This verge is being managed to benefit wildlife. Here are some of the wildflowers and other species found here. To see a full list and get up to date with the verge project, visit NatureSpot's Wild Place feature page for this verge. Click on any header to visit the NatureSpot page for that species to find out more.
Goat's-beard
Also called 'Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon' because its flowers close up at mid-day. The striking flowers and eye-catching seed-heads make this a very noticeable plant.
How to ID: Medium-tall with thin leaves. Bright yellow flowers with the green bracts protruding beyond the petals. Produces a tennis-ball sized seed 'clock'.
Where to see it: Meadows, verges.
Similar species: Salsify looks similar but has pink flowers.
Hogweed
The large, white flower platforms provide one of the best food sources for pollinators, bringing a great opportunity to view visiting insects such as bees, beetles and hoverflies.
How to ID: Up to 2m tall. Flower 'umbels' to 20cm. Unique leaf shape.
Where to see it: Verges, hedges, rough ground - likes nutrient-rich soil.
Similar species: Giant Hogweed is similar but much larger (and quite rare).
Common Ragwort
Despite its reputation, this is one of the most important wildflowers for the wildlife it supports. Its sunny yellow blooms attract a wide range of pollinators and its leaves feed the yellow and black caterpillars of the Cinnabar Moth.
Medium to tall plant, stems erect to 1.5 metres, branched above. Basal and lower leaves pinnately lobed, with a small end lobe, withering by flowering time. Upper leaves 1 to 2 pinnately lobed, half clasping the stem. Flowerheads bright golden yellow, 15 to 25 mm with 12 to 15 rays, borne in large, flat topped, branched clusters.
How to ID: Erect to 1m or more with bright yellow clustered flower-heads. Lower leaves very lobed.
Where to see it: Rough grassland, verges, waste ground.
Similar species: Other Ragworts, particularly Oxford Ragwort.
Common Mallow
This large and attractive flower blooms from June to October. It is thought that the Romans cultivated this plant for use as both food and medicine.
How to ID: To 1m or more. Round and lobed leaves. Flowers pink-purple with darker veins.
Where to see it: Verges, rough ground.
Similar species: Musk Mallow has very divided leaves.
Cat's-ear
Though flowering June-September, the leaves help to identify this plant at any time of year. Common on verges and in short grassland.
ID: Basal rosette of wavy-edged, pimply and hairy leaves. Yellow dandelion-like flowers on branched stalks.
Buck's-horn Plantain
This is one of Leicestershire's newcomers, until recently limited to coastal areas. However, salting on our roads in winter has led to soil at the verge edges become so salty that few plants can live there... except for those adapted to salty conditions. Buck's-horn Plantain is now one of several such coastal plants that have been able to move inland.
How to ID: A basal rosette of thin, pointed and forked leaves. The spiky flowers are thin yellow-brown clubs on long stalks.
Where to see it: Road edges.
Similar species: Ribwort Plantain has smooth edged, unforked leaves.
Yorkshire-fog
A very soft grass - covered in fine hairs (its scientific name 'lanatus' means woolly). Supposedly named because from a distance the flowering grass looks like low-lying smoke, such as that from Yorkshire factories.
How to ID: Stems soft and hairy. The flowers have a pink tinge when fresh, getting more straw-coloured with age. Base of the stems have red stripes.
Where to see it: Most grassland habitats.
Similar species: Creeping Soft-grass has similar flowers but hairless stems (apart from the hairy joints).
Meadow Foxtail
An early flowering grass with finger-like flower-heads, growing to 1m. A common sight in most meadows.
How to ID: Flowers April-June. Cylindrical flowers (to 10cm) which can be flushed purple.
Where to see it: Meadows and verges.
Similar species: Timothy flowers from June and has tiny horned florets.
Painted Lady
This is one of the world's great migratory animals. Each year, generations gradually move northwards from North Africa, breeding along the way, mainly on thistles. There is growing evidence that there is a reverse migration later in the year. They can't survive the winter in the UK.
How to ID: Pink-orange with black and white-spotted wing tips.
Where to see it: Anywhere!
Similar species: None.
Common Nettle Bug
Nettles are great wildlife plants, providing food and shelter for many other species. This bug is a common resident and can often be found in numbers. The stinging hairs on nettles are no threat - it is small enough to move between them.
How to ID: 4-5mm. Three cream-yellow spots. Legs striped with black rings.
Where to see it: On nettle leaves.
Similar species: Several other bugs look similar but careful observation will show the different colours and patterns.
