In the REFERENCE section of the Nature of Dorset you can:
- Find species information with photos, maps, etc
- Access Identification tools for birds, flora and trees
- Find information about nature reserves and hotspots
- Access information about Sites of special scientific interest
- Learn about the wildlife habitats of Dorset
REFERENCE SECTION
"My personal guide to the nature reserves and wildlife hot-spots of Dorset and the species that may be seen at each along with help in identifying those animals and plants."
To aid users of mobile devices as well as those with a mouse or laptop finger pad this site uses a simple image-based menu system. Virtually every picture you see (images and photos) are links to more information arranged in a sort of top-down structure. See an image, click or tap on it to open a new page.
Betony is a classic example of the labiate (or mint) family; multiple tubular flowers on a square stem and with pointed, serrated leaves coming out in opposite pairs up the stem. It is also available in white! It is strange how a few white specimens will appear amongst many purple ones (this is espcially true on Corfe Common).
Although betony flowers from June until September it seems to be at its best in August. Betony is at home in woods, on grassland and even heaths and does not mind whether the the soil is calcareous (therefore alkaline) or acid. It is quite common in Dorset where it occurs but it does not occur everywhere, you have to look for it!
| Sites List | Distribution Map | Some Charts | Some Photographs | Original Tweets | Relatives | Guidance Notes |
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| Common Name | Betony |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stachys officinalis |
| Family | Mint family - Labiatae |
| Status | Locally frequent |
| Interest Level |
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| Species Family | Deadnettle Family - Lamiaceae |
| Flower Colour Group | Pink |
| Visible |
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| Preferred Environment | |
| Look for | Cluster of tubular flowers at the top of a stout square stem |
| Additional Identification Notes | |
| Similar Species |
This species is often found in these habitats:
| Habitat(s) | Relationship |
|---|---|
| GN: Neutral Grassland | Associated |
