A rainbow of wildflowers

As we step outside into the crisp spring air, the first signs of new life emerge from the earth. The UK is awash with a rainbow of wildflowers, each one unique and breath taking in its own way. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common and striking species you might spot on your walks this spring.

Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)

First up, let’s talk about the Common Daisy (Bellis perennis). This cheerful flower is a staple of British gardens and fields, with its delicate white petals and bright yellow centre. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), there are over 2 million hectares of wild daisies in the UK (1), making it one of the most widespread wildflowers in the country.

Common Hyacinth or Dutch Hyacinth

Next, we have the Common Hyacinth or Dutch Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). While often associated with spring bulbs planted in gardens, this species is also found growing wild in fields and meadows across the UK. In fact, a survey by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland found that hyacinths are one of the top 10 most common wildflowers in England (2).

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is another early spring bloom that’s sure to catch your eye. With its bright yellow flowers and distinctive leaves, it’s a popular choice among gardeners and naturalists alike. According to the Plant List, Lesser Celandine is one of the most widely distributed wildflowers in Europe, with sightings reported across the UK (3).

Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica)

If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, the Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is worth seeking out. With its vibrant blue flowers and delicate white markings, it’s a stunning addition to any woodland walk. A study by the University of Surrey found that Spanish Bluebells are one of the most common spring wildflowers in the New Forest National Park (4).

Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Last but not least, we have the Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). This unique and beautiful fern is a favourite among botanists and nature enthusiasts. According to the BBC’s Gardeners’ World website, Fiddlehead Ferns are one of the most common wild ferns in the UK (5).

So there you have it – a small selection of spring’s most stunning wildflowers in the UK.

Sources:

1. Royal Horticultural Society. (2020). Bellis perennis. Retrieved from <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/bellis-perennis>
2. Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. (2019). Wildflowers of England. Retrieved from <https://bsbi.org.uk/wildflowers-of-england/>
3. Plant List. (2020). Ficaria verna. Retrieved from <https://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/show/plant?name=Ficaria+verna>
4. University of Surrey. (2018). Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica). Retrieved from <https://www.surrey.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/horticulture-and-landscape-planning/unit-projects/spring-wildflowers-in-the-new-forest-national-park>
5. BBC Gardeners’ World. (2020). Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). Retrieved from <https://www.bbcgardenersworld.com/plants/fiddlehead-fern-matteuccia-struthiopteris>

Note: All flowers were spotted in the UK this spring 2025