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Checklists of Exmoor's Wildlife
In 1996 ENHS produced The Flora and Fauna of Exmoor National Park listing 8243 species which had been recorded. (Now out of print). Since then there have been a number of additions published annually in Exmoor Naturalist magazine. The following lists show what we have recorded so far and it is hoped there will be future updates.

Plants
Clubmosses, Horsetails, Rushes, Sedges, Grasses
CLUBMOSSES
Fir Clubmoss Huperzia selago Decreased from its former Somerset sites apart from Exmoor. In year 2000 known here in four places.
Marsh Clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata Only once recorded from Minehead area by Coleman, 1849.
Stag's-horn Clubmoss Lycopodium clavatum Six known Exmoor sites. Formerly plentiful but was over collected.
Alpine Clubmoss Diphasiastrum alpinum Last recorded c1927 by N.G. Haddon at Chetsford
Kraus's Clubmoss Selaginella kraussiana Only one Exmoor site for this
HORSETAILS
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile In areas of standing or slow moving water
Shore Horsetail Equisetum arvense x fluviatile (E. x litorale) gricultural Weed" c 1940's and at Allerford in 1960. 1 plant found by B.Giddens by newly made flight of steps near Stoats Farm on 17.7.83 but scythed off 3 from base 2 days later. Treated with Baby-Bio, it produced several more flowers. Disappeared until 17.7.88 when one plant in same place but not seen since.
 
Lesser Knotweed Persicaria campanulata In 2000 still not very prolific although common along the Washford River valley and established clumps in a few other places. First recorded in Somerset in 1974 at Spaxton (Green)
Himalayan Knotweed Persicaria wallichii Abundant around Simonsbath and in the Heddon Valley where the National Trust have been trying to eradicate it for many years.
Common Bistort Persicaria bistorta Would appear to be native in some damp meadows and woods and recorded as such by Murray. Probably a garden escape in some places.
Red Bistort Persicaria amplexicaulis A garden escape or throw-out which may increase.
Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia In ditches and damp places. Probably decreasing at Porlock Marsh due to inundation with salt water.
a knotweed Persicaria capitata A rare escape from gardens or hanging flower baskets in Minehead.
Redshank Persicaria maculosa A common weed of arable land, waste places, reservoirs, etc.
Pale Persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia An uncommon weed of cultivated land.
Water-pepper Persicaria hydropiper Common in damp woodlands, meadows and tracks.
Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Occasionally turns up in waste places, gardens or cultivated land.
Ray's Knotgrass Polygonum oxyspermum ecorded c 1910 by T. Twist at Blue Anchor and Roe states "formerly at Dunster. No recent records.
Equal-leaved Knotgrass Polygonum arenastrum Common in town and on paths and farmland.
Knotgrass Polygonum aviculare sens.str. More common than P. arenastrum in waste ground, tracks, field gateways, etc.
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica Sometimes abundant, ENPA have scheme to eradicate it.
a knotweed Fallopia japonica x sachalinensis (F. x bohemica) This hybrid has been recorded at West Porlock and Treborough.
Giant Knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis We first noted this at Dunster Beach in 1978 and it increased to form a large stand but it had been virtually eradicated by 2001.
Russian Vine Fallopia baldschuanica Usually near habitation and our records all mainly near the coast. Can form large stands smothering walls, trees and other shrubs.
Black Bindweed Fallopia convolvulus Mainly on arable land.
Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella ssp. acetosella Common on acid moors and heaths.
Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Very common in hedgerows etc. Probably present in every tetrad.
Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum At pond edges, ditches, stream banks. Scarce.
Greek Dock Rumex cristatus Has been in Minehead area since at least 1942 when material was collected by J.E.Lousley but it was at that time thought to be R. patientia. It was renamed in 1982 by D.H.Kent. It has increased in Minehead area.
a dock Rumex crispus x cristatus (R. x dimidiatus) Waste ground at Minehead.
a dock Rumex cristatus x obtusifolius (R. x lousleyi) Waste ground in Minehead area.
Curled dock Rumex crispus ssp. crispus Throughout area but not on higher moorland.
a curled dock Rumex crispus ssp. littoreus Occurs in sandy areas near the coast.
a dock Rumex conglomeratus x crispus (R. x schulzei) A single specimen found at Minehead 1994.
a dock Rumex crispus x sanguineus (R. x sagorskii) Waste ground or arable land.
a dock Rumex crispus x pulcher (R. x pseudopulcher) Has been found in one or two rough fields in Minehead/Porlock area.
a dock Rumex crispus x obtusifolius (R. x pratensis) Probably under recorded.
a dock Rumex crispus x palustris (R. x heteranthos) Recorded in error in Flora & Fauna of ENP 1996.
Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus Not on high moorland.
a dock Rumex conglomeratus x obtusifolius (R. x abortivus) Scarce.
Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus Common in hedgerows, woodland, waste ground, etc. Not on high moorland. Plant is var. viridis.
a dock Rumex pulcher x sanguineus (R. x mixtus) On dry grassy slopes.
a dock Rumex obtusifolius x sanguineus (R. x dufftii) Woodland borders, verges, etc.
Fiddle Dock Rumex pulcher Mainly on dry slopes or sandy areas near the coast.
a dock Rumex obtusifolius x pulcher (R. x ogulinensis) Only recorded from one grassy slope nr Bossington.
Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Recorded from all but two tetrads on the high moorland. The commonest dock.
Golden Dock Rumex maritimus Only recorded from Hurscombe Reserve, Wimbleball.
Thrift Armeria maritima Occurs on coastal cliffs from Combe Martin to Dunster Beach.
a st. john's-wort Hypericum forrestii Only recorded from base of wall at West Lynch. (Green)
Rose-of-Sharon Hypericum calycinum A garden escape nearly always found close to habitations.
Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum A garden escape around villages but probably native in woodlands, not on the moors.
Tall Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum x hircinum (H. x inodorum) An uncommon garden escape.
Stinking Tutsan Hypericum hircinum An uncommon garden escape.
Perforate St. John's-wort Hypericum perforatum Fairly common in hedgerows, etc. in the less acid areas and usually around the villages.
Square-stalked St. John's-wort Hypericum tetrapterum Widespread in damp woodland, fields and hedgerows and by streams or rivers.
