Caterpillars – Bee in the Moment

Relaxing Evening Birdsong

Posted on 08/06/202409/06/2024 by BITM

Although it’s close to the Summer Solstice, the weather remains very changeable; regularly alternating from sunny to dull and wet. However this is enabling vegetation to thrive. It is lovely to hear birdsong still. One in particular the blackbird (Turdus merula) is a joy to hear, especially in the evening. Sadly Blackbird numbers have reduced in recent years, due to the Usutu virus (increasing because of warmer winters), and the BTO are asking for help with a citizen science survey. If you have a garden and could spend some time recording your local blackbirds then please consider taking part. The link, for more information can be found here.

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is flowering now in woodlands, amongst hedgerows and in gardens, taking over from the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).

Elder can thrive for up to 60 years and reach 15 meters in height. It is thought that the common name developed from ‘aeld’ the Anglo-Saxon word for fire as the spongy centre of the branches can be hollowed out, enabling it to be used as a bellow to help ignite fires. As with the Rowan (Sorbus) tree, it was thought that the Elder could ward off evil spirits, along with the devil and witches. It was also believed that breaking or cutting any part of an elder would bring misfortune to the person responsible unless permission was granted from the elder mother (regarded as the witch or guardian within the tree) beforehand. However, the Elder tree is great for foragers. Both the flowers and vitamin c rich berries can be used for making cordials and preserves; although it is important to remember to cook the berries, making them safe, before consuming. Other uses for Elder have included whittling the stem into craft items such as beads, making whistles, using the foliage as a fly repellent in dairies as well as to create dyes. Historically all the dyes for Harris tweed came from the Elder, with each part of the plant resulting in different colours. The berries produced Blues and purples, the leaves created yellow and green while the bark was used to gain the greys and black dyes. Small mammals eat both the flowers and berries whilst birds such as Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and Thrushes (Turdus) enjoy the berries which ripen from late summer through to autumn. The flowers are also great for pollinators. Plus the caterpillars of the White-spotted pug (Eupithecia tripunctaria), Swallowtail (Papilionidae), Dot moth (Melanchra persicariae) and Buff ermine moths (Spilarctia luteum) will eat the leaves.

I have noticed a few Oak apples on several oak trees (Quercus) recently.

The growth of galls is a reaction to the Oak apple gall wasp (Biorhiza pallida) laying eggs in the leaf bud. They can reach up to 5cms in diameter and contain wasp larvae in chambers. While the larvae eat the tissue of the host tree, they do little long-term damage so the Oaks remain largely unscathed. The galls can be found in the tree canopy in May and June and the adult wasps will emerge in June and July. It is also possible to have a second generation within the same year with eggs being laid in the ground next to the roots. A picture of the wasp can be found at Naturespot. Once the galls are empty (they will have holes once the wasps have gone) they can be collected and made into oak gall ink. I look forward to giving this a go later in the year. Instructions on how to make this ink can be found here.

Some insects that I was able to see have been beetles. Unlike those which remain at ground level, some can be found on flowers as they wait for prey; this is where I saw these, a Malachite beetle (Malachius bipustulatus) and a Soldier beetle (Cantharis rustica).

The Malachite beetle is greener (emerald-like except for the red spots) than this photo is able to show, hence the common name given to it.

Malachite beetle adults are about 6mm in length and can be found between April and August. Later in the year they can also be found on tree bark where they lay larvae for the following year.

The soldier beetle is larger (between 9-13mm in length) again they consume other insects.

Black and red in colour, the Cantharis rustica is one of the UKs largest soldier beetles. Snails, worms and other invertebrates are eaten by its larvae, which can be found under rocks and leaf litter throughout winter.

There are lots of flowers blooming now and it is lovely to have the opportunity to learn more about wildflowers. Two new additions to my knowledge are, Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor)

The delicate red flowers of the Salad burnet.

and Cotton thistle (Onopordum acanthium)- see below.

Salad burnet grows on chalky, limestone grassland. Part of the Rosacea family, as the common name suggests, its leaves (which have a cucumber scent when crushed) can be added to salads as well as summer drinks.

A poultice made from the flowerheads can be used to treat wounds as compounds within them can stem bleeding. It can grow up to 50 cms tall and spreads via rhizomes.

The common name of Cotton thistle derives from the hairs on the leaves which resemble cotton. This thistle has many names including the Giant thistle, Silver thistle, Scots thistle as well as Queen Mary’s thistle. Although this plant is often connected to Scotland, the emblem used in Scottish heraldry and the national emblem of Scotland is most likely to be the Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare). The large silvery foliage of the Cotton thistle makes this wildflower quite striking. A biennial, the growth in the second year can reach up to 3 meters high and the leaves 10-50 cms in width. It particularly enjoys growing in fertile soil in areas that have been disturbed, along with roadsides and fields. Its pinky purple flowers bloom in summer. Some caterpillars like those of the Thistle ermine moth (Myelois circumvoluta) will eat the leaves. Pollinators and Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) also visit the flower heads, the latter eating the seeds.

Allotment, nature

Where Did May and June Go?

Posted on 19/07/202319/07/2023 by BITM

Time has flown since my last post. The allotment has kept my partner and I busy; It’s in full swing after a slow start, due to initial cold weather followed on by a hot dry spell. Soft fruit production has been good this year; Red and White currants, Strawberries as well as Gooseberries have been plentiful, plus the Rhubarb has been as reliable as always. Thankfully we have now had a fair bit of rain (along with thunder storms) here in the south, giving us a slight break in having to manually water. Plus the rain has finally encouraged the Popping corn, Courgettes, Radishes and Beetroot plants to flourish.

The Summer Solstice passed a while ago now and although the nights are noticeably beginning to lengthen once again, traditionally the hottest days are still to come (even though June 2023 was the hottest on record here in the UK).

Since the beginning of May all three St Albans Abbey Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) chicks fledged (there was one female and two male); It was so lovely to see them all successfully develop into juveniles.

Initially I was beginning to think that l wouldn’t see many insects, however they have started to show up now. Ladybirds (including young ladybirds), bees, butterflies and moths are becoming more noticeable (great news as the Big Butterfly Count started on 14th July and runs until the 6th August).

Over the last few months, I noticed the first Silver Y moth (Autographa gamma), Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) Ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria), False oil beetles (Oedemera nobilis) Red soldier beetles (Rhagonycha fulva), Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus), Small skipper butterflies (Thymelicus sylvestris), Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), along with a grasshopper of the season.

Other insects I have seen include a
-Yellow shell moth (Camptogramma bilineata) so named because the wing patterns are said to look like the edges of some shells.

Yellow shell moth resting in a Yew hedge.

I saw this night flying moth as it sought shelter during the day. The caterpillars have a varied diet ranging from Bedstraw (Galium), Chickweed (Stellaria media), Docks (Rumex), Sorrels (Oxalis) to Dandelions (Taraxacum); wild flowers often seen as weeds. Seen on the wing from June to August, these moths are often found in urban areas, gardens, hedgerows and meadows throughout Britain.

– and a Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa) dragonfly;

The female is disguinuishable from the male because it’s abdomen is golden brown with light markings each side. I had previously observed a female laying eggs in the freshly rejuvenated garden pond before seeing the male. These dragonflies are 39- 48mm long and seen from May to August in central and southern England as well as south Wales. Broad-bodied chasers are one of the first to visit and lay eggs in newly created ponds.

I have also learnt more wild flowers during my walks or at work. These are;

– Black medick (Medicago lupulina)

This wildflower is a lugume and therefore fixes nitrogen in the soil. Similar to true clovers, it is found on grassland and in lawns. The seedpod is black in colour, hence it’s common name. They are a great nectar source for bees, flowering between April and August. This plant is traditionally used as fodder for grazing livestock.

– Common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Standing at 1.5 meters high this plant is also known as Church steeples because of the flower head spikes. In the Victorian language of flowers it represented gratitude and thankfulness. In folklore Agrimony was believed to ward off witchcraft and help the injured recover from musket wounds. It was also used to aid sleep if placed beneth a persons head, only for them to awaken once the flower was removed. Common agrimony is found in meadows and often visted by bees and hoverflies. It is also eaten by Grizzled skipper (Pyrgus malvae) caterpillars. More information on this increasingly rare butterfly can be found here.

