Suffolk Rare Plant Register

Italics indicates species exinct in Suffolk

Explanatory notes and references

Species

Click on the link to see a distribution map

English

Threat status

Definitions

Distribution status

E

25

W

26

Comment

Achillea ptarmica

Sneezewort

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Few native sites in NE Suffolk plus many garden escapes which are often double-flowered.

Adonis annua

Pheasant’s Eye

Endangered

 

 

 

Archaeophyte, extinct in the wild. Now only occuring as a deliberate introduction with arable weed mix.

Ajuga chamaepitys

Ground-pine

Endangered

Nationally scarce

 

 

Probably extinct, last seen at Ramparts Field, West Stow in the 1980s.

Alchemilla filicaulis subsp. vestita

Lady’s Mantle

Locally rare

 

E

 

1 extant site at Blythe meadow, Cransford.

Alisma lanceolatum

Narrow-leaved Water-plantain

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Occasional in Broadland part of Waveney Valley.

Allium oleraceum

Field Garlic

Vulnerable

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

5 records, very rare in E. Anglia. King’s Forest, Shakers Lane Bury, Culford, Hadleigh Rly Line and Marlesford.

Alopecurus aequalis

Orange Foxtail

Locally scarce

 

E

W

4 sites in damp grassland in the Waveney valley and at Polstead. Possibly under-recorded due to confusion with A. geniculatus.

Alopecurus bulbosus

Bulbous Foxtail

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

2 recent records from coastal marshes at Flatford and near Breydon Water.

Althaea hirsuta

Rough Mallow

Locally rare

 

 

W

One new (probably casual) record from Lakenheath in 2005. Currently on the ‘parking list’ in the new Red List, but will probably be classed as neophyte.

Althaea officinalis

Marsh-mallow

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

Occasional, about 20 sites in coastal ditches and edges of saltmarshes.

Alyssum alyssoides

Small Alison

Neophyte

RDB

E

W

Recent arrival, casual only found in about 10 sites in both Breck and Sandlings, introduced at a couple of sites in the Breck.

Anacamptis morio (Orchis morio)

Green-winged Orchid

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Around 50 sites on old grassland in NE Suffolk, still declining.

Anagallis minima

Chaffweed

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

 

W

One record (1988) from Ropers Heath, Tuddenham, possibly now extinct.

Anagallis tenella

Bog Pimpernel

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 25 wetland sites scattered across the northern half of the county.

Anisantha tectorum

Drooping Brome

Neophyte

RDB

 

W

Recent arrival, about 8 records from Breckland.

Anthemis arvensis

Corn Chamomile

Endangered

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, occasional in arable and as a casual introduction with wild flower seed mixes.

Anthemis cotula

Stinking Chamomile

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, less than 100 arable sites scattered throughout the county.

Apera spica-venti

Loose Silky-bent

Near threatened

Nationally scarce

E

W

Archaeophyte, widespread in Brecks and occasional in the Sandlings.

Apium inundatum

Lesser Marshwort

Locally rare

 

E

W

Records from ponds and dykes at Minsmere, Fressingfield, Burgate and Gt Livermere.

Arabis glabra

Tower Mustard

Endangered

Nationally scarce

E

W

Thriving in disturbed sites in Breckland, casual elsewhere. This species is also included as a priority species in the national and local BAPs.

Arnoseris minima

Lamb’s Succory

Extinct

 

 

 

Archaeophyte, extinct in the wild. Re-introduced at one arable weed site in the 1980s.

Artemisia campestris

Field Mugwort

Vulnerable

RDB

 

W

Very few native sites plus a few re-introductions in Breckland.

Asperula cynanchica

Squinancywort

Locally scarce

 

 

W

About a dozen records from Breckland and chalk grassland around Newmarket.

Astragalus danicus

Purple Milk-vetch

Endangered

Suffolk Rarity

 

W

Widespread on dry chalk in Breckland, e.g. Lakenheath Warren.

Atriplex pedunculata

Pedunculate Sea Purslane

Critically Endangered

RDB

 

 

Extinct since last record at Walberswick 1935. A re-introduction attampt at Walberswick in the 1990s was not successful.

Baldellia ranunculoides

Lesser Water-plantain

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

One or two recent records from Broads, other records need confirmation.

Berberis vulgaris

Barberry

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 40 records scattered across the county, probably only native on dry chalky soils in the west but distribution much confused by planting since medieval times.