Trailing St. John's-wort Hypericum humifusum On woodland tracks and also on heather moorland.
Slender St. John's-wort Hypericum pulchrum Our commonest St. John's Wort. Hedgebanks, moorland and woodland.
Hairy St. John's-wort Hypericum hirsutum Only recorded from Selworthy in our area
Marsh St. John's-wort Hypericum elodes Widespread but only in acid moorland bogs.
Large-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Planted specimens only - a magnificent tree nr R. Barle in Pit Wood (P. Green)
Lime Tilia cordata x platyphyllos (T. x vulgaris) Scattered introductions in north and east sections of area, none in south-west region of Exmoor.
Musk-mallow Malva moschata In hedgerows, field borders and rough areas but not on acid ground.
Common Mallow Malva sylvestris Common in the eastern part of our area but rare otherwise. Hedgerows; farmland; etc.
Dwarf Mallow Malva neglecta Usually in agricultural land. All records except one from Minehead Porlock area.
Tree-mallow Lavatera arborea Sandy areas all along Exmoor coast where suitable. Doubtfully native.
Hyeres Tree-mallow Lavatera thuringiaca Garden escapes
Hollyhock Alcea rosea A garden escape or throw-out in waste areas and stony places.
Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia Common in moorland bogs
Sweet Violet Viola odorata Common in hedgerows on the lower ground. Native or sometimes a garden escape. White flowered var. sometimes abundant. Purple and rarely amethyst coloured plants also occur.
Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana A common plant of hedgerows, open woodland and grassy slopes.
Early Dog-violet Viola reichenbachiana Common in woodland and shady hedgerows.
Heath Dog-violet Viola canina Sandy areas and heaths.
Marsh Violet Viola palustris In upland moorland boggy areas. Subsp. rarely recorded but both ssp. palustris and ssp. juressi are thought to occur.
Mountain Pansy Viola lutea Rough grassland. Recorded from Exmoor between 1901 & 1948 but later considered to be in error. However it was refound at two sites in 1990 during survery work for Somerset Atlas Flora (Green)
Garden Pansy Viola x wittrockiana Garden escapes or throw-outs. On tips, in gutters, etc.
Wild Pansy Viola tricolor This occurred as a garden weed 12 King George Rd. Minehead for several seasons in 1970's but gradually petered out.
a pansy Viola x contempta Rare.
Field Pansy Viola arvensis In arable fields. Becoming less frequent
Tamarisk Tamarix gallica Planted in sandy areas Minehead, Dunster Beach, Porlock Weir.
Pumkin Cucurbita maxima Garden throw-out.
White Poplar Populus alba An infrequent tree with scattered distribution. Regenerates vegetatively.
Grey Poplar Populus alba x tremula (P. x canescens) Planted in a couple of woods.
Aspen Populus tremula Planted in several woodlands, perhaps native in some areas. A tree occurs almost on the tide line at Glenthorne.
Black Poplar Populus nigra The type is subsp. betulifolia. A number of old trees occur around the Minehead area and attempts have been made to prolong the life of some of these by pollarding. Others have been lost though aging as they are not regenerating except possibly by suckers in one place. Only male trees occur.
Lombardy-poplar Populus nigra 'Italica' Planted on roadsides near towns and villages.
Hybrid Black Poplar Populus x canadensis (P. deltoides x nigra) Some planted trees mainly in river valley.
Balm-of-Gilead Populus candicans Single old tree in Bagley Combe thought to be this species.
Crack Willow Salix fragilis Rare in area. A few scattered trees, sometimes planted. Common on Somerset Levels.
Hybrid Crack-willow Salix alba x fragilis (S. x rubens) ecorded in 1906 from "Near Minehead. This was possibly from Dunster Beach area. No current records from area but a handful elsewhere in Somerset.
White Willow Salix alba Rare. A few scattered records. Generally planted
Weeping Willow Salix alba x babylonica (S. x sepulcralis) Rare introduction, stream banks etc.
Purple Willow Salix purpurea Recorded from Hawn pool at Dunster Beach in 1914. In 1992 Paul Green who considered it the largest population in Somerset. But it was virtually eradicated in 1994 when the pool was cleared despite pleas from ENHS and County Recorder. One plant of Purple Willow remains on an island and will hopefully be conserved.
Fine Osier Salix x forbyana (S. cinerea x purpurea x viminalis) Very rare, probably now extinct since clearance of Hawn Pool at Dunster Beach in 1994. (See Purple Willow)
Osier Salix viminalis ncommon except on Marshes. (Locally called "Withy)
Broad-leaved Osier Salix caprea x viminalis (S. x sericans) Rare.
Silky-leaved Osier Salix cinerea x viminalis (S. x smithiana) Very rare in Exmoor Area - commoner on Somerset Levels
Goat Willow Salix caprea ssp. caprea Common on moorland and marshes, hedges and by streams, scrubby woodland.
a willow Salix caprea x cinerea (S. x reichardtii) Possibly under recorded due to difficulties of identification.
a willow Salix aurita x caprea (S. x capreola) Recorded from Simonsbath 1918. No current records.
Grey Willow Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia The commonest willow in Somerset and probably on Exmoor
a willow Salix aurita x cinerea (S. x multinervis) Hedges, damp combes. Often abundant in Exmoor Valleys. Possibly under recorded due to confusion with S. aurita.
Eared Willow Salix aurita Fairly common on wet moorland but possibly over recorded due to confusion with its hybrid with Grey Willow.
Creeping Willow Salix repens Has declined in some Somerset Areas but although scarce and local on Exmoor, seems to persist where it has been recorded.
Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale Only recorded from a few sandy areas near the coast where it seems well established.
Hedge Mustard Sisymbrium officinale Common in hedgerows and waste places but not on the high moorland areas. Also cultivated ground.
Flixweed Descurainia sophia Rarely recorded on disturbed soil and sandy areas.
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Common in hedgerows throughout but not on high moorland.
Thale Cress Arabidopsis thaliana A fairly widespread weed of waste ground and walls but not on high moorland.
Treacle Mustard Erysimum cheiranthoides Only three reports. A weed of arable land.
