SOMERSET RARE PLANTS GROUP www.somersetrareplantsgroup.org.uk 2010 Newsletter Issue No.11 Editor: Caroline Giddens December 2010

REPORTS OF MEETINGS, 2010. ______

THE AGM complete, but Margaret presented data which Saturday 16 th January 2010 shows that very few plants have survived to maturity and illustrated possible reasons for The Annual Members Meeting and AGM this. An interesting discussion followed and took place at our new venue in the Lifelong Steve explained some of the history of the Learning Centre at Shapwick. Steve Parker management of Sand Bay. There was also a chaired the meeting and welcomed the 18 presentation on Whitebeams from Libby members present. He gave a résumé of the Houston which aroused great interest. previous year’s excursions and all the walk leaders were thanked for their efforts. The venue proved very good for our Suggestions were invited for this year’s requirements, the rent will be £20 per session; summer programme; one event had already there is room for some improvements to the been arranged. This was a grass identification kitchen and toilet facilities but we feel sure day being a joint meeting with the Devonshire these will be forthcoming. Association. The Newsletter was distributed. CJG John Gibson was thanked for giving his microscope to the Society and this would be WINTER TWIGS WORKSHOP stored off the premises for the time being Saturday 13 th February 2010 until a lockable cupboard was available. It should prove most useful. Anne Cole, This indoor meeting was held at Shapwick Treasurer, confirmed that we have £747 at the Lifelong Learning Centre. Steve Parker led bank and the membership currently stands at the meeting and brought with him a collection 57. There were various displays on show of conifers from the Blackdowns and including “Flowers of the Cam Valley” from miscellaneous garden shrubs from Helena, Whitebeam specimens from Libby Wellington. Members also brought a wide and an update of plant recording by 1km variety of specimens, only some of which squares within Exmoor National Park from were named. We used the identification aids Caroline. There were books for sale and the and key from the Field Studies AIDGAP usual raffle. Steve had prepared a quiz for book ‘A guide to the identification of VC5 versus VC6 members and this was deciduous broad­leaved trees and shrubs in enjoyed by all even if it did get a little winter’ by Andrew May and Jonathan Panter. acrimonious at times! The bring and share This proved to be very useful and reliable lunch was delicious with plenty of food to go handbook and many specimens were named round – I have forgotten the name of the by careful following of the dichotomous keys. confection provided by Liz but its The Vegetative Key to the British Flora by deliciousness is remembered. John Poland and Eric Clement was used, amongst other books, for the conifers and After lunch Margaret Webster gave a very non­natives. This remarkable book attempts interesting presentation on Yellow Horned­ to provide the reader with the means to poppy (Glaucium flavum) at Sand Bay. Since correctly identify the great majority of our Margaret found thirty­nine rosettes of this native plants (and many aliens) to species species in July 2008 – the first record for VC6 level solely from vegetation bearing neither since 1992 – she and Helena have been flowers nor fruits. This was a useful and regularly monitoring the arrival and success enjoyable meeting. of individual plants. The study is not yet Liz McDonnell

1 From the eastern end of the hill, we RECORDERS WORKSHOP walked down Page’s Hill, past Ivy Thorn Saturday 13 th March 2010 Manor, recording a number of garden escapes, including splendid clumps of the This meeting was well attended. Helena introduced Italian Lords­and­Ladies (Arum handed out a working list of priority species italicum subsp. italicum) and Great Forget­ that forms the basis of the Somerset Rare me­not (Brunnera macrophylla). On a bank, Plants Register. This was a shortened version we admired a lovely clump of dusky pink of the full list, omitting the subspecies, violets (Viola odorata var. subcarnea). hybrids and extinct species, but adding During the day we saw four species of violet English names so that it was easier for in flower: Sweet Violet (V. odorata), Hairy members to select those species that they Violet (V. hirta), Common Dog­violet (V. would like to adopt for recording, following riviniana) and Early Dog­violet (V. up old records and searching for during the reichenbachiana) and three varieties of Sweet year. We discussed the information needed Violet. for a good record and the thorny issue of naming sites. The Site and Species Recording Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot on the Forms were explained and examples given for bank of a track, along which we recorded well­entered cards, so that computer entry numerous common species. We were was made as easy and quick as possible. surprised to find a large patch of Small Nettle Encouragement was given to members to (Urtica urens) in flower in a field: a species record at a high resolution – 6 to 8 figure grid rarely seen by most of those present. references for rarer species and 4 figures Ascending the hill, we entered the woodland (1km) for all the rest. Tetrad recording was part of Ivy Thorn Hill SSSI, finding a patch of discouraged. The SRPG website was shown Creeping Comfrey (Symphytum and Christine showed us different ways of grandiflorum) by the gate. It is interesting to labelling photos. We all agreed that good note that this very patch was recorded by Paul photographs were essential for an informative Green in 1989. Wood Anemones (Anemone and lively website. nemorosa) and Goldilocks Buttercup Liz McDonnell (Ranunculus auricomus) reinforced the impression that Spring had finally arrived. IVY THORN HILL Altogether we recorded 132 species in the Sunday 28 th March 2010 first 1km square and 124 in the second, which seemed a good total for the time of year. Despite the cold start to the year and a horrid weather forecast, our first walk was Helena Crouch unexpectedly delightful. Ten members bravely turned up to explore Ivy Thorn Hill DUNKERY AND HORNER WOOD, SSSI, in the Poldens. Walking east from the EXMOOR Sunday 11 th April 2010 car park, we recorded challengingly small plants in some super calcareous grassland, On a bright sunny day SRPG members including rosettes of Greater Butterfly­orchid gathered for a general recording meeting. The (Platanthera chlorantha) and Pyramidal cold winter had resulted in a late spring so Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and the tiny there was only a small number of plants in cotyledons of Yellow­rattle (Rhinanthus flower. Our first target species was Hay­ minor). In wooded hollows we found scented Buckler­fern (Dryopteris aemula). Common Gromwell (Lithospermum This was found growing along the edge of the officinale) with its distinctive hard shiny road close to Webbers Post and then later in white seeds. Ivy Thorn Hill is an old site for the day in East Water Valley. The other target Purple Gromwell (Lithospermum purpuro­ species was Cornish Moneywort (Sibthorpia caeruleum) but we (perhaps not surprisingly) europaea), the site for this plant has been did not find that species. known for some time. After some searching, a small colony of the Cornish Moneywort was found on the roadside by a small waterfall and

