Autumn gentian with eyebright ‘Have you found a four-leaved clover?' he called.
‘ We have something rare. Come and see, if you’d like to.’
On a south-facing slope In the short turf at our feet the flowers of Autumn gentian amongst dark linear leaves. Not spectacular like Alpine gentian. but small and intricate and – being hard to find- the more precious. Felwort, a plant of the fells. Flowers seek pollinators so when light and temperature fall low, like today, their strategy is to close up petals to safeguard nectar and pollen until it's brighter and insects are out foraging. ‘Dull purple, blue, pink or whitish’ writes botanist Marjorie Blamey in her ‘Flora of Britain and Northern Europe.’
‘ We have something rare. Come and see, if you’d like to.’
On a south-facing slope In the short turf at our feet the flowers of Autumn gentian amongst dark linear leaves. Not spectacular like Alpine gentian. but small and intricate and – being hard to find- the more precious. Felwort, a plant of the fells. Flowers seek pollinators so when light and temperature fall low, like today, their strategy is to close up petals to safeguard nectar and pollen until it's brighter and insects are out foraging. ‘Dull purple, blue, pink or whitish’ writes botanist Marjorie Blamey in her ‘Flora of Britain and Northern Europe.’
I look out for Felwort from early August until the end of September. This year, they’re rather late to flower being mostly in bud so the two of us search until we've found some dozen, including one with white flowers and a hint of pink. Each of the three names suggests a different aspect of the plant. Gentianella Amarella, from the Latin amarus, bitter. ' A bitter-tasting herb,' writes Marjorie Blamey.
A couple calls to ask what we have found. We tell them and turn back to search the short turf to relocate the flowers and show them.
We move on, still searching, and stop to consider the largest of the plants, a couple of inches tall, branched and full of flower buds. A dog appears and trots toward it. Its young owner sees what is happening and he immediately puts it on a lead, then comes to look at Autumn gentian. Today, we take pleasure in introducing a field of folk to Autumn gentian. It’s like an impromptu field-trip. Seeing me kneeling in reverence on the grass taking photographs, they’re curious and they come flocking. We value curiosity, we like to learn and share, so we have fun.
A couple calls to ask what we have found. We tell them and turn back to search the short turf to relocate the flowers and show them.
We move on, still searching, and stop to consider the largest of the plants, a couple of inches tall, branched and full of flower buds. A dog appears and trots toward it. Its young owner sees what is happening and he immediately puts it on a lead, then comes to look at Autumn gentian. Today, we take pleasure in introducing a field of folk to Autumn gentian. It’s like an impromptu field-trip. Seeing me kneeling in reverence on the grass taking photographs, they’re curious and they come flocking. We value curiosity, we like to learn and share, so we have fun.
Since learning of house building projects in the area I have been asking endlessly for information boards to highlight why Scout Scar is so special. With no success, so far. I am not done. I’ve long realised that one way to raise awareness is out in the field, sharing discoveries in the moment with those who show curiosity and eagerness to know. But it's haphazard and random. We need the permanence of information boards.
The images displayed include some dozen plants. They are fresh and in the early stages of flowering so if you want to see Autumn gentian, Felwort, keep looking. They should show for some weeks to come. They're here on Scout Scar and up on the Whitbarrow ridge too.
To Sue R. If you need further directions on where to find them, contact me.
To Sue R. If you need further directions on where to find them, contact me.
RSS Feed