Hyacinthoides species - Bluebells

There are two main species in the vice-county: Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell) and the hybrid between the H. non-scripta (Bluebell) and H. hispanica (Spanish Bluebell). The resultant hybrid H. x massartiana is much more widespread than pure H. hispanica .

It is more challenging to separate H. hispanica from the hybrid. and usually they are recorded as the hybrid.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta has narrower leaves 7-15 mm wide; the flowers are in a one-sided inflorescence and droop, although they are erect in fruit. The flowers appear tubular, with parallel sides, but the tips are clearly reflexed. The anthers are cream.

Hyacinthoides x massartiana has broader leaves 10 - 30 mm wide; the flowers are not in a one-sided inflorescence and are erect, although they are erect in fruit. The flowers appear bell shaped, with spreading sides, but the tips are out-turned but barely reflexed. The anthers are blue, but can be cream in pink or white flowers.

Hyacinthoides hispanica - Spanish Bluebell

See the BSBI Plant Crib.or a full description. Fred Rumsey has a great video on how to tell them apart and David Merrick has an illustrated crib. So there’s no excuse!