Blackstonia perfoliata

Yellow-wort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 30 sites on dry chalky soils.

Blechnum spicant

Hard Fern

Locally scarce

 

E

 

6 records all from the coastal strip: Holbrook, Belstead, Rishangles, Walberswick, Loound, Lowestoft. A species that is very common in wetter parts of the country.

Blysmus compressus

Flat-sedge

Vulnerable

Suffolk Rarity

E

 

4 sites, marshes at South Cove, Reydon, Barnby and Sizewell.

Botrychium lunaria

Moonwort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

6 sites in old grassland in Breckland and one E. Suffolk site at Blythe meadow, Cransford.

Brachypodium pinnatum

Tor- grass

Locally scarce

 

E

W

6 sites scattered across the county, probably native in chalk grassland in the Newmarket area. National status unclear due to confusion with recently separated B. rupestre, currently on the ‘waiting list’ in the new Red List.

Bromus hordeaceus subsp. thominei

A subspecies of Soft Brome

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Landguard Common, Felixstowe plus a few other possible sites, probably under-recorded or confused with B. × pseudothominei.

Bromus secalinus

Rye Brome

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte with 2 sites from arable plus a few casuals.

Bupleurum rotundifolium

Thorow-wax

Critically Endangered

 

 

 

Archaeophyte, extinct in the wild. Now only occuring as a casual or deliberate introduction with arable seed mix.

Bupleurum tenuissimum

Slender Hare’s-ear

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

 

Occasional in disturbed sites and on sea walls along the coast.

Butomus umbellatus

Flowering Rush

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 40 records from the lower reaches of major rivers.

Calamagrostis stricta

Narrow Small-reed

Vulnerable

RDB

 

W

A few records from Brecks fens at Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Status of some records doubtful due to confusion with other Calamagrostis taxa.

Calystegia soldanella

Sea Bindweed

Locally scarce

 

E

 

About 15 sites scattered along the coast.

Camelina sativa

Gold-of-pleasure

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Archaeophyte with half a dozen recent casual records, none from arable situations.

Campanula glomerata

Clustered Bellflower

Locally scarce

 

 

W

6 records from chalky grassland in the west: Moulton, Dalham, Risby, Higham, Elveden and Thetford.

Campanula latifolia

Giant Bellflower

Locally scarce

 

E

W

4 recent records: Eriswell, Playford, Darmsden and Framlngham, a rare native of ancient wet woods.

Carex acuta

Slender Tufted-sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 30 sites, scattered across the county in wet grassy places.

Carex acutiformis × riparia = C. ×sooi

A hybrid sedge

Vulnerable

 

E

 

A single record from Framlingham Mere, 1990, det. A. C. Jermy.

Carex appropinquata

Fibrous Tussock-sedge

Near threatened

Nationally scarce

E

W

3 sites: marshes at Barnby, Carlton and Brandon.

Carex binervis

Green-ribbed Sedge

Locally rare

 

E

W

2 recent records from moist acid sites at Dunwich and Ingham.

Carex curta

White Sedge

Locally rare

 

E

 

Small numbers in wet acid sites at Blythburgh, Dunwich and Westleton, rare in E Anglia.

Carex diandra

Lesser Tussock-sedge

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Fens at Thelnetham, Carlton and Minsmere.

Carex divisa

Divided Sedge

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

 

About 12 sites in damp coastal grassland.

Carex echinata

Star Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About a dozen records from bogs and marshes along the coast and in the Waveney/Ouse valley.

Carex elata

Tufted Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 30 records from fens and marshes mainly in Breckland and the Waveney/Ouse valley.

Carex elongata

Elongated Sedge

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

The single site at Reydon Wood is the only one in E Anglia.

Carex ericetorum

Rare Spring-sedge

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

 

W

Undisturbed grassland on calcareous soils in Breckland, no records post-1997, it is a poor competitor and soon disappears if under-grazing allows the sward to become too rank. Post-1990 records from Lakenheath Warren, Foxhole Heath, Knettishall Heath, West Stow, Eriswell and Icklingham.

Carex extensa

Long-bracted Sedge

Locally rare

 

E

 

Single site at Shingle Street. Scarce on the E. coast of Britain but much more frequent in the west.

Carex hostiana

Tawny Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

6 sites in wet meadows and marshes.

Carex lasiocarpa

Slender Sedge

Locally rare

 

E

W

Peaty fens at Redgrave, Hopton and Barnby.

