenish-white sepals and upper petals, and a broadly heart-shaped lip that is greenish white, pink-tinged towards centre, with a recurved tip; in open spikes, flowers seldom opening fully (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are pear-shaped. LEAVES are oval. STATUS Rare, restricted to Anglesey and N England.

Eelgrass Zostera marina Length to 50cm

Grass-like marine plant of sand and silt substrates; usually grows submerged, below low-water mark. FLOWERS are small and greenish; borne in branched clusters, enclosed by sheaths (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are spongy. LEAVES are 1cm wide and up to 50cm long, and with more than 3 veins. STATUS Widespread but local.

Dwarf Eelgrass Zostera noltii Length to 12cm

Similar to Eelgrass but smaller; grows in similar habitats, but between mid-water and low-water marks. FLOWERS are small and greenish; borne in branched clusters, enclosed by sheaths (Jun–Sep). FRUITS are spongy. LEAVES are 1.5mm wide and up to 12cm long, and 1-veined. STATUS Widespread but local. SIMILAR SPECIES Narrow-leaved Eelgrass Z. angustifolia has leaves up to 15cm long and 1cm wide, with 1–3 veins; it grows in similar habitats but above mid-water mark.

Tasselweed Ruppia sp. Length to 1m

Submerged aquatic perennial with slender stems. Grows in brackish coastal pools and ditches. FLOWERS comprise 2 greenish stamens and no petals; in pairs, arranged in umbels on stalks that rise to the surface (Jul–Sep). FRITS are swollen, asymmetrical and long-stalked. LEAVES are hair-like and less than 1mm wide. STATUS Local.

Sea Rush Juncus maritimus Height to 1m

Upright, stiff perennial that forms clumps and grows in drier upper reaches of saltmarshes and among coastal rocks. FLOWERS are pale yellow and borne in loose clusters below a sharp-pointed bract (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are brown, bluntly pointed and equal in length to sepals. LEAVES are sharply pointed. STATUS Locally common on coasts.

Toad Rush Juncus bufonis Height to 40cm

Tufted annual; grows on damp, bare ground, including ruts along tracks and margins of pools; often common on coasts. FLOWERS are greenish white and borne in branched clusters, topped by a sharp spine (May–Sep). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are narrow and grooved. STATUS Widespread and common. SIMILAR SPECIES Dwarf Rush J. capitatus (height to 5cm) is a reddish annual with entirely basal leaves. Flowers in terminal clusters with 2 leaf-like bracts (May–Jun). Grows on bare ground on the Lizard, Cornwall, the Channel Isles and Anglesey.

Hard Rush Juncus inflexus Height to 1.2m

Tufted perennial with stiff, ridged bluish or greyish-green stems. Grows in damp grassy places but avoids acid soils. FLOWERS are brown and borne in loose clusters below a long bract (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are brown and egg-shaped with a tiny point. LEAVES are absent. STATUS Widespread and common except in the N.

Compact Rush Juncus conglomeratus Height to 1m

Upright perennial of damp, grazed grassland, mainly on acid soils. Similar to compact-flowered form of Soft Rush but stems are darker green, ridged, rough and not glossy. FLOWERS are brown and borne in compact clusters (May–Jul). FRUITS are dark brown, egg-shaped and as long as sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS Locally common.

Saltmarsh Rush Juncus gerardii Height to 50cm

Characteristic rush of saltmarshes, often covering extensive areas. FLOWERS are dark brown and borne in loose clusters, flanked by leaf-like bracts (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped, glossy and equal in length to sepals. LEAVES are dark green, and arise at base of plant and on stems. STATUS Locally common around coasts.

Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus Height to 60cm

Creeping or upright perennial of damp dune slacks. FLOWERS are brown in open, branched clusters (May–Jun). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped with a pointed tip. LEAVES are curved with a transverse joint. STATUS Locally common.

Soft Rush Juncus effusus Height to 1.5m

Typical of overgrazed grassland, mostly on acid soils. Stems are yellowish green, glossy and smooth. FLOWERS are pale brown; in loose clusters near stem tops (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are yellow-brown, egg-shaped, indented at tip and shorter than sepals. LEAVES are absent. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sea Club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus Height to 1.25m

Creeping, robust perennial that grows at margins of brackish water near sea. Stems are rough and triangular in cross section. FLOWERS comprise a tight terminal cluster of egg-shaped spikelets, flanked by a long, leafy bract (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are dark brown. LEAVES are rough and keeled. STATUS Locally common.

Sand Sedge Carex arenaria Height to 35cm

Creeping perennial of sand dunes. Progress of underground stems can be detected by aerial shoots, which appear in straight lines. FLOWERS comprise pale brown spikes, in a terminal head, male flowers above females (May–Jul). FRUITS are yellowish brown and beaked. LEAVES are wiry. STATUS Locally common on most suitable coasts.

Curved Sedge Carex maritima Height to 12cm

Distinctive creeping plant of coastal sand. FLOWERS are brown and arranged in dense, egg-shaped terminal heads without bracts; borne on curved stalks (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are beaked and very dark brown. LEAVES are curved, with inrolled margins. STATUS Local, restricted to Scotland and NE England.

Common Reed Phragmites communis Height to 2m

Impressive plant of damp ground and marshes. Often forms vast stands. Plant turns brown and persists through winter. FLOWERS are spikelets, purplish brown then fading; in branched, 1-sided terminal clusters (Aug–Sep). FRUITS are brown. LEAVES are broad and long. STATUS Widespread and common.

