Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
BLUEBELLS get off to a flying start, flowering quite early on in May. These iconic harbingers of the coming summer carpet our woodlands with vast swathes of blue and must lift the spirits of all who survey them.
It might surprise you to know that the bluebell is not a member of the lily but found in the Asparagus family alongside the Star-of-Bethlehem, hyacinth and squill.
Our native species Hyacinthoides non-scripta is an indicator of ancient woodland and can be spotted in woods, hedgerows and shady banks from May onwards.
The bright green linear leaves with their hooded tips set off the range of blues as the flowers unfold.