2 stream. We walked along the valley triquetrous stems and bulbils in the flower northwards, Opposite­leaved Golden­ head; it has been naturalised around Bath for saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) many years but this was the first record for and Wood­sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) were Leigh Woods. amongst the few plants that were in good flower. On climbing back to the car park we Heading southeast along the towpath, we came across some wood sculptures: here we reached the quarries for lunch, opting for all became art critics! Quarry 2 as a picnic spot. Here we found Steve Parker Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) and Common Spotted­orchid (Dactylorhiza LEIGH WOODS fuchsii) and admired the large Strawberry­tree Sunday 25 th April 2010 (Arbutus unedo) above us, on the ridge between quarries. We were delighted to find Ten members met for an exploration of the six shoots of Angular Solomon’s­seal northern parts of Leigh Woods, for which we (Polygonatum odoratum) on a ledge near the have few records. We set off north, down a base of the quarry, just emerging, with Pale St delightful rocky valley towards the river. John’s­wort (Hypericum montanum) Thin­spiked Wood­sedge (Carex strigosa) alongside; both of these are on our Rare Plant grows in abundance alongside the path and Register list. Next we made a pilgrimage into we were able to compare this with nearby Quarry 1 to see another rare speciality of the Pendulous Sedge (C. pendula) and Wood­ Avon Gorge, Fingered Sedge (Carex sedge (C. sylvatica). Amongst a patch of Soft digitata), absolutely at its best. Rush (Juncus effusus) were some slightly glaucous, ridged stems which may have been Retracing our steps along the towpath, we J. x diffusus. A number of woodland ferns reached what may be the tiniest 1km square in were seen, including Lady­fern (Athyrium VC6 (ST5575) since most of it is across (or filix­femina), Male­fern (Dryopteris filix­ in) the river! We recorded 42 species, mas), Golden­scaled Male­fern (D. affinis), including Wild Service­tree (Sorbus Broad Buckler­fern (D. dilatata), Soft Shield­ torminalis), Round­leaved Whitebeam fern (Polystichum setiferum), Hart’s­tongue (Sorbus eminens), and a sapling of Bay (Asplenium scolopendrium) and Hard­fern (Laurus nobilis). Wood Vetch (Vicia (Blechnum spicant). sylvatica) grew tantalisingly close (about 2m away!). Although usually found scrambling This part of Leigh Woods has mixed over other vegetation on woodland edges, geology, an acidic element indicated by the here it thrives along the towpath, climbing up presence of Blechnum spicant and Great the railway wall. A weary group of botanists Wood­rush (Luzula sylvatica). Once we returned to the car park along the more gentle reached the towpath, we found a clear cycle path, deciding to save Paradise Bottom zonation. Beside the river were saltmarsh for another day. species, including English Scurvygrass (Cochlearia anglica), Common Saltmarsh­ Helena Crouch and Libby Houston grass (Puccinellia maritima), Sea Couch (Elytrigia atherica) and Sea Plantain HOLFORD, THE QUANTOCKS (Plantago maritima). The riverbank had Saturday 8 th May, 2010 acidophilic species, including Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Heath Speedwell Descending carefully into the Holford gorge, (Veronica officinalis) and Slender St John’s­ the members of the group searched the steep wort (Hypericum pulchrum). Alongside the sided sides of the stream bank. Progress was towpath we found dead spikes of Ivy difficult as we picked our way over wet Broomrape (Orobanche hederae), a large slippery boulders. However, our efforts were patch of Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) soon rewarded with the discovery of sheets of and, worryingly, a small clump of Few­ the delicate fronds of Tunbridge Filmy­fern flowered Garlic (Allium paradoxum). This (Hymenophyllum tunbrigense). This fern has alien onion is easily recognised by its been known in this location since 1860. It

