Cities in bloom

We've put together a selection of just some of the flowers you can spot in the centre of our towns and cities. If you're unable to visit in person, please enjoy looking at these pictures from the comfort of your own home.

Ivy-leaved toadflax

Look out for the snapdragon-like purple and yellow flowers, commonly seen growing on bridges and walls. Thought to have been introduced into gardens prior to the 17th Century it was popular as an ornamental plant between the 17th and 19th Centuries when many walled gardens were created.

Red dead-nettle

A member of the mint family, the plant has a characteristic four-sided square stem and the crushed leaves have a sharp, pungent smell. The plant does not sting, hence the name ‘dead nettle.' The early production of flowers allows bees to gather its nectar for food when few other nectar sources are available.

Ivy

Ivy is one of the few native evergreen plants in the UK. Nectar, pollen and berries of ivy are an essential food source for insects such as the red admiral butterfly, and birds during autumn and winter when food is scarce. It also provides shelter for insects, birds and bats.

Daisy

The daisy is actually two flowers in one. The white petals count as one flower and the cluster of tiny yellow disc petals that form the 'eye' is technically another. Daisies are particularly resistant to damage by insects and so grow well everywhere. They are a favourite nectar source of bees.

Shepherd's Purse

This plant is named after its triangular flat fruits which resemble a purse. It's a flowering plant in the mustard family, the leaves can be added to salads for a peppery flavour. It also has medicinal properties, the herb's ability to stop bleeding can be contributed to a plant protein that acts like the hormone oxytocin.

Lesser Celandine

Common on our towpaths and one of the early flowering plants of the year, it's an incredibly important plant for insects after winter, especially the queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation. Lesser Celandine has green heart-shaped leaves and creates a carpet of yellow flowers.