This time, we take a look at three more beautiful wild flowers at South Stack - Thrift, Sheepsbit Scabious and Spring Squill.
Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Thrift is also known as Sea Thrift, Sea Pink, or 'Pink Pom-poms' as Charlotte at South Stack has re-named it! It flowers between April and August. In summer, it produces long - stalked, bright pink flowerheads which transform the coastal scenery with extensive splashes of colour. The plant is variable in height with taller forms on inland sites. It can grow in dry, sandy, saline conditions, i.e., beaches and salt marshes.
Did you know? - the British threepence coin issued between 1937 and 1952 had a design of Thrift on the reverse.
Sheepsbit Scabious (Jasione montana)
The flowering time for this pretty flower is between July and October. It is often found on heaths and moors at high elevation in rocky areas, coastal cliffs and quarries. It prefers acid soils and grows alongside Thrift and Kidney Vetch. The flowerhead is made up of tiny florets with five narrow petals, usually deep blue, though it can sometimes be pink or white. The flowers are visible under Ultraviolet light making them particulary attractive to pollinating insects.
Other names for the Sheepsbit Scabious include Blue Bonnets, Blue Buttons, the Blue Daisy and Iron Flower.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna)
This is a flowering plant, native to Western Europe, with star - like blue flowers produced during the spring. It is a small perennial plant which usually reaches around 5 - 15cm in height. The flowers are made up of 6 scentless, violet-blue petals which grow in a dense cluster of two to twelve at the top of the upright stem. It is found in short, dry, grassy areas, usually near the sea.
Did you know? - Squill liquid extract is an active ingredient used in tradtional cough medicines!