3 continues to do well here, the damp count was 28 in all and it is likely that there conditions along the stream ideally suited to were more to be found. the long­term survival of this delicate plant. From Nutscale we drove on to Dunkery Directly under the footbridge that crosses the Hill to look for the Lesser Twayblade at two gorge a search soon found a small colony of more of the Exmoor sites. From the roadside the green fuzz that is the gametophyte of the car park we separated into two groups. One very rare Killarney Fern (Trichomanes group walked towards Dunkery Beacon and speciosum). This site was first discovered a found several plants under leggy Heather near few years ago; given the amount of available the footpath. The other group scrambled down habitat it would seem likely that this fern is the steep slopes into Hanny Combe, but more widespread in the area. In the stream­ despite prolonged searching with photos of bed a plant of Common Hydrangea the site in 2002 showing the habitat and (Hydrangea macrophylla), still persisting in location, no plants were recorded here. the same location as recorded in 1998 during work on the Atlas Flora of Somerset. After Liz McDonnell lunch the group spent the afternoon carrying out general recoding of Alfoxton Park SHAPWICK: GRASS WORKSHOP th (ST1441), a rather species poor area of acid Saturday 12 June 2010 grassland and heath. On a beautiful summer’s day, more than Steve Parker twenty of us assembled at Shapwick to explore the rudiments (and intricacies) of NUTSCALE RESERVOIR, EXMOOR grass identification. It was good to have such Sunday 30 th May 2010 a large turn­out for this joint meeting with the Botany section of the Devonshire The reason for this meeting was to record the Association. The day was ably led by Liz population of Lesser Twayblade (Neottia McDonnell who with Gill Read had gathered cordata) [until recently, Listera cordata] on a wide array of specimens the night before for the slopes above Nutscale Reservoir, one of us to examine. only a handful of sites on Exmoor. Somerset In the morning Liz explained the basic Rare Plants Group had previously recorded it vegetative structures – culms and tillers, here in 2002 when ‘lots’ were recorded on rhizomes and stolons, nodes and internodes – these slopes which were clothed with tall and persuaded us of the importance of ‘leggy’ Heather (Calluna vulgaris) with an knowing our leaf­sheaths, whether ‘open’ or understorey of sphagnum moss. We met on ‘closed’, overlapping or tubular, hairy or the hill above the reservoir and before glabrous, etc. These characters, along with walking down the track we searched for the colour of the basal leaf­sheaths and the Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) on the size, shape and hairiness of the leaf­blades, tightly grazed grassy mounds of the road can be really important in distinguishing verges and car park edges. Caroline Giddens between species when – as is so often the case had recorded this here in 2005 and 2008, but – they can only be found in a vegetative (i.e. despite careful searching, we were not non­flowering) state. successful. When we reached the reservoir, Having got to grips with the vegetative we fanned out across the heathery slopes, parts of grasses, Liz then introduced us to each of us bending low to look for Lesser their complex floral structures, using for this Twayblade, which is a tiny orchid, typically purpose her giant model of an Arrhenatherum only about 10cm tall, but often looks much floret that looked as if it had probably been shorter than this when issuing from sphagnum pinched from the ‘Dr. Who’ props tussocks. It is very hard to spot with its two department. Here Liz was able to small opposite leaves and an inflorescence of demonstrate the basic structure of a spikelet – tiny brown/green flowers, so much comprising pedicel, rhachilla, upper and concentration was needed when searching. lower glumes and one or more florets – and We found some very close to the fence­line then the intricate and fiddly inner workings of and several scattered across the slope. Our each floret, comprising lemma, palea, lodicules, stamens and stigma. 4 We were also shown a variety of quarry, where a scree­like surface yielded identification aids – traditional dichotomous plants such as Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer), keys, multi­access keys, colour­guides and Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach) and Rue­ Floras (and even punched­cards!) – and then leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga tridactylites). used these to try to make sense of the grasses Walking further eastwards along South Hill, gathered on the tables in front of us. For we found Knotted Hedge­parsley (Torilis many of us this was an unrivalled opportunity nodosa), Small­flowered Sweet­briar (Rosa to examine grasses at close quarters, and with micrantha), Dwarf Mallow (Malva neglecta) fellow­botanists on hand to help us identify and three plants of Milk Thistle (Silybum them correctly. It was fun, too, to have the marinum). After crossing the minor road we time to look intently at grasses we thought we made our way up a small track at the bottom knew well, like the common­or­garden False­ of which were a few plants of Small­flowered oat (Arrhenatherum elatius), and to discover Evening­primrose (Oenothera cambrica). again a beauty in their floral structures that most of the time we forget to notice. Further up the hill to the north­east we In the afternoon we walked round part of searched for the Knapweed Broomrape. We Shapwick NNR, spotting grasses as we went had a sketch map from when I had recorded it – and we saw a lot else besides, including in 1989 and much to my amazement, we Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) and some found it in almost exactly the same location. fine stands of Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis). Two plants were found, one of which had We were also lucky enough to witness a pair been broken off by one of the many donkeys of mating Scarlet Tigers (Callimorpha which were grazing in this field. Despite the dominula), a very local moth in Somerset that small population here, it was very satisfying