Delightfully deadly digitalis

Foxgloves are probably one of the most easily recognisable plants and are currently in full bloom around the island.  

These colourful spikes of flowers can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and vary in colour from deep purple through shades of pink and even pure white. They are particularly fond of acidic soil, which is probably why they do well on Arran.

The name foxglove can be traced back to the 1300’s and maybe even further.  The Latin name Digitalis purpurea refers to its shape which can be fitted over a human digit (fingertip). In the south of Scotland it is sometimes called ‘bloody fingers’ and in the north ‘deadman’s bells’.

The tubular flowers, seen between June and September attract a range of insects, but are mostly popular with bees.  

The insects enter into the flower and become covered in pollen.  Once the flower falls away a pod of brown rectangular seeds can be found. A plant can produce over 2 million seeds in its lifetime!

The foxglove has been used for medicinal purposes for over 200 years and is best known for its production of digoxin – a drug used as a stimulant to treat the heart.  As it is rich in digoxin it can also be poisonous if taken unawares and although poisoning is rate it can be confused with harmless plants such as comfrey which can be made into tea.

Bluebells in the Bronze Age!

 These little blue gems which appear around April and May, carpeting woodland floors, have an amazing history in the UK, where it is though around 50% of the world’s bluebells grow.

The flowers tend to lie on one side of the stem and droop once they are open.  As the name describes they are bell shaped and range from blue to violet.  Occasional white flowers can be found and may be genetic mutations. Most striking is the fabulous scent that they produce which adds to the delight of wandering though bluebell carpets.

Bluebells are native to the UK, although there are some Spanish ones around and these have mixed with the native variety.  The Spanish ones can be white or pink, but the most obvious difference is that they have very little or no scent.

Arran is steeped in history from the Bronze Age and it is likely that glue made from bluebells was used to attach feather to hunting arrows.  In more recent times Bluebell glue was also used to bind books.

Bluebell roots were also used to make starch to stiffen clothing, particularly collars and ruffs in the Victorian era.

Like many native wild flowers, bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is illegal to dig up the bulbs for sale or profit.  In all cases removing the plant, even for preservation reasons requires permission from the landowner (as most bluebells are found in woodlands there is always a 

landowner). 

Snowdrops - the flower of hope

Snowdrops in woodland on Arran

The scientific name is Galanthus nivalis, which means snowy milk white flowers This very delicate little flower is the harbinger of spring across Europe and is found both in the wild, and in gardens.  Its wild habitat is mainly woodland, but it can also be found in meadows, pastures, on stony ground and near water. 

A new Snowdrop 

One of the reasons the snowdrop is popular in gardens is its ability to survive most environments without any interference from the gardener!

Snowdrop - The head emerges and initially stands upright

Now I have to admit being a little confused by the literature on this little plant as it is described in some texts as being ‘near threatened’, yet it is easy to find in most locations and there are millions of plants sold each year in garden centres, but these are of the ‘non threatened’ variety. Overall there are 19 types of snowdrop.

Snowdrop - Drooping into the classic pendant

All snowdrops are found in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna).  Under this convention, restrictions are put on trade to prevent over harvesting particularly from the wild. 

Snowdrop - The flower head starts to open

In most countries it is illegal to collect bulbs from the wild, although there are a few minor exceptions with a CITES permit. Horticultural nurseries tend to use stock from bulb offsets or seeds with many collected from estates around the UK in a managed way to ensure sustainability. Like most species at risk, it is due to loss of habitat from building and recreational ground.

Now I may have been confused by how threatened, or not, the snowdrop is, but that is nothing compared to trying to decipher the technical description of the flower.  Apparently it does not have petals! 

A Snowdrop has tepals and not petals

So just what are those white things that look just like petals (to me). The flower head is made of 6 perianth segments or tepals. Whatever the bits are called, it is truly beautiful inside.

The leaves are smooth and slender and nearly as tall as the flowering stalk.  Each bulb produces one single flower which initially stands tall before drooping to the classic pendant we all recognise. 

Snowdrops have an attractive centre

These little white pearls hide a beautiful centre which can only be seen if you take the time to grovel on the ground and gently lift the drooping head.  

Snowdrop - the beautiful centre is often missed

The common snowdrop does have some medicinal uses as it contains galanthamine which can be used to treat traumatic injury to the nervous system and Alzheimer’s.  But it also contains lectin which can be used as an insecticide.  So although it may have medicinal properties if large quantities of the plant and bulb were eaten it is poisonous to humans, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. But lets not dwell on unpleasant subjects.  

Gorse bush

Other plants coming into flower include the gorse bush and wild raspberry canes.

Wild raspberry cane

Oh and in doing my research I found out that some places in Scotland do starlight snowdrop walks - how lovely.