flower identification

medieval knievel · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:05 pm Post subject: flower identification

i was out walking in balrath woods between ashbourne and slane yesterday, and was wondering if anyone could identify these flowers?

some of the photos aren't that clear - i can post closeups from the original shot if that helps.

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

Don't quote me, but I think (from top to bottom): Some kind of vetch (maybe the Bush Vetch); Chickweed; Ragged Robin; Bird's-foot trefoil. Apologies if I'm wrong - I'm not a botanist. Smile

medieval knievel · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

cheers!

michael brenock · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject:

first is common vetch Vicia sativa
second is greater stitchworth Stellaria media
third is ragged robin Lycnis flos cuculi
fourth is birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
not certain of last one without a clearer view of leaves.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject:

The first one is a vetch, but I don't think it's the Common Vetch.... the second one is not Greater Stitchwort - it's Chickweed (I'm afraid you're a little mixed-up, Michael - Greater Stitchwort is not Stellaria media as you stated, that's the latin name for Chickweed! Greater Stitchwort is Stellaria holostea, a much different plant).

Liparis · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 9:13 am Post subject:

Vicia sepium (bush Vetch), Second could be either Stelleria media (common Chickweed) or Stellaria holostea (Stitchwort) as both plants are indeed simiar and not so very different. I would favour Stelleria holostea as that is a plant of woodland and hedgerows whereas Stelleria media is a plant of full sun, prefering open fields, in particular, cultivated or previously cultivated land. Both plants, as can be seen by the generic name, are very closely related. A very good close-up required for definite ID.
Next is Lycnis flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin) don't forget the hyphen), then Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot Trefoil).
Bill.

medieval knievel · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

cheers for the replies, all.

i took this in the phoenix park last night - not brilliant quality, the light levels were very low. anyone know what it is?

JennyS · Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:28 am Post subject:

First photo is Bush Vetch, Vicia sepium, second is definitely a Stitchwort but it could be Lesser Stitchwort, Stellaria graminea.

The fourth could be Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil, Lotus pendunculatus or possibly the introduced form of Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Lotus corniculatus var. sativus - neither of these have the orange flush on the flowers that Common B-f-t has....solid or hollow stems are another diagnostic, but can't get that from photo's!

Your last photo is a white-flowered Cuckoo-flower / Lady's Smock, Cardamine pratensis

medieval knievel · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:33 am Post subject:

you lot should start charging for this service.

got the flower below as bulbs in mr. middleton, and now i can't remember what they're called - a friend was asking as she liked the look of them, and i wasn't able to tell her what they are.

JennyS · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject:

First thought that comes to mind is are they a white Camassia?

Protein · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:39 pm Post subject:

How about Ornithogalum Magnum?

Did the leave become "battered" and "floppy" when it cam into flower? then my money is with the above.

me