Meadow Flowers

I took an early morning wander through the nature reserve during the week. It’s a good time to walk the dogs, before the day warms up. The sunshine was already spreading across the fields, waking the meadow flowers.

Yellow-Rattle

Yellow-rattle is a semi-parasitic plant, which feeds off the nutrients in roots of grasses. In the past, the presence of yellow-rattle was discouraged as it was detrimental to the growth of grasses used for hay. Nowadays, it is a welcome addition to meadows. The way it feeds helps to control the spread of dominant grasses, allowing some of the more delicate plants to return. In this respect, it is an important plant for biodiversity.

Yellow-rattle is named after the noise made by the seeds in their pods. After the flowers have gone, the brown pods ripen, and the seeds inside rattle if shaken. It is the sole food plant of the rare grass rivulet moth.

Meadow Buttercup

There are around 2000 species of buttercup in the world. The nature reserve is currently full of meadow buttercup, which grows up to 1 metre tall. Scientists have studied the nature of buttercup petals for over a century, trying to ascertain how the rich colour is created. Around ten years ago, a team from the University of Cambridge published the results of a research study which explained the distinct golden yellow of buttercups.

A buttercup’s flower comprises two layers of cells, separated by a thin layer of air. The flat petals and air layer double the reflection of the flowers, creating the lustrous yellow. The petals also reflect a large amount of UV light, which attracts pollinators such as bees, whose eyes are sensitive to UV light.

Buttercups are poisonous when eaten fresh, and their bitter taste makes most animals avoid them. The flowers lose their toxicity when dried.

Common-Spotted Orchid

I love orchids. The meadows host a number of the common-spotted variety. These are the most abundant of UK orchids, growing in many different habitats. They have strongly perfumed flowers, which are attractive to a range of insects, including many of the daytime moths.

Although over consumption of the orchid can cause stomach upsets, the plant is not toxic. The roots are highly nutritious, and medicinal uses include wound healing and stress relief.

Clover

The meadows provide habitat for both red and white clover. Clover produces nitrogen, which improves the quality of soil. A relative of the pea and bean family, clover is high in protein, making it a good grazing plant for animals. The leaves and petals can be used in salads.

Red clover is the sweeter variety. As the flower warms, nectar forms at the base of the petals, attracting bees and other insects. Red clover is used to treat skin complaints, and symptoms of the menopause. White clover tea is used as an immune system booster.

Overall, it was a successful morning’s flower hunting. There’s something magical about watching plants begin to wake with the dawn of a new day.

The ancient woodland around the reserve is home to a number of other wildflowers. You can find information about some of these in this post from 2020.

Find more general information about flora and fauna on the Plantlife and Wildlife Trusts websites.