Bluebells in High Broom Wood

Bluebells are a link to our woodland past. Most bluebells are found in ancient woodland where the rich habitat supports a whole host of species. Ancient woodland includes woods from the 17th century and some may even be remnants of the original wildwood that covered Britain after the last Ice Age. In High Broom Wood, we have both native English Bluebells and Spanish Bluebells, which are invasive. Below is some information that may help you identify which is which. Don’t forget that it is illegal to pick either type. English – Native (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Deep violet-blue. A genetic mutation occasionally causes white flowers Flower stem droops or nods distinctly to one side Almost all flowers are on one side of the stem, hanging down to one side Flowers are a narrow, straight-sided bell with parallel sides Petal tips curl back Flowers have a strong, sweet scent

Spanish (Hyacinthoides hispanica) Pale to mid-blue, often also white or pink Flower stem is stiff and upright Flowers are usually all the way round the stem, with the flowers sticking out Flowers are a wide open, almost cone shaped bell Petal tips flare slightly outwards Flowers have little or no scent at all