Field Guide to Alpine Wildlife 9781399409414, 9781399409438, 9781399409421

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Field Guide to

Alpine Wildlife Thomas Gretler

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Contents Introduction4

ANIMALS12  Mammals14  Birds

32

 Reptiles and amphibians 

92

 Fish   Insects

104 

PLANTS 

108

122

 Ferns, mosses and simple plants

124

 Trees and shrubs

132

 Flowers and grasses

150

Index (Common names)

298

Index (Scientific names)

304

Photo credits

310

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Introduction

Dwarf shrubs such as heather grow above the upper treeline

THE ALPS – WILD NATURE IN THE HEART OF EUROPE The Alps are a wide arc of mountains stretching approximately 1,200km in length and up to 250km across. With an average altitude of 1,400m and around 300,000 peaks and massifs including the Matterhorn (4,447m) and Mont Blanc (4,810m), the Alps contain a unique set of habitats with a diverse range of animal and plant species. Here, Golden Eagles soar overhead, Black

The Dolomites are a highly distinctive alpine region

Grouse lek in late autumn and early spring, and the rare Apollo butterfly can be spotted flying over mountain meadows in summer. Chamois and Alpine Ibex clamber over bare rock, and gentians, orchids, Bearded Bellflower, Arnica, Edelweiss and Glacier Buttercup flower in alpine grassland. These and many more animal and plant species share their home with some 15 million people who live in the alpine regions of France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. About 28% of the Alps are now protected – as National or Regional nature reserves, Nature Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Natura-2000 areas, and Nature or Landscape Protected Areas. The unique flora and fauna of the high mountains benefit from these protected areas.

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Visitors to the Alps can experience unspoilt nature, whether in the undisturbed wildness of the high peaks or in alpine pastures. These pastures have been extensively maintained for centuries and are often amazingly rich in flowers and insects. This book reveals the natural delights that abound Fleischer’s Willowherb grows to an altitude in the wild heart of our continent. of 2,600m

LIFE IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS – A HUGE CHALLENGE FOR ANIMALS AND PLANTS The high mountain environment is extremely demanding for the animals and plants that inhabit it. Snow and ice lie for long periods at high altitude and the growing season usually lasts just a few months. The average temperature drops about 0.5°C for every 100m gain in altitude, while solar radiation is intense. In summer, daytime temperatures may vary by as much as 50°C. Although precipitation can be

great, some species face the risk of desiccation due to the frequent winds that intensify evaporation. The montane zone is an unusually unstable environment, often altered by landslips and avalanches, as well as by climate change. The higher one climbs, the more inhospitable and life-threatening the conditions become. Such effects are particularly noticeable in the region’s plant life.

Tufted Leopard’s-bane defies the inhospitable conditions at around 2,500m

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Introduction

In the central Alps, Arolla Pine and European Larch form the treeline

In the northern Alps, only isolated trees grow above 1,400m, and the treeline is reached at 1,800m. Above this is the region of low-growing woody plants such as Dwarf Mountain Pine, Green Alder, and tall perennials. At higher levels still, these intermingle with dwarf shrubs. Above 2,300m, alpine grasslands and patchy vegetation are home to a splendid diversity of flowers, while at even higher levels bare rocks and permanent ice dominate. To survive the challenges of high mountain environments, plants and animals have developed many adaptations. Plants like Edelweiss and Silver Hawkweed protect themselves from desiccation with a covering of thick white hairs. Houseleeks, rock jasmines and primula species grow in thick mats or cushions, protecting

themselves from the mechanical effects of fierce winds. Shrubs such as Dwarf Willow grow to just a few centimetres high, as being close to the ground protects them from harsh storms. Mountain Hares turn white in winter and to blend into the snow-covered landscape, as do Ptarmigans, which also burrow into holes in the snow to protect themselves from the cold. Well-known alpine animals such as Alpine Ibex and Chamois have evolved an amazing ability to clamber on steep rocky slopes.

