Nature on our doorsteps: Successful Bluebells

Bluebells have a number of adaptations which make them a very successful springtime plant.

Like other woodland-floor species such as Lesser Celandines, Violets, and Primroses, Bluebells bloom before the leaves on the overhead tree branches fully emerge and cast shade onto the ground.

Bluebells can also sometimes be found growing on bright open hillsides or grasslands.

Here they often occur with Bracken, the tall fern that reaches its full height in summertime when it will then cast its shade as the Bluebells die back.

This suits the Bluebell, as it does not like its bulbs to become too hot when they go into dormancy in summertime.

Bluebells grow every year from bulbs, but they produce seeds to help them spread. These germinate in autumn, when they send out tiny roots that find their way into the fallen leaves on the woodland floor.

The stems of the native Bluebell arch gracefully to one side

These roots are known as contractile roots. They act by continually reaching downwards and outwards and then contracting.

This action pulls the growing bulb underground, away from harsh winter frosts.

As the bulb goes deeper, it comes into contact with important soil fungi where a special partnership then begins.

The nutrient that the growing Bluebell bulb needs most is phosphorous.

This is plentiful on the surface of a woodland soil where it is constantly being released from decaying leaves.

Deeper into the soil, however, the level of phosphorus is low.

As the bulb draws itself deeper, a soil fungus enters into the bulb’s roots where a barter system begins.

The Bluebell provides the fungus with sugars that the fungus needs, and the fungus provides phosphorus and other nutrients to the Bluebell.

So, while we enjoy the beautiful sight of Bluebells blooming under the trees, there is a lot more going on under the ground that adds to the Bluebell’s success as a springtime icon.

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