has a particularly striking plumage of dark to record this very rare Somerset plant at its chocolate forewings blotched with cream, and only location in the county. hindwings of scarlet and black. Fortunately, Liz McDonnell given the topic of the day, the moths were clinging to a grass stem – but did anyone ROBBERS’ BRIDGE, EXMOOR notice what species it was? (I certainly Sunday 18 th July 2010 didn’t.) Simon Leach On a very blustery day a large group of members turned up for a day recording BLEADON AND HELLENGE HILL Exmoor close to the Devon border; we were Sunday 11 th July 2010 also joined by Ian Green returned from Scotland for a short visit to Somerset. It was The purpose of this meeting was to record in soon decided that the location selected was an area for which the SRPG had few records too exposed to carry out much work in the and to search for Knapweed Broomrape wet and windy conditions. However, we (Orobanche elatior) at its only known site in quickly walked (for botanists) to the gates of Somerset and which had been not been Yenworthy Lodge to look for Prickly Heath recorded since it was first found in 1989. We (Gaultheria mucronata). This was soon found met at Bleadon Church and after recording in growing in a linear row running parallel to the the churchyard, made our way on to South track to the farm, the plant is well naturalised Hill to try to find Somerset Hair­grass and has been known here for almost 30 years. (Koeleria vallesiana), which had reputedly been found there, but for which we had no On returning to the cars the decision was records. Unfortunately we could not find it in taken to drive to the more sheltered Robber’s any of the suitable rocky habitats. One plant Bridge car park. From here, we followed the of Honewort (Trinia glauca) was found whilst Weir Water carrying out general recording; searching the short grazed species­rich sward this is a botanically rich area, the mires and of the south­facing slopes of South Hill, flushes supporting a very good selection of where Pale Flax (Linum bienne) and Wild sedges, with twelve species seen during the Clary (Salvia verbenaca) were frequent. trip. Along the edge of the river in very wet Several members clambered over a fence to ground a small colony of Few­flowered gain access to the top of the disused Bleadon 5 Spike­rush (Eleocharis quinqueflora) was Blackdowns and the Quantocks; however in found, this is a new location for Somerset. VC6 it is scarce, restricted to a line of Growing out of a hedge bank were two large scattered sites from Black Down to the trees of Salix x multinervis, a hybrid willow, eastern border. Apart from sites on Black common but probably under recorded. A Down, this is the first VC6 record since search for Cornish Moneywort (Sibthorpia publication of the Atlas Flora of Somerset. europaea) was successful; this part of Exmoor is a well­known area for this species. On a damp path, we were puzzled by a Further along the stream we started to come mint, which keyed out as Whorled Mint across large colonies of Large­flowered (Mentha x verticillata), the hybrid between Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora). The Water Mint and Corn Mint. Emboldened by SRPG last monitored this species in May this identification prowess, we later recorded 1999, the colony appears to be stable, similar another hybrid, Potentilla x mixta, on a sunny in extent and size of population as it was track. These are not uncommon hybrids, but eleven years ago. We crossed the stream are probably under­recorded. (nobody got too wet) and started to return to the car park; two members of the group found The Stourhead Estate is vast and we a small number of plants of Heath Pearlwort explored only a tiny portion of the VC6 part. (Sagina subulata) growing on the track from Further exploration is needed – but we say a small quarry. This was a good meeting with that after every walk! excellent plants and good company. Helena Crouch Steve Parker BUCKLAND ST. MARY, BLACKDOWN ALFRED’S TOWER AND STOURHEAD HILLS. Sunday 8 th August, 2010 ESTATE. Saturday 31 st July, 2010 After a very slight mix­up as to which side of Eight members met at Alfred’s Tower for a the church to park, a large number of SRPG walk in the woods of the Stourhead Estate, at members set off to carry out general recording the eastern edge of the county. Unusually for in Buckland St Mary and the Jan Hobbs VC6, this is an area of Greensand, so our Nature Reserve, a small site owned by the targets were acidophilic species which, Somerset Wildlife Trust. although widespread in VC5, are scarce in VC6. We soon found good patches of On an old spoil heap a single and very Climbing Corydalis (Ceratocapnos tiny specimen of Sunflower (Helianthus claviculata); we recorded this species in three annuus) was found, a plant that seems to be 1km squares during the day. Other species turning up regularly in the county, this was a typical of acidic soils included Ling (Calluna new 10km record. Further down the lane in a vulgaris), Hard­fern (Blechnum spicant), scruffy old gateway as is so beloved by Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Foxglove botanists, we found a couple of plants of Corn (Digitalis purpurea), Tormentil (Potentilla Spurrey (Spergula arvensis). This is a erecta), Slender St John’s­wort (Hypericum widespread species in VC5 but is declining pulchrum), Wood Sage (Teucrium nationally due to agricultural intensification. scorodonia) and Green­ribbed Sedge (Carex The Jan Hobbs reserve is neutral grassland binervis). We found seven species of Carex, with small areas of Greater Tussock­sedge including large patches of both Greater Pond­ (Carex paniculata). A small patch of sedge (Carex riparia) and Lesser Pond­sedge Creeping Willow (Salix repens) was found (Carex acutiformis) dominating damp spring­ with scattered plants of Flea Sedge (Carex lines in the woodland. pulicaris) and other sedges. Returning to the cars a number of plants of Moth Mullein The star find of the day was Lesser (Verbascum blattaria) were discovered on Skullcap (Scutellaria minor) at the edge of a waste ground in the village. ditch beside the Macmillan Way. In VC5, this species is not uncommon on Exmoor, the Steve Parker

