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Alphington's wild flora

Wild flowers in and around Alphington's lanes

By Rowena Jay

Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens)

Found in damp hedgerows it is probably an escapee from gardens. It has other local names such as "Bird's-eye" and "Pheasant's eye" because the flowers resemble eyes. It is an upright hairy plant and flowers between May and June.

Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)

One of a few explantations as to how this plant was given the name "Speedwell" is that the flowers blow away as soon as they are picked. The phrase speedwell is the equivalent of "farewell" or "goodbye". The plant is also known as "Bird's-eye Speedwell" or "Blue Bird's Eye" and the heart-shaped fruits gave the name "Break-your-mother's-heart". This plant is commonly found in hedgebanks, woods and grassy areas, it flowers between March and July.

Back to wildlife and flora in Alphington's lanes and around the Exeter Canal.