Carex pulicaris

Flea Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Fens at Redgrave, Thelnetham, Market Weston and at Sizewell dunes.

Carex rostrata

Bottle Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 20 records from ponds and in wet marshes on acid soils.

Carex strigosa

Thin-spiked Wood-sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 20 sites scattered across the county in ancient woodland on clay soils.

Carex vesicaria

Bladder-sedge

Locally rare

 

E

W

3 sites, meadows at Westhorpe, Laxfield and Culford.

Carex viridula subsp. brachyrrhyncha

Long-stalked Yellow Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 10 records for this subspecies which occurs on peaty soils in fens and marshes in the Waveney/Ouse valley, and in Breckland.

Carex viridula subsp. oedocarpa

Common Yellow Sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less about 12 records for this subspecies from fens and marshes in the Waveney/Ouse valley, on the coast and in Breckland.

Carex viridula subsp. viridula

Small-fruited Yellow Sedge

Locally rare

 

E

W

There are 2 records of this subspecies from Poors Fen, Lakenheath and Lound.

Carum carvi

Caraway

Endangered

 

E

W

Archaeophyte occurring only as a casual in Suffolk, 5 records.

Centaurea cyanus

Cornflower

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Archaeophyte, one stable site at Haughley plus scattered other casual records, a frequent garden escape and constituent of wild flower seed mixes. This species is also included as a priority species in the national and local BAPs.

Centaurium pulchellum

Lesser Centaury

Locally rare

 

E

 

Previously found on the coast at Walberswick and Sizewell the only recent records are from Lakenheath and Bramfield.

Ceratophyllum submersum

Soft Hornwort

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

About 20 records from eutrophic and brackish water in dykes and ditches along the coast and occasionally inland.

Ceterach officinarum

Rustyback

Locally rare

 

E

 

Three records from man-made structures at Mendham, Bungay and Oulton Broad - all (coincidentally) in the Waveney valley. A predominantly western species in Britain.

Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile

Vulnerable

 

 

 

Extinct as a native, probably lost before 1970. Occasionally occuring as a casual or even cultivated as a crop (Occold 2001).

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Good King Henry

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, widespread as a casual in disturbed places and edges of arable.

Chenopodium chenopodioides

Saltmarsh Goosefoot

RDB

RDB

E

 

1 recent record from Orfordness.

Chenopodium glaucum

Oak-leaved Goosefoot

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, rare casual in disturbed places and edges of arable.

Chenopodium murale

Nettle-leaved Goosefoot

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, rare casual in disturbed places and edges of arable.

Chenopodium vulvaria

Stinking Goosefoot

Endangered

RDB

E

 

Archaeophyte, only stable site is at Landguard, Felixstowe, inland sites are casual.

Chrysanthemum segetum

Corn Marigold

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, scattered distribution on light soils, especially in the Sandlings, occasionally abundant. Often included in wild flower seed mixes.

Cicuta virosa

Cowbane

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

6 records from wetland sites along the Waveney valley plus a doubtful record from Market Weston Fen.

Cirsium dissectum

Meadow Thistle

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About a dozen sites from marshes and fens in the Waveney valley and a few other W. Suffolk sites.

Cirsium eriophorum

Woolly Thistle

Locally rare

 

 

W

A species of rough ungrazed chalky grassland now only reliably found on the old railway between Melford and Lavenham. Suffolk is on the very eastern edge of the British range of this species.

Cladium mariscus

Great Fen-sedge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About a dozen sites in peaty fens along the Waveney/Ouse valley and in a few of the wetter fens in Breckland.

Clinopodium acinos

Basil Thyme

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Occasional on disturbed chalky soils in Breckland and on sand over chalk in the Gipping valley.

Clinopodium calamintha

Lesser Calamint

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

Local on light soils in south Suffolk and more chalky soils around Newmarket.

Colchicum autumnale

Meadow Saffron

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Native in western England but introduced here. Long established in a few old meadows at Monewden, most other records are from churchyards or plants established from garden throwouts.

Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley

Locally rare

 

E

W

Native in ancient woodland sites on nutrient-poor free draining soils at Bentley and Woolpit but also naturalised in churchyards and other places.

Corynephorus canescens

Grey Hair-grass

Near threatened

RDB

E

W

Native in Breckland at Lakenheath and Wangford. Coastal records between Minsmere and Kessingland are a mixture of native occurrences and re-introductions following the 1953 floods.