Wallflower Erysimum cheiri A common escape well established on old walls near habitation.
Dame's Violet Hesperis matronalis An uncommon garden escape persistent in some hedgerows
Virginia Stock Malcolmia maritima A garden escape or throw-out.
Hoary Stock Matthiola incana An introduction which is persistent on the coast at Minehead.
Night-scented Stock Matthiola longipetala Garden escape or throw-out.
Winter-cress Barbarea vulgaris Verges or stream banks.
Medium-flowered Winter-cress Barbarea intermedia Waste ground or arable land.
American Winter-cress Barbarea verna Verges or cultivated ground. A persistent garden weed for many years at Alcombe but now apparently gone.
Water-cress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum sens.str. In clear-water streams and a relict in old watercress beds. Also in wet flushes by lanes and tracks
Hybrid Water-cress Rorippa microphylla x nasturtium-aquaticum (R. x sterilis) amp places. "Sometimes in the absence of one or both parents - Green.
Northern Yellow-cress Rorippa islandica sens.str. First recorded in England at Clatworthy Reservoir, 2001 Ian Green. May come to Wimbleball but shores there are covered in the alien Crassula helmsii. Records are just off Exmoor area.
Marsh Yellow-cress Rorippa palustris Mainly recorded from the shores of reservoirs.
Creeping Yellow-cress Rorippa sylvestris We have only recorded this at Wimbleball Lake and Minehead Warren.
Horse-radish Armoracia rusticana A relict of cultivation or persisting where dumped.
Trefoil Cress Cardamine trifolia A naturalised introduction present for many years at Trentishoe churchyard but not seen recently.
Cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis In damp meadows, by streams and in churchyards.
Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa In damp areas by streams, ponds, woodland, etc.
Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta A very common weed of gardens, agricultural and waste land, tracks, etc. Recorded from all tetrads except the highest moorland.
Garden Arabis Arabis caucasica An escape from cultivation around towns and villages.
Hairy Rock-cress Arabis hirsuta There is a 'dot' for this near Lynmouth in Atlas of the Devon Flora 1984 but no further details available.
Aubretia Aubrieta deltoidea A garden escape naturalised on old walls in villages and towns.
Honesty Lunaria annua A sometimes persistent escape from cultivation. Hedgerows, waste ground.
Golden Alyssum Alyssum saxatile A garden escape sometimes naturalised on old walls in towns and villages.
Sweet Alison Lobularia maritima An escape from cultivation, naturalised in sandy areas such as Minehead Warren and Dunster Beach. Also on old walls about towns and villages.
Common Whitlowgrass Erophila verna sens. lat. Dry rocky areas, walls, pavements, etc. We have no records from the Devon area of Exmoor. Absent from high moorland. Both var praecox and var. spathulata are thought to occur.
English Scurvygrass Cochlearia anglica Coastal cliffs and shingle.
Common Scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis sens.str. Sea cliffs or shingle. Scarce.
Danish Scurvygrass Cochlearia danica The common scurvey grass on Exmoor coasts also spreading along road verges which are salted in winter such as A39 between Minehead/Dunster.
Shepherd's-purse Capsella bursa-pastoris A common weed except on the higher grass moorland.
Shepherd's Cress Teesdalia nudicaulis Verge, Porlock Hill 1913-1929 N.G. Hadden. Presumed extinct on Exmoor (but discovered 1992 about 1 mile SW of Exmoor boundary.)
Field Penny-cress Thlaspi arvense Still fairly common in to the east of our area but less so that formerly. Arable land.
Garden Candytuft Iberis umbellata Occasionally occurs as garden escape or throw-out on dumps or waste ground.
Garden Cress Lepidium sativum An occasional garden weed or throw-out. From cultivated plants.
Field Pepperwort Lepidium campestre Arable or waste land.
Smith's Pepperwort Lepidium heterophyllum Fields, verges and at Porlock Marsh until shingle ridge was breached late 1990s.
Hoary Cress Lepidium draba Waste ground near the coast at Minehead and a few inland sites to the Brendon Hills.
Swine-cress Coronopus squamatus Arable weed and rough ground; less common than C. didymus
Lesser Swine-cress Coronopus didymus Farm gateways and fields, tracks and verges. Much more frequent than the presumed native C. squamatus.
Hare's-ear Mustard Conringia orientalis c1900 'In ditches & edges of roads'
Annual Wall-rocket Diplotaxis muralis Stinkweed. Sandy areas around Minehead with one or two other sites.
Oil-seed Rape Brassica napus ssp. oleifera Escapes or relicts of cultivation. Grown extensively in Porlock Vale in 1980's & 90's.
Turnip Brassica rapa agg. Relics of cultivation.
Black Mustard Brassica nigra Farmland, verges, and near the coast. Not on high ground. Assumed native.
Charlock Sinapis arvensis Common agricultural weed. Also verges and waste ground. Assumed native.
White Mustard Sinapis alba Very few records for this casual which has declined in Somerset generally.
Hoary Mustard Hirschfeldia incana Waste ground and tips. An increasing species in Somerset but few Exmoor records.
Sea Rocket Cakile maritima A clump found in dunes at edge Minehead Golf Links 26.9.79 but none seen since 1986. Occurs in N. Somerset coast.
Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. raphanistrum Waste ground, verges etc. Possibly declined
Sea Radish Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. maritimus On coast.
Garden Radish Raphanus sativus Garden throw outs or relicts.
Weld Reseda luteola Only recorded from eastern half of area. By the sea and inland Brendon Hills etc. Disturbed and waste land.
Crowberry Empetrum nigrum Confined to the higher moorland areas particularly Dunkery area. Our plants are subsp nigrum.
Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum An introduced species which is a cause for concern where it has spread into woodlands and moorland combes. Continual labour and expense goes into trying to eradicate this.
Yellow Azalea Rhododendron luteum A couple of shrubs planted or escaped on to Alcombe Common have increased in number. Recorded in several other areas where it is either planted or an escape from nearby plantings.
Checkerberry Gaultheria procumbens There is a large area of this on Haddon Hill, source unknown. The area was churned up during building of Wimbleball dam.
Prickly Heath Gaultheria mucronata An introduction which appears to be naturalising above Yenworthy.