Chamois are excellent climbers

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Nival mosses and lichens

Subnival cushion plants

Alpine alpine grassland and dwarf shrubs

Subalpine woody scrub

Montane coniferous forest

Altitudinal and vegetation zones in the Alps

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Introduction

Spring Crocus flowers appear on many alpine meadows soon after the snow melts

THE ALPS – HOTSPOT OF SPECIES DIVERSITY The Alps may appear inhospitable at first. In fact, the area is an island of species diversity in the heart of Europe. Although occupying only about 2 per cent of the land surface of the continent, these mountains are home to some 30,000 animal species and over 4,500 vascular plant species. There are several reasons for this high biodiversity. The great variation in altitude between the valleys and mountain peaks plays an important role. Many animal and plant species are adapted to survive at a particular height,

Common Rock-rose is found throughout the Alps

and in the Alps there are specialist montane species as well as lowland species. In lowland areas, particular vegetation zones may cover thousands of square kilometres, but in the mountains a change of altitude of a few hundred metres, up or down, and we enter an entirely different vegetation zone. Another factor influencing species richness is geological diversity. Whereas the central Alps are formed mainly of crystalline rocks, there are also limestone, dolomite, and marl ranges to both north and south. Many plants (calcicole species) grow only on limestone, while others (calcifuge species) are found only on siliceous (acid) substrates. In some cases, even closely related and similar species are found on very different types of soil. A typical example are the alpenroses: the Alpenrose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) grows on siliceous

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(acid) soil, while Hairy Alpenrose (R. hirsutum) is found on limestone. Climatic factors, such as extreme changes in temperature, insulation and precipitation, greatly influence whether a species can grow at a particular site. In contrast to the lowlands, conditions in montane regions often change dramatically over short distances. Thus, a damp and shady north-facing slope appears very different from a dry and sunny south-facing mountain side. This is also true at a larger scale: conditions in an inner-alpine dry valley are totally different from those in a rainy mountain chain in the northern calcareous Alps. Finally, in many regions the human management of the area plays a significant role. Notably, extensive alpine land management over centuries has resulted in relatively new but sometimes particularly species-rich habitats.

Large variations in altitude, geological and climatic diversity combined with consistent alpine land management means that we find many different habitats within a relatively small area. In many places the landscape resembles a mosaic: montane forests border on alpine pastures, mires on damp meadows, ravine forests on mountain streams, glaciers on rocky slopes, gravel beds on alpine grassland. The individual habitats are connected by different kinds of boundaries, such as woodland edges between cleared alpine pastures and montane forest. Such boundaries are often especially species-rich as they contain species from both adjacent habitats. Many demanding species benefit from these networks of small habitats, such as Black Grouse, which live in the habitat transitional from montane forest to open country. Over the course of a year such varied

The mountains contain a mosaic of species-rich habitats

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Introduction

On a mountain walk, the plant life changes every few hundred metres

microhabitats are important for survival. For Black Grouse, leks take place in open, shrub-free sites, trees are used for roosting, and nest sites are well hidden in thick ground vegetation, while shrubby heaths and deciduous and coniferous trees are important feeding sites.

A WALK FROM VALLEY TO HIGH PEAKS – EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSITY OF THE ALPS The best way to experience the diversity of alpine animal and plant life is to walk from an alpine valley up to a high peak. In just a few hours, you can walk through several altitudinal zones, each with its own special plant life. As the altitude increases, so many aspects of the climate change, such as the intensity of solar radiation, average temperature, and the amount of precipitation, and all are reflected in the dominant vegetation.

Starting in the valley we find ourselves in the colline (hilly) zone, or the submontane (lower mountain forest) zone. Here you’ll pass through either cultivated land or deciduous or mixed forest. As you climb, these zones are replaced by mixed mountain forest dominated by conifers, and later by pure coniferous forest. We are now in the montane (upper mountain forest) zone. In the northern Alps, Norway Spruce forms the upper border of closed forest. In the highest sites, Norway Spruce trees are mostly slim with narrow crowns and downwardhanging branches, preventing damage from the weight of the snow – an adaptation to the harsh conditions of the high mountains. In the central Alps, the Norway Spruce montane forest is joined by a zone of European Larch and Arolla Pine.

