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The Wild Plants of Sherkin Island,
Cape Clear and Adjacent Islands
of West Cork

Edited by John Akeroyd

Photographs by Paul Kay

© Sherkin Island Marine Station

Sea Mayweed

Tripleurospermum maritimum
Lus Bealtaine

The daisy-like flowers of Sea Mayweed provide splashes of colour by the seaside in summer. They can be found on grassland and open ground by the sea; on shingle strands, coastal rocks, sea-cliffs and bird islands.

Montbretia

Tritonia x crocosmiflora
Feileastram dearg

Montbretia is a plant that has "escaped" from gardens and naturalized on banks and walls along many roadsides.

Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum
Féithleann

The fragrant Honeysuckle can be found on many lanesides, hedges and roadside banks.

Common Poppy

Papaver somniferum
Cailleach dhearg 

Crowds of these beautiful flowers can sometimes be seen in meadows, along new roadsides and in waste ground. They have papery scarlet petals, dark centres and bristles on their long stems.

Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis
Ainleog

Common on walls, hedges, disturbed ground and the upper parts of shingle strands, the Field Bindweed has a twining steam that enables it to climb other plants and fences. Its elegant flowers close in late afternoon and when its wet or overcast.

Common Dog-violet

Viola riviniana
Fanaigse

Found on heaths, dry banks and grassy walls, the Common Dog-violet can also be found in gardens where it can become quite a persistent weed. It is often a rich bluish-violet in colour, with a long stalk and heart-shaped leaves.

Common Scurvy-grass

Cochlearia officinalis
Biolar trá

Common Scurvy-grass is frequently found on rocks, shingle strands, short turf on sea-cliffs, and at the bases of walls near the sea. It can create a large splash of white in some areas in Spring. With its leaves rich in Vitamin C, they used to be eaten in winter to keep scurvy at bay.

Irish Gorse

Ulex gallii
Aiteann gaelach

Bell Heather

Erica cinerea
Fraoch cloigíneach

Irish Gorse and Bell Heather colour the landscape in late summer. The prickly gorse, with its small yellow flowers, provides a wonderful contrast for the small purple flowers of the Bell Heather. Often found growing together on coastal heaths, the heather provides an important source of nectar for bees.