Strawberry-tree Arbutus unedo ntroduced in coastal woods Worthy to Culbone. Also Nettlecombe. Rare. Lord King writing from Ashley Combe in June 1875 to Ada Countess of Lovelace states "..having been much engaged in cutting of huge branches of arbutus trees, bay and myrtle which shut out the view of the sea.
Heather Calluna vulgaris Widespread across the area as straggly bits occur in woodlands and hedgebanks as well as on the main heather moors which lie on high acid ground where the plant is dominant. There are about 20,000 acres of good heather moorland on Exmoor but this is much less than a century ago. Losses have been due to ploughing and forestry plantations, increase of bracken through over burning and latterly the heather beetle has made an appearance. Some attempts are being made to regenerate heather.
Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix On areas of damper moorland.
Bell Heather Erica cinerea Widespread on the moors and most importantly on coastal heaths. Quantity much less than Calluna vulgaris.
Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos Apparently declining although some years it produces abundant fruit. Locall in damp moorland areas. Threat from drying out of moorland.
Bog Bilberry Vaccinium uliginosum A report of this from Old Barrow Plantation from AudreyûWilson 30.11.83 but could not locate despite extensive searchûin 1985. Much poached by cattle. A clump found by Ian Greenûon Haddon Hill in 1994 is the most southerly site in GB.
Whortleberry Vaccinium myrtillus Still common on Exmoor although the parties of 'wort pickers' of past years are no longer seen on the moors. They used to be a significant source of money for gipsies, schoolchildren and whole families. Valued for jams and eaten with junket and cream as a local delicacy.
a (heath) Pieris japonica Very rare introduction. Planted in woodland above West Porlock.
A (heath) Pieris Formosa Planted in woodland above West Porlock.
Yellow Bird's-nest Monotropa hypopitys Recorded near Dunster c 1836 Rev, J.C. Collins. Usually under Beech.
Primrose Primula vulgaris Common except on the highest moorland. At one time declined c1960s but increased again seemingly following introduction of the Wildlife Act or better education 'not to dig up'
False Oxlip Primula veris x vulgaris (P. x polyantha) Small quantity in fields, orchards where parents occur. Rare due to scarcity of Cowslips.
Cowslip Primula veris Scarce in our area as it favours calcareous soils. In limited numbers where it does occur and in some instances is becoming hybridised with primroses. Others in meadows lost through change of land use
Cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium An introduction. Found in hedgerows, churchyards and in at least one instance on moorland. Most are deliberately planted.
a cyclamen Cyclamen repandum In woods between West Porlock and Porlock Weir 1992
Eastern Cyclamen Cyclamen coum Becoming naturalised on North Hill, Minehead.
Yellow Pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum Woodlands.
Creeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummularia Probably always an escape from cultivation in our area. In damp shady places.
Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris Damp woodland or fields.
Dotted Loosestrife Lysimachia punctata Waste places, garden escapes or throw-outs.
Bog Pimpernel Anagallis tenella Only common in moorland bogs.
Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis A common weed of arable land, gardens, waste ground, verges. Usually scarlet, occasionally blue or pink.
Sea-milkwort Glaux maritima Saltmarshes or coastal shingle.
Brookweed Samolus valerandi Only two records both from Devon Exmoor.
Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium Rarely self sown from planted trees.
Mock Orange Philadelphus coronarius Occasionally found in hedgerows, usually near habitations.
a mock-orange Philadelphus x virginalis (P. coronarius x microphyllus x pubescens) Planted in woodland above West Porlock. (Norman Hadden's old Botanic Garden)
Escallonia Escallonia macrantha Occasionally found in hedgerows, usually planted, naturalised on some sea cliffs, and coastal shingle at Porlock Wier.
Red Currant Ribes rubrum Sometimes bird-sown but native in older woodlands.
Black Currant Ribes nigrum Bird-sown or relic of cultivation. Usually near habitations.
Flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum A fairly frequent garden escape which may self-seed. Hedgerows, woodland etc. Sometimes persistent
Buffalo Currant Ribes odoratum Hedgerows or waste ground.
Mountain Currant Ribes alpinum Woods or hedgerows. Garden escape.
Gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa Can occur as a relic of cultivation, a bird-sown escape or in rare instances may be native in woodlands or hedges.
Mossy Stonecrop Crassula tillaea On sandy trodden areas at Dunster Beach where it is spreading and sometimes abundant.
New Zealand Pigmyweed Crassula helmsii A throw-out from garden ponds etc. which has spread to dominance on the shores of Wimbleball Reservoir to the exclusion of other plants.
Wall Pennywort Umbilicus rupestris Common on walls, hedgebanks, rocks etc. except on remote high moorland areas.
House-leek Sempervivum tectorum On walls in villages. Garden origin.
Butterfly Stonecrop Sedum spectabile Came up in plant container in Minehead garden 2003.ûUnplanted.
Orpine Sedum telephium cattered records mainly near habitation except Heddon Valley and Wringapeak (mentioned from this area 100 years ago in book entitled "Ferny Combes. Otherwise garden origin.
Caucasian-stonecrop Sedum spurium On walls and stony areas. Garden origin.
Reflexed Stonecrop Sedum rupestre Occasional garden escapes near habitation. Old walls etc.
Rock Stonecrop Sedum forsterianum Native along coast on cliffs from Minehead to Combe Martin in every tetrad. (Possibly declining in some areas). Elsewhere probably of garden origin.
Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre On walls and sandy areas near the coast also coastal heaths etc.
Tasteless Stonecrop Sedum sexangulare Garden escapes on wall at Bridgetown.
White Stonecrop Sedum album Our records thought to be of garden origin. Walls and stony areas.
English Stonecrop Sedum anglicum Sometimes abundant on wall tops and rocky areas, quarries and gravelly waysides. (Not in Eastern Somerset at all).
False-buck's-beard Astilbe japonica Shady areas usually near water. Garden throw-outs.
Elephant-ears Bergenia crassifolia A very rare introduction only one confirmed record from W. Porlock. The usual plant is B. x schmidtii much grown in gardens.
an elephant-ears Bergenia cordifolia A rare introduction, waste ground, quarries etc. Garden origin.
Celandine Saxifrage Saxifraga cymbalaria A weed for many years in garden at Glenthorne and also occurred as a casual in Oare Churchyard 1991.
