The Red Campion (Silene dioica) or Coireán coilleach in Irish can now be seen displaying its rose-pink, attractive flowers in the shade of hedgerows, woodland clearings, meadows, cliffs and grassy banks (1). This is a short-lived perennial plant, 30cm to 1m tall which continues to flower into June and July. The hairy leaves grow in…
As August progresses into deep autumn berries tinted with pink and red begin appearing on the hedgerows. Technically, some of these berries are drupes which are fruits with seeds that are like small stones such as those in holly “berries”. These flushing colours will eventually change to strong reds, blacks and oranges to attract feeders…
One of the commonest butterflies in Ireland is the Large white butterfly (Pieris brassica) or Bánóg mhór in Irish which is widespread during the months May to September. The females have two black spots on the upper sides of each of their forewings and dark tips on these forewings. (1) They lay eggs between April…
Willowherbs are flowering now. Their four petalled flowers vary in colour from deep pink to pale pink; their leaves are toothed and lance-shaped like those on certain willow trees and their plumed seeds fly around like those from willow trees. Great willowherb (Epilobiumhirsutum) or Lus na trionóide in Irish is a tall and beautiful plant…
These flowering plants are members of the pea family. This is the third largest flower family in the world and includes peas, beans, lupins, wisterias, gorse, clovers, brooms and trefoils. (1a,1b) They have five petals which include a flag or standard which is upright, two wings below the flag and below these, two petals fused…
The Ox-Eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) Dog daisy, Moon daisy or Nóinín mór in Irish is a very noticeable common wildflower flower.(1a;1b) It blooms from June to August on tall stems on roadside verges, meadows, wildlife gardens and cultivated fields. There are several rows of bracts edged with reddish-brown colouring below each flower-head. (2) The flower-heads…
The Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) or Fáinneog in Irish is a common butterfly and can be found this month in all parts of the country. (1a;1b) It is dark brown in colour with yellow fringed eyespots on the forewings and hindwings. Its name is derived from these. The female lays eggs on meadow grasses such as…
The Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) or Lus mór or Méirín púca in Irish displays its spikes of purple-pink bells from June to August. (1) The genus “Digitalis” derived from the Latin word “digitus” which means finger. A finger can easily be inserted into any of the tubular bells. The “fox” in foxglove may be derived from…