France - Provence in Spring

Naturetrek Tour Report 23 – 30 April 2015

Greater Flamingos by Tony Daniels Aethionema saxatile by Elizabeth Cooke

Common Blue butterfly by Brian West Viperine Snake by Richard Bashford

Report compiled by Richard Bashford & Elizabeth Cooke Images courtesy of Richard Bashford, Elizabeth Cooke Brain West and Tony Daniels

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Tour Participants: Richard Bashford ornithologist Elizabeth Cooke botanist 12 clients

Day 1 Thursday 23rd April

Drive from Marseilles to Sault via Marais du Vigueiran. After a ‘prompt’ morning start at London Heathrow airport we were in the air by 8am and had landed in a sunny Marseilles by 10.30am. We organised the hire vehicles, got some provisions and hit the road. Our aim today was to reach the eastern side of the Camargue National Park for lunch and then have a walk before continuing towards our hotel. We did this despite a traffic jam thanks to a broken down car, even if lunch was nearer 2pm! We ate to the sound of a Melodious Warbler singing and a few butterflies nearby. We enjoyed an hour and a half on the boardwalk trails where we saw flyover Bee-eater, Short-toed Eagle, Purple Heron and Black Kite, and we had the constant accompaniment of Nightingale and Cetti's Warbler song. We admired the Aristolochia rotunda and an abundance of Spring Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum). Here too we had a very close view of a juvenile and then an adult Coypu about two metres away, munching reeds.

By 4.20pm we were back in the buses and on our way; stopping for photographs of the white horses of course! Heading north, our journey took us into increasingly rugged, rural and amazingly scenic landscapes. The little villages, fields dotted with poppies, and the rolling hills were all beautiful; it promised to be a great week! By 6.30pm we had arrived in Sault and met our hosts. After freshening up, we were outside in the square being offered a glass or two of wine with chestnuts while Antoine welcomed us and provided a variety of canapés. Elizabeth and Richard explained a little about our plans for the coming days and then it was time for dinner and what promised to be the first of many excellent meals.

Day 2 Friday 24th April

Gorge du Nesque After breakfast we drove the short distance west to the Gorge du Nesque. The weather was perfect, encouraging out an array of butterflies. Our morning walk through box scrub was certainly a wildlife-filled leisurely affair with Bonelli's Warblers singing, Raven and Crag Martin overhead, Dingy Skipper, Baton Blue, Scarce Swallowtail and Moroccan Orange Tip butterflies, an Acer monspessulanum covered in golden flowers, and a Red Squirrel trying to hide in a nearby tree. As the scrub gave way to woodland we found Anemone hepatica in flower and a juvenile Fire Salamander in a small pond by the track. At this age it was very well camouflaged; only developing its striking orange and black coloration when mature.

Our aim was to reach a small meadow area with several orchids including Ophrys araneola, Orchis purpurea and O. mascula, which we did, just, but we were certainly in no rush. The way back was just as leisurely but there was another driver - a picnic lunch! After a short delay photographing a Viperine Snake, we returned to the buses and the shade to enjoy our first picnic of fresh bread, cheese, salad and fruit including some delicious strawberries.

By 2pm we were off again, first stopping at the Rocher du Circe viewpoint where there were impressive views of the towering cliff face and the gorge below. There we saw Juniperus phoenicea, Centranthus angustifolius and admired

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

the tiny striped petals of Aethionema saxatile. We then proceeded to drive along the windy road on the north side of the gorge to Combe de l’ermitage where we saw Vicia hybrid, Lathyrus cicero, Euphorbia serratula, and Euphorbia characias which was familiar to the gardeners amongst the group. Norma’s keen eyes also spotted an individual of Himantoglossum robertianun further up the track.

A couple of impromptu roadside stop proved particularly fruitful; first finding Ophris fuciflora and a large stand of Orchis purpurea, and then Iris lutescens and Tulipa australis, both in peak flower. At the final stop of the day near St Hubert, when heading off into the bushes to answer a call of nature, Georgina spotted a single flower of the delicate Narcissus assoanus. Further investigation revealed a fair sized population nearby, growing with Potentila cinerea and Euphorbia cyparissias. It proved to be an excellent end to the day and we returned to the hotel by 6.20pm for another fantastic meal.