Crambe maritima

Sea-kale

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Scattered on shingle beaches all along the coast, occasionally abundant.

Crassula tillaea

Mossy Stonecrop

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Widespread on dry tracks and trampled areas in Breck and Sandlings.

Crepis biennis

Rough Hawk’s-beard

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 20 sites. Status in Suffolk unclear, it may be native in a few sites on chalk in the west but most records are probably casuals introduced with grass seed .

Crithmum maritimum

Rock Samphire

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Less than ten sites scattered along the coast, mostly single plants.

Cuscuta epithymum

Dodder

Vulnerable

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Very scarce on heathlands in Sandlings and Breck, only about 6 sites.

Cuscuta europaea

Greater Dodder

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

 

W

A dozen sites on nettles in the Brett and Stour valleys.

Cynoglossum officinale

Houndstongue

Near threatened

 

E

W

Widespread in Brecks and occasional in the Sandlings.

Cyperus longus

Galingale

Near threatened

 

E

W

8 sites arising from garden escapes, not native in Suffolk.

Dactylorhiza incarnata

Early Marsh-orchid

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 40 sites in damp meadows and fens scattered across the county.

Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. ochroleuca

Cream-flowered Early Marsh Orchid

Locally rare

 

 

W

Suffolk site at Market Weston Fen is probably one of only two British sites. Classed as ‘data deficient’ in the new Red List but is probably critically endangered.

Dactylorhiza traunsteinerioides (D. traunsteineri)

Narrow-leaved Marsh-orchid

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Fens at Market Weston and Carlton Marshes, threatened by hybridisation with D. praetermissa.

Dactylorhiza viridis (Coeloglossum viride)

Frog Orchid

Vulnerable

Suffolk Rarity

E

 

Single Suffolk site at Metfield is one of only two in E. Anglia.

Danthonia decumbens

Heath-grass

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 20 records from heathy sites, mainly in the north of the county.

Daphne mezereum

Mezereon

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

 

W

Only Suffolk site is Rex Graham Reserve at Mildenhall where 213 plants were counted in 2005. Native status is unclear, it may be bird-sown from garden plants.

Dianthus armeria

Deptford Pink

Endangered

Nationally scarce

E

 

2 casual records from Ipswich, but a population at Brundon (Essex side of Stour near Sudbury) may be native.

Dianthus deltoides

Maiden Pink

Near threatened

Nationally scarce

E

W

Still frequent in a few Breckland sites, but declining due to loss of habitat. Rarely a garden escape (Ipswich 1988).

Drosera rotundifolia

Round-leaved Sundew

Locally rare

 

 

W

Still at Market Weston Fen but probably now lost from Barnby.

Dryopteris cristata

Crested Buckler-fern

Critically Endangered

RDB

 

 

Extinct, last recorded at Purdis Farm pre-1980.

Eleocharis palustris subsp. palustris

Spike rush subspecies

Locally rare

 

E

 

1 recent record from Southwold 1996 (conf. S. M. Walters), an under-recorded taxon which may be more widespread. Data deficient for assessment of national threat evel.

Eleocharis quinqueflora

Few-flowered Spike-rush

Locally rare

 

 

W

One recent record from Hopton Fen in 2000.

Eleocharis uniglumis

Slender Spike-rush

Locally scarce

 

E

 

8 sites in damp grassland near the coast.

Eleogiton fluitans

Floating Club-rush

Locally scarce

 

E

 

4 sites in the lower reaches of the Waveney valley: marshes at Carlton and Oulton, Howards Common Belton and Lound Waterworks.

Epilobium palustre

Marsh Willowherb

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 60 sites from marshes and fens scattered across the county.

Epipactis helleborine

Broad-leaved Helleborine

Locally scarce

 

E

W

24 sites from woodland (ancient and modern plantations).

Epipactis palustris

Marsh Helleborine

Locally rare

 

E

W

Fens at Redgrave, Market Weston and Barnby.

Epipactis phyllanthes

Green-flowered Helleborine

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

 

 

No recent records, though present in Cambs and Norfolk, may be extinct. Last definite record from Melton 1952.

Epipactis purpurata

Violet Helleborine

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Ancient woods on boulder clay at Cockfield, Bradfield, Hintlesham, Little Waldingfield and Groton.