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The treeline is certainly one of the most notable features of a hike towards the peaks, since it marks the transition to the subalpine (woody scrub) zone. On dry slopes you’ll often find extensive stands of Dwarf Mountain Pine, while the damper sites are dominated by Green Alder. Both species have supple branches that lie close to the ground, giving some protection from heavy snow falls and avalanches. Here Alpenrose, with its splendid red flowers, grows in a species-rich array of tall herbs alongside Common Monk’s-hood, Masterwort and various types of leopard’s-bane.

Climbing higher still, the grassy sward and scree vegetation thins out and, at heights of 3,000m or more, the growing season is so short that only a few specialist species can survive. This is the transition to the nival (snow) zone, towards permanent ice. In the few snowfree cracks and rock faces, almost the only plants that grow here are lichens and mosses, along with a few highly specialised flowering plants. Just over 200 species can in fact survive above 3,000m. Among these are many cushion plants whose growth form is adapted to the extreme conditions of the high alpine peaks. For example, Purple Higher up, the woody scrub thins Saxifrage, Two-flowered out and plants such as Trailing Saxifrage, and Glacier Buttercup Azalea, heathers, and creeping can be found even at 4,000m. willows tend to grow, forming a thick, low-growing carpet. This These distinct zones of plant life marks the border with the alpine can be observed across most zone, free of woody species and alpine regions, although in nature dominated by alpine grassland. the borders between zones are, of course, more blurred. They Alpine grasslands are some of may overlap or interconnect in the most colourful and species- many ways, depending on the rich flower meadows in the microclimate, while the whole of central Europe. There transitions from one zone to are different types of alpine another vary across alpine grassland depending on the regions. In the southern Alps, for specific conditions. Factors example, they are often up to such as soil chemistry 500m higher than in the northern (limestone or silicious), terrain Alps, and in the central Alps they and human influence (grazing, vary again. In addition, due to mowing, fertilising) determine human influence the treeline can their distribution. The various be 200–300m lower than would types of alpine sward are naturally be the case. Moreover, therefore named after the it is likely that these vegetation dominant grass species, for zones will shift further upwards example those dominated by in the coming decades due to sedge, moor grass or mat grass. climate change.

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Animals

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Mammals

1

Alpine Ibex Capra ibex

› Symbol of the Alps › Horns curve backwards › Males fight for dominance

DESCRIPTION Body length 100–160cm. Goat-like ungulate with powerful body. Male considerably larger than female and bearded, with ridged horns up to 1m long. Horns of female maximum 35cm. HABITAT Steep rocky slopes above the treeline up to 3,500m. BEHAVIOUR Outside the winter breeding season ibex gather in single-sex groups. Expert climbers, they are found throughout the year in high mountains. In summer they feed on grasses, herbs and buds; in winter on dwarf shrubs, lichens and mosses. NOTES By the early nineteenth century ibex were rendered almost extinct through excessive hunting. A small remnant population remained in the Gran Paradiso region (Italy) and all Alpine Ibex living today are descended from these animals.

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Chamois

Rupicapra rupicapra

› Hook-shaped horns › Adept climber › Black and white face markings

DESCRIPTION Body length 110–135cm. Both sexes have horns and a black face mask. Summer coat is red-brown with a black stripe along the back; winter coat is dark brown. HABITAT Montane forest, also open, steep rocky country above the treeline to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Outside the winter breeding season, males and females go their separate ways. The females live with their young, including those from the previous year, in groups of up to 50. The males are solitary or gather in small flocks. Chamois are ruminants and feed on grasses, herbs, leaves, shoots and buds. NOTES Aided by their broad, elastic hooves, they are among the most accomplished of all climbers. When danger threatens, they utter warning whistles and retreat to inaccessible rocky slopes.

