Seasonal Wild Flowers

Herb-Paris

Paris quadrifolia

Melanthiaceae

May to June

It is found throughout the country, except for the far Southwest.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

It grows in ancient, calcareous woodland and in grikes on open

limestone pavement.

In woodland, it flowers best in the open stages of coppicing,

especially Hazel coppice.

Herb-Paris is a native, rhizomatous, perennial herb, growing

up to 40cm.

The flowers have 4 broadly lanceolate sepals, up to 3.5cm,

and 4 thin, green, flattened and pointed petals about as long

as the sepals.

The 8 stamens are up to 5cm long and thin with linear,

yellow anthers.

The ovary is globular, blackish-purple, and with 4 purple

styles.

The leaves are in whorls of 3 to 8 (here 4 or 5) below the

flowers.

They are veined, broadly oval and up to 12cm

Herb-Paris, Powerstock Common, Dorset

Whorl of leaves with flower above

4 broad sepals and 4 narrow petals

Linear anthers and purple-black ovary