Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

 Beautiful bluebells 

Bluebells are small bulbous perennial plants. They consist of bell-shaped, violet-blue flowers, consisting of 6 petals and upturned tips. The leaves of the bluebell are long, narrow, and hairless, and the bulb is entirely renewed annually.

The UK has the highest abundance of our native bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliacrae), they are however under threat due to two alien Hyacinthoides taxa in the UK (one being the Spanish bluebell, shown below). It is simple to tell the two apart; UK's native bluebell has flowers drooping from one side of the stem only, whereas the Spanish bluebell has flowers surrounding the stem. Bluebells thrive in woodland areas and are an indicator of ancient woodland. There can be thousands of bulbs in one woodland area.

                                 Here we have a Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica).

The Spanish and UK native bluebell can hybridise, creating a plant with characteristics from both. Hyacinthoides hispanica is a stronger and more robust plant, and it is out-competing with our native bluebell for resources. This is why it is highly discouraged to grow Spanish bluebells.