About
The delicate, nodding heads of Wood Melick can be seen from May to July in shady banks and woodlands, often on chalk and under Beech. It merrily grows alongside other wild plants that indicate the ancient age of a woodland, such as Bluebells and Ramsons. All these plants provide vital food and shelter for various woodland creatures.
How to identify
Wood Melick has bright green, drooping leaves that grow in dense patches, and thin stems with loose flower heads. The flowers heads are not particularly branched and have open, brown, egg-shaped spikelets that contain the flowers.
Where to find it
Common in England and Wales, but rarer elsewhere.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for a range of wildflowers, grasses and other wildlife. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting and ride maintenance open up the woodland floor to the sun, helping many flowers and plants to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to raising awareness about woodland wildlife.