©Philip Precey

©Paul Lane

©Luke Massey/2020VISION

©Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
Bluebell
Scientific name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
In April and May, our ancient woodlands are awash with the much-loved, nodding heads of the Bluebell. Millions of bulbs can exist in just one wood, giving rise to the 'blue carpets' that are a springtime joy.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Height: up to 50cmConservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
April to MayAbout
The Bluebell spends most of the year as bulb underground in ancient woodland, only emerging to flower and leaf from April onwards. This early flowering allows it to make the most of the sunlight that is still able to make it to the forest floor habitat, before the canopy becomes too dense. Millions of bulbs may exist in one Bluebell wood, causing the blue carpets we so keenly associate with spring, and new plants are sometimes able to split off from these bulbs and grow as clones.The Bluebell attracts the attention of plenty of pollinating insects.