British Wildflowers

British wildflowers have been an integral and important part of the nation’s ecosystem for hundreds if not thousands of years. They appear in literature, art, anthropology and in the realms of fantasy and mythology. As well as being wonderful to look at, photograph and learn about, they are vital for the survival of the environment.

Wildflower meadows contain dozens of different types of flowers and they attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. They’re also a source of food for spiders, small reptiles and amphibians as well as birds and bats. Each one has a unique way to attract pollinators and to distribute its seeds.

UK wildflowers hold rainwater which helps to prevent flooding, they store large amounts of carbon, they filter the air and prevent soil erosion. However sadly, according to the National Trust, over ninety-seven percent of British wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s. That’s the equivalent of 7.5 million acres, or something like five million football pitches.

The wildflowers of Britain are scattered all across the nation. They’re found in gardens, in woodlands and even grass verges. They can be seen in forests, parks, heaths and moors. They’re at the seaside, in ancient hedgerows, up mountains and in wetlands. In fact there aren’t that many places in Britain where you won’t find wildflowers of one sort or another! Here is a list of the most common wildflowers in the UK.

With large white or pale pink petals, the Dog Rose can be found in hedgerows and woodland edges. It was once thought the root could be used to cure a wild dog bite.

Also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, it is one of the most common blooms on this list of wildflowers in the UK. It can be found in all types of environments.

A member of the buttercup family, the yellow star-shaped flower grows on stream banks and damp woodland paths. They provide a vital source of nectar for bees.

The stunning pink flowers are one of the prettiest UK wildflowers. They are found in hedgerows, fields and verges and are vital for hoverflies and butterflies.

Of all the blue wild flowers UK has, the bluebell is surely the most iconic. They are found in ancient woodlands and their sticky sap was once used to bind books.

The curved, trumpet-like flowers grow in woodlands and hedgerows. It was once believed to bring good luck if it grew around the front door of a house.

The dandelion is one of the most instantly recognised yellow wildflowers. UK has over 200 microspecies.

The fruit of this wildflower cleverly attaches itself to animals for dispersal. The name Circaea is named after Circe, a Greek enchantress who used the flower as a charm.

The foxglove is a beautiful flower that’s often used in landscaping and gardens. This flower is also known by its scientific name, Digitalis purpurea.

The star-shaped flower grows in woodlands, hedgerows and meadows. The ancient Romans believed it to be a lucky charm and used it to ward off illness.

One of the earliest spring blooms, this most common of British wildflowers is found in parks, gardens and grasslands. The bulbs are poisonous if eaten.

Found on woodland floors and in meadows, the most famous of yellow wildflowers UK wide is a favourite meal of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.

Also known as wild garlic, it is common in woodlands and hedgerows.

As UK wildflowers go, the daisy is one of the best-known as well as among the most important for pollinating insects. They are found on verges, meadows and wasteland.

A pretty little white flower found on woodland floors, it has a distinct smell.

A favourite of butterflies, this strikingly-coloured bloom is sadly becoming one of the less common of the British wildflowers probably due to being over-picked.

This is just a short list of wildflowers in the UK. If you want to find out more about British wildflowers, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll see if you take a stroll and keep an eye out for the sheer variety on offer.