Orchids at the Red Well

The varied flora of the Wastart is just approaching a seasonal peak. Rejoicing in having the freedom to do so, Grey Granite and Rufus enjoyed a tranquil morning wandering about between the Red Well and Craig Ogston admiring the wild flowers. We found old friends growing in their usual places as well as a never before noticed colony of magnificent, large, magenta Early Marsh-orchids close to the Red Well, an outpost of the extensive group on damp ground a little to the East. 

The grass and sedges round the Red Well are thick with both buttercups and Lesser Spearwort. There are also several  fine specimens of Early Marsh-orchids orchids.The reddish spikes on the rocks are Common sorrel,

Early Marsh-orchid, (Dactylorhiza incarnata) these are bold upstanding plants with unmarked leaves.

Buttercup like  flowers of Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) easily identified on account of the spear like leaves.

Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) usually the first to  flower of the four species of 'heather' which grow extensively over the heath sections of the Wastart and signal the approach of mid summer. 

 Cotton-grass  (Eriophorum angustifolium) grows extensively in the acid flushes below Pitheughie. An old friend of Grey Granite's recalls that this was collected for use as dressings during World War 1.

Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) this orchid is widespread over the Pitheughie section of the Wastart. It appears slightly later than Early marsh-orchid, usually has a more delicate form with paler flowers and spotted leaves.

A rocky outcrop beyond the second gate, the bank beneath has a rich flora and is currently thick with fading Spring Squills, the bright yellow stars of Tormentil, Birds' foot trefoil,  milkwort and white heath bedstraw.

Rufus learning to identify Tormentil and Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile)