Hyacinthiodes non-scripta - Bluebell - (Liliaceae)

In spring many woods in the UK and Ireland are carpeted with bluebells. These wild hyacinths bloom from late April to June, with the most spectacular displays in May.

Bluebells

In the evenings the air is scented with the fragrance of these delicate flowers, which droop so quickly when picked.

Pink, mauve and white wild hyacinths are also fairly common and these indivuals can be spotted amongst the overall blue carpet very easily.

White bluebells

Experts advise that picking the flowers does not do much damage, but if the leaves are picked the plant may die. The flowers do not make good cut blooms for the house as they wilt almost immediately after they are picked.

Bee pollinating Bluebells

The flowers on this page were photographed in woodlands in West Wales.