May
Bluebells
by Clare Coleman
Bluebell woods are one of Britain's loveliest sights. Although picking the flowers is now discouraged, research has shown that, in small amounts, this does not actually harm the plants. Instead, it is the trampling of the leaves, by an ever increasing number of visitors, that often kills the plants.
Bluebells are one of Britain's most protected plants despite being relatively common. This is because Britain has about 30% of the total world population of Bluebells and there is a thriving illegal trade in wild bluebell bulbs. Even in Britain, it is still legal to take wild bluebell seed with the landowner's consent, which is in high demand due to the popularity of 'wildflower' gardening. Perhaps it is time for a backlash against wildflower gardening as it inevitably puts pressure on wild populations.
Most plants grown in gardens are actually a hybrid and the true Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is therefore rarely naturalised. Recognising Spanish Bluebells or the hybrid between Spanish and wild Bluebells, H. x massartiana (formerly H. x variabilis) is important if wild populations are to be identified correctly and protected.
The table below sets out key characteristics to distinguish the wild Bluebell from the hybrid and Spanish Bluebell.
| Character | Hyacinthoides hispanica | Hyacinthoides x massartiana | Hyacinthoides non scripta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf width | Usually broad 10 -25 mm | Usually broad 10 -25 mm | Usually narrow 7 to 15 mm |
| Anthers | Blue | Blue or cream in white or pink flowers | Cream |
| Perianth (one flower) | Segments widely spreading, flowers becoming saucer shaped | Segments moderately spreading, flowers bell-shaped | Segments parallel sided below, flowers look tubular |
| Arrangement of all the flowers (or inflorescence) | Not one-sided and erect | Not one sided and erect to patent | One sided and drooping |
| Tips of petals (or perianth segments) | Not curled back or reflexed | Turned outwards and only a little curled back | Distinctly curled back |
Further reading and references