Bluebells, native and introduced

click photo to enlarge

It is estimated that between a quarter and a half of all bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are found in the British Isles. In England they are a much loved flower, and a visit to a "bluebell wood" in April or May is a pleasure that many seek out in spring. The carpet of blue flowers taking advantage of the filtered light through the emerging tree canopy is one of nature's finest sights. However, the native bluebell is under threat from loss of habitat, illegal picking (they are protected by law) and hybridisation. Moreover, I am one of those who is contributing to the decline of this beautiful flower.

How so? When I moved to my present house I enjoyed the appearance of bluebells in the garden each spring. Clumps grow under the willow tree, fruit trees, flowering cherries, maple and in the deep borders shaded by silver birches and shrubs. They grow on our rockery too. But, I discovered, these are not the native bluebell, they are mostly the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) that is commonly found in gardens and sold in garden centres. A few are hybrids produced by the natural crossing of the native species with the Spanish variety. Such has been the impact of this introduction and hybridisation that the introduced bluebells are increasingly common in the countryside and few urban or garden bluebells are the native species. How can you tell the difference between H. non-scripta and H. hispanica? The native flower is scented, the anther that bears the pollen is cream coloured and the flowers are carried only on one side of the stem. In the non-native species there is no scent, the anther is mid-blue and flowers are carried on all sides of the stem. The hybrid, Hyacinthoides x massartiana is more like the Spanish variety but has creamy-blue anthers.

There is no easy answer to the problem of how to ensure the survival of the native bluebell throughout the country. It may be that the best we can hope for is its survival in more remote woods. It would seem that the spread of the Spanish variety and the hybrids is well past the point where eradication is a feasible solution. Lincolnshire has bluebell woods, but in the Fenland region the flowers are found in smaller stands of trees, gardens. These bluebells in Swineshead churchyard (churchyards are another common location for the flower) hint at the beauty they bring in spring, but are, you've guessed it, further examples of the non-native flowers.

photograph and text (c) T. Boughen

Camera: Lumix LX3
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 5.1mm (24mm/35mm equiv.)
F No: f4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/800
ISO:80
Exposure Compensation: -0.33 EV
Image Stabilisation: On

Bluebells

click photo to enlarge
This year seems to have been a good one for Hyacinthoides non-scripta - otherwise known as the common bluebell. I say that solely on the number and rude health of those that grow in my garden under the trees and in the borders. Since my re-location to Lincolnshire I find it a little harder to pop out to a bluebell wood in May and imbibe the shimmering blue under the thin tree canopy of fresh green leaves. In Lancashire this was an easy task, as it was when I lived in the Yorkshire Dales.

In 2006 I posted a couple of images of the Lancashire bluebell woods at Barnacre and Calder Vale. And, every year since that time, this particular image has been hit upon by people searchingthe web in early May for such a place to visit. For the past few days it has been the most popular page on this blog, and it is likely to remain so until the bluebells have faded or people have had their fill of this lovely spring spectacle.

Today's photograph shows the blooms of a clump of bluebells under an apple tree. I used a long focal length to throw the background of glossy leaves and sun-dappled bushes out of focus.

photograph & text (c) T. Boughen

Camera: Olympus E510
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 119mm (238mm/35mm equiv.)
F No: f6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/160
ISO: 100
Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
Image Stabilisation: On