Identifying native from non-native bluebells.

In our gardens and woodlands, two types of bluebells can be found: the native English bluebell and the non-native Spanish bluebell. The native bluebell features more delicate flowers with outward-curling petals, and its drooping flowers grow along one side of the stem. Its leaves are narrow, and the Its pollen is cream-coloured.

However, the most notable difference is the sweet scent of the English bluebell, which the Spanish variety does not possess. The non-native bluebell can be identified by its broader leaves and upright stem with flowers encircling it, green or blue pollen, and it often blooms earlier than the English bluebell.

English bluebell

Bluebells are uncommon in other countries, with the UK hosting nearly half of the global population. Picking or uprooting bluebells is against the law, but if you want to plant them, ensure they are the native English variety, as the Spanish type can outcompete them or hybridise. Walking in a English bluebell woodland, you may spot the odd white flower. This is just a mutation that lessens the production of the blue pigment, but more often you will find Spanish or hybridised bluebells in shades of pink, white and light blue. Most people will find if they have bluebells in their garden they are Spanish or hybrid. They are still great nectar rich flowers for pollinators so its unnecessary to start pulling up your non-native flowers, but maybe use them as cut flowers before they go to seed. If you are removing them for some reason, please be mindful about how you dispose them, to give our native species a chance.

Spanish bluebell

Bluebells are frequently visited by butterflies, hoverflies, and bees. However, bees are known to 'steal' nectar from the flowers by biting a hole at the base to access it, which prevents them from getting pollen on their bodies to aid in pollination. On the other hand, ants are excellent seed dispersers! They are attracted to the fleshy, sugary part of the plant surrounding the seeds. Ants collect the seeds and store them in their nests. When they relocate their nests or venture out in search of food, they inadvertently spread the bluebell seeds.

Bluebells are linked to folklore involving fairies, who use their magic to lure humans into their bluebell forests. Hearing the chime of a bluebell might indicate the presence of a malevolent fairy or foretell an impending death!

I think I'll stay on the edge of the woodland and enjoy the view and the scent from afar, not to attract the attention of those fairies!!