Can anyone help?

Mano · #1 (**permalink**) 26-08-2009, 10:16 PM

Hello - I'm new to this forum stuff but can anyone help with a plant I've been trying to identify for some time now? I cant find it in any guidebooks so I'm a bit stuck.

It flowers in August where I am North Essex and is in an orchard that is pretty acid <6. It doesnt appear to be heather but looks like something from the same family?

Any help much appreciated.

Johnny Redgate · #2 (**permalink**) 26-08-2009, 10:31 PM

I'd say Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus).
John

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-08-2009, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Redgate

I'd say Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus).
John

Sure is!

Mano · #4 (**permalink**) 27-08-2009, 02:09 PM

That's brilliant! Thank you for your help. Naturally the guides do have it but I'd say you would call it 'Green bartsia' in the pictures which made id for a beginner like me a bit too tricky.

Thanks once again.

Pete Collins · #5 (**permalink**) 27-08-2009, 06:12 PM

Mano,

I had a similar problem when I first tried to ID Red Bartsia! The picture in my book looked nothing like it. So you're not alone!

Welcome to WAB, by the way.

Mano · #6 (**permalink**) 31-08-2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the welcome.

As a beginner I think the currently available guides leave quite a lot to be desired. I recently went to see the Nikki Simpson exhibition of species id. prints at Hyde Hall and a guide with their clarity or something similar would blow other guides away.

Here's hoping.