A series of new, beginner-friendly cribs helping people get started identifying the North East’s wildflowers.
Identifying wildflowers takes time. While many of us are happy sifting through field guides or keys (I certainly am), not everyone is. In fact, these can often be quite intimidating to beginners.
Starting out in botany, I certainly enjoyed things a little simpler – helpful tips instead of reams of text. That’s why I wanted to create some helpful, beginner-friendly resources to help folk get started identifying wildflowers. Specifically, the North East’s wildflowers. While you may spot some species not found up here just yet, in many cases, it may only be a matter of time.
Oh, and a huge thank you to the wonderful website that is Saxifraga which makes high-quality wildlife pictures available for non-commercial use. Perfect for projects just like this!
Speedwells
At the time of writing this (mid-March), speedwell blooms are just beginning to appear. A slightly more diverse family than tackled previously, but an important and accessible one, speedwells are all around us. This crib covers the species you’re most likely to encounter and a few rarer ones too. Take a look…
Snowdrops
Inspired by the festive season and the not-so-distant promise of Spring, here’s a quick guide to identifying a range of urban snowdrops. This crib isn’t exhaustive and is only intended to guide. However, if it helps one person spot something new, I’m happy. Take a look…
Ragworts and Groundsels
A quick guide to identifying urban ragworts and groundsels. With several species common in our towns and cities, this seemed like a good place to start. Let me know what you think! Take a look…
Dead-nettles
Dead-nettles represent some of our most abundant wildflowers but several species can look alike to the untrained eye. This quick guide shares the species you’re most likely to spot in North East England. Take a look…
Small-flowered Fleabanes
With their diminutive flowers and a tendency to grow in a whole host of grotty places, small-flowered fleabanes are not the most glamorous bunch. That said, they are interesting. This crib takes a look at several species already found in the North East and a few which might just crop up soon. Take a look…
