Wildflowers on a nature walk
A week after counting Moon Carrots on Seaford Head I was back up there with Seaford Natural History Society on a nature walk lead by Sussex Wildlife Trust.
As for the last few posts, I have marked any chalk grassland indicator species with an L. I didn’t photograph last weeks ones again and this is not a comprehensive list!
Wildflowers in chalk in short grass
Autumn gentian – Gentianella amarella
I completely missed this gorgeous flower last week when I was in the same area of Seaford Head. You can see the context from the Eyebrights Euphrasia nearby. See also the main image for this post. LL
![Autumn gentian flowers Gentianella amarella Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Autumn-gentian-flowers-Gentianella-amarella-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-450x600.jpg)
Clustered Bellflower – Campanula glomerata
The white form in amongst the usual purple.
![clustered bellflower white campanula glomerata eyebright Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/clustered-bellflower-white-campanula-glomerata-eyebright-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-450x600.jpg)
Dropwort – Filipendula vulgaris
This reminds me of cherry blossom in the spring! See also the Devils bit Scabious Succisa pratensis behind. LL
![Dropwort Filipendula vulgaris with devils bit scabious Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dropwort-Filipendula-vulgaris-with-devils-bit-scabious-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-600x600.jpg)
Moon Carrot – Seseli libanotis
While I was in the area I revisited the Moon Carrot near the cliffs because I realised a photo of the stem might be useful as it is strongly ridged, making it handy for ID. You can also see the long calyx teeth (the long pointy bits under each flower cluster).
![Moon Carrot stem shape Seseli libanotis Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Moon-Carrot-stem-shape-Seseli-libanotis-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-600x450.jpg)
Flowers in more sheltered longer grass
In Hope Bottom – away from the exposed cliffs.
Weld – Reseda luteola
These fun-looking yellow spikes were growing in amongst a patch of Wild Basil Clinopodium vulgare which is a chalk grassland indicator species. L
![Weld plant Reseda luteola wild basil Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Weld-plant-Reseda-luteola-wild-basil-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-450x600.jpg)
Ploughman’s spikenard – Inula conyzae
This plant was pointed out by Janice, one of the experienced amateur botanists from Seaford Natural History Society. According to BRC, Ploughman’s Spikenard is a common native in the South of England. It is in the Daisy family with an interesting flower formation in that the ray-florets (petals) are missing.
![Ploughman's spikenard flowers Inula conyzae Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ploughmans-spikenard-flowers-Inula-conyzae-Seafrod-Head-Aug-2021-600x450.jpg)
Common Toadflax – Linaria vulgaris
![common toadflax linaria vulgaris seaford head aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/common-toadflax-linaria-vulgaris-seaford-head-aug-2021-600x600.jpg)
Back in shorter grass by the golf course
Squinancywort – Asperula cynanchica
Tiny and pale pink. L
![squinancywort flowers Asperula cynanchica Seaford Head Aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/squinancywort-flowers-Asperula-cynanchica-Seaford-Head-Aug-2021-600x450.jpg)
Autumn Lady’s Tresses orchid – Spiranthes spiralis
This orchid was new to me. L
![Autumn Lady's Tresses orchid Spiranthes spiralis Seaford Head aug 2021](https://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Autumn-Ladys-Tresses-orchid-Spiranthes-spiralis-Seaford-Head-Sept-2021-412x600.jpg)
There were also many chalk indicator species in Cradle Valley Seaford in July