Londonpride Saxifraga spathularis x umbrosa (S. x urbium) A garden escape naturalised on walls particularly at Simonsbath and in rocky woodland such as Barle Valley and Watersmeet areas.
Kidney Saxifrage Saxifraga hirsuta Garden escape or throw-out found under trees near Ashwick.
Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata Known at Horner Woods since 1937. A site at Barlynch was destroyed by tree felling. Also in Barle Valley and Exe Valley (double flowered).
Mossy Saxifrage Saxifraga hypnoides Only of garden origin in our area - it is native in Somerset at Cheddar Gorge.
Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites Occurs on Minehead Golf Links and occasionally found elsewhere but has been sprayed at both Dunster Churchyard, and Minehead Railway.
Pick-a-back-plant Tolmiea menziesii On noted at Ashcombe Plantation, Simonsbath 1993.
Fringe-cups Tellima grandiflora A garden escape, naturalised in some areas. Abundant in the West Lyn Valley on rocks by roadside stretching for half a mile or more.
Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Very common in most damp areas particularly shady sites by streams and in damp woodland.
Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium alternifolium Much less common than C. oppisitifolium. Only occurs in a few damp woodlands and streams.
Bridewort Spiraea salicifolia Garden origin occasionally found in hedges. Some records may refer to other garden species.
Billard's Bridewort Spiraea alba x douglasii (S. x billardii) In hedgerow.
Buck's-beard Aruncus dioicus Garden escape. A clump by River Avill in 1996 disappeared in later years.
Dropwort Filipendula vulgaris Garden escapes in our area. (A limestone species).
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Common by streams and river valleys, damp meadows, ditches.
Kerria Kerria japonica Garden origin. Sometimes found in hedgerows.
Chinese Bramble Rubus tricolor A species introduced as ground cover by National Trust. Has become well established in some areas and seems likely to persist.
Stone Bramble Rubus saxatilis In shady, rocky woodland. Devon
Raspberry Rubus idaeus Hedgerows, woodland tracks, verges. Native but no doubt some are garden escapes or bird-sown.
Japanese Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius Woodland.
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Practically all recorders lump brambles into this aggregate. Hedgerows, woodland, moorland, widespread everywhere.
a bramble Rubus bertramii Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus nessensis Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus plicatus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus scissus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus albionis Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus gratus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus laciniatus Sometimes bird-sown.
a bramble Rubus pyramidalis Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus altiarcuatus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus boudiccae A 1918 record at 1250 ft Simonsbath (Marshall). det 1995 from Herbarium material DEA.
a bramble Rubus cardiophyllus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus polyanthemus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus prolongatus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus riddelsdellii Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus rubritinctus Apparently fairly common.
a bramble Rubus ulmifolius Fairly frequently recorded.
a bramble Rubus adscitus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus lanaticaulis An 1883 record from Bonniton, Dunster SS94, det from herbarium material in 1981
a bramble Rubus vestitus Probably frequent.
a bramble Rubus micans Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus cinerosus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus dentatifolius Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus leyanus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus echinatoides Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus echinatus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus flexuosus Recorded in Devon Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus longithyrsiger Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus peninsulae Recorded from Devon Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus dasyphyllus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus hylocharis Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus pallidisetus Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus scabripes Confirmed from Exmoor.
a bramble Rubus tamarensis Confirmed from Exmoor.
Dewberry Rubus caesius Fairly common unless some records are in error. Present on the coast. Absent from high moorland.
Marsh Cinquefoil Potentilla palustris Marshy area of a springhead.
Silverweed Potentilla anserina Roadsides, waste ground and many situations. Profuse on mud banks of Wimbleball Lake
Sulphur Cinquefoil Potentilla recta On walls or waste ground. Garden origin.
Tormentil Potentilla erecta Throughout on acid moorland and hedgebanks.
a tormentil Potentilla erecta ssp. erecta The commoner subsp. on Exmoor.
a tormentil Potentilla erecta ssp. strictissima Occasional.
a cinquefoil Potentilla anglica x erecta (P. x suberecta) Recorded at Wimbleball.
Trailing Tormentil Potentilla anglica Scarce.
Hybrid Cinquefoil Potentilla x mixta sens. lat. (P. anglica or erecta x reptans) Heaths and moors
Hybrid Cinquefoil Potentilla x mixta sens. str. Heaths. See also P. x mixta sens. lat.
Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Verges, Waste ground etc. Not on the grass moors.
Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis Widespread in hedgebanks, verges, walls, etc.
Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca Common in hedgerows, old grassland, woods, etc.
Garden Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa Occasional garden escape or throw-out. Near habitation.
Yellow-flowered Strawberry Duchesnea indica Churchyard. Garden origin.
Water Avens Geum rivale On banks of rivers, particularly the Exe and the Quarme.
Hybrid Avens Geum rivale x urbanum (G. x intermedium) In damp woodlands by rivers where both parents occur.
Herb Bennet Geum urbanum Woods, hedgerows, waste ground, garden weed, etc.
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria Hedgerows and field borders, verges. Mostly on the lower ground.
Fragrant Agrimony Agrimonia procera Rough grassland.
Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis Mainly to be found in Barle Valley between Lanacre and Hayes Wood, with one or two outlying sites nr Exford, Dulverton & Simonsbath.
Salad Burnet Sanguisorba minor ssp. minor Rare on Exmoor as it favours calcareous soils.
Fodder Burnet Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata A rare introduction which is invariably associated with Wessex Water works eg by pumping houses and around Wimbleball Lake.
Pirri-pirri-bur Acaena novae-zelandiae This was recorded in error near Porlock in 1981 - see Acaena ovalifolia.
Two-spined Acaena Acaena ovalifolia First noted 1981 near gateway West Porlock (Wrongly named as A. novae-zealandae). Correctly named by Alan Leslie in 1988. By which time it had dwindled in original site but found in good numbers nearby in woods.
Silver Lady's-mantle Alchemilla conjuncta Only recorded as a garden escape or throw-out at Treborough Quarry.
Intermediate Lady's-mantle Alchemilla xanthochlora The commonest Lady's Mantle on Exmoor although absent from Minehead and Porlock areas. Grassy areas, verges, etc.
a lady's-mantle Alchemilla filicaulis ssp. vestita Damp grassland and verges. Has declined in N. & S. Somerset.
