2 plant IDs please - Durham Coast

[rscott74]

I took the bus to Seaham today to have a look at an area known as the Blast which is about a mile to the south of the town. Unfortunatley it started to rain just as a reached the area so that will have to wait 'til another day. On the walk from Seaham I got these images of plants growing the cliff edge.

The first pair I thought I should be able to ID myself (yellow/carrot family) - is it Wild Parsley?

The second plant was profuse and looked a bit like Dyers Greenweed which was also growing in the area but I don't reckon its from the Pea family. I'm sure someone will put me right.

[Tiggrx]

1. Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
2. White Melilot (Melilotus albus)

[rscott74]

Thanks Tiggrx. At least I got one right, I meant Parsnip in my initial post. I'm pleased I didn't examine the Wild Parsnip too closely as it is poisonous and can cause blistering. Both are new to me.

[Mark Tulley]

I knew yours was White Melilot because I was identifying a yellow melilot yesterday. I have decided it is probably Tall Melilot, Melilotus altissimus, (should be tallest melilot?), because the keel looks as long as the upper parts of the flower.


Any other ways of separating it from M. officinalis ?

Mark

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Mark Tulley

I knew yours was White Melilot because I was identifying a yellow melilot yesterday. I have decided it is probably Tall Melilot, Melilotus altissimus, (should be tallest melilot?), because the keel looks as long as the upper parts of the flower.


Any other ways of separating it from M. officinalis ?

Mark

Just for confusion Ribbed Melilot is often taller than the so-called Tall Melilot. Other than keel characteristics, the fruit colour differs; brown pods for Ribbed, black pods in Tall, also a subtle feature is Ribbed has more lemon yellow flowers.

[leifus]

wild parsnip
White melilot