Equisetum arvense × telmateia = E. ×robertsii

A hybrid horsetail

Vulnerable

 

 

 

Records in Simpson’s Flora have been checked and are errors for odd forms of E. arvense.

Equisetum fluviatile × telmateia = E. ×willmottii

A hybrid horsetail

Vulnerable

 

 

 

Record in Simpson’s Flora has been checked and is an error for an odd form of E. fluviatile.

Erica tetralix

Cross-leaved Heath

Locally rare

 

E

 

Wet fens at Redgrave, Dunwich, Walberswichk and Westleton. Probably now extinct in W. Suffolk.

Eriophorum angustifolium

Common Cottongrass

Locally scarce

 

E

W

16 sites, in marshes on the coast and broads plus fens in the Waveney valley.

Erodium lebelii

Sticky Stork’s-bill

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Landguard Common, Felixstowe plus one or two other records requiring confirmation. May be confused with E. cicutarium subsp. dunense.

Erodium maritimum

Sea Stork’s-bill

Locally rare

 

E

 

Newly discovered in sandy turf at Minsmere in 2005.

Eryngium maritimum

Sea Holly

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Scattered in low numbers on vegetated shingle along much of the coast.

Euphorbia exigua

Dwarf Spurge

Near threatened

 

E

W

Widespread archaeophyte, on arable, mainly on clays.

Euphorbia paralais

Sea Spurge

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Less than 10 sites on vegetated shingle along southern part of the coast.

Euphorbia platyphyllos

Broad-leaved Spurge

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 10 sites in arable farmland. Possibly under-recorded.

Euphrasia confusa

An eyebright

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Little Heath, Barnham, Thetford Lodge Warren, King’s Forest, Lakenheath Warren in Breckland and acid grassland at Thorpeness and Sizewell. Data deficient for assessment of national threat level.

Euphrasia pseudokerneri

an eyebright

Endangered

Nationally scarce

 

W

An annual ‘near endemic’ of herb-rich downland turf on chalk and soft limestones. Bury Hill at Moulton is the only recent record though it was noted at Risby Black Ditches in the 1970s. Suffolk is on the edge of its British range.

Festuca arenaria

Rush-leaved Fescue

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

A dozen sites scattered along the coast.

Festuca longifolia

Blue Fescue

RDB

RDB

E

W

Rare in Breckland plus Landguard Common at Felixstowe.

Filago gallica

Narrow-leaved Cudweed

Extinct in the wild

 

 

 

Archaeophyte, extinct in the wild, Records in the 1980s were from deliberate introductions with arable weed mix.

Filago lutescens

Red-tipped Cudweed

Endangered

RDB

E

W

Native or alien, still surviving in the Sandlings but appears to be doing better in disturbed Breck sites. This species is also included as a priority species in the national and local BAPs.

Filago pyramidata

Broad-leaved Cudweed

Endangered

 

 

W

Archaeophyte only found at one site, Worlington Chalk Pit. Deliberate introduction with arable seed mix at Snape

Filago vulgaris

Common Cudweed

Near threatened

 

E

W

Frequent on light soils in the Sandlings and Brecks.

Filipendula vulgaris

Dropwort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Occasional in chalky grassland in Breckland and as far east as Wortham and Stuston. Records from other parts of the county are usually due to confusion with Meadowseet.

Frankenia laevis

Sea-heath

Near threatened

Nationally scarce

E

 

2 sites on the coast at Hollesley and Orfordness.

Fritillaria meleagris

Fritillary

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

Scatter of a dozen damp meadow sites across mid-Suffolk.

Fumaria densiflora

Dense-flowered Fumitory

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Archaeophyte, casual on light chalky soils in four sites in the far west of the county and one, north of Lowestoft, at Belton.

Fumaria muralis subsp. boraei

Few-flowered Fumitory

Locally scarce

 

E

W

17 sites, occasional in arable on the Shotley peninsula and in NE Suffolk.

Fumaria parviflora

Fine-leaved Fumitory

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

 

W

Archaeophyte with a scatter of records from light chalky soils in Breckland and the Newmarket area, mainly casuals rather than large populations in arable sites.

Fumaria vaillantii

Few-flowered Fumitory

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

 

 

No recent sightings, last record Wrentham 1979.

Gagea lutea

Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem

Locally rare

 

 

W

Only recent record is from Kedington Churchyard, may not be native here.