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Mouflon

Ovis ammon

› Only European wild sheep › Rams have twisted horns › Introduced for hunting

DESCRIPTION Body length 105–130cm. Wild sheep with short brown coat and a white face mask on the nose and mouth. Males have twisted horns up to 80cm long; females have short horns, or are hornless. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed forest and rocky mountain country to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Diurnal herd animals, feeding on grasses, herbs, leaves and fruits. Outside the breeding season, females stay with their young and the males form separate herds. When rutting, the rams crash their horns together. NOTES Originally found on the warm rocky slopes of Sardinia and Corsica. In the twentieth century they were introduced to many parts of central Europe for hunting. Today there are stable populations in many regions.

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Mammals

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Red Deer

Cervus elaphus

› King of the forest › Stags have branched antlers › Largest hoofed mammal in the Alps

DESCRIPTION Body length 160–250cm; weight 250kg. Red-brown in summer, grey-brown in winter. Stags have powerful antlers, hinds lack antlers. HABITAT Richly structured forest with adjacent open areas. In summer up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Sexes form separate herds outside the breeding season. By day they stay mainly in montane forest, especially when hunted. At dawn and dusk they emerge to graze on grasses and herbs in nearby fields and pastures. They also eat buds, beechmast and fungi. NOTES The autumn rut is impressive: the loud roar of the stags can often be heard kilometres away. Antlers shed and regrown annually.

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Roe Deer

Capreolus capreolus

› Bucks have short antlers › Fawns have white spots › Barking call

DESCRIPTION Body length 95–135cm. Graceful deer, red-brown in summer, grey-brown in winter. Males have short, upright antlers. HABITAT Forest, forest edge, open country and grassland up to the treeline. In the Alps to about 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Males solitary, establishing territories early in the year, from which they repel other males. Females in family groups. Roe Deer requires nourishing food: by day and at dawn and dusk they graze on fresh shoots of grasses and herbs, as well as on buds of small trees and shrubs. NOTES In high summer the dominant males and females leave their territories to mate. The young are born in May or June of the following year, after delayed implantation. Young fawns hide motionless, concealed in vegetation.

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Wild Boar  Sus scrofa

› Boar has tusks to 20cm long › Omnivore › Lives in groups

DESCRIPTION Body length 120–185cm. Compact pig with coarse coat and wedge-shaped head. Male (boar) considerably larger than female; has powerful tusks. HABITAT Damp, dense woodland, in summer up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Wild Boar live in family groups of up to 50 animals, including many closely related females with their young, led by an experienced animal. Outside the breeding season, the males are solitary. NOTES Nocturnal omnivores, they often feed on cereal crops. The young are striped yellow and brown for the first few months.

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Mammals

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Eurasian Lynx  Lynx lynx

› Largest cat species in Europe › Secretive › No danger to people

DESCRIPTION Body length 80–120cm. Long-legged cat with short tail and black-tipped ears. Coat often spotted. Cheeks frilled. HABITAT Undisturbed woodland to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Crepuscular and nocturnal, solitary, travelling long distances to hunt in a territory of 100–300km². Favoured prey are small deer and Chamois, also hares, rodents, Red Foxes, martens and birds. Stalks prey, then pounces. Larger prey killed by a chokebite. Lynx rest by day among rocks or roots. NOTES By the start of the twentieth century, Lynx had been hunted to extinction in the Alps. Today they have been successfully reintroduced to some of the high ranges.

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Red Fox 

Vulpes vulpes

› Red coat and bushy tail › Opportunistic › Rodent specialist

DESCRIPTION Body length 50–85cm. Unmistakable, with red coat, pointed nose and bushy tail. HABITAT Red Foxes are very adaptable and are found in many habitats up to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal predator. Raises young in an underground den, which it digs itself or takes over from a Badger. Eats almost anything, from insects and worms, birds, small mammals and carrion, to berries and other fruits. NOTES Quick learners with acute senses. They can detect voles underneath thick snow by sound. Their droppings may contain the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm that, although rare, can cause serious illness in humans.