6 happen?) But we found Fennel Pondweed BOWER’S HILL near FENNY CASTLE, (Potomogeton pectinatus) distinguished from WELLS Sunday 22 nd August 2010 Small Pondweed (P. berchtoldii) by pulling the leaf back, when the joined stipule jumps The location of this meeting was changed at off the stem, meaning that the leaf does not short notice from the advertised Queen’s arise from where it appears to as in the latter. Sedgemoor, as nearly all the ditches had been I hope this makes sense! cleaned out shortly before the meeting date and few aquatics remained. Bower’s Hill is on A previous record of Whorl­grass the low hills that run from the Wedmore ridge (Catabrosa aquatica) was confirmed, but we through to Wells and is not well known realised that if that rhyne was keetched botanically. A small party met up at Fenny completely the plant would be seriously Castle and took the footpath up across threatened. AWT are to be approached improved fields and then up to the steep suggesting piecemeal keetching to safeguard slopes of Bower’s Hill. Here the calcareous the site. Keetching is the local term I believe grassland was under­grazed and becoming for ditch clearing. very scrubby with Hawthorns, but still species­rich with Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba After a picnic lunch in the sun, minor ssp. minor), Upright Brome supplemented by picking blackberries (Bromopsis erecta), Quaking­grass (Briza claimed by Howard to be from his local media), Common Rockrose (Helianthemum patch, we progressed to Walton Moor, the site nummularium) and many other species. for Brown Galingale (Cyperus fuscus). There Autumn Ladies­tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) have been problems over the site management and Nit­grass (Gastridium ventricosum) had for some years and we found cattle grazing at been recorded here in the past, but despite this vital flowering time. The necessary searching for them we did not find these earlier poaching did not appear to have taken species. The tall, under­grazed sward looked place. After diligent searching we only rather unsuitable for the small delicate discovered 3 plants in flower. At Steve’s Ladies­tresses, but it may still be there. In a suggestion I have now written to Bob Corns moderately species­rich field to the north we of Natural England over our concern for this recorded one plant of Saw­wort (Serratula Rare, Vulnerable and UKBAP plant and have tinctoria) near the footpath. We walked up been informed that there had been a Hembury Lane and then back to our starting breakdown in communications between NE point down Castle Lane. No rare or scarce and the Environment Agency over plants were encountered on this field meeting, management, also a change in grazing regime but this area was explored and found to have for the future. I hope we have alerted NE to some species­rich grassland and rich their responsibility and shall make sure I visit hedgebanks and road verges and would merit the site on several occasions next year. further botanical recording. Liz McDonnell So, our convoy drove the 2 miles to Clapton Moor, causing a few hold­ups for GORDANO VALLEY traffic coming in the opposite direction, but th Saturday 11 September 2010 we outnumbered them! Here the Greater Water­parsnip (Sium latifolium) in the second Eight members gathered on a very pleasant re­introduction site was doing well with about day at Weston­in­Gordano to check on the 20 metres of the rhyne bank providing a good flora of two Avon Wildlife Trust reserves. habitat. Most of our time was spent around the rhynes. The two grykes, man­made short, An area of rhyne close to a bridge enabled broad ‘ponds’ gave us very good populations us to see a large population of Whorled of Fen Pondweed (Potamogeton coloratus), Water­milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum). and plenty of Stonewort (Chara vulgaris). Other plants of interest were Ranunculus One rhyne where we usually get a good list lingua, Carex disticha, Ranunculus had unfortunately been very recently keetched trichophyllus, Berula erecta, Alisma (yes, since the recce! Why does this so often 7 plantago­aquatica, Spirodela polyrhiza (and discovered was Water Fern (Azolla four Lemna species), Frogbit, Sparganium filiculoides), this plant was first recorded in emersum and S. erectum. Many thanks to Britain in 1883, and is now widespread across Helena for filing in the record cards. lowland Britain. In Somerset it is a familiar species on the Levels and Moors, in some Everyone enjoyed their day in the Gordano years thick mats of the plant develop along Valley including noting the unmoving traffic the drainage ditches and rhynes. A small driving south on the M5 above us at one time! weevil found in the county does however feed Maybe some blessed me for our route around on the water fern thus keeping the population Clapton Moor where we had to climb 5­ in check. After lunch we continued our search barred gates at least four times! The grazier of the canal. Only one other interesting non­ certainly knows how to tie his knots on the native was discovered, one plant of Water­ gates – talk about belt and braces! lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) was spotted in the centre of the water­course. Water­lettuce was Pam Millman first discovered in the county in 2004 when a few plants were discovered on Burnham BICKHAM WOOD Level. The plant is now well established in Saturday 25 th September 2010 the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal. It was thought that last year’s cold weather had The plan for this meeting was to re­find killed off this species. Other plants of interest Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis). included a Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus) on However, the only person to find the car both sides of the canal on the edge of parking location was the leader, so it was the Bridgwater. In order to get a closer look at the smallest possible party that set out to carry Water­lettuce, a small party drove closer to out general recording in this woodland and Taunton to see a population that Simon Leach grassland. The Beech Fern was not found, I had seen earlier in the month. Here many suspect that if still there it is to be found in or plants were seen floating on the surface of the around a small stream. The SRPG have water. Water­hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) visited the site in 2003, but the fern was not had been seen on the canal in 2009, no sign of found, the history of recording of the fern is this aquatic species was found on the site this given in the SRPG newsletter of 2003. I visit. recorded 98 species of plant in the woodland Steve Parker and the small meadow (owned by SWT). The woodland and grassland also had a good range of fungi; the area is well worth another PLANT NOTES visit. Steve Parker Two Mediterranean weeds new to Somerset BRIDGWATER & TAUNTON CANAL Saturday 30 th October 2010 Some noteworthy additions to the flora of Somerset this year are two Mediterranean This meeting was a joint meeting with the plants, both discovered in VC6. Wild Flower Society, so members of that Society were also looking out for plants in In April, a strange nettle in full flower was flower for the last Hunt. The other objective found by Pam Millman in the centre of for the day was to search the canal for alien Nailsea, growing in the crack between the plant species. Our first problem was finding pavement and the rear walls of a shop. It was the way to the canal, we got lost in a really immediately identified by Fred Rumsey (from horrid industrial estate and so had to re­trace a photograph) as Urtica membranacea our steps. Eventually the leader did find the (Membranous Nettle), which has a route to the canal and the search for aliens Mediterranean and Western European started. We had to work very hard and by distribution. Over a hundred plants were lunch time the only non­native species seen, around two sides of the building, suggesting that it may have been there for a 8 few seasons. By mid­April plants were flowers in an inflorescence. The cylindrical already in fruit. Urtica membranacea was fruits have hooked bristles towards the apex first recorded in Britain in April 2006 (ideal for catching in wool). growing in an identical habitat in Warwick (Boucher and Partridge, 2006). This nettle is monoecious. The upper (male) racemes are distinctive, having flowers on the topmost surface only, the lower surface being inflated and membranous. In 2008, Ian Green found this species growing as a weed amongst plants at B&Q in Elgin, where it is still to be found; it has also been found in Cornwall and London.