– St johns wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Often found in wasteland but also in open areas of woodlands or along hedges and roads, it flowers from June through to September. This plant is strongly associated with the feast of St John the Baptist (hence the common name) which is observed on the 24th June, a few days after the Midsummer solstice. Both the red juice from the stem (representing blood) and the time it starts flowering were seen as associated with St John the Baptist. This wildflower is a traditional remedy for wounds and burns and also known for aiding mild depression.

– Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

This plant grows up to 2m high and has grey wooly foliage. It blooms in June, July and August, found along wasteland, verges, along roads and sometimes popping up in gardens. This plant is eaten by the mullein moth caterpillar. More information on Mullein moths (Cucullia verbasci) can be found on the Butterfly Conservation website.

– and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

This wildflower grows up to 1.3m high and blooms in late summer. The flowers are reddish brown developing from white buds. Mugwort is often found growing by roads on verges as well as amongst fields and wasteland.

Scientifically named Artemisia after the Greek goddess Artemis and Vulgaris meaning common. Partly due to it’s silvery appearance when light shines on the foliage it is connected to the moon and dreams.

Etymologically the common name is fascinating. Mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, the spelling was Mucgwyrt. Giving some idea to the origin of the common name being linked to old English words for midge ‘mycg’ and root, herb or plant ‘wort’. Traditionally this plant was used as a deterrent for midges and moths. It was used as flavouring for food and before hops to flavour beer, Plus it was used medicinally and had spiritual significance. Mugwort is also linked to St John the Baptist as it was believed that he wore a girdle of it for protection while he was in the wilderness (possibly why placing it over doorways was believed to give protection too) therefore another name for this plant is St John’s plant. It was also used by Roman soldiers; placing it in their footwear was thought to ward off fatigue.

Allotment, nature

What’s up Buttercup?

Posted on 11/05/202211/05/2022 by BITM

With May finally here, spring is now in full swing. Lots of things are growing on the allotment from seedlings to fruit, even the Rhubarb is almost ready to pick.

During a woodland walk, on the Easter weekend, I observed the first Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) butterfly of the year. Plus local ornamental Cherry trees (Prunus) began their spectacular show at the same time; later joined by the flowers of the Hawthorn (Crataegus) , Rowan (Sorbus) and Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).

Over the last few weeks, more wildflowers have started to bloom, including Buttercups (Ranunculus), Stitchwort (Stellaria), Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Honesty (Lunaria annua) and Hedge garlic (Alliaria petiolata) along with Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis).

Another butterfly that began to emerge recently is the Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines). Hedge garlic and Cuckoo flower are important food sources for Orange-tip caterpillars, so it is lovely to think these butterflies will be laying eggs on the plants I’ve noticed to ensure future generations; the verge not being mown, allowing both plants to develop, enabling this.

The ‘No mow May’ campaign is back this year. Encouraging us to avoid mowing lawns in order to encourage a wide variety of wildflowers to bloom (including rare ones), thus increasing the availability of pollen and nectar for pollinators as they start to emerge (along with helping butterfly populations, as discussed above). After several years of this campaign together with the every flower counts survey, improvements in wildflower growth have been recorded, as people report their sightings taken at this time.
An article from the Plantlife charity discusses their findings in more detail here.

Even leaving the humblest of flowers to flower on lawns, like Dandelions (Taraxacum), Daisies (Bellis perennis) and Buttercups helps.

Allotment, nature

A Couple of Welcome Visitors

Posted on 19/09/202119/09/2021 by BITM

During the previous week there were the few days of unusually high temperatures for the time of year; a final flourish for late summer?

The heat encouraged lots of bees, especially Honey bees (Apis mellifera) to visit Hylotelephium (once called Sedums) which began to bloom. The sound was amazing and it was so relaxing to work near them; you could almost feel the buzz it was so intense.

Things have been ticking over nicely on the allotment for the past month. Corn and Squash are developing nicely while the supply of Sweetpeas and Beetroot keep coming. Plus the Potatoes have been dug up and Apples are ready to pick too.

