Discover England’s Wonderful Woodland Flowers
England has quite a few species of woodland flowers, though some (like wild daffodils) are now at risk, due to habitat loss. This will continue with silly government policies to build on wild land, which also harms native wildlife (we have plenty of brownfield land that affordable homes could be built on).
Bluebells are one of England’s favourite woodland flowers, which often signal the arrival of the spring season. Many other wild flowers are blue including cornflowers, delphiniums and hydrangeas (though some spring flowers like crocuses, tulips, snowdrops and daffodils are not).
All bulb flowers are toxic to humans and pets, so keep them away from flower-nosey animal friends. Read more on pet-friendly gardens.
Bluebells are protected wildflowers (so you can’t pick them) which take years to grow from seed, so also need protection from footfall damage (so don’t walk on them). Half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, often in woods that transform to a ‘carpet of blue’ each spring.
The sticky bulb sap was used in book-binding (and glue for arrows). The starch in the bulbs was also used to make stiff Elizabethan ruffs and collars.
Pollinators like bees and butterflies adore bluebells, as do hoverflies (these are harmless flies that look a bit like bees, which also are pollinators and natural pest controllers). Unlike bees and wasps, they have just one pair of wings, and can’t sting.
Many ancient bluebell woods in England are also home to migrating birds, who travel thousands of miles to breed (including blackcap, wood warbler, nightingale and chiffchaff).
There is a silent eloquence
In every wild bluebell
That fills my softened heart with bliss.
That words could never tell.
Anne Brontë
Other Woodland Flowers in England
- Lords-and-Ladies (cuckoo pint) are striking purple spiky flowers with red berries, that thrive in shady areas.
- Wood sorrel has clover-like leaves, that fold up in rain or at night. With pink/white flowers.
- Red clover is another woodland flower.
- Primrose has early yellow blooms, with vital nectar for butterflies
- Wood anemone has delicate white flowers, related to buttercups
- Wild garlic is found in shady areas with white flowers.
- Snowdrops are a sign of spring, though not native to England (more Eurasia)
- Red campions have bright pink flowers, loved by insects.