Galium murale

Both these species are Mediterranean winter annuals. They have probably arrived recently as weeds of Mediterranean container plants (eg palms, olives or figs); indeed both were recorded by Hoste and Verloove (2010) in a survey of stowaways growing in the containers of Mediterranean plants in garden centres across Belgium. These are definitely two species to look out for. Their appearances so far have been sporadic – they could arrive as passengers and jump ship wherever Mediterranean container plants are Urtica membranacea grown. Helena J. Crouch In May, Fred Rumsey found a single plant References of Galium murale (Small Goosegrass) growing on the pavement of the Royal Boucher, A. & Partridge, J. (2006). Urtica membranacea, an annual nettle, in Warwick: a Crescent in Bath. It was already in fruit; a first British record? BSBI News 103: 29­30. few weeks later it was gone. Galium murale was recorded by J. Fraser in 1911 near Hoste, I & Verloove, F. (2010). Container plants Musselburgh, where it was possibly a wool and their stowaways: a potential source of alien; it was also found as a wool alien at invasive plant species. In: Segers, H. & E. Blackmoor in North Hampshire by Rodney Branquart (eds). Science Facing Aliens. Burton. Recently, this species was discovered Proceedings of a scientific meeting on Invasive th at the base of a wall in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Alien Species, Brussels, May 11 2009. Belgian by Matt Stribley in 2007 and has also been Biodiversity Platform, 2010. reported from a driveway in Eastbourne (Nicolle, 2008). Galium murale is a small Nicolle, D.J. (2008). Galium murale – a foothold in Eastbourne? BSBI News 109: 57­58. procumbent plant with one to four yellowish