Day 3 Saturday 25th April

Aurel and Chalet Reynard The forecast had suggested it could be wet today and sure enough, we woke to low cloud and spots of rain. This rain increased through breakfast but fortunately by the time we left and drove to our first stop it was very light, and by 10am it had stopped, allowing us to have an excellent walk through some meadows, enjoying the Nightingale song. In a meadow with sandy infertile soil, plus an abundance of Rhinanthus minor to keep the vigour of the grasses down, we found various colour forms of Orchis morio including some white ones. Other plants we saw along the way included Armeria arenaria, Lathrus panonicus and the leaves of Neottia ovata. We also marvelled at the two different leaf types of Genista hispanica and saw lots of Ophrys araneola, the flowers of which exhibited quite a bit of morphological variation including forms with white sepals. We had great views of Crested Tit, Woodlark and Skylark singing overhead, Bonelli's Warbler, and a few enjoyed a Firecrest. We proceeded through some of the Lavender fields for which the area is so famous, noting a few arable weeds that are rare in the UK including Scandix pectin-veneris and Ajuga chamaepitys.

We ate our picnic near the buses rather than risk the low cloud at our original higher altitude picnic stop. It was a good move: another lovely lunchtime location with Salvia pratensis and fine food before heading up the road. Visibility deteriorated as we continued up and by the time we reached Chalet Reynard we were split between the cafe or a walk in the mist! Half of the group decided to go for a walk and were rewarded with a few notable alpine plants including Androsace vitaliana, Iberis nana, Viola rupestris and Draba azoides, the flower of which looked a little worse for wear from the damp weather. There were also rather stressed looking, but still flourishing Helleborus foetidus growing at this altitude. The walkers returned to the cafe for a warm drink with the rest of the group before we headed back to the hotel for a couple of hours relaxing before the evening meal.

Tonight our evening meal was a little different. Our hosts had invited us to a ‘From farm to farm’ event where we joined about 150 locals at a goat cheese farm to enjoy some fascinating food: cheese balls covered in herbs and spices, homemade pesto, breads and even pizza with wine, thyme or chestnut drinks alongside. And this was for starters! There was also a hog roast, salads, potatoes and more wine. After some live music, we sat down and waited for the pork. It was quite an evening for us Brits, and no doubt, if it hadn’t been so bitterly cold, we may have stayed a little longer. But after a full day outside and our fill of the pork, we decided to leave Antoine and Myriam to it and headed back to the hotel to warm up!

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Day 4 Sunday 26th April

St May vulture reintroduction site; route via Bédoin to Mont Ventoux With a changeable weather forecast, but marginally better for today, we opted for the vulture viewpoint on the Plateau de Saint-Laurent, above St May. We arrived at 10.40am after a scenic drive during which the weather seemed to close in, but then brighten up on arrival. Our walk, in typical Naturetrek style, was fairly short but took a long time. Here we found a rather attractive White-wooly Buttercup (Ranunculus monspeliacus), a clump of Man Orchids (Orchis anthropophora) including a pale form, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, admired the Helianthemum apenninum in full flower, and saw a few new birds for the trip including Stonechat, Wheatear, Subalpine Warbler and even a Rock Bunting. But it was eyes to the skies as the immense Griffon Vultures soared along the hillside and overhead. Nearer the cliff we saw many more, and two or three Cinereous (Black) Vultures. Above them were chattering groups of Alpine Swifts. Needless to say, the view was pretty spectacular too. Looking back at another summit, we counted around fifty Griffon Vultures enjoying the good flying weather.

Returning to the bus, we found a picnic spot and enjoyed the best of the day's weather and a patch of Scrophularia canina, before heading on towards Mont Ventoux. Unfortunately the road from Malaucène was closed for a motor rally, so Elizabeth’s satnav came into its own as we took another route to Chalet Reynard via Bédoin where we saw a heard of sheep and a Marrema sheepdog. Once we reached the summit which was enveloped in cloud and still had several patches of snow on it, only Elizabeth and Richard got out to experience the cold biting wind. Afterwards there was only a short drive back down the mountain into Sault, reaching our hotel by 6pm and in time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5 Monday 27th April

