Late Summer Flowers

The last of the summer flowers bloom through August and depending on the weather, stay out through to October.  They provide a welcome supply of food for many insects, including bees and butterflies.

Some of these flowers can be found across the reserve but some only grow in a certain area.  Grass of Parnassus is one of these.  It does have a problem as to where it belongs.  Some authorities say it is in a family all of its own, Parnassiaceae, others say it is related to the Saxifrage family whilst yet another places it in the Celastraceae family.  Wherever it belongs it is a beautiful addition to the autumn flora.

Harebells are spreading across the moor.

Devil's Bit Scabious grows on the moor and in the Scrapes and is often covered with butterflies and bees.

Sawwort is not a flower that could be called beautiful but is another that provides food for butterflies and bees.  It is also slowly spreading its range.

Some summer flowers are still in flower, athough looking a little worse for wear, like this Greater Spearwort.