Galeopsis angustifolia

Red Hemp-nettle

Critically Endangered

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, 4 doubtful records, but probably correct for Orfordness.

Galeopsis speciosa

Large-flowered Hemp-nettle

Vulnerable

 

 

W

Archaeophyte, about a dozen records from fenland soils in the N.W.

Galium odoratum

Woodruff

Locally scarce

 

E

W

In about 20 chalky, ancient woodland sites scattered across the boulder clay.

Galium parisiense

Wall Bedstraw

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

About 10 dry, infertile sites in Breckland plus one site in the Sandlings at Westleton Heath.

Galium tricornutum

Corn Cleavers

Critically Endangered

 

 

 

Archaeophyte, extinct in the wild. Records in the 1980s were from deliberate introductions with arable weed mix.

Genista anglica

Petty Whin

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

 

W

5 fen sites: Market Weston, Redgrave, Thelnetham, Hinderclay and West Stow.

Genista tinctoria

Dyer’s Green weed

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 30 sites mainly in old grassland and verges in NE Suffolk.

Gentianella amarella

Autumn Gentian

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than a dozen sites on exposed chalk in Breckland and Newmarket area plus Lineage old railway line and a chalk pit at Blakenham.

Geranium columbinum

Long-stalked Crane’ s-bill

Locally scarce

 

E

W

8 scattered records; some may be erroneous.

Geranium sanguineum

Bloody Crane’s-bill

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 20 records from Breck and Sandlings, possibly native in Breckland but records are confused by regular garden escapes.

Gnaphalium sylvaticum

Heath Cudweed

Endangered

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

5 sites in the Sandlings and one in the Breck.

Groenlandia densa

Opposite-leaved Pondweed

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Few sites in base-rich water in Waveney and Lark valleys.

Gymnadenia densiflora (Gymnadenia conopsea subsp. densiflora)

Marsh Fragrant Orchid

Locally rare

 

E

W

Fens at Market Weston, Redgrave and Barnby. Data deficient for assessment of national threat level as this taxon only recently raised to species level.

Gymnocarpium robertianum

Limestone Fern

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

 

 

A garden escape on a wall in Campsea Ash and a tomb in an Ipswich churchyard in the 1980s. No recent records.

Helianthemum nummularium

Common Rock-rose

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Occasional in dry chalky grassland in Breckland plus a few isolated records in E. Suffolk on exposed chalk at Blakenham and Stuston and on crag soils at Newbourne and Aldringham.

Helleborus foetidus

Stinking Hellebore

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

30 records scattered across the county. Native status in Suffolk unclear but probably only a garden escape. The native range of this species has been obscured by the presence of numerous naturalised populations. It is often grown as a garden plant and escapes can become established in the wild, although sometimes for only a few years.

Helleborus viridis

Green Hellebore

Locally scarce

 

 

W

8 sites, all in ancient woodland on boulder clay in W Suffolk.

Herniaria glabra

Smooth Rupture-wort

RDB

RDB

 

W

11 sites scattered through Breckland on disturbed soils, occasionally abundant.

Himantoglossum hircinum

Lizard Orchid

Near threatened

RDB

 

W

Not seen in Breckland since 1996 and may be extinct. Still occurs just over the border in Cambs on the Devil’s Dyke at Newmarket.

Hippocrepis comosa

Horseshoe Vetch

Locally scarce

 

 

W

6 sites on dry chalk grassland in the west: Worlington, Barton Mills, Risby, Dalham, Cavenham, and Bury Hill Moulton

Hippophae rhamnoides

Sea Buckthorn

Nationally scarce

Nationally Scarce

E

W

Although this species is considered native on the east coast of England and it is widespread in sandy sites along the Suffolk coast, most populations are the result of deliberate planting rather than native origin. It is also occasionally introduced inland on dry soils.

Hordelymus europaeus

Wood Barley

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

4 sites post 1980, but only recently in ancient woodlands at Homersfield and Westhall.

Hordeum marinum

Sea Barley

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

 

About a dozen disturbed sites in coastal grasslands.

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae

Frogbit

Vulnerable

 

E

 

More than 30 sites in ditches in the Waveney valley and coastal marshes.

Hyoscyamus niger

Henbane

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte with about 30 sites on light soils, usually in disturbed sites, sometimes abundant.

Hypericum elodes

Marsh St. John’s-wort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

5 records from wet acid sites in Dunwich area plus one at Polstead.

