Celandine
(Chelidonium majus)

Description: An introduction from Europe which thrives here in damp sites on the edges of woodland. The hairy stem is brittle and exudes an orange sap if broken. Flowers are yellow with four petals. The fruit is a smooth capsule like that of a legume.

Habitat: Grows on damp ground, banks, hedgerows and by walls.

Height: 50 cm

Flowering: May - August

Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)

Description: The bright yellow flower quickly transforms to the familiar fluffy "ball" of seeds which disperse in the slightest breeze. Introduced from Europe, it readily colonizes open, disturbed habitats. Leaves are basal and flattened with a characteristic toothed shape. Beautiful yellow flower sits on top of long stalk. One of the earliest flowers in spring. The flower quickly transforms to the familiar fluffy "ball" of seeds which blow away in the slightest breeze. Native to Europe. Weedy.

Habitat: Open, disturbed land, especially mowed areas.

Height: 20 cm

Flowering: April - September

Meadow Goat's-beard
(Tragopodon pratensis)

Description: Looks like a giant dandelion, but closer inspection reveals sheath-like leaves up the stem, rather than a basal rosette. Flowers orient towards the sun and follow it, before closing in the afternoon.

Habitat: Open, sunny areas such as old meadows, roadsides.

Height: 1 m

Flowering: June - July

Fringed Loosestrife
(Lysimachia ciliata)

Description: Tall, erect plant. Yellow flowers face downwards, and originate from the leaf-whorls which are evenly spaced up the stalk. Look closely at the petal to see finely toothed edge.

Habitat: Woodland, especially moist areas and swamps.

Height: 1 m

Flowering: July

Common St. John's Wort
(Hypericum perforatum)

Description: Erect plant with small, narrow leaves. Flowers yellow, 5 thin petals widely spaced in a star-like arrangement. Look closely for the black dots on edges of petals. Introduced from Europe. Native species are less common.

Habitat: Open, sunny habitats, especially woodland edges, abandoned fields.

Height: 80 cm

Flowering: July - August