Time spent planning next years harvest is in full swing, while changes to the allotment occur. I began to create a space for a wild flower area next to a patch of long grass, where a resident frog is no doubt loving the huge supply of slugs this year. Plus work has begun on transforming the veg patches into raised beds.

Away from the allotment, on Friday 10th September, I noticed a rather large moth in the hallway. It was an Old lady/ black underwing (Mormo maura) moth. The wingspan of the Mormo maura is between 55 and 65mm.

The common name of Old Lady is due to the colouration and pattern on the forewings, which resemble the shawls of old Victorian ladies. There is only one generation per year and adults fly between July and August; as I noticed this one in September it must be near the end of its lifespan. A nocturnal moth it is attracted to light (and sugar if you place feeding stations for moths). Clearly the open window had encouraged it into the building. The main habitat for this moth are gardens and waste ground, particularly in damp locations. In spring, after overwintering, the caterpillars will feed on various trees and shrubs, such as Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).

Then last Friday, another moth found its way to the hall. Also a nocturnal moth attracted by light, the Snout moth (Hypena proboscidalis), so called for obvious reasons.

There are two generations per year of the Hypena proboscidalis, adults initially fly between June and August and again later in autumn. The wingspan of the Snout moth is approximately 30 to 38mm. Like the Old lady moth it also frequents gardens and wasteland, along with woodlands; essentially it can be found anywhere nettles (Urtica dioica) are found, which the caterpillars feed on.

nature

Relaxing Holiday Adventures

Posted on 18/08/202118/08/2021 by BITM

Over the last few weeks Buddleja have been in flower, encouraging butterflies to visit and making them more visible. I have begun to notice Red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) and Peacocks (Aglais io) alongside Large (Pieris brassicae) and Small white (Pieris rapae) butterflies.

Having some time off work enabled me to take more walks. In my local woodland park I started to see a lot more Commas (Polygonia c-album) and Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) butterflies too. On a few occasions they flitted around me as I stopped to watch them; an absolutely joyful experience, almost like they were interacting with me in their own way.

Thankfully in the two weeks, I managed to venture further afield. On one occasion, I saw a Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) butterfly while visiting an Arboretum in Herefordshire.

Woodlands are their habitat and they can be seen during July and August. The Caterpillars of this butterfly feed on various grasses, such as Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Common Couch (Elytrigia repens), and other meadow grasses (Poa spp.).

Spending some time away on holiday gave me the chance to explore other environments, including those next to water, thus enabling me to notice different wildflowers.

One walk took me past a canal. Water mint (Mentha aquatica) and Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) were growing all down the canal edge.

Both plants grow in shallow water and boggy conditions so are often found in fens and marshes as well as along the margins of ponds, streams, rivers and of course canals, as I discovered. They require habitats with full sun or dapled shade to bloom and are great for pollinators. Water mint flowers from the beginning of July up to November while Purple loosestrife only blooms between June and August. Purple Loosestrife can be visited by insects with long tongues and particularly enjoyed by butterflies and Red-tailed Bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius). It is also eaten by caterpillars of the Small Elephant Hawk-moths (Deilephila porcellus).

A Large white butterfly visiting some Purple Loosestrife.

As well as butterflies there were several dragonflies and damselflies, including this Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans) dancing over the water.

This Blue-tailed damselfly was seen resting on a nettle leaf.

However, most of the bees I saw on that walk were interested in the plant I encountered at the first lock, Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

While the lock was completely swamped by this plant, it was only section I saw it in. It’s the first time I had come across Himalayan balsam, although I know of its reputation.

The pretty flower of the Himalayan balsam is popular with pollinators, especially bees. Here a bee is seen climbing into the flower to obtain nectar and pollen.

