Although initially they look similar, there are several obvious differences between them:
Stalks: The native bluebell has a curved stalk, whilst the spanish one is straight.
Flowers: On the native bluebell, the flowers are on one side of the stalk, whilst the spanish ones have flowers on both sides of the stalk
Colour: The native bluebell is a darker shade of blue
Scent: Native bluebells produce a scent, whilst the spanish bluebells don't.
The difference can be seen when comparing a bluebell growing along the ock valley walk to one growing at Wytham Woods:
As the bluebells in our garden have traits of both bluebells, they are probably hybrids.
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Thanks for this information, Richard. My mother in law was asking me the differences only last week and now I can answer her. In fact I have forwarded her the link to your blog so you might get a new follower too!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI'm very pleased you (and your mother in law) found this information useful.
What makes it harder is when they become hybridizded.
Richard.