Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica. Native to Asia, Japanese knotweed is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. If you come across it on the walk, leave it well alone as it is easily spread. We are working hard to eradicate it and have reduced its presence by about 95%.
Goose grass, Galium aparine. This plant has many, many names such as Cleavers, Sticky willie, Stick-a-back or Kisses because of its clingy nature. The hooks on its fruit attach to animals to help disperse its seeds. Popular with foragers for making Cleaver water/juice. Photo: Stephen Middleton WT
Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used to prevent migraine headaches, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around 46 cm (18 in) high with citrus-scented leaves, and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies. It is also sometimes referred to as bachelor’s buttons.
False oat grass, Arrhenatherum elatius. This course grass, which can grow as high as 150cm tall, will grow in a wide range of neutral to base rich habitats from sea-level up to 550m. It is often used as an ornamental grass.
Crocus, Crocus chrysanthus. Bears vivid bowl-shaped flowers. Its common name, “snow crocus”, derives from its exceptionally early flowering period, blooming about two weeks before the giant crocus, and often emerging through the snow in late winter or early spring. The leaves are narrow with a silver central stripe. Present, although probably planted, on the northern section in Muswell Hill.
Creeping bent, Agrostis stolonifera. As well as growing in woodlands, grasslands, meadows and wetlands, this grass is often used for turf in gardens and landscapes, particularly on golf courses. Its ability to remain palatable and green in summer also makes it popular for livestock forage
Cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris. Cow Parsley grows in sunny to semi-shaded locations in meadows and at the edges of hedgerows and woodland. It is sufficiently common and fast-growing to be considered a nuisance weed in gardens. It is linked to a number of healing qualities but beware not to confuse it with Poison hemlock.
Common hogweed, Heraculeum sphondylium. This sturdy plant, which grows between 50 and 200 cm, is also known as cow parsnip (not to be confused with cow parsley). It was originally used as pig’s fodder hence the name hogweed. The flowers form large umbrella shapes and attract lots of flies, mainly due to the nasty scent it produces. This is not the […]
Bramble, Rubus fruticosus. Brambles are thorny plants of the genus Rubus, in the rose family (Rosaceae) hence the rose like flower. Brambles are important food plants for the larvae of many species of butterfly and moth and also for birds. Bramble spread is controlled to ensure this plant doesn’t swamp other vegetation. WT
Bladder campion, Silene vulgaris. Bladder campion has large, bladder-shaped swellings behind its white, five-petalled flowers. Flowers May to September. It is categorised by the Royal Horticultural as ‘Perfect for pollinators’. WT
