The Higher Plants of Hylands Park
Primula veris (Cowslip) Another much declined plant of chalk grassland in Essex. The colony on
Writtle Hills, maintained by giving the grass a late cut, consisted of just over a hundred plants in 2002.
Stachys officinalis (Betony) Another old grassland plant losing ground in Essex. A large patch of
this plant is found in the species-rich grassland cast of South Wood.
Allium ursinum (Wild Garlic, Ramsons) Usually found in ancient woodland. This lovely spring-
flowering plant with its strongly garlic-smelling leaves is found in Lightfoot Spring and oddly by
the pergola in the formal gardens.
Epipactis purpurata (Violet Helleborine) The only species listed not found 2000 - 2003. the species
was recorded in the late 1990s from South Wood and the Lower Belt. Like Listera ovata (Common
Twayblade), also found in South Wood (about 30 spikes in 2002). it is probably eaten by deer.
Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) Relatively common in Essex, I have found this species at six locations
at Hylands. Most arc in the southern park, present in 2001 and 2002.
Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid) The most abundant orchid at Hylands and one of the
sensational botanical sights. There are probably over 500 plants (but not all will be in flower) in
part of South Wood. The colour is quite variable - mostly around purple, but a few had pinky-white
flowers in 2002.
Carex pallescens (Pale Sedge) Very rare in Essex, I found a couple of plants near South Wood, not
far from the Betony colony in July 2002.
Carex pseudocyperus (Cyperus sedge) This attractive aquatic sedge is now uncommon in Essex. At
Hylands it is well known from the Ice-House Pond, but has also recently turned-up at the Spring Pond.
Isolepis setacea (Bristle Scirpus) This rare Essex plant turned-up in quantity on the north lawn in
2001 - possibly over an area of 1,000 square feet. It is normally a plant of patches of bare ground
poached by livestock.
Briza media (Quaking Grass) Another scarce old grassland species it is, however, not uncommon
in the south-west grasslands at Hylands.
Note: A list of higher plants found in fresh water habitats is contained in the section on fresh water
life p. 127.
A list of plants from disturbed grounds is to be found in the section on pests and pathogens p. 160.
Plants not yet recorded at Hylands:
Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Yellow Archangel)
Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue)
Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid)
Pimpinella saxifraga (Burnet Saxifrage)
Ruscus aculeatus (Butchers Broom)
Essex Parks: Section 2 - Hylands Park
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