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Wolf 

Canis lupus

› Ancestor of domestic dog › Hunts in packs › Very shy

DESCRIPTION Body length 100–160cm. Somewhat larger and longer-legged than German Shepherd dog. Coat usually grey-brown, ears triangular and rounded; tail is bushy and black-tipped. HABITAT Mainly extensive forest and other wild regions, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Hunts mainly wild ungulates at night, dawn or dusk. Lives in family groups (packs). Pack members cooperate in the hunt, in rearing young and in establishing territory. NOTES Hunted to extinction in the Alps in the first half of the nineteenth century, but re-established since the 1990s, aided by individuals wandering from the Apennines. Now found throughout the alpine region.

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Mammals

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Brown Bear  Ursus arctos

› Largest terrestrial predator in the Alps › Shy forest-dweller › Can move at up to 50km/h

DESCRIPTION Body length 150–260cm. Unmistakable size and body shape. Note the powerful head with protruding snout and round ears. HABITAT Large, undisturbed forests, to above 2,100m in the Alps. BEHAVIOUR Brown Bears are shy and solitary. They feed opportunistically on almost anything, mainly on plants, but also insects, worms and vertebrates, as well as honey and carrion. They hibernate from November through March. NOTES Originally widespread in the Alps, but extinct here by the end of the nineteenth century. As a result of reintroduction and natural expansion from the Balkans there are now small populations in the central Alps (Adamello-Brenta Park, Italy) and in the eastern Alps (border region between Austria, Slovenia and Italy).

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Beech (Stone) Marten  Martes foina

› Adept climber › Nocturnal ‘poltergeist’ › Damages cars

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–54cm. Slim, long body and short legs. Differs from Pine Marten by forked white throat-patch and pinkish nose. HABITAT Adaptable species, found in rocky or woodland sites up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. Efficient climber and hunter, preying on birds and small mammals. Also takes eggs, and eats berries and other fruits. Solitary, sleeping by day in a shelter within its territory. NOTES Beech Martens often seeks human proximity, noisily occupying attics as ‘poltergeists’. They also enter cars and may damage cables and other materials.

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Pine Marten  Martes martes

› Lives in woodland › Excellent climber › Neck-patch not forked

DESCRIPTION Body length 36–56cm. Very slim, with chestnut-coloured coat. Distinguished from Beech Marten by longer legs, brown nose and smaller, usually orange-yellow throat-patch. HABITAT All kinds of woodland, and parks and cemeteries with old trees, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Shy, solitary, often remains hidden. Mainly nocturnal but sometimes active by day. Omnivorous, eating eggs, berries and other fruits, as well as small mammals, including squirrels, young birds and insects. The young are born in a hollow tree. NOTES Accomplished climber, even able to catch squirrels high in the trees, using its bushy tail as a counterbalance.

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Mammals

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Badger

Meles meles

› Black and white face mask › Expert digger › Nocturnal

DESCRIPTION Body length 60–90cm. Low-slung body, short legs and silver-grey coat. Black and white face markings are unmistakable. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed woodland up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nocturnal, living in pairs or family groups of up to 10. Digs extensive tunnel systems (setts) using the sharp claws on its front feet. A sett may have multiple levels with branching tunnels and several chambers. Omnivore, feeding on worms, insects, slugs and snails, rodents, eggs, berries and other fruits, and fungi. NOTES May share sett with Red Foxes. Latrines sited outside the sett. Some setts are used for decades.

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Stoat 

Mustela erminea

› Large black tip to tail › White winter coat › Skilled mouse hunter

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–30cm. Long, slim body with long tail. Summer coat brown above, white below; in winter pure white but for black tip of tail. HABITAT Open, richly structured habitats to above 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly solitary. A skilful hunter, it climbs and swims well. Its slim body enables it to hunt prey (mainly small mammals) even below ground, and it can catch voles in their burrows. In winter it hunts beneath the snow. NOTES Often leaps onto its