Seasonal Wild Flowers

Brookweed

Samolus valerandi

Primulaceae

June to August

It is found all round the coast except for parts of the

Northeast. Inland, it occurs in Dorset, Somerset and

parts of East Anglia and Lincolnshire.

See the BSBI distribution map for Brookweed

It grows in wet, marshy places, often close to springs

and usually close to the sea.

Brookweed is a native, deciduous, short-lived perennial,

growing up to 45cm.

It may take several years to flower.

Flowers are on short branches on leafless spikes.

They are white, small, up to 4mm, with 5 petals, 5

stamens and 5 calyx teeth.

Stem leaves are round to oval and unequal in size.

Brookweed is relatively inconspicuous and at first

sight looks like a crucifer.

It is in decline in inland UK due to loss of habitats.

Brookweed in marshy grassland,

Abbotsbury, Dorset

Flower spikes

Small flowers and globular fruit

Buds and bracts

Leaves and smooth stems