First introduced into the UK in 1839, from the Himalayas, this plant soon escaped formal gardens and naturalized in the wild becoming a nuisance in waterways. It grows fast and can become invasive very quickly as, up to 800 seeds from each pod, explode as far as 7 meters from the parent plant and even travel downstream. It isn’t long before a thicket is created where the plant out-competes other species to reduce biodiversity, cause erotion of riverbanks and affect water quality. All this means it is considered a weed in waterways and often removed by work-parties whenever possible. In fact it had been previously cleared from a lot of this canal. Control methods include pulling and cutting before they get a chance to set seed. It can take a few growing seasons before control over this plant is established. Management of this plant is mentioned under schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Interestingly, in Hertfordshire, control of this plant involves collection of the flowers to produce pink Gin (further information can be found at Herts Wildlife Trust).

The following week I visited a beach in Kent, it was so relaxing to hear the sounds of the seaside. One plant I noticed growing amongst the rocky area near the shingle was Alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

I know this plant as a green manure on allotments and gardens, adding nitrogen to soil for crops the following season. It’s also used as silage for livestock in agriculture plus alfalfa sprouts are used in some cuisines. I have never seen it in the wild or even flowering. There wasn’t a great swathe of it so clearly the plants were due to the odd escapee into the wild; perhaps a few seeds having blown there or been disposed by a bird. It was certainly good for local pollinators.

A Small white butterfly visiting the Alfalfa.

nature

Bring me Sunshine 🦋

Posted on 30/07/202130/07/2021 by BITM

The last few weeks have been opposites in terms of the weather. A wet previous week turned into the hottest of the year so far (with no relief overnight). Although too hot for my comfort, it was perfect weather for butterflies, and a great start for the Big Butterfly Count. Finally I was beginning to witness an increase in the amount of butterflies. I was getting worried this years reduction in butterfly sightings (due to the cold spring and wet summer experienced in 2021 up to this point) would continue. However by the end of the first week, I saw a Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) and a Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni). Then, while on a walk around my local woodland park (early on the following, sunny and very warm, Sunday morning) I witnessed lots of butterflies making the most of the sunshine.

In one open area of the park, the grass had been allowed to grow, with many species of wildflower blooming amongst it. One of the plants I saw was Common centuary (Centaurium erythraea) which blooms between May and October. Overshadowed by the other wildflowers and grasses, initially this shorter plant was difficult to spot; in fact had it not been next to a mown walkway, I may not have seen it. Thankfully it’s pink and yellow colouration stood out enough, from the more muted colours surrounding it, as I wondered past trying to identify butterflies.

Common centuary represents delicacy and felicity in the Victorian Language of Flowers.

This plant is found in a many places, from heathlands and woodlands to cliff tops and quarries. A natural meteorologist, the flower closes when the weather is dull and damp to reopen once the weather brightens up. While I’m not sure this is a practical weather indicator to use (when a simple observation of the sky, in that moment, will give you the information you require) it’s a pretty cool reaction to weather conditions.

There were many butterflies flitting about on that Sunday morning. Most prominent were Gatekeepers (Pyronia tithonus), Small skippers (Thymelicus sylvestris)

A small skipper visiting some Knapweed *(Centaurea)*.

and Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) butterflies; probably due to the grass being allowed to grow fully. All these species of butterfly are associated with grassland and their caterpillars feed on grasses.
Marbled white (Melanargia galathea) caterpillars also feed on grasses while the adults feed on many purple coloured flowers, including knapweeds; so it was lovely to see one of these butterflies flying around the meadow too.

Another plant that was growing amongst the long grass was Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). This is a favourite nectar source of the Gatekeeper butterfly, along with other plants including Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) and Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia).

Ragwort is great for many pollinators, including these Small heath butterflies.

I also got to see another insect with a strong connection to Ragwort, a caterpillar of the day flying moth, the Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae).

This wasn’t the only caterpillar I noticed. Earlier in the week, I saw a caterpillar of the Knot grass moth (Acronicta rumicis), seen below on a bramble leaf.

This caterpillar will be part of this years second brood, the adults of which appear in August and September. The Caterpillars have a varied diet, eating a wide range of herbaceous plants; this one clearly eating out (and pooping on) bramble. The photo of the adult moth can be seen at Uk Moths.

nature

Understated Beauty

Posted on 14/07/202114/07/2021 by BITM

It was nice to notice a moth last week after a long absence, especially as Moth Night was held between 8-10th July in 2021. Each year Atropos, the Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology organise a citizen science moth recording event while celebrating these wonderful beautiful creatures. More information on Moth night can be found at Moth night.

