Bugle (Ajuga reptans) or Glasair choille in Irish is a perennial plant that can be seen from now until June in damp woods and shady places, in hedges, on roadsides and on grassy banks as it displays its deep blue flower spikes to passing bees and butterflies (1) It is a member of the mint…
Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) or Ramsons or Creamh in Irish has been carpeting damp woodland and hedge banks since April displaying its starry clusters of white flowers and contrasting with the bluebells that favour the same habitat (1). The leaves are broad and pointed and when squeezed between thumb and forefinger they emit a strong…
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…
The Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) or Tursarraing mhór in Irish is now scrambling along the hedgerows and brightening up their shady bases (1). It can also be seen in woods, gardens and waste places. April, May and June are its flowering months. It bears five pure white, star like flowers which are split along the…
The Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) or Scuab eich ghoirt in Irish is about to begin its journey of growing and propagating itself after lying dormant and underground over the winter. Just now its white or pale brown fertile stems are appearing above ground bearing egg-shaped cones full of spore capsules (1). In about a month’s…
The Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) or Caisearbhán in Irish is very noticeable now on road verges, waste places, embankments, lawns and banks of canal, stream and river. It flowers from March to October (1).Many people consider it a troublesome weed because it spreads quickly, and its deep tap root is difficult to pull out completely. It…
The Goat willow (Salix caprea) or Saileach dubh in Irish is inconspicuous for most of the year. However, in March it displays its male catkins which are covered in golden pollen. These make it stand out in the hedgerows before it fades back into obscurity for another year (1). This willow displays its male catkins…
It’s always interesting on March walks to examine different types of buds and identifying the trees they are growing on. Today, we will concentrate on the above three.Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) or Caorthann in Irish has buds that are egg shaped, grey, pointy and furry. The furriness is caused by white hairs which are tightly packed…
St. Patrick arrived to spread Christianity throughout the island in 432 A.D. and it is said that he used the shamrock as a metaphor for the holy Trinity. But which one? There are five contenders for the title.The word “Shamrock” itself is derived from two Irish words, Seamair Óg, which mean young clover. If you…
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) or Sabhaircín in Irish is a true harbinger of spring. Its English name derives from the Latin words prima rosa which means “first flower”. It has pale yellow petals and wrinkled dark green leaves (1). There are lines of darker yellow towards the centre of the flower. These are bee guidelines and…
The Common Frog (Rana temporaria) or Frog in Irish is widespread. Both male and female frogs have recently woken from hibernation in stone walls, under logs, compost heaps, ditches and ponds and are now returning to the ponds or ditches in which they were born (1). Males arrive first and start croaking to attract females….
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) or Fearnóg in Irish is displaying its developing reddish, male catkins now as well as its developing female flowers which are green and oval shaped (1) The male catkins will turn yellowish when they are ready to release their pollen. The catkins appear before the leaves to get the full benefit of…