Herb-Paris
Herb-Paris, Powerstock Common, Dorset
Whorl of leaves with flower above
4 broad sepals and 4 narrow petals
Linear anthers and purple-black ovary
Paris quadrifolia
Melanthiaceae
May to June
It is found throughout the country, except for the far Southwest.
See the BSBI distribution map for Herb-Paris
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
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Herb-Paris, Powerstock Common, Dorset
Whorl of leaves with flower above
4 broad sepals and 4 narrow petals
Linear anthers and purple-black ovary
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