Provence de Colorado near Rustrel; Fort Buoux The skies were heavy and dark this morning but we kept to the program in true Naturetrek style. After a short drive south we arrived at Le Colorado Provençal de Rustrel which is an area of mixed woodland and old ochre mining. Luckily it had stopped raining as we arrived and we had a good walk seeing Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler and Nuthatch. Unfortunately the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Wrynecks we heard couldn't be found, but easier to spot were the white flowered spires of Narrow-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia) and a few individuals of C. damasonium which has creamier coloured flowers despite its common name of White Helleborine. After about forty minutes it started to rain on and off but we snaked our way through Erica scoparia scrub admiring the Cistus salvifolius in full flower and finding a few lovely specimens of Anthericum liliago and Lithodora fruticosa. Along the way there were spectacular views looking down at the mined areas and pillars of rock. As we came out into a more open area, we even got some welcome sunshine aiding our photographs of the rich reds and oranges of the earth. It was a strange and beautiful place. Back at the buses by 12.30pm, we managed to eat most of our picnic before it started to drizzle (plat du jour was asparagus).

Our next stop was Fort Buoux. Thankfully the rain stopped after a few minutes of walking and by the time we reached the top it was quite bright, allowing us to explore this site where we found the sweat pea progenitor Pisum sativum, and the striking Tragopogon porrifolius in flower among the ruins. We had time to work our way through the site to the impressive remains of the fort. Of course the views were fabulous. Back down by 4pm, we drove back to Sault with our journey interrupted by Mary seeing four Wild Boars at the road side. The lack of

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

traffic on the roads really helped us. Essentially, we abandoned the minibuses where they stopped, got the telescope out and watched the boars feeding for a good five minutes before a car came by: wonderful!

Day 6 Tuesday 28th April

Les Baux; La Caume; Hotel walk Our journey to the picturesque city of Les Baux was straightforward; more so than trying to park at this popular tourist site, but we managed it in the end. While a few took the cultural option, the remaining group walked the path below the city walls where we saw Coronilla juncea and shrubby Quercus coccifera with brilliant red galls. Also here was Western Marbled White butterfly, and we had great views of Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins. The regulation Blue Rock Thrush sang and was found fairly easily for the group. We then made our way up to the town for a quick bit of tourism and the buying of a few souvenirs.

Next we drove up the road to our picnic spot at La Caume where Medicago arborea was found. After enjoying the usual fine spread (guest ingredient today was artichoke), we walked through the Aleppo pine woods, finding the beautiful Linum narbonense and Limodorum abortivum just coming into flower.

We reached our new hotel at 4.20pm and settled in with welcome warm drinks and biscuits from our host Bruno. Several of us explored the farm track alongside the hotel for an hour; well slightly longer than an hour in the end. Previous tours had seen Little Owls on the farm buildings but we failed to see much in the strong winds apart from a few Black Kites and many Yellow-legged Gulls. On the way back, while searching for a Nightingale in a hedge, Richard picked out a large feather, a wing, and then a whole bird - a Long-eared Owl, perched just a few feet away! What a treat as it remained stationary for us all to enjoy. Back at the hotel, we worked our way through our species lists before our evening meal.

Day 7 Wednesday 29th April

Camargue National Park: Etang du Charnier; Mas D'Agon; La Capilier; Etange du Fangassier Today was more of a bird day with a short drive through Arles to Etang du Charnier in the Petite Camargue. The first stop was impromptu to photograph a roadside White Stork's nest. Overhead were Glossy Ibis, Mediterranean Gulls and a couple of White-winged Terns. We continued to our first main wetland site where we heard and then saw two Penduline Tits which promptly flew away. Far more obliging were Bearded Tits on the other side of the road. The location was certainly bird filled with Red-crested Pochard, Great White Egret, Gull- billed and Little Terns, and even a Bittern booming. Flocks of summer plumage Whiskered Terns hawked over the marshland.

A little further along the road we reached Mas D'Agon where we found Squacco and Purple Herons, Spoonbill, and finally after several attempts, a view of a Great Reed Warbler. The intriguingly formed yellow flowers of Aristolochia clematitis were found growing in a ditch alongside the previously seen Aristolochia rotunda. Moving on to La Capilier center (to use the facilities), our luck was in – a male Pied Flycatcher was feeding in bushes by the carpark!

