Bluebells

 

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     Native British 

Bluebell 

Latin:  Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Other Names:  Crowtoes, Jacinth (Elizabethan times)
Distribution:  This is the native British bluebell, which was once common in the wild throughout British woodlands, but with the clearance of woodland the numbers of wild bluebells has reduced.
Habitat:  It thrives in woodland, hedgerows and scrubland.  It is suitable for naturalising in grass, dappled shade and open woodland.
Description:  Perennial.  It is a short plant (25-45 cm), with nodding, fragrant blue flowers from April to May.  [The Spanish Bluebell or hybrids between the two are scentless.]  The bulbs are 4 years old and so will flower this spring.
Uses: The bulbs were used to make glue at one time and the Elizabethans used the starch in the bulbs to stiffen their ruffs.  

 

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