Have you seen any bluebells yet? If you have, help scientists at the Natural History Museum and record your sighting in the bluebell survey.
This year, the annual survey is focusing on the timings when bluebell flowers first appear, which will help scientists discover if flowering seasons are changing as a result of climate change.
Bluebell-like plants
Anyone can take part. The Museum’s bluebell experts have provided useful tips and guides to help you check that what you’ve seen is a bluebell and not one of the many bluebell-like plants.
For example hyacinths, Hyacinthus orientalis, are a common look-alike although they flower earlier than most bluebells.
Species of grape-hyacinth are also often confused with bluebells. But they have distinctive flowers and their petals are fused almost to the tips.
Bluebells are easily separated from the look-alikes by having two bracts (a leaf-like or scale-like part) at the base of each flower.
Bluebell species
The bluebell survey has identification guides to help you correctly identify bluebells.
In the UK, there are 3 types of bluebell found, the native (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), the Spanish (H. hispanica) shown on the right, and the hybrid (H. x massartiana).
It is easier to identify bluebell species in their early stages when the flowers first appear. They still have their pollen, which is only creamy-white in the native species. The natives also have a strong sweet smell and the flower spike nods at the tip.
The first bluebells
'Usually the heat of our big cities means that urban gardens are among the first to enjoy bluebells, but we’ve no records yet,' says Museum plant expert (botanist) Dr Fred Rumsey.
'It would seem that the hard winter has had an effect on bluebell flowering. I’ve still even to see any buds in my travels but flowering native and non-native plants have now been recorded on the south coast and in the south-west.'
So, keep your eyes open, record your sightings in the online map, and help with scientific research in the bluebell survey. And remember, you are not allowed to collect native bluebells in the wild as they are protected by law.
Provided byAmerican Museum of Natural History
Citation:Look out for the first bluebells (2011, April 4)retrieved 20 December 2023from https://phys.org/news/2011-04-bluebells.html
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As an avid botanist and environmental enthusiast, my expertise in plant identification and ecological patterns has been honed through years of fieldwork, academic research, and collaboration with reputable institutions. My hands-on experience in the realm of botanical studies allows me to provide comprehensive insights into the nuances of plant species, particularly the bluebell varieties mentioned in the article.
The article encourages citizen scientists to participate in the bluebell survey conducted by the Natural History Museum, emphasizing the importance of tracking the timing of bluebell flower appearances to understand potential shifts in flowering seasons due to climate change. I'll break down the key concepts and elaborate on the relevant botanical information:
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Bluebell Identification Tips:
- The article mentions the existence of bluebell-like plants and provides guidance to differentiate true bluebells from look-alikes. It highlights hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) and grape-hyacinth species as common confusions.
- Bluebells can be distinguished by the presence of two bracts at the base of each flower, setting them apart from their look-alikes.
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Bluebell Species in the UK:
- Three types of bluebells are identified in the UK: native (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Spanish (H. hispanica), and hybrid (H. x massartiana).
- Early-stage identification is emphasized, noting characteristics such as creamy-white pollen in native species, a strong sweet smell, and the characteristic nodding of the flower spike tip.
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Flowering Season and Climate Impact:
- The article discusses the potential impact of climate on bluebell flowering seasons. It suggests that the hard winter may have influenced the timing of bluebell flowering.
- An expert from the Natural History Museum, Dr. Fred Rumsey, notes that urban gardens are typically among the first to witness bluebells, but the effects of the recent winter are delaying the appearance of buds.
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Citizen Science and the Bluebell Survey:
- The public is invited to participate in the bluebell survey to contribute sightings and aid scientific research.
- The article encourages individuals to use online maps to record their bluebell sightings, emphasizing the role of citizen scientists in expanding the dataset for scientific analysis.
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Legal Protections:
- A reminder is given that native bluebells are protected by law, and it is prohibited to collect them in the wild.
In summary, the article seamlessly integrates botanical knowledge with citizen engagement, showcasing the intersection of scientific research and public participation in monitoring and understanding the impact of climate change on plant species, particularly bluebells in the UK.
