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Britain
is supposed to hold something like one third of all the bluebells in
the world. Its preference for a mild Atlantic sea-board climate means
that Cumbria is the perfect county for this species and its is found
in around 65% of all the tetrads in the county i.e. virtually all outside
the upland areas. The native species has been at risk as its woodland
habitat falls victim to climate changes, agricultural demands and the
coniferous planting of the past. Further risk is posed from hybridisation
with introduced Spanish Bluebells. Famous
spots in the Lake District are at Rannerdale and Low Wood by Wast Water,
but South Cumbria in particular has some spectacular displays of Bluebell
carpets, usually at their best around the second/third week of May.
The Rusland Valley in particular has excellent displays that can be
seen from the roadside, as in the photo below taken amongst the famous
Rusland Beeches. The
native species has a flower spike that hangs down to one side, has flowers
that are deep blue-violet (although sometimes pale, rarely pink or white)
with straight-sided bells and rolled-back tips, has creamy-white anthers
and is scented (especially in warm weather). The
Spanish species has a stiff upright flower spike, has longer-stalked
flowers that are pale to mid-blue (sometimes white and pink) with flared
open bells having straight tips, has pale to dark blue anthers and no
scent. Hybrids
have intermediate character as illustrated below:
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