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Our nearby picnic spot overlooked Etang de Vaccares where we counted over fifty Black-necked Grebes as well as some very close Greater Flamingoes. Mid-afternoon we drove further south to Etang du Fangassier where we found a range of waders including many Little Stints and even one Temminck’s Stint. Grey, Ringed and Kentish Plovers swarmed around. The star bird here (apart from the Greater Flamingoes flying overhead regularly), were the elegant Slender-billed Gulls – about 150 of them. The vegetation was dominated by widespread salt marsh species including Suaeda vera, Spergularia rubra and Halimione portulacoides. Finally, we even managed to see a singing Spectacled Warbler in the adjacent scrub: a great way to end the day. We returned north, arriving back at our hotel at 5.20pm and in good time to get ready for our travel day tomorrow and our last evening meal together.

Day 8 Thursday 30th April

Drive to Marseilles airport; flight to London Heathrow airport Breakfast was slightly earlier today at 7am. We’d said our goodbyes to Mike and Georgina the previous evening as they were staying in France for a while longer, and we were on the road by 8am.

The journey to the airport was straightforward and our flight offered excellent views of Mont Ventoux in the sunshine. Heathrow was even easier; there seemed to be no one else in the terminal. We sailed through, saying our goodbyes and going our separate ways by 1pm.

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (= recorded but not counted; H = heard only) April Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 Mute Swan Cygnus olor 1 8 2 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 12 3 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 10 25 10 30 4 Gadwall Anas strepera 2 5 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 15 6 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 3 7 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 3 3 3 8 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 1 9 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 50 10 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 8 11 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 8 12 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2 13 Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris 2H 14 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 2 20 15 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 5 10 16 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1 17 Great Egret Ardea alba 1 18 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 3 4 10 19 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 4 20 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 4 6 21 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 40 22 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 2 23 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopteris roseus 3  24 Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 50 25 Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus 3 26 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 1 1 27 Black Kite Milvus migrans 4 1 1 1 10 5 28 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2 2 4 29 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 2 3 1 3 30 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1 31 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 8 4 1 2 4 32 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 33 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus H H 2 34 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1 1 10 35 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 4 36 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 1 30 37 Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 25 38 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 7 39 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1 40 Dunlin Calidris alpina 30 41 Little Stint Calidris minuta 50 42 Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii 1 43 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 6 44 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 1 45 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 2 25 46 Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei 150 47 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 30

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 48 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 15 75 50 49 Little Tern Sternula albifrons 3 50 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 2 51 Common Tern Sterna hirundo 6 4 52 White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 2 53 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 60 54 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia 5  10 55 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 3 2 10 2 2 10 56 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 25 15  5 10 20 57 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1H H H 2 2 58 Long-eared Owl Asio otus 1 59 Common Swift Apus apus 50 25 1 10 15 35 60 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 20 2 5 61 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster 1+H 8 62 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 1 H H 63 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor H 64 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla H H 65 Common Skylark Alauda arvensis 5 5 2 66 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 1 67 Woodlark Lullula arborea 3 1 2 68 Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia 20 69 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 35 5 15 70 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 10 5 30 5 10 40 10 71 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum 3 1 72 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2 73 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 1 2 74 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 5 75 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 3 1 76 Dunnock Prunella modularis H 77 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 1 2 78 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H H H 5 10 79 Common Redstart Phoenicurus pheonicurus 1 1 80 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 1 3 1 H 81 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2 82 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata 2 83 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H 84 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2 H 1 85 Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2 3 5 86 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 87 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 1 20 H 2 2 88 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala 2 H 1 1 89 Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata 1 90 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 5 1 91 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis H 15 92 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti 1+H 1 10 93 European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 3 94 Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 1H 1 95 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 6 96 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 3 97 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 1 98 Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 10 3 2 1 1

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 99 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 1 100 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2 2 1 101 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 2 102 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 5 1 103 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca 1 104 Great Tit Parus major 2 8 2 2 10 6 105 Coal Tit Periparus ater 2 106 European Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 1 5 2 2 15 2 107 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 3 1 108 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 3 2 5 109 Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus 2

110 Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus 6 111 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2 112 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 3 H 5 113 Common Magpie Pica pica 40 2 2 8 20 5 114 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 2 115 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 20 2 2 50 25 116 Rook Corvus frugilegus 1 117 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 20 2 5 4 1 15 15 118 Common Raven Corvus corax 4 2 1 119 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 3 5 15 5 50 120 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus H 121 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 15 10 5 2 4 30 122 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 5 1 1 4 5 123 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina 1 2 2 124 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 10 5 4 2 6 2 125 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris 1 3 2 126 European Serin Serinus serinus 10 5 4 H 127 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 1 128 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 1 1 2 129 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 1 130 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 1