Lyme-grass Leymus arenarius Height to 1.5m

Lyme Grass Chortodes elymi, an east coast moth whose larvae feed exclusively on Lyme-grass.

Blue-grey perennial of sand dunes and sandy beaches. FLOWERS are borne in tall heads of paired grey-green spikelets (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are up to 15mm wide, with inrolled margins. STATUS Widespread and common on E coast of Britain; scarce or absent elsewhere.

Marram Ammophila arenaria Height to 1m

Shore Wainscot Mythimna litoralis, whose larvae feed exclusively on Marram.

L-album Wainscot Mythimna l-album, a largely coastal moth whose larvae feed mainly on Marram.

Perennial of coastal dunes that colonises and stabilises shifting sands by means of its underground stems. FLOWERS are borne in dense spikes, with 1-flowered straw-coloured spikelets (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are tough, grey-green, rolled and sharply pointed. STATUS Widespread and common on suitable coasts.

Red Fescue Festuca rubra Height to 50cm

Clump-forming perennial of grassy places; common near coasts, on cliffs and on margins of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are an inflorescence, the spikelets 7–10mm long and usually reddish (May–Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are either narrow, wiry and stiff, or flat (on flowering stems). STATUS Widespread and common.

Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus Height to 1m

Variable tufted perennial with downy grey-green stems. Grows on disturbed, broken ground and sea cliffs. FLOWERS are in heads that are tightly packed at first but then spread; comprise reddish-tipped grey-green 2-flowered spikelets (May–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and downy. STATUS Widespread and common.

Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis Height to 60cm

Similar to Yorkshire Fog but more slender; stems are downy only at joints. Grows in grassy areas, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, compact at first and then spreading, with purplish-green spikelets, each with a bent awn (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green. STATUS Widespread and common.

Sea Barley Hordeum marinum Height to 5cm

Tufted blue-green annual of bare ground and dry grassy places near the sea. FLOWERS are borne in long, unbranched spikes, 7–8cm long, the spikelets in 3s, with stiff, spreading awns (Jul–Aug); flowering stems are prostrate at base. FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are 4–5mm wide. STATUS Local and exclusively coastal.

Common Cord-grass Spartina anglica Height to 1.3m

Tufted perennial, of hybrid origin, found on mudflats and saltmarshes. FLOWERS are borne in a stiff inflorescence of elongated clusters of 3–6 yellowish flower heads, up to 35cm long (Jul–Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and tough. STATUS Widespread on coasts of England, Wales, and E and S Ireland.

Sea Couch Elytrigia atherica Height to 1m

Tough perennial that grows in maritime grassland. FLOWERS are borne in a stiff, unbranched inflorescence with many-flowered yellowish-green spikelets (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are green and inrolled, with a sharp terminal point. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m

Cock’s-foot, with compact form inset

Tufted perennial of grassy cliffs. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, egg-shaped heads that spread, fancifully resembling a bird’s foot (Jun–Jul). FRUITS are dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS NOTE Some coastal forms are very compact.

Common Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia maritima Height to 30cm

Mathew’s Wainscot Mythimna favicolor, a mainly east coast moth whose larvae feed exclusively on Common Saltmarsh-grass.

Hairless, tufted perennial. Grows in saltmarshes and forms swards. FLOWERS are borne in spike-like heads, with spikelets along all the branches, which are mainly upright, not spreading (Jul–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and often inrolled. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia distans Height to 30cm

Hairless, tufted perennial. Grows in saltmarshes and forms small colonies. FLOWERS are borne in spike-like heads, with spikelets along branches (Jun–Jul); these spread and reflex in fruit. FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and often inrolled. STATUS Widespread and locally common.

Stiff Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia rupestris Height to 20cm (often much shorter)

Tough, tufted annual. Grows in saline mud on coastal banks, tracks and muddy shingle. FLOWERS are borne in a dense, branched inflorescence, mostly one-sided (May–Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are relatively wide and hooded. STATUS Locally common in S.

Annual Beard-grass Polypogon monspeliensis Height to 80cm

Distinctive annual of sparsely vegetated places near the sea, notably margins of drainage channels. FLOWERS appear in a dense inflorescence with long awns, green at first, turning silky white later, sometimes partly shrouded by uppermost leaf (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough and flat. STATUS Scarce and local, mainly in coastal SE England.

Hare’s-tail Grass Lagurus ovatus Height to 50cm

Attractive and distinctive plant of coastal dunes. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads that are softly hairy; awns are bent halfway along length (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and hairy; upper sheaths are inflated. STATUS Naturalised and rare, mainly on S coasts.

Bulbous Foxtail Alopecurus bulbosus Height to 25cm

Tufted grey-green perennial whose stems are bulbous at the base. Grows in damp coastal grassland. FLOWERS are borne in cylindrical purplish heads, 2–3cm long, the spikelets with long awns and blunt ligules (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and smooth below. STATUS Locally common in S England and S Wales only.

Fern-grass Catapodium rigidum Height to 15cm

Tough, wiry grass with superficially fern-like inflorescences. Grows in dry grassland. FLOWERS are borne in a branched inflorescence with short-stalked spikelets, more or less in one plane (May–Jul). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and wiry. STATUS Locally common in the S. SIMILAR SPECIES Sea Fern-grass C. marinum is similar but stouter, and exclusively coastal.

Curved Hard-grass Parapholis incurva Height to 10cm

Distinctive tough grass of bare coastal ground. FLOWERS are borne in a curved purplish inflorescence of compact spikelets (Jun–Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS Scarce and local, in S Britain only.