Another garden escape?

[Pete Collins]

I think this is a garden escape, but it was in the middle of the countryside (the Thame Valley in Bucks) a long way from any habitatition. Whatever it is, it seemed very popular with Orange Tip butterflies!

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Pete

It looks like Dame's Violet.

[Pete Collins]

Thanks very much Jason! Having looked it up, the Orange Tips and the proximity to a river both make sense. Another wildflower to add to my list then! I thought it was a garden escape, simply because it was such an attractive and conspicuous flower.

I don't do many river walks, so that's why I've not (knowingly) seen it before.

Thanks again.

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Pete

You're welcome Pete.Dame's -violet is a naturalised plant in the BI.It isn't always a riverside plant,I see most on hedgebanks.With it being a crucifer I can imagine the Orange-tips being attracted to it.

Cheers Jason

[aeshna5]

Also known as Sweet Rocket, comes in mauve as well as white flowering forms. A good insect plant for the garden.

[treecreeper]

Schubert wrote a song about the Dame's Violet.

OK, OK, so that's not botany