Tom the Botanist

This Week in Photos

This Week on Photos 11th – 24th May (20, 21)

Published by

Tom Ward

on

30th May 2026

Week 20 – 11th-17th May

Bluebell Ffridd – Lousewort Upper Gam – Bird Cherry – Malvern View – Brassica

1. Bluebell Ffridd, **Upper Gam, Powys**. 11.05.26. Interesting to see this ancient hillside, covered in bluebells still in their prime, weeks after those in the lowlands were over.

2. **Lousewort** *Pedicularis sylvatica* is a hemi-parasite (a parasite capable of photosynthesis) that taps into the roots of nearby grasses and more. Cledan, Powys. 11.05.26

3. **Bird Cherry** *Prunus padus* is a native shrub / small tree that can be found in shaded river valleys and stream sides. Seen here on the Cledan, Powys. 11.05.26.

4. **Malvern Hills** viewed from Hartlebury Common. 11.05.26.

5. Oh no, a Brassica!? Note how the buds of the unopened flowers are held **beneath** those in flower. I keyed this out to **Turnip** *Brassica rapa*, more details to follow. Mitton Marsh, 15.05.26.

Week 21 – 18th-24th May

Sheep sorrel carpet – Meadow foxtail medley – Wild strawbs – Herb paris paradise – Common Spotted Orchids

6. **Sheep Sorrel** *Rumex acetosella* turning the lowland dry acid grassland sward red. Hartlebury Common. 19.05.26.

7. **Meadow Foxtail** *Alopecurus pratensis* is so conspicuous at this time of year. Martley Millennium Green. 20.05.26.

8. **Wild Strawberry** *Fragaria vesca* scattered across the woodland floor at Penny Hill Quarry, Worcestershire. 21.05.26.

9. The most **Herb Paris** *Paris quadrifolia* that I’ve ever seen! Penny Hill woods. 21.05.26.

10. **Common Spotted Orchid** *Dactylorhiza fuchsii* making its way out of the hedgerow and into the newly regenerating grassland, west of Penny Hill Quarry. 21.05.26.

Notes

These last two weeks have really seen the grasses explode into flower. Early flowers include the meadow grasses Poas, the fescues Festuca, the bromes Bromus, foxtails Alopecurus, the rye grasses Lolium. Holcus, and Arrhenatherum are also on their way, with the latter being mostly out by now. Of course we’re yet to see any bent grasses Agrostis.