Soft Lady's-mantle Alchemilla mollis An increasing garden escape. Naturalising. Waste ground, roadsides, churchyards.
Parsley Piert Aphanes arvensis agg. Most records are recorded as the aggregate. Common in grassland, banks, short grazed moorland grassy areas.
Parsley-piert Aphanes arvensis sens.str. Common in short grass.
Slender Parsley-piert Aphanes inexspectata Probably under recorded as most records lumped as A. arvensis agg. In short, sandy grass, anthills, dry banks. Less common than A. arvensis ss
Many-flowered Rose Rosa multiflora A tiny flowered rose, believed to be this spp. grew in the hedge at Middlecombe, Minehead from before 1982 until about 1987.
Field Rose Rosa arvensis A fairly common hedgerow rose and edge of woodlands. Not on high moorland areas.
a rose Rosa arvensis x canina (R. x verticillacantha) Recorded by Paul Green just over ENP boundary Cuckolds Combe Bridge Sep 2003 (1st modern record for VC5)
Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia Only one record from roadside verge near Simonsbath. The only native Somerset site is believed to be Watchet cliffs.
Japanese Rose Rosa rugosa Garden origin. Hedges, verges, walls etc.
Short-styled Field-rose Rosa stylosa Hedgerows etc. Probably under recorded.
a rose Rosa canina x stylosa (R. x andegavensis) Hedgerows, woodlands, etc.
Dog Rose Rosa canina agg. Most recorders have lumped all rose records under this aggregate. Nevertheless it is the most widespread rose on Exmoor occurring in hedges, woodlands, waste ground, etc. but not on moorland.
a rose Rosa caesia x canina (R. x dumalis) Cliffs or quarries.
Harsh Downy-rose Rosa tomentosa Hedges, scrub, etc.
Sherard's Downy-rose Rosa sherardii Hedges, woodland borders.
Sweet-briar Rosa rubiginosa agg. Scrubby areas, hedgerows. The apple-like scent may not always be detected.
Almond Prunus dulcis Occasionally found in hedgerows usually planted by roadsides.
Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera An introduction occasionally found in hedges.
a cherry plum Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii Purple leaves. An introduction.
Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Common in hedgerows, woodland, scrubby areas, etc. Not on moorland areas such as The Chains. Important for nesting birds and the fruit, sloes, are collected by wine makers.
Bullace or Crislings Prunus domestica Scattered reports of Bullace (ssp institutia) in old hedgerows and a report of unidentified ssp from Shilstone. Prunus domestica ssp dom. occasional but ssp institutia very rare. Several hedgerows where it formerly grew grubbed out.
Plum Prunus domestica ssp. domestica Hedges or woodlands, usually a relic of habitation. See also P. domestica L.
Damson Prunus domestica ssp. insititia Usually called Bullace. A few hedgerows or woodland borders. See also P. domestica L.
Greengage Prunus domestica ssp. italica In hedgerow, West Porlock 1993. No further details available and no other reports.
Wild Cherry Prunus avium Woodlands and hedges. Not on moorland. Frequent on Brendon Hills area. Often planted in new woodland late 1990s.
Dwarf Cherry Prunus cerasus Morello Cherry. Hedgerows, thickets.
Bird Cherry Prunus padus Only a couple of locations where it is probably planted.
Portugal Laurel Prunus lusitanica Generally planted.
Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus A frequent introduction near habitation or relic of habitation. Sometimes becoming dominant on acid soils. e.g. Sully Mill where much has been cleared in recent years.
Japanese Quince Chaenomeles speciosa Recorded as a relic of habitation nr Kentisbury.
Maule's Quince Chaenomeles japonica Nr Bossington, 1997.
Pear Pyrus communis sens. lat. Relic of cultivation.
Crab Apple Malus sylvestris sens.str. Woodlands. See also M. sylvestris sens. lat.
Apple Malus domestica A frequent relic of cultivation; also verges, waste ground etc.
Rowan Sorbus aucuparia A widespread tree typical of moorland, combes, and woods. Native in our area.
a whitebeam Sorbus intermedia agg. Swedish Whitebeam. Believed native in Devon woodland.
a whitebeam Sorbus anglica Previously recorded but now believed incorrect.
Whitebeam Sorbus aria agg. Sorbus aria s.l. is not thought to occur on Exmoor other than as a planted tree. An as yet unclassified Sorbus known as Taxon D has been noted at Watersmeet, Devon and nr Worthy in Somerset.
a whitebeam Sorbus porrigentiformis Coastal woods.
a whitebeam Sorbus rupicola Coastal woods.
a whitebeam Sorbus vexans Coastal woodlands.
a whitebeam Sorbus subcuneata Coastal woodlands
a whitebeam Sorbus devoniensis Woodlands and hedgerows. Not found in Somerset until 1994.
French Hales Sorbus latifolia agg. Used as an aggregate name only in the Flora & Fauna of Exmoor National Park (1996).
Juneberry Amelanchier lamarckii Rare introduction which produces seedlings but these do not seem to survive.
Stranvaesia Photinia davidiana Planted in woodland above West Porlock (Haddon's old botanic garden).
a cotoneaster Cotoneaster glaucophyllus C. glaucophyllus. Single tree planted in woodland above W. Porlock. (N. Haddon's old botanic garden) The only other specimen in Br Isles is in a Scottish Botanic Garden.
Tree Cotoneaster Cotoneaster frigidus A few scattered trees in Oare and Culbone area.
Waterer's Cotoneaster Cotoneaster frigidus x salicifolius (C. x watereri) Planted in woodland above West Porlock (Haddon's old botanic garden)
Late Cotoneaster Cotoneaster lacteus Planted in woodland above W. Porlock (Haddon's old botanic garden)
Small-leaved Cotoneaster Cotoneaster integrifolius An uncommon garden escape, possibly bird-sown. Long established on the coast path near Heddon Mouth, Devon. Former name was C. microphyllus.
Wall Cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis A common bird sown garden escape especially around habitations. On walls, quarries, banks and waste places.
Himalayan Cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii A fairly frequent escape or bird-sown from gardens. On walls, stony places, waste ground, etc.
Hollyberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster bullatus Hedges, verges, waste areas, etc. Garden origin.
Franchet's Cotoneaster Cotoneaster franchetii Walls, waste ground, hedgerows. Garden origin.
Small-leaved Cotoneaster Cotoneaster microphyllus agg. Garden origin sometimes bird-sown. Long established on the coast path near Heddons Mouth. (Now C. integrifolius)
Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea Garden origin. Bird-sown. Railway embankment. Hedgerows.
Medlar Mespilus germanica Roadside hedge. Old introduction.
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Moorland, combes, hedgerows, etc. An important food source and nest site for birds. Small trees or hedgerow shrubs.
False Acacia Robinia pseudoacacia Planted trees only. Some very big trees at Timberscombe are host to huge clumps of Mistletoe.
Goat's-rue Galega officinalis A rare introduction long naturalised on waste ground at Minehead Warren, by Butlins Camp.
Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Scattered along length of Exmoor coastline and a few inland records.
Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus glaber Dry grassy places. Possibly under recorded but can easily be confused with poorly grown L. corniculatus. Only confirmed records are from Atlas to Devon Flora
Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Common throughout. Dry or sandy grassland, verges, waste ground.
Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Common throughout. Damp grassland, moorland bogs and stream banks, ditches etc. Favours acid soils.
Bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus Widespread, usually in short turfy grass. Easily overlooked.
Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Frequent in hedgerows and verges. Mainly concentrated in eastern section of our area.
Wood Vetch Vicia sylvatica Woodland and coastal cliffs. Also local Brendon Hill area.
Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta Frequent in woods, hedges and agricultural land but not on moorland.
Smooth Tare Vicia tetrasperma Hedgebanks, verges, woodland borders, etc. Less common than V. hirsuta.
Bush Vetch Vicia sepium Common in hedgerows, woods, verges, but not on the high moorland areas.
Common Vetch Vicia sativa Less common that V. sepium, in hedgerows, woodland borders, field borders and verges. There are 3 subsp. nigra formerly known as Narrow leaved Vetch which is found on turfy moorland areas and is Native; ssp sativa formerly cultivated for fodder and probably the commonest ssp. and segetalis sometimes cultivated for fodder. The 2 latter are introductions usually found in field borders, hedges or verges.
Narrow-leaved Vetch Vicia sativa ssp. nigra Frequent on turfy moorland, verges, etc.
Common Vetch Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Formerly cultivated for fodder. Field borders and hedges. See also V. sativa L. Subsp. seldom determined by recorders and it may in fact prove to be rare now.
Spring Vetch Vicia lathyroides Coastal areas: golf links, coastal heath.
Bithynian Vetch Vicia bithynica Formerly at Minehead railway station, went when trains reintroduced. Small amounts in one or two places. Hedgerows waste ground etc.
Broad Bean Vicia faba Escape from cultivation
Bitter-vetch Lathyrus linifolius var. montanus Frequent in woodland borders, hedgebanks and heathland. There are two forms, one with very narrow leaflets.
Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Common in hedgerows and field borders, but not on the moors.
Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus sylvestris Best seen on Porlock shingle ridge but this also occurs in some hedgerows, verges and rough areas.
Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus latifolius A garden escape in some hedges, churchyards, etc.
Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Garden escape.
Grass Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia A scarce plant of field borders, woodland borders, hedgebanks. Some found on a building site nr Porlock in 1979 was transferred to a bank in Great Headon Plantation where it remained until 1999.
Common Restharrow Ononis repens An uncommon plant mostly found near the coast, occasionally on verges and grassy places.
Tall Melilot Melilotus altissimus Just a couple of records from Somerset and a couple from Devon. Verges, rough ground or field borders.
White Melilot Melilotus albus No records since 1989. Waste ground, verges.
Ribbed Melilot Melilotus officinalis No records since 1991. Verges, field borders.
Black Medick Medicago lupulina Common in agricultural areas and near habitations but not on moorland. Grass verges, field gateways, waste ground, etc.
Sickle Medick Medicago sativa ssp. falcata Last seen in Somerset in 1924 N.G. Hadden at Minehead Warren
Lucerne Medicago sativa ssp. sativa An uncommon relic of cultivation. Verges, grassland, etc.
Toothed Medick Medicago polymorpha Recorded c1910 on North Hill by T.Twist & Minehead Golf Links 1967 by J. Robbins. Refound here by C.Giddens in 1978, 1988 and 1999. Our plant is var. tuberculata.
Spotted Medick Medicago arabica Verges, lawns, waste ground, etc. Frequent in North east part of our area, very rare elsewhere. Mostly in areas of agriculture or near habitations.
Fenugreek Trifolium ornithopodioides (Bird's-foot Clover) Short grassy, sandy areas near the coast.
White Clover Trifolium repens Common throughout the area. Verges, grassy areas, and other habitats from sea level to high moors.
Alsike Clover Trifolium hybridum Scattered distribution. Frequently planted as a fodder plant which becomes naturalised. Possibly native near the coast.
Clustered Clover Trifolium glomeratum First recorded on Coleman's Minehead List c1849, then by Hadden 1916 at Bossington. Search of old sites for Somerset Atlas Flora resulted in it being refound in 1993 at Dunster and Bossington
Suffocated Clover Trifolium suffocatum Only recorded from Minehead and Dunster Beach areas. Sandy places near the coast.
Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum Seldom recorded. Damp grassland, verges.
Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre Verges, grassy areas, sandy soils.
Lesser Trefoil Trifolium dubium Grassy areas, verges, lawns, hedge banks, walls.
Slender Trefoil Trifolium micranthum Short turf, lawns, sandy areas. A deeper shade of yellow than T. dubium.
Red Clover Trifolium pratense Common except on high moors. Verges, grassland, waste areas, fields, hedgerows, etc. Robust varieties are probably agricultural introductions.
Zigzag Clover Trifolium medium Verges, rough grassland.
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum ssp. incarnatum Only one record of a single plant in root crop, Broomstreet 1991.
Knotted Clover Trifolium striatum Dry sandy grassland. Mainly in Porlock - Dunster Beach area.
Rough Clover Trifolium scabrum Only recorded from dry grassland in Porlock - Dunster Beach areas.
Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense Short sandy grassland near the coast.
Sea Clover Trifolium squamosum Recorded Porlock Weir 1918 Dr W. Watson and Dunster Marshes sometime before 1896. Currently occurs on Somerset coast East of East Quantoxhead. Two Exmoor records in 1990s, one a lawn casual did not persist and one at Porlock Weir.
Subterranean Clover Trifolium subterraneum Short sandy grassland areas Porlock to Dunster Beach area.
Tree Lupin Lupinus arboreus Occurred as a casual in several places around Minehead 1967 - 1983 but no longer at any of these sites. May still occur in Devon near the coast.
Laburnum Laburnum anagyroides Hedgerows, woodland, verges. Usually self-sown seedlings from cultivated trees or garden throw-outs.
Hairy-fruited Broom Cytisus striatus One bush on roadside verge nr Minehead. (Now gone)
Broom Cytisus scoparius Forestry tracks, heathland, hedgerows, open woodland. Our plants are ssp. scoparius.
Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana One bush in hedge nr Luccombe 1993
Petty Whin Genista anglica Recorded by Norman Haddon Langcombe Head 1938 and refound here in 1990 by C.J.Giddens.
Gorse Ulex europaeus Very common throughout. Moorland, hedgebanks, and woodland borders.
Western Gorse Ulex gallii Less frequent than U. europaeus but fairly common throughout area. An important constituant of coastal heaths.
Sea-buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides Planted on dunes near the coast and in a derelict cottage garden in Lime Combe.
Eleagnus Elaeagnus pungens Planted in Hadden's old botanic garden in woodland above West Porlock.
Parrot's Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Liable to occur from dumped material from garden pools. Does not survive very severe winters.
Alternate Water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum In upland streams.
Giant Rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria Planted by streams and ponds in ornamental gardens and established plants may self seed.
Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria In the Heddon and Barle Valleys, scare elsewhere and seldom persisting. Some records may have been the result of dumped garden material.
Water Purslane Lythrum portula Frequent in damp moorland areas, reservoir banks, muddy tracks on acid soils.
Spurge-laurel Daphne laureola Shady damp banks and clayey non acid soils. Although native in parts of Somerset e.g. Blue Anchor-Watchet areas it is of garden origin in Exmoor area.
Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Codlins & Cream. By water or in ditches on the lower ground.
Hoary Willowherb Epilobium parviflorum Widespread but not on moorland areas.
Broad-leaved Willowherb Epilobium montanum The most frequently recorded Willowherb. Occurs in a variety of habitats including verges, hedgebanks, woodlands, gardens, etc.
a willowherb Epilobium montanum x obscurum (E. x aggregatum) Rare.
a willowherb Epilobium ciliatum x montanum Probably occurs although no current records. Last recorded at Nettlecombe 1968. RGB Roe
Spear-leaved Willowherb Epilobium lanceolatum Widespread. Gardens, verges, waste ground, walls, etc.
a willowherb Epilobium lanceolatum x obscurum (E. x lamotteanum) Rare.
a willowherb Epilobium ciliatum x lanceolatum Rare.
Square-stalked Willowherb Epilobium tetragonum Damp moorland, hedgebanks, verges, waste ground, etc.
Short-fruited Willowherb Epilobium obscurum Hedgebanks, verges, cultivated and waste ground.
a willowherb Epilobium ciliatum x obscurum Rare.
Pale Willowherb Epilobium roseum Roadsides, verges. Scarce.
American Willowherb Epilobium ciliatum Cultivated and waste land, walls, verges, etc. First recorded in Britain in 1891. Widespread throughout Somerset by 1950s.
Marsh Willowherb Epilobium palustre Damp, boggy moorland areas.
New Zealand Willowherb Epilobium brunnescens Sometimes found in abundance on river banks e.g. Hoaroak Water also by track down to Wimbleball dam. Stream banks, woodland tracks, and walls. First Somerset record 1956 on the Quantocks.
Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium Hedgerows, quarries, verges, waste ground. Abundant along roadsides on the Brendon Hills where it runs for miles.
Large-flowered Evening-primrose Oenothera glazioviana Naturalised in sandy areas Minehead to Dunster Beach, otherwise only a casual garden escape.
Least Evening-primrose Oenothera parviflora Recorded in error see Oe. Cambrica.
Small-flowered Evening-primrose Oenothera cambrica Garden escape. (Originally recorded in error as Oe. parviflora.)
Fragrant Evening-primrose Oenothera stricta Well naturalised in sandy areas between Minehead and Dunster Beach.
Fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica Garden relic or established introduction. May self-seed.
Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana Woodlands, shady hedgerows, garden weed. Not on the high moorland.
Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Although this is a plant of calcareous soils it is surprisingly frequent in hedgerows particularly in the Selworthy area. Not on acid moorland. May sometimes be of garden origin.
Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea A rare introduction.
Cornelian-cherry Cornus mas Planted in woodland above West Porlock (N.Haddens old botanicûgarden).
Spotted-laurel Aucuba japonica Introduction.
Mistletoe Viscum album Only Exmoor records are within ten miles of Minehead. Has been noted on the following hosts: Apple, Crab Apple, Ornamental Willow, Lime, Hawthorn, False Acacia, Lilac. Only survived for 3 years on the Lilac.
Spindle Euonymus europaeus Fairly common in north and east of our area where soil is calcareous. Hedges, woodland borders, scrubby areas.
Holly Ilex aquifolium Common in woods, hedges and heaths. Not on the grass moors. A good pure stand at Holly Brake, east of Little Headon Plantation, Bratton Court Farm.
Box Buxus sempervirens Only of garden origin in our area. In hedgrows, usually near habitation. May self seed.
Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis Woods and hedgerows. Not on the higher ground. One of the earliest flowers to bloom.
Annual Mercury Mercurialis annua Common in cultivated land in Somerset (eastern) side of Exmoor. No records yet from Devon Exmoor. Said to have come into W. Somerset via a shipload of Russian wheat to Watchet.
Irish Spurge Euphorbia hyberna Woodland, Devon only. There was a 1898 report from a small wooded area on the Somerset side of Badgworthy Water, Malmsmead. Last reported there 1929.