Wednesday 24 June 2009

Creeping things

Not insects or other creepy - crawlies, but creeping plants. First 'cab-off-the-rank' is the Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans).

A very low-growing plant with the most glorious yellow flowers. Another part of the Rosaceae family and therefore a cousin of the roses, brambles, etc. Also a great favourite with many butterfly species, especially the 'Skippers'.
Secondly, we return to the Thistles and the Daisy family. This time a Creeping Thistle. (Cirsium arvense)

As the name suggests it spreads by means of a 'creeping' root system which sends up shoots from along it's length. The stems are not very strong and unless supported by surrounding foliage, they can spend much of the time prostrate and laying along the ground. The flowers are loved by many insects, especially the butterflies. Goldfinches make a great feast of them when they seed.

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