Asparagaceae: the Asparagus Family
Some of these, the native bluebell included, were for a long time classified as Liliaceae, the Lily family. As well as Asparagus itself, included in this family is the Daylily (Hemerocallis); a collection of these can be found at Shadbolt House, Cuddington, Surrey.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Asparagaceae: the Asparagus Family
Lily of the Valley is a native plant member of this family. In our gardens, so many plants with "lily" in the popular name are not lilies at all.
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Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Common Bluebell, Cuckoo's Boots, Witches Thimbles.
Forms highly scented woodland colonies in April and May.
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The garden Spanish Bluebell is upright, scentless, has blue pollen and flowers all along the stem. Our native bluebell (left) is arched and highly fragrant. Crossbreeding between the two is reducing the native population.
Starch from Bluebells was used by Elizabethans to stiffen ruff collars. As beautiful as our Bluebells are, PLEASE LEAVE THEM ALONE: they are a vital part of the woodland food chain. If you find a colony on your walk or in your garden, talk to your local wildlife groups about identification and protection.
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SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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