Mammals 1 Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus 2 Coypu Myocastor coypus 1 1 3 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 1 4 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 5 European Hare Lepus europaeus 1 6 Wild Boar Sus scrofa 1 7 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 1

Amphibians & Reptiles 1 Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata 1 2 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis 1 1 3 Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca 1 4 Viperine Snake Natrix maura 1 5 Fire Salamandar Salamandra salamandra 1 6 Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauritanica 1

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Molluscs 1 Roman Snail Helix pomatia 

Butterflies 1 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages   2 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae  3 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius      4 Swallowtail Papilio machaon  5 Wood White Leptidea sinapis   6 Large White Pieris brassicae   7 Small White Pieris rapae   8 Green-veined White Pieris napi  9 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines      10 Moroccan Orange Tip Anthocharis euphonoides   11 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra   12 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni     13 Little Blue Cupido minimus   14 Osiris Blue Cupido osiris  15 Baton Blue Pseudophilotes baton  16 Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros  17 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta    18 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui   19 Comma Polygonia c-album  20 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne  21 Glanville Fritilary Melitaea cinxia  22 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria    23 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera  24 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus  25 Western Marbled White Melanargia occitanica  26 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 

Other Invertebrates 1 Ascalaphid sp   2 Latticed Heath moth Chiasmia clathrata  3 Small Purple Barred moth Phytometra viridaria  4 Tiger moth sp  5 Plume Moth sp  6 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum   7 Cricket sp 

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Plants Scientific name Common name

PINOPSIDA (GYMNOSPERMS) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Juniperus communis Common Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

Taxaceae Yew Family Taxus baccata Yew

MAGNOLIOPSIDA FLOWERING PLANTS

Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Aceraceae Maple family Acer campestre Field Maple Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple

Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family Atriplex patula Common Orache Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Sea Beet Salicornia europaea Glasswort Salsola kali Prickly Saltwort

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia terebinthus Turpentine Tree

Apiaceae Carrot Family Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Daucus carota Wild Carrot Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Eryngium spinalba Silver Eryngo Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s-needle

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia clematitis Common Birthwort Aristolochia pistolochia - Aristolochia rotunda Round-leaved Birthwort

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort

Asteraceae Daisy Family Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Bellis perennis Daisy Cichorium intybus Chicory Cnicus benedictus Blessed Thistle Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris maculata Spotted Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear Lapsana communis Nipplewort Leontodon crispus a Hawkbit Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear Hawkweed Senecio gallicus - Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Triploium pannonicum Sea aster

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus glutinosa Alder Corylus avellana Hazel

Boraginaceae Borage Family Borago officinalis Borage Cynoglossum creticum Blue Hound’s Tongue Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss Lithodora fruticosa Shrubby Gromwell Lithospermum officinale Common Gromwell Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-me-not Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous Comfrey

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Aethionema saxatile Burnt Candytuft Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Alyssum alyssoides Small Alyssum Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Arabis turrita Tower Cress Biscutella brevicaulis Buckler Mustard Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Erophila verna Common Whitlow-grass Erysimum rhaeticum - Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia Iberis saxatilis Rock Candytuft Isatis tinctoria Woad Lepidium campestre Field Pepper-wort Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Thlaspi perfoliatum Perfoliate Penny-cress

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower

Cannabaceae Hop Family Humulus lupulus Hop

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Valerian Centranthus calcitrapa Annual Valerian Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera implexa - Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Sambucus nigra Elder Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious Valeriana tuberosa Tuberous Valerian Valerianella locusta Common Cornsalad Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Silene italica Italian Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey

Celastraceae Spindle Tree Family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Euonymus latifolius Broad-leaved Spindle

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus albidus Grey-leaved Cistus Cistus laurifolius Laurel-leaved Cistus Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Helianthemum apenninum White Rockrose Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose

Clusiaceae St.John's-wot Family Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort

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France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Sedum album White Stonecrop Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Sedum sediforme - Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort

