Mountain everlasting could be described as insignificant I suppose. It is a small and pale flower so initially it can be difficult to spot! However I recommend really looking for it, and in the right place, you should find it.
Where to look
These tiny alpine plants can be found in little clumps on the rocky edges of the raised beaches near the Haunn Cottages. Lie down (taking care not to crush nearby orchids or other delicacies) and really look at it! There are male and female flowers, and they can grow in separate or mixed clumps. Living up to its name, everlasting, it can be seen all summer if you look carefully!
It is very easy when out walking to concentrate so much on the variety of wildlife in the skies, that you miss what is growing at your feet! The fields at Treshnish are just beginning to flower nicely. I have seen the first Wood Bitter-vetch! There are plenty of Primrose still flowering as well as Wood Anemone, Tormentil, and Heath pea, to name but a few.
Latin names..
I really should be using the Latin names and perhaps that should be my challenge for 30 Days Wild this year? For example…. the Latin name for Heath pea is Lathyrus linifolius. However Heath pea is sometimes called Bitter vetch, and this could confuse it with the rare Wood bitter vetch, Vicia Oribus. This grows in quantity at Treshnish, flowering in May and June.
Early purple orchids
Early purple orchids flower at the same time as Mountain everlasting. They cling to the edges of the cliffs in the field beyond the Haunn Cottages in the photograph above. Strong colours make them easier to see!
Dog violets
Dog violets are also found in great number on the farm too. They often grow amongst the Primroses, and they seem to love these cliffs too.
