Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)

[clicka15]

Hello All,

I photographed these Autumn Gentian (aka Felwort) at the weekend. Any information about distribution and status would be much appreciated...

The field in which they're growing is a large 40 acre pasture with an ENE-facing escarpment. It is calcarous grassland and is usually (over)grazed by a 100-strong flock of sheep, as well as small numbers of cattle (~12) and a couple of horses.

This year, however, the sheep have been absent and the flora has flourished! It has been a bumper year for all flower species and especially orchids, Round-headed Rampion and Autumn Gentian. It is the first time in 18 years that I have witnessed this species at this location, hence my question about distribution and status.









Best wishes,
Steve.

[PeterJL]

Steve for distribution info the BSBI site has mapped most plant species:

BSBI Maps Scheme: Main Menu

It is recorded all over England with gaps around Exmoor, northern England and Southern Scotland but is present even on the N coast of Scotland (as ssp septentrionalis).

[clicka15]

Hi Peter.

Thanks for your info. It's a useful website and I placed it in my favourites.

Best wishes,
Steve.