Spear Thistle / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible Spear Thistle is a native, biannual member of the daisy family. It’s massively common and the stems can be used as a celery substitute. Common Names Spear Thistle, Bull Thistle, Scotch Thistle Botanical Name Cirsium vulgare Scientific Classification Kingdom –…
Journal

Pink Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Pink Waxcap is one of the rarest and most beautiful fungi in the UK. Quite easy to ID but they should be photographed and left untouched. Scientific Name Porpolomopsis calyptriformis Common Names Pink Waxcap, Ballerina Waxcap Family Hygrophoraceae Habitat They are…

Blackening Waxcap / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Step into the captivating world of the Blackening Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe conica, as we explore the intriguing qualities of this enigmatic mushroom. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the distinctive features and fascinating transformations that…

Crimson Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible Prepare to be enchanted by the radiant beauty and culinary splendor of the Crimson Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe punicea. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to discover the captivating qualities and edible delights of this remarkable mushroom. With…

Scarlet Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible Scientific Name Hygrocybe coccinea Common Names Scarlet Waxcap, Scarlet hood, Righteous red waxy cap. Family Hygrophoraceae Habitat They are found in woodland clearings and mown meadows and fields, where fertilisers and herbicides aren’t used. Description One of the smaller red Waxcap, they…

Watercress / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible Watercress is a fast growing, aquatic member of the Cabbage family. It’s very nutritious, easy to ID and edible. Common Names Watercress, Yellow cress, Poor Man’s Bread Botanical Name Nasturtium officinale Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Brassicales Family –…

Ragwort / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Ragworts (Senecio species) are very common throughout the UK, the most common variety in the UK is Jacobaea vulgaris but they are all toxic. Common Names Ragwort, Common ragwort, Stinking Willy, Tansy ragwort, St. James-wort, Stinking nanny, Staggerwort, Cankerwort, Stammerwort. Botanical…

Yellow False Truffle / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Scientific Name Rhizopogon luteolus Common Names Yellow False Truffle, Family Rhizopogonaceae Habitat They are mycorrhizal and grow just beneath the surface around pine tree. They are more common in the north on sandy soils. Description As the name suggests they are…