Could it be the bluebell, the poppy and or the snowdrop or maybe Honeysuckle, Cowslips, Harebells and Cornflowers?
To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Plantlife has launched a poll to find the nations’ favourite wild flower.
From today, the UK public can choose one of 25 wild flowers, shortlisted by Plantlife members over the winter, discover their conservation status and cultural importance and, of course, place their vote. As the people have their say, see what difference it makes to the chart…
“I love this shortlist produced by Plantlife members” says Plantlife expert Dr Trevor Dines. “It’s slightly bonkers and in many ways reflects us as a nation. There are country icons we can be proud of, like dog rose for England and wild daffodil for Wales. There are familiar plants we all know and love – bluebell, primrose and foxglove. But then there some real oddities… Who would have thought chickweed-wintergreen, a rare plant of woods in Scotland and northern England, would have made the list? I’ve only seen it once, although that was enough to confirm its undeniable beauty. On the contrary, cow parsley is seen as road verge weed by some, but is clearly loved by many. There are powerful symbols too – we cherish poppies to remember our fallen soldiers – while legend has it that Pasqueflowers grow on the graves of Viking warriors, springing up from their blood. It’s an eclectic mix; one that perfectly reflects our countryside and our relationship with it.”
Marian Spain, Chief Executive, says: “Will it be the bluebell, or the primrose, wood anemone or poppy? Wild flowers hold such a special place in our hearts but we often take them for granted. As part of our 25th celebrations, this public vote gets us talking and thinking about our wild flowers over the spring and early summer, but it also has a serious side. One in five of Britain’s wild flowers is under threat and flowers that have been present for centuries across our counties are disappearing year in, year out. By casting your own vote, you’ll be making it clear that you want to help us keep the colour in the countryside.”