With a wingspan of 18-25 mm, the moth I saw on Tuesday was a Garden carpet moth (Xanthorhoe fluctuata).

This common moth can be found from April to September, in many areas of the UK but particularly in gardens and allotments. Although this moth flies during the night, as with my sighting last week, they can be discovered at rest on buildings during the day.

The caterpillars of the Garden carpet will eat through Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Shepherd’s-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), wild Horse-radish (Armoracia rusticana), Hairy Bitter-cress (Cardamine hirsuta) along with cultivated cabbages amongst other plants.

A useful moth ID app that I use a lot is ‘What’s Flying tonight’ produced by the Butterfly Conservation, UK moths and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

nature

A Rare Sighting of Hares

Posted on 22/05/202122/05/2021 by BITM

While I mostly witness nature in amphibian, insect or plant form, just occasionally I get to see mammals too.

Last week I briefly observed two adult Hares (Lepus europaeus) as I traveled from a job; a garden at a house surrounded by farmland.

They were out in an open field some distance away from the driveway, yet close enough to be able to appreciate their size as well as distinguish the black tips on their long ears along with their distinctive hind legs.

As Hares are usually seen alone, I’m guessing these two were a pair. Perhaps aware of the movement of the electric vehicle, one suddenly crouched down as the other sat bolt upright alongside it. It was lovely to witness these two together in this way. Previously, I’ve only ever seen one Hare far in the distance running across an open field, presumably after being disturbed.

Hares are the UK’s fastest mammal, when disturbed they have a top speed of 45 mph and move in a zig zag formation.

While mostly solitary, these mammals occasionally live apart from one another in loosely connected groups. This explains why, in early spring, when two Hares are seen ‘boxing’ they’re not two males fighting for dominance but actually a female fighting off a male.

Their preferred habitat is a combination of farmland or undisturbed grassland surrounded by woods; enabling easy access to grass and crops for food while giving some protection.

Rather than burrows, Hares live in a form (an exposed depression on the ground). They remain close to their form during the daytime, becoming more active and feeding at night. The two I saw must have been in their form. I wonder if they had a litter? Hares can have three to four litters within a year (between March and July) giving birth to two- four leverets each time. Hares can live for up to four years.

There was one other prominent sighting from last week, that of a Angle shades Moth (Phlogophora meticulosa). I noticed it on Thursday, resting on the milk bottle carrier as I collected my milk delivery.

This is the moths I see more than any other, perhaps because I am surrounded by the perfect habitat for them; a mixture of gardens, parks, woodland and hedgerows containing an abundant food source for their caterpillars. Angle shades caterpillars will feed upon Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus) and Hazel (Corylus avellana).
As this is a night flying moth, I carefully transferred it to the nearby wall where it could gain shelter from the daylight.

nature

A Splash of Purple

Posted on 27/03/202127/03/2021 by BITM

The Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana) has begun to bloom, both in the wild (in woodlands, heaths and amongst hedgerows)
as well as gardens.

This splash of purple usually arrives in April and lasts until June. If you are lucky, you may notice certain Fritillary butterflies feed from and lay their eggs on this plant (a spectacle I’ve yet to witness).

Willows were blooming last week too. There is one mature Goat Willow (Salix caprea) that I see regularly as I work. Another common name for the Salix caprea is Pussy willow, due to the male catkins resemblance to cats paws before they bloom.

Only males catkins turn yellow once they open.

Willow trees are dioecious; therefore females catkins, grow on separate trees to the male ones. Unlike the male catkins shown above, female ones are green and longer in length. Catkins appear on the trees before the leaves do.

So many catkins were open that the tree seemed alive with the sound of bees.

I am not sure how old this specific tree is but the species can live for about 300 years and grow up to 10 meters tall. The specimen in the garden I work at has definitely reached it full height.

The Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) is a much smaller version of the Goat willow tree (grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock). I often see this tree in gardens and they were blooming last week too.

Unlike its larger counterpart, the Kilmarnock willow is a great addition to the average sized garden as it too is loved by bees.

