Two more for I.D

[pilbeam]

1:

2:

These were both taken yesterday on the South Downs. 1 looks like Wood Sage to me but that's supposed to prefer acidic soil and the downs are chalk and therefore alkaline. 2 I'm guessing is a Hawkweed. Am I anywhere near with my I.Ds?

[earthdragon64]

I'd say number 1 is Woodsage, I'll leave number 2 to someone with more knowledge of the yellow jobs than me.

Regards, Audrey.

[Tiggrx]

1. yes, it is Wood Sage

2. Probably Lesser Hawkbit (Leontodon saxatilis)

[Dorts]

No.2. had me thinking,
but I also am going for Lesser Hawkbit-Leontodon saxatilis.
Dorts.

[pilbeam]

Thanks all. Still surprised by the Wood Sage growing in some profusion on chalk as all the books I have would suggest otherwise. Guess you can't believe everything you read.

[AlanS]

I also agree that no. 2 is Lesser Hawkbit.

As for Wood Sage on chalk - yes it happens. Even on chalk there can be pockets of more acid ground, e.g. from leaching, effects of past vegetation, residue from 'superficial' geological deposits such as 'clay with flints' that forms on chalk hills.

The problem for plants on chalk, unless they are especially tolerant, is that the excess calcium ions interfere with uptake of other minerals, especially iron, one result being 'chlorosis', a yellowing of the leaves though insufficient chlorophyll production.

I note that the Wood Sage here does show signs of chlorosis, but in what is probably a rather dry situation with limited mineral availability, it is still able to cope better than most plants and is not getting much competition.


Alan

[pilbeam]

Originally Posted by AlanS

I also agree that no. 2 is Lesser Hawkbit.

As for Wood Sage on chalk - yes it happens. Even on chalk there can be pockets of more acid ground, e.g. from leaching, effects of past vegetation, residue from 'superficial' geological deposits such as 'clay with flints' that forms on chalk hills.

The problem for plants on chalk, unless they are especially tolerant, is that the excess calcium ions interfere with uptake of other minerals, especially iron, one result being 'chlorosis', a yellowing of the leaves though insufficient chlorophyll production.

I note that the Wood Sage here does show signs of chlorosis, but in what is probably a rather dry situation with limited mineral availability, it is still able to cope better than most plants and is not getting much competition.

Alan

Thanks, that explanation certainly fits. The pictures were taken at Cissbury ring (the site of a hill fort) which is right on top of the downs & is very dry. Where the Wood Sorrel is growing it is by far the most dominant plant with very little competition.