The bright red berries and waxy green leaves of the holly tree are a familiar sight in our winter hedgerows. An attractive combination, the contrast between the deep lustrous green of the foliage and the bright scarlet berries has led to holly being used as a Christmas decoration for many generations, and the association between holly and Christmas is now inescapable. Holly is … [Read more...] about Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Plants
Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Bladder wrack, also known as Black Tang, Rockweed, Bladder Fucus, Seawrack, Sea Oak, Black Tany, Cut Weed, and Rockwrack, is a common seaweed species found on the middle-shore of rocky coastal areas. It can occur in high densities where conditions are suitable, forming a dense, multi-layered carpet of fronds over the rock surface. Bladder wrack gets its name from the air … [Read more...] about Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)
Most of us are familiar with the long, branching fronds of bracken. This common deciduous fern is found all over Ireland and grows in all sorts of habitats. It is a large fern: fronds often grow to 2 metres (6½ feet) or more and have been known to reach 3 metres (10 feet) in favourable conditions. The species’ scientific name (Pteridium aquilinum) comes from the Greek word … [Read more...] about Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Herb Robert is pretty little pink-flowering herb that frequents ditches, walls, hedgerows and woodland all over Ireland. According to the “doctrine of signatures” widely adopted in the middle ages a plant with curative properties would reveal its divine purpose through its appearance. Because the foliage of Herb Robert turns a fiery red colour in the autumn, or where the plant … [Read more...] about Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
The foxglove, with its elegant tall stems, luxuriant foliage and proliferation of purple-pink flowers is one of our most beautiful indigenous plants. A prominent flower of Irish hedgerows, ditches and woodland, it is found throughout the country, and in the summer, when in full flower, it's almost impossible to miss. While the plant's common name – foxglove – conjures up … [Read more...] about Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
