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In April and May, bluebells carpet woodland floors with nodding, sweet-scented flowers, blooming before the trees above come into full leaf. Their nectar feeds early bumblebees, and wild bulbs are protected by law.
Bluebells spread very slowly, so large carpets often mark ancient woodland and old hedgebanks. Hybrids with the Spanish bluebell, a garden plant, are now common, especially near towns and on reclaimed ground, and can gradually dilute native colonies.
Its species name, non-scripta, means "not written on," unlike the mythical hyacinth, whose petals bore letters of grief. Its sticky sap was once used as glue for binding books, and starch from its bulbs stiffened Tudor ruffs.
Where coal was once brought to the surface, bluebells now offer a glimpse of the old woodland floor.
In April and May, bluebells carpet woodland floors with nodding, sweet-scented flowers, blooming before the trees above come into full leaf. Their nectar feeds early bumblebees, and wild bulbs are protected by law.
Bluebells spread very slowly, so large carpets often mark ancient woodland and old hedgebanks. Hybrids with the Spanish bluebell, a garden plant, are now common, especially near towns and on reclaimed ground, and can gradually dilute native colonies.
Its species name, non-scripta, means "not written on," unlike the mythical hyacinth, whose petals bore letters of grief. Its sticky sap was once used as glue for binding books, and starch from its bulbs stiffened Tudor ruffs.
Where coal was once brought to the surface, bluebells now offer a glimpse of the old woodland floor.