Bluebell Survey: Are escapee garden varieties threatening native species?
Story from telegraph.co.uk
Conservationists are to carry out a survey of the country's bluebells amid concerns that the native variety are under threat from a robust Spanish invader.
The survey, by the Natural History Museum in partnership with Plantlife and the Ramblers' Association, will assess the extent to which Spanish bluebell hybrids are taking over from the British species.
The Spanish variety were introduced into Britain in 1680. They became popular with gardeners because they are very fertile and will grow almost anywhere. But they soon spread into the wild and have began cross-breeding with wild British stock.
Native bluebells have a heady scent and petals which curl at the ends. The flower heads are usually all positioned along one side of the stem, causing the characteristic droop.
In contrast the Spanish variety have larger, paler and flared petals with little or no fragrance. It flowers on all sides of a stiff stem and has much broader leaves. The hybrid variety has characteristics of both plant types.
The public are being urged to visit woodland areas to help record the species for the online survey.
Take part in the bluebell survey >>
Story from telegraph.co.uk
