Flowers and Fauna by the River Bank - 22 June 2025 - v1 Short
Corn Marigold.
Corn marigold, scientifically known as Glebionis segetum (formerly Chrysanthemum segetum), is an annual flowering plant with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region but has naturalized in other parts of Europe, as well as in China and North America. Common names include corn marigold and corn daisy.
Corn marigold typically grows to a medium height, reaching 30 to 100 centimeters.
It thrives in sunny locations and is often found in arable fields, meadows, and other disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Fireweed.
Fireweed, scientifically known as Chamaenerion angustifolium, is a tall, perennial herbaceous plant with showy pink-purple flowers. It's also commonly called rosebay willowherb in Britain and Ireland. Fireweed is known for its ability to quickly colonize disturbed areas, particularly after fires, hence its name. It's a member of the Onagraceae (willowherb) family.
Common names include rosebay willowherb, great willowherb.
Can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall. Thrives in open, disturbed areas like roadsides, clearings, and areas affected by fire or logging.
Giant Hogweed.
Giant hogweed, scientifically known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a plant in the Apiaceae family (previously known as the Umbelliferae). This family includes some well-known plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander.
Giant hogweed is not native to the UK. It originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia. It was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental in the 19th century when it escaped and naturalised in the wild. It is now classed as an invasive species and can be found throughout much of the UK, especially colonising river banks where its seeds are transported by the water.
Habitat includes, derelict gardens, neglected urban places and waste ground, on rubbish tips, roadsides and by streams and rivers.
The sap of giant hogweed can cause burns. It contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis). If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity. The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin. Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.
Japanese Knotweed.
Japanese knotweed, scientifically known as Reynoutria japonica (formerly Fallopia japonica), is a highly invasive perennial plant native to East Asia. It is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread aggressively, causing ecological and structural damage. It can grow up to 2-3 meters tall with bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves.
The plant spreads primarily through underground rhizomes (underground stems) that can regenerate even from small fragments. Outcompetes native plants, disrupting ecosystems. In the UK, it is an offense to allow Japanese knotweed to spread into the wild.
Vetch.
Common Vetch, scientifically known as Vicia sativa, is a nitrogen-fixing, annual legume plant native to Europe and North Africa. It's a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) and is widely cultivated as a cover crop and for livestock fodder.
Common vetch is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, roadsides, waste ground, and coastal areas. It's considered widespread and naturalized in many parts of the world.
It's a climbing or sprawling plant with long, twining stems and tendrils.The flowers, leaves, and seed pods (when young) can be eaten, often tasting similar to peas. It's also appreciated in natural settings for its attractive flowers and ability to support pollinators.
Important Note: While generally safe, some varieties of vetch can contain toxins, especially when mature. It's recommended to harvest and consume young pods and leaves to minimize any potential risks.
Water Crowfoot.
Water crowfoot, scientifically known as Ranunculus, is an aquatic plant that includes several species, with Ranunculus aquatilis being the most common. It is characterized by its white, buttercup-like flowers and both submerged and floating leaves, thriving in freshwater habitats like ponds, ditches, and streams. It is a valuable oxygenator for aquatic environments and provides habitat for various pond life.
Offers shelter and cover for various pond life, including fish, newts, and insects. Can be short-lived, but readily regenerates with favorable conditions.
Different species may exhibit variations in leaf shape, flower size, and flowering times.
Damselfly - Banded Demoiselle
The Banded demoiselle is a large damselfly that lives along the edges of slow-flowing rivers and canals, still ponds and lakes, and among lush, damp vegetation. Its common name is derived from the distinctive 'fingerprint' mark on the males' wings. The only other damselfly with coloured wings is the similar-looking Beautiful demoiselle; however, this species lives on smaller, fast-flowing rivers, mainly in the west of the country. Banded Demoiselle males are very territorial, performing fluttering display flights to win over females. They are on the wing from May to August.
Male Banded demoiselles are metallic blue, with broad, dark blue patches on each wing; females are metallic green with pale greenish wings. At rest, damselflies hold their wings along the length of their abdomen.
Female banded demoiselles lay their eggs by injecting them into plant stems under the surface of the water. The eggs take about two weeks to hatch and the larvae take two years to develop, overwintering in the mud at the bottom of the river or pond.
Minnows
Minnows are small freshwater fish, often belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Typically found in streams and rivers, and sometimes in lakes. They are known for forming large shoals and play an important role in the food chain, serving as prey for larger fish and birds. Minnows are omnivorous, feeding on insects, crustaceans, plant debris, and even fish eggs.
Generally small, rarely exceeding 10cm in length. Their colouring is olive-brown with dark bars along the back and a dark stripe down the side.
