Flower for ID, please

[Pete Collins]

I found this growing on chalk downland this afternoon. I'm not even sure whether it's a wildflower or an escape from a garden.

Thanks,

Pete

[lizard orchid]

Dear Pete Collins ,
This looks like the early stages of the uncommon arable weed Field Gromwell. I have seen it come up in open chalky ground before near Arundel In Sussex.

Brian Laney Botanist Northants

[kielder]

Hi there,

I agree, take a look at this image: Google Image Result for http://wilde-planten.nl/foto/ruw%20parelzaad.jpg

Kielder

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by lizard orchid

Dear Pete Collins ,
This looks like the early stages of the uncommon arable weed Field Gromwell. I have seen it come up in open chalky ground before near Arundel In Sussex.

Brian Laney Botanist Northants

Hi,

Lizard were about was this open chalky ground near arundel? I ask because i plan to go seeking Henbane around the arundel area soon, as i am aware that it has been found in the area during the past 8 years, also chalky ground is ideal for Henbane. As i am unfamiliar with arundel the only way i have of spotting good looking locations is the use of maps and Google Earth. As arundel happens to be surrounded by Fields it is hard to tell what is open ground and what is private

Thanks, Ian

P.s Sorry Pete for high jacking your thread. As for the plant i can not Id it, sorry

[lizard orchid]

Dear Ian ,
I will look in my records to see if I can find a reference. I saw it about 15 years ago so it may be not there unless the ground is disturbed.

Brian Laney.

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by lizard orchid

Dear Ian ,
I will look in my records to see if I can find a reference. I saw it about 15 years ago so it may be not there unless the ground is disturbed.

Brian Laney.

When you say it wont be there unless the ground has been disturbed are you referring to the plant in the OP?? I hope to find disturbed ground as that is what Henbane needs - but were there is open ground there is usually rabbits.

[lizard orchid]

Being a cornfield weed it needs that disturbance to germinate so if the area is thick with vegetation then no plants. However rabbits can be a conservation tool and worth checking where they disturb the ground.
There is a record from Amberley Mount around the old chalk pit at TQ 039125. I think this is the site I saw it at.Check in any disturbed ground for the species. Like all arable weeds you can get years where there is none while others depending on the situation there can be lots. If you find any please send your sightings to the county recorder via the wildlife trust. Sorry I thought it was Arundel. Getting mixed up with another excellent botanical area.

Brian Laney Northants.

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by lizard orchid

Dear Pete Collins ,
This looks like the early stages of the uncommon arable weed Field Gromwell. I have seen it come up in open chalky ground before near Arundel In Sussex.

Brian Laney Botanist Northants

Thanks very much Brian.

Looking in my wildflower books, it does look like a Gromwell of sorts. But is it not more likely to be Common Gromwell, which the habitat would seem to suit better? I've just looked in the photo Gallery here on WAB, and one of the photos of Common Gromwell was taken at the same location that I saw this plant.

Sorry, I'm not an expert on wildflowers at all, I'm just interested in why you suggest Field rather than Common Gromwell. Thanks again,

Pete

[lizard orchid]

Looking at your pic again I had also better check the ID books. Common Gromwell is looking a great possibility. Sorry about that. My cock up.
Both species have the branches extend as it flowers.

Brian Laney.

[lizard orchid]

Yes , now happy pic is Common Gromwell.It was the flower extentions that caught me out to start with. I remember Field or Corn Gromwell being a more greyer looking plant. The reference is of where the true Corn Gromwell was seen at Amberley.

Brian Laney Northants