Crested Cow-wheat

As it was National Meadows Day, I spent an hour in my favourite secret 'meadow' - sweetly scented with Common Valerian, Marjoram and Lady's Bedstraw, studded with Crested Cow-wheat and buzzing with insects.


Crested Cow-wheat is a  rare species, restricted to wood margins, glades and road verges on the boulder clay of eastern England. The flowers and bracts are a mad confection of creamy-yellow and shades of purple. Long gone from its original site, this re-introduction is thriving thanks to careful management by Natural England