Hypericum maculatum subsp. obtusiusculum

Imperforate St. John’s-wort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 10 records scattered across the county. A difficult species to identify which may be under-recorded.

Hypochaeris glabra

Smooth Cat’s-ear

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

Locally frequent in dry, sites in Sandlings and Breck.

Hypochaeris maculata

Spotted Cat’s-ear

Near threatened

RDB

 

W

One site at Risby Black Ditches.

Inula crithmoides

Golden-Samphire

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

7 sites in saltmarshes on Orfordness and the Stour and Orwell estuaries. This is the northern limit of this species on the E. coast.

Isolepis cernua

Slender Club-rush

Locally rare

 

E

 

1 recent record from Sizewell Belts in 2000. A perennial found in wet, coastal grassland, in bare or open sites over damp sand, peat and mud, in short turf. It is predominantly a western species in Britain and very scarce in E. Anglia.

Isolepis setacea

Bristle Club-rush

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 30 sites scattered in damp acidic sites often on sand or gravel by ponds and tracks, probably under-recorded.

Juncus ambiguus

Frog Rush

Locally scarce

 

E

 

4 sites on the coast at Landguard and in the Southwold area, probably under-recorded due to confusion with J. bufonius.

Juncus compressus

Round-fruited Rush

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Less than 20 scattered records, coastal sites may be confusion with J. gerardii.

Juncus squarrosus

Heath Rush

Locally scarce

 

E

W

14 sites in damp acid grassland scattered across the county with a concentration in the Dunwich area.

Lathraea squamaria

Toothwort

Locally rare

 

E

 

One recent record from hazel coppice at Priestley wood in 1983, possibly now extinct.

Lathyrus aphaca

Yellow Vetchling

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

Less than 10 sites in dry open grassland on calcareous soils. Also as a casual in disturbed sites.

Lathyrus hirsutus

Hairy Vetchling

Locally rare

 

 

W

1 record from Market Weston, probably only a casual in Suffolk. Currently on the ‘waiting list’ in the new Red List but likley to be classed as a Neophyte.

Lathyrus japonicus

Sea Pea

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

In vegetated shingle all along the coast from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, sometimes abundant.

Lathyrus palustris

Marsh Pea

Near threatened

Nationally scarce

E

W

6 Fen sites in Broads and at Lakenheath.

Lepidium heterophyllum

Smith’s Pepperwort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

7 records, mainly from arable sites where it appears to be remarkably stable once established.

Lepidium latifolium

Dittander

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Frequent in saltmarshes, aprticularly in the Stour, Orwell and Deben estauries. Situation complicated by the spread into non-native,ruderal habitats inland where this species is quite successful. It may also be a relic of cultivation.

Limonium binervosum agg.

Rock Sea Lavender agg.

Locally rare

 

E

 

4 records from saltmarshes at Orfordness, Shingle Street, Boyton and Havergate Island, our plants are probably subsp. anglicum.

Limonium humile

Lax-flowered Sea-lavender

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

9 records from saltmarshes in the Stour and Orwell estuaries and at Sutton Hoo and Hollesley.

Linum bienne

Pale Flax

Locally rare

 

E

 

A few casual records, possibly native in coastal grassland at Kessingland and Landguard.

Linum perenne subsp. anglicum

Perennial Flax

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

An endemic chalk grassland species. 2 native records from Newmarket Heath and Lakenheath Warren plus casual records from Westerfield and Sizewell.

Liparis loeselii

Fen Orchid

Endangered

 

 

 

Listed under internatiopnal agreements: EC Directive annex IIb and Ivb plus Bern Convention and Conservation Regulations Schedule 4. Last recorded as a native at Thelnetham c. 1975. A recent re-introduction at a fen site in Suffolk was not successful.

Lithospermum arvense

Field Gromwell

Endangered

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, still quite widespread in arable in W. Suffolk.

Lithospermum officinale

Common Gromwell

Locally scarce

 

E

W

33 records from arable sites scattered across the county.

Littorella uniflora

Shoreweed

Locally rare

 

E

 

Single record from Lound Waterworks in 1996 needs confirmation.

Luzula forsteri

Southern Wood-rush

Locally rare

 

 

 

Probably extinct, last record Bentley 1979.

Luzula sylvatica

Great Wood-rush

Locally scarce

 

E

 

9 records from damp acid woodland sites in NE Suffolk.