The pollen covered Buff-tailed bumblebee pictured here clearly enjoyed visiting the male catkins on this Kilmarnock willow.

Goat willow trees are usually found in woodland, hedgerows and scrub, especially near waterways such as lakes, streams and canals.

Willows are a fantastic source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. They’re also a good food source for Sallow kitten (Furcula furcula), Sallow clearwing (Synanthedon flaviventris), Dusky clearwing (Paranthrene tabaniformis) and Lunar hornet clearwing (Sesia bembeciformis) moth caterpillars too. Even birds forage for insects amongst their branches.

As the wood burns well it is used to make charcoal. Plus it’s also used for wattle in timber frame houses.

My favourite fact is that the words witch, wicked and Wiccan are derived from Willow.

Traditionally, it was used to help treat toothache by chewing the bark and used to relieve diarrhoea, arthritis, sore throats, stop bleeding and clean wounds. In fact Aspirin, derived from salicin, was sourced from Willows.

The bacteria Brenneria salicis can cause Watermark disease in Willows which causes dieback and eventual death to the trees if left untreated.

If you are looking to add a small tree to your garden, the Kilmarnock willow is definitely worth looking into; unless you have a large garden then choose a mature male Goat willow instead (the bees will thank you for it).

nature

Silver Beauties

Posted on 20/02/202120/02/2021 by BITM

The Silver birch (Betula pendula) is from the Betulaceae family, just like Hazel (Corylus) and Alder (Alnus), which also have flowers in the form of catkins (see my previous two posts A Snowy Adventure and The Birds and the Trees).

At the moment only the immature male catkins are visible (as they have been since autumn) dangling at the end of tree shoots.

Silhouette of male catkins on the ends of high branches.

Female Catkins develop after the leaves unfurl in spring. They face upwards, are bright green and smaller than the male ones; flowering between April and May. Unlike the fertilized Alder catkins these do not become woody and remain on the tree for seeds to disperse from there. Instead seed dispersal occurs as the female catkins disintegrate and are carried away by the wind as they fall from the tree.

The paper like white bark of the Birch sheds to uncover newer, cleaner bark underneath; plus dark diamond shaped fissures develop as the tree ages.

Fissures developing on the trunk of a Silver birch from my local woodland park.

Two birch trees are native to the UK, the other is the Downy birch (Betula pubescens). It is possible for these to hybridize with one another however individually they can be differentiated. The Downy birch has hairy, single-toothed leaves and hairy shoots (which is how it gets its name); plus the leaf base is rounder. The leaves of the Silver birch are more angular, double toothed around the edges and hairless (the shoots are also hairless). The Downy birch also prefers damper soil than the Silver birch but both are naturally found in woodlands.

The Silver and Downy Birches have open canopies allowing flowers such as violets (Viola), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) to florish beneath them. Several fungi are linked with Birch trees too, such as Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), Woolly milk cap (Lactarius torminosus), Birch milk cap (Lactarius tabidus), Birch brittlegill (Russula betularum), Birch knight (Tricholoma fulvum) and the Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina).

These trees can support over 300 insect species. They are a good food source for the caterpillars of Angle-shades (Phlogophora meticulosa), Buff tip (Phalera bucephala), Pebble hook-tip (Drepana falcataria), and Kentish glory (Endromis versicolora) moths. Several Bird species make use of these trees including woodpeckers (Picidae), which nest in the trunks, along with Siskins (Spinus spinus), Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) and Redpolls (Acanthis) that feed on the seeds.

Uses for Birch trees include the manufacture of furniture, handles and toys as well as the process of tanning leather.

In times gone by it was used to make bobbins, spools and reels for the Lancashire cotton industry as well. To the Celts Birches symbolised purity, renewal and love. Later on brooms were made using birch twigs in order to clean rooms. In Finland they are the national tree.

There are several threats to Birch trees, two fungal pathogens (Marssonina betulae and Anisogramma virgultorum) which can cause Birch dieback and eventual death. Bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) can also attack native trees.
More information on both can be found on the Forest research website, see the links Birch dieback and Bronze birch borer.