Nature on our doorsteps: Recording springtime flowers

Since 2017, the National Biodiversity Data Centre has operated a joint project with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland to record springtime flowers.

The aim of the project is to try and get a picture of where 20 of our most familiar springtime flowers occur around the country.

The ‘Spring Flowers Project’ is following a citizen science approach, where members of the public are encouraged to submit records of where and when they see some of the 20 typically occurring springtime flowers in Ireland.

Well known flowers such as Bluebells, Primroses, and Violets will be familiar to many people. So might Cowslips, Lesser Celandines, Coltsfoot, and Cuckoo Pint (also known as Lords and Ladies).

Another noticeable flower on the list which is just coming into flower along roadside margins and hedgerows is the robust, glossy yellow-green Alexanders.

This plant tastes a bit like celery, and it was once widely eaten in springtime when it was used to add flavour and goodness to soups.

GRACEFUL: Primroses are loved in springtime for their graceful flowers and delicate perfume

Old woodland habitats may contain other flowers on the list, such as Wood Sorrel, Wood Anemone, and Wild Garlic.

Lady’s Smock (Cuckoo flower) likes damp ground along river banks where the lovely Orange-tipped butterfly might visit it.

Two non-native springtime plants are also on the list for recording.

These are Winter Heliotrope which takes over shady paths and riverbanks and the Three-cornered Leek which, at a quick glance, looks a little like a white Bluebell.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a national centre for the collection, management, and promotion of information on Ireland’s biological diversity.

For more information on the above species and how to record and submit sightings of the 20 springtime flowers listed in this project, visit HERE.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE. Thanks for your ongoing support.