Lythrum portula

Water Purslane

Locally scarce

 

E

W

10 records from damp acid sites on heaths and in woods.

Marrubium vulgare

White Horehound

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

May be native in Breckland (c. 12 sites) but occasionally introduced elsewhere, only 3 sites in E Suffolk.

Medicago minima

Bur Medick

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

Widespread in short grassland in the Breck and occasional in the Sandlings.

Medicago polymorpha

Toothed Medick

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

 

Six native records from open sandy and gravelly habitats by the coast and four as an introduction inland.

Medicago sativa subsp. falcata

Sickle Medick

Nationally scarce

Nationally scarce

E

W

Increasingly rare as a native in Breckland, and possibly being replaced by the stable hybrid M. varia .

Melampyrum cristatum

Crested Cow-wheat

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

 

W

6 sites on roadside verges in SW Suffolk on boulder clay - Haverhill, Cavendish, Sicklesmere, Dalham , Denham, Hargrave. Declining despite protection of sites.

Melampyrum pratense

Common Cow-wheat

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 12 sites mainly in ancient woods and green lanes.

Mentha pulegium

Pennyroyal

Endangered

 

 

 

Extinct as a native before 1930. Occasional casuals from garden throwouts and grass seed impurities.

Menyanthes trifoliata

Bogbean

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Native in ponds and dykes at about 10 sites in Broadland, coastal marshes and wetlands in the Stour and Waveney valleys, introduced in a few ponds elsewhere.

Minuartia hybrida

Fine-leaved Sandwort

Endangered

Nationally scarce

E

W

Occasional in Breckland, rare in the Sandlings and on sandy soils in the Gipping valley.

Misopates orontium

Weasel’s-snout

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, 15 sites; a rare plant in arable and cultivated ground.

Moenchia erecta

Upright Chickweed

Locally scarce

 

E

 

Less than 10 sites in dry gravelly places on the coast and inland at Bungay and Beccles.

Monotropa hypopitys

Yellow Bird’s-nest

Endangered

Suffolk Rarity

 

 

Probably extinct, last seen in the King’s Forest in 1980s .

Muscari neglectum

Grape-hyacinth

Vulnerable

RDB

E

W

About 20 native sites in Breckland, declining on verges but still in good numbers at RAF Lakenheath. Also occasional elsewhere in the county as a garden escape.

Myosurus minimus

Mousetail

Vulnerable

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Less than 20 sites, an annual of muddy, seasonally flooded, nutrient rich places.

Myrica gale

Bog Myrtle

Locally rare

 

E

 

Lost from Pashford Poors Fen in the 1980s and now only at Barnby Broad.

Myriophyllum verticillatum

Whorled Water-milfoil

Vulnerable

Nationally scarce

E

W

More than 30 sites in ditches in the Waveney valley and coastal marshes plus Redgrave Fen and Lakenheath washes.

Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus

Daffodil

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Native and introduced. It is now very difficult to establish the range of this species in the County but it probably only truly wild in about a dozen ancient woodland sites.

Neottia nidus-avis

Bird’ s-nest Orchid

Near threatened

Suffolk Rarity

E

W

Less than 20 ancient woodland sites.

Nepeta cataria

Cat-mint

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Archaeophyte, occasional in arable on dry calcareous soils in Breckland, casual elsewhere.

Nymphoides peltata

Fringed water-lily

Nationally scarce

Nationally Scarce

E

W

Possibly native in the Fens at Lakenheath but increasing as an escape from cultivation elsewhere with several sites along the Gipping and in ponds elsewhere.

Oenanthe aquatica

Fine-leaved Water-dropwort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

About 50 sites mainly from ponds and ditches on clay in NE Suffolk.

Oenanthe crocata

Hemiock Water-dropwort

Locally scarce

 

E

 

7 sites along the Waveney valley and one isolated record from Haughley.

Oenanthe fistulosa

Tubular Water-dropwort

Vulnerable

 

E

W

Less than 50 sites in ditches streams and marshes throughout the county.

Oenanthe fluviatilis

River Water-dropwort

Locally scarce

 

E

W

Less than 30 sites from larger rivers, Waveney, Ouse, Stour, Gipping.

Oenanthe pimpinelloides

Corky-fruited Water-dropwort

Locally rare

 

E

 

Only site in the County is at Bourne Bridge, Ipswich.

Onobrychis viciifolia

Sai