Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds.
Yellow Wort
Yellow-wort is a slender annual of the gentian family and a native British wildflower instantly recognised by its foliage: the grey-green, waxy leaves are fused in pairs around the stem so that it appears to grow straight through them. Above this distinctive structure rise bright golden-yellow, star-shaped flowers that open fully only in sunshine and close as the light fades.
About
Yellow-wort is a slender annual of the gentian family and a native British wildflower instantly recognised by its foliage: the grey-green, waxy leaves are fused in pairs around the stem so that it appears to grow straight through them. Above this distinctive structure rise bright golden-yellow, star-shaped flowers that open fully only in sunshine and close as the light fades.
It is a plant of open, calcareous ground, thriving on chalk and limestone grassland, downland, old quarries, dunes and other bare or short-turf places where competition is low. Flowering through the summer, roughly June to September, it provides nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and other sun-loving insects. As an annual it relies on patches of open soil to regenerate each year, so it suits calcareous grassland and dune restoration, free-draining wildflower areas and lime-rich soils rather than lush, fertile ground.
Also known as
Yellow-wort
Synonyms
Chlora connata
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.