9 Small Water­pepper (Persicaria Pondweed), but leaves are broader, the apices minor) returns more blunt, the inflorescence has more flowers and the turions (vegetative propagules) are wider. The discovery of a This Vulnerable species has always been rare native vascular plant species new to a vice­ in Somerset and until this year it was thought county is a rare event and James is to be to be extinct in VC6, last seen at Meare Heath congratulated for his brilliant observation by D. Munro­Smith in 1960. It is thus very skills. exciting to report that Persicaria minor was found by Robert Cropper in September, on Helena Crouch Tealham Moor. Steve and I visited the site a few weeks later; we saw 6 plants growing in a small, recently­made ditch (a “grip”) which Tephroseris integrifolia subsp. runs across a damp meadow. The grip was integrifolia (Field Fleawort) delightfully species­rich, with both Nodding and Trifid Bur­marigold and abundant Marsh Field Fleawort is Endangered and nationally Yellow­cress (Rorippa palustris). Persicaria Scarce. It is an attractive plant with striking minor is an annual, so we shall monitor this yellow composite flowers, restricted to short site and search the neighbourhood for further turf on shallow soils, usually on S­facing plants next year. chalk, or rarely limestone. It is absent from VC5 and grows at only one site in VC6, In VC5, I had mistakenly believed this although it is not strictly a Somerset plant any species to be extinct, the only record having more, since the parish of Kilmington was lost been made at Stogumber in 1938 by A.E. to Wiltshire in 1896. Tephroseris integrifolia Ellis; however I was wrong. It was found in was not included in The Atlas Flora of 2003 at Clatworthy Reservoir by Tim Rich Somerset (which covers only modern and W. Bleeker beside a stream in the draw­ administrative Somerset and thus excludes down zone. With one recent site in each vice­ those parts of VC6 which are now Wiltshire). county, this is one of our rarer plants. The Capt. Roe, in his Flora of Somerset (1981), species account can be viewed on our wrote: “Only on the chalk of White Sheet Hill website. (7) (Wilts) on the boundary of V.C.6”, but his card in the species card index has no records. Helena Crouch This year, with the help of records from Potamogeton obtusifolius (Blunt­ Robert Cropper, Fred Rumsey and I found leaved Pondweed) two plants near the top of White Sheet Hill, just south of a tumulus. Comparing the grid reference with the position of the parish When H.W. Boon found Blunt­leaved boundary on the map, we believe these to be Pondweed at Norton Fitzwarren in 1973, in VC6 – just! Capt. Roe’s statement is still Capt. Roe wrote to him exclaiming “How perfectly correct. Sadly both plants had exciting about the Potamogeton obtusifolius! finished flowering. In 2012 this species will This is an important record for the county”. It be one of the BSBI targets for the Threatened was indeed a first for Somerset. Since then, Plants Project, so a return visit is planned. this species has been found at three other sites With only two known individuals, this is in VC5 but, until this year, was absent from currently one of our rarest species. VC6. It is thus sensational news that in Throughout the country, this species has August James McGill found Potamogeton declined as a result of under­grazing or scrub obtusifolius at Ham Wall National Nature encroachment. The site in VC6 is at the very Reserve, near Glastonbury. west of its national distribution. Potamogeton obtusifolius is a widespread Helena Crouch but patchily distributed species, mostly found in mesotrophic neutral or acidic ponds or lakes. It most closely resembles the far commoner Potamogeton berchtoldii (Small 10 NEW SOMERSET PLANT Crouch & Stephen J. Parker (det. Fred RECORDS Rumsey), VC6. First seen here by Robert S. Cropper in 2008, growing with S. purpurea, The following have been recorded new for but too small to be named with certainty until Somerset in 2010 unless stated otherwise: this year.

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara Cypress) – Urtica membranacea (Membranous Nettle) – Great Elm (ST746490), 28 May, seven short Nailsea (ST47447080), 6 April, 100+ plants wide trees in rocky woodland on N side of in flower at edge of paving along base of wall Mells Stream, outside garden fence but in of bike shop next to public car park, Pam area with relic features of having been a Millman (det. Fred Rumsey), VC6. garden, Helena J. Crouch & Gillian H. Read (det. Mark A.R. and Clare Kitchen), VC6. NEW VICE­COUNTY RECORDS

Festuca arenaria subsp. arenaria (Rush­ Cerinthe major (Greater Honeywort) – leaved Fescue) – Berrow Dunes (ST2951), 25 Dunster (SS9944), 27 April 2009, roadside, June 2009, at edge of golf course, beside spreading in Sea Lane, Alastair Stevenson, reedbed, Liz McDonnell, VC6. The first VC5. record for this taxon as it is now understood: it is not possible to tell whether former Potamogetom obtusifolius (Blunt­leaved records were for this subspecies because of Pondweed) – Ham Wall (ST46334013), 17 nomenclatural confusion. August, James McGill (conf. Nigel Holmes), VC6. Galium murale (Small Goosegrass) – Bath (ST744654), 2 May, one plant growing on OTHER INTERESTING pavement of Royal Crescent at top of steps to SOMERSET RECORDS IN 2010 a basement, Fred Rumsey, VC6. Armeria maritima (Thrift) – Bath Knautia macedonica (Macedonian Scabious) (ST744627), 25 June, thirteen clumps in – Hinton Blewett (ST598566), 11 June 2009, flower on central reservation of Wellsway, one big plant in flower and fruit on verge at Helena J. & Jennifer M. Crouch, VC6. First start of Hollow Marsh Lane, John P. Martin, inland record for VC6. VC6. Carex x deserta (C. binervis x laevigata) – Nothofagus dombeyi (Dombey’s Beech) – Luccombe (ST91874377), 12 July, beside a Monkham Wood (SS9838), 26 April, a few stream at the edge of a wood where it meets trees, thought this species, near road, Caroline the moor above Holt Ball, Jeanne Webb Giddens, VC5. (conf. Arthur Chater and Mike Porter), VC5. Second record for VC5 and Somerset. Pilosella flagellaris subsp. flagellaris (Spreading Mouse­ear­hawkweed) – Ashton Corydalis solida (Bird­in­a­bush) – Vale, Bristol (ST567719), 19 May 2009, Worminster (ST57994387), 13 April, widespread and obviously long naturalised on naturalised in copse opposite Churchill former railway yard, Rupert J. Higgins, VC6. House, John Poingdestre, VC6. First record for VC6 since 1987 and only fourth record for Pteris tremula (Tender Brake) – Bath VC6. (ST74446543), 10 September, three plants in stonework at top of basement of 20A Royal Euphorbia oblongata (Balkan Spurge) – Crescent and one at base of steps, Helena J. Westonzoyland (ST364342), 12 June, eight Crouch, VC6. plants on W side of lane, John Poingdestre, VC6. Second record for VC6. Sarracenia flava (Trumpets) – Westhay Moor (ST45334393), 15 July, three plants on Euphrasia arctica – Shapwick Heath peat at edge of wide channel, Helena J. (ST417406), 21 June 2008, many plants 11 scattered in herb­rich meadow at Canada Farm, Helena J. Crouch (det. Alan J. Senecio inaequidens (Narrow­leaved Silverside), and Shapwick Heath Ragwort) – Westonzoyland (ST364340), 12 (ST41124062), 13 July, in species­rich June, one plant in flower in pallet yard, and margin of Brickyard Farm Meadow, Helena J. Westonzoyland Airfield (ST364341), 12 June, Crouch, Liz McDonnell & Stephen J. Parker c.50 plants on roadside and rubble mounds, (det. Alan J. Silverside), VC6. First records John Poingdestre, VC6. Second and third for Somerset since 1993. records for VC6.

Euphrasia confusa x micrantha – Weir Symphytum tuberosum (Tuberous Comfrey) Water Valley (SS82194642), 18 July, in acid – Dunster (SS9943), 31 March 2009, dump grassland near Robber’s Bridge, SRPG (det. area, Alastair Stevenson, VC5. Horner Alan J. Silverside), VC5. First record for (SS8945), 18 April 2009, a few in dumping Somerset since 1997. area, Alastair Stevenson, VC5. Second and third records for VC5 and first records for Euphrasia officinalis subsp. anglica (English VC5 since 1950. Eyebright) – Cheddar Gorge (ST486533), 11 July, many plants in grassland S of road, Zantedeschia aethiopica (Altar­lily) – above track, Helena J. Crouch & Fred Bleadon (ST33985669), 11 July, one clump in Rumsey (det. Fred Rumsey), VC6. First ditch on west side of road, SRPG, VC6. record for VC6 since 1992. Second record for VC6.

Orobanche elatior (Knapweed Broomrape) – Records compiled by Helena Crouch Hellenge Hill (ST34955729), 11 July, two plants amongst Centarea scabiosa, 10 paces apart, near gate in SW part of donkey­grazed EXMOOR PLANT SURVEY field, SRPG, VC6. First record since 1989 at the only known extant site in Somerset. The survey of vascular plants in Exmoor area by 1 km squares being conducted by Exmoor Persicaria minor (Small Water­pepper) – Natural History Society as part of Exmoor Tealham Moor (ST41434573), 11 September, National Park Authority’s Five Year Plan has several plants in flower within 1m stretch of two more years to run. Good progress was shallow ditch (grip) across SWT meadow, made during 2010 and of the 750 squares Robert S. Cropper, VC6. First record for involved, less than 100 remain. The problem VC6 since 1960. is, that these are now in the most remote areas of Exmoor. If any SRPG members should be Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet) – contemplating walking any of the long­ Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve distance paths, such as the Macmillan Way (ST48437666), 17 August, one plant amongst West, The Two Moors Way or The Tarka Juncus at edge of large circular scrape in Trail and can do a bit of recording on the way, field, Bristol Naturalists’ Society, VC6. do please let Caroline Giddens know, even Second record for VC6 since 1976. Regarded short lists can be useful. as a probable casual in VC6.

Scandix pecten­veneris (Shepherd’s­needle) – Cary Fitzpaine (ST545277, ST545276), 25 April, frequent in two small fields with failed oilseed rape crops, and Cary Fitzpaine SRPG Contacts: (ST544274) abundant in headland alongside E of A37 in field S of above fields, John Liz McDonnell Poingdestre, VC6. First records for VC6 Steve Parker since 1995.

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