Cucurbitaceae Cucumber family Bryonia dioica White Bryony

Ericaceae Heath Family Calluna vulgaris Ling Erica scoparia Besom Heath

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge E. characias subsp. characias Large Mediterranean Spurge Euphorbia serratula - Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch Circis siliquastrum Judas Tree Coronilla emerus - Coronilla juncea Rush-like Scorpion Vetch Coronilla valentina - Cytisus scoparius Broom Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse Genista scorpius - Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Lathyrus cicera - Lathyrus pannonicus Lathyrus setifolius - Lathyrus sphaericus - Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot Trefoil Medicago arborea Tree Medick Medicago lupulina Black Medick Medicago minima Bur Medick Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin Ornithopus pinnatus Orange Bird's Foot Pisum sativum Wild Pea Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Spartium junceum Spanish Broom

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Trifolium arvense Hare’s-foot Clover Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trigonella officinalis Ribbed Meliot Vicia hybrida Hairy Yellow Vetchling Vicia pannonica Hungarian Vetch Ulex parviflorus Small-flowered Gorse

Fagaceae Oak & Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Quercus ilex Holm Oak Quercus pubescens Downy Oak

Fumariaceae Fumitory Family Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium ciconium Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane’s-bill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ajuga chamaepitys Ground Pine Ajuga reptans Bugle Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle Lavandula angustifolia Common Lavender Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort Phlomis lychnitis Jerusalem sage Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Thymus polytrichis Wild Thyme Thymus serpyllum Breckland Thyme

Linaceae Flax Family Linum narbonense Beautiful Flax

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Loranthaceae Mistletoe Family Viscum album Mistletoe

Malvaceae Mallow Family Althaea cannabina - Althaea officinalis Marsh Mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Moraceae Fig Family Ficus carica Fig

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus angustifolia Narrow-leaved Ash Fraxinus excelsior Ash Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Olea europaea Olive Phillyrea angustifolia - Phillyrea latifolia -

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Rhinanthus minor Common Yellow Rattle

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Papaver dubium Pale Poppy Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Globularia punctata Common Globularia Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Great Plantain Plantago media Hoary Plantain Plantago sempervirens -

Platanaceae Plane Family Platanus x hybrida Plane Tree

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria arenaria Thrift

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort

Polygonacae Knotweed Family Rumex acetosa Sorrel Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Primulaceae Primrose Family Androsace vitaliana Yellow Rock Jasmine Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone hepatica Hepatica Clematis vitalba Old Man’s Beard Ficaria verna Lesser Celandine Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus monspeliacus - Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus cathartica Buckthorn

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady's Mantle Amelanchier ovalis Juneberry Aphanes arvensis Parsley Piert Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cydonia oblonga Quince Geum urbanum Herb Bennet Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Potentilla cinerea Grey Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil Prunus avium Wild Cherry Prunus dulcis Almond Prunus mahaleb St Lucie’s Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rubus idaeus Wild Raspberry Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble Rosa canina agg Dog Rose Sangiusorba minor Salad Burnet Sorbus aria Whitebeam Sorbus aucuparia Mountain ash

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Sherardia arvensis Field Madder

Rutaceae Rue Family Ruta angustifolia Narrow-leaved Rue

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Saliaceae Willow Family Populus alba White Poplar Populus tremula Aspen Salix alba White Willow Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix cinerea Common Sallow

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia canina French Figwort

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel

Tilaceae Lime Family Tilia x europaea Common Lime

Ulmaceae Elm Family Celtis australis Southern Nettle Tree Ulmus minor Small-leaved Elm

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria officinalis Large Pellitory-of-the-wall Urtica pilulifera Roman Nettle Urtica urens Annual Nettle

Violaceae Violet Family Viola arvensis Field Pansy Viola rupestris Teesdale Violet

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Amaryllidaceae Amaryllis family Narcissus assoanus -

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Arum maculatum Wild Arum

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Anthericum liliago St Bernard’s Lily Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes Asparagaus acutifolius Spiny Asparagus Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth Muscari neglectum Grape Hyacinth Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem

France - Provence in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom

Colchicaceae Autumn Crocus Family Colchicum autumnale (leaves) Meadow Saffron

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Dioscorea communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Iris lutescens - Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag

Liliaceae Lily Family Tulipa sylvestris Wild Tulip

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Himantoglossum robertianum Giant Orchid Limodorum abortivum Violet Limodore Neottia ovata Twayblade Ophrys araneola Small Spider Orchid Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid