Yellow toadflax is a colourful
flower that comes up just as the high summer flowers are
beginning to wilt. It likes dry places, and is growing now
in extensive patches along railway lines. It is a snapdragon
with two pale yellow lips, and two bright orange bulges
in its throat on the lower one. The bulges keep out small
flies, but when a heavy bumblebee lands on the lower lip,
the flower opens and lets it in. It is also found in flower
books as common toadflax, and gets its name because its
mouth has been thought to resemble a toad’s mouth.
From its colours it has also been called butter and eggs.
It will be around until December if autumn stays warm.
Another flower that is still abundant and likely to stay
so for some while is wood avens, or herb bennet. It is found
not only in sunny spots in woods but also often comes into
gardens. It has small yellow petals with the green sepals
showing between them, and hooked seeds that are carried
away on the fur of small animals.
|
Select a Florist
