Late August flowers in Seaford Head Nature Reserve

A week after counting Moon CarrotsAMP 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 speciesAMP 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 HeadAMP. You can see the context from the Eyebrights Euphrasia nearby. See also the main image for this post. LL

Clustered Bellflower – Campanula glomerata

The white form in amongst the usual purple.

Dropwort – Filipendula vulgaris

This reminds me of cherry blossom in the spring! See also the Devils bit Scabious Succisa pratensis behind. LL

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).

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

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.

Common Toadflax – Linaria vulgaris

Back in shorter grass by the golf course

Squinancywort – Asperula cynanchica

Tiny and pale pink. L

Autumn Lady’s Tresses orchid – Spiranthes spiralis

This orchid was new to me. L

There were also many chalk indicator species in Cradle Valley Seaford in JulyAMP

and Grin Low SSSI in JuneAMP

Read more about chalk grassland habitats