Flowers and Fauna by the River Bank - 22 June 2025 - v1 Short
Corn Marigold.
Corn marigold, scientifically known as Glebionis segetum (formerly Chrysanthemum segetum), is an annual flowering plant with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region but has naturalized in other parts of Europe, as well as in China and North America. Common names include corn marigold and corn daisy.
Corn marigold typically grows to a medium height, reaching 30 to 100 centimeters.
It thrives in sunny locations and is often found in arable fields, meadows, and other disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Fireweed.
Fireweed, scientifically known as Chamaenerion angustifolium, is a tall, perennial herbaceous plant with showy pink-purple flowers. It's also commonly called rosebay willowherb in Britain and Ireland. Fireweed is known for its ability to quickly colonize disturbed areas, particularly after fires, hence its name. It's a member of the Onagraceae (willowherb) family.
Common names include rosebay willowherb, great willowherb.
Can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall. Thrives in open, disturbed areas like roadsides, clearings, and areas affected by fire or logging.
Giant Hogweed.
Giant hogweed, scientifically known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a plant in the Apiaceae family (previously known as the Umbelliferae). This family includes some well-known plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander.
Giant hogweed is not native to the UK. It originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia. It was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental in the 19th century when it escaped and naturalised in the wild. It is now classed as an invasive species and can be found throughout much of the UK, especially colonising river banks where its seeds are transported by the water.
Habitat includes, derelict gardens, neglected urban places and waste ground, on rubbish tips, roadsides and by streams and rivers.
The sap of giant hogweed can cause burns. It contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis). If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity. The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin. Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.
Japanese Knotweed.
Japanese knotweed, scientifically known as Reynoutria japonica (formerly Fallopia japonica), is a highly invasive perennial plant native to East Asia. It is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread aggressively, causing ecological and structural damage. It can grow up to 2-3 meters tall with bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves.
The plant spreads primarily through underground rhizomes (underground stems) that can regenerate even from small fragments. Outcompetes native plants, disrupting ecosystems. In the UK, it is an offense to allow Japanese knotweed to spread into the wild.
Vetch.
Common Vetch, scientifically known as Vicia sativa, is a nitrogen-fixing, annual legume plant native to Europe and North Africa. It's a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) and is widely cultivated as a cover crop and for livestock fodder.
Common vetch is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, roadsides, waste ground, and coastal areas. It's considered widespread and naturalized in many parts of the world.
It's a climbing or sprawling plant with long, twining stems and tendrils.The flowers, leaves, and seed pods (when young) can be eaten, often tasting similar to peas. It's also appreciated in natural settings for its attractive flowers and ability to support pollinators.
Important Note: While generally safe, some varieties of vetch can contain toxins, especially when mature. It's recommended to harvest and consume young pods and leaves to minimize any potential risks.
Water Crowfoot.
Water crowfoot, scientifically known as Ranunculus, is an aquatic plant that includes several species, with Ranunculus aquatilis being the most common. It is characterized by its white, buttercup-like flowers and both submerged and floating leaves, thriving in freshwater habitats like ponds, ditches, and streams. It is a valuable oxygenator for aquatic environments and provides habitat for various pond life.
Offers shelter and cover for various pond life, including fish, newts, and insects. Can be short-lived, but readily regenerates with favorable conditions.
Different species may exhibit variations in leaf shape, flower size, and flowering times.
Damselfly - Banded Demoiselle
The Banded demoiselle is a large damselfly that lives along the edges of slow-flowing rivers and canals, still ponds and lakes, and among lush, damp vegetation. Its common name is derived from the distinctive 'fingerprint' mark on the males' wings. The only other damselfly with coloured wings is the similar-looking Beautiful demoiselle; however, this species lives on smaller, fast-flowing rivers, mainly in the west of the country. Banded Demoiselle males are very territorial, performing fluttering display flights to win over females. They are on the wing from May to August.
Male Banded demoiselles are metallic blue, with broad, dark blue patches on each wing; females are metallic green with pale greenish wings. At rest, damselflies hold their wings along the length of their abdomen.
Female banded demoiselles lay their eggs by injecting them into plant stems under the surface of the water. The eggs take about two weeks to hatch and the larvae take two years to develop, overwintering in the mud at the bottom of the river or pond.
Minnows
Minnows are small freshwater fish, often belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Typically found in streams and rivers, and sometimes in lakes. They are known for forming large shoals and play an important role in the food chain, serving as prey for larger fish and birds. Minnows are omnivorous, feeding on insects, crustaceans, plant debris, and even fish eggs.
Generally small, rarely exceeding 10cm in length. Their colouring is olive-brown with dark bars along the back and a dark stripe down the side.