Tree, shrub and flower

       



 Horse Chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum

I was pleased to find this mature specimen growing wild in the Wye Valley as it's very much a planted tree in UK. The species was introduced from Turkey in the late sixteenth century.  This one was close to a waterfall so may have sprung from a conker washed downstream many years ago.
Individual flowers have 4 or 5 fringed petals and are white with a pink flush at the base. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects particularly bees. These flowers were at least 20 feet above my head and a stiff breeze was blowing so sadly I could neither see or hear insects. The rustle of the leaves overlaying the rush of water was a good alternative!

 Greater Stitchwort, Stellaria holostea 

This native is abundant in the lanes and woodland paths at the moment. It forms patches and tangles up through the grass. There are five petals which are split about halfway to the base. I was listening to someone talking about birds the other day and mentioning a  key ID feature for each. This and the petals being much longer than the sepals are the key things for me. 

Broom, Cytisus scoparius

Found growing in groups on open woodland paths in Wye Valley and visible through many twists and turns. It is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae. The distinctive flowers are orange yellow, stems are 5 angled with long, slender, green shoots. Lower leaves are stalked with 3 leaflets.

These three plants cover the #365DaysofBotany Days 118-120. 

I hope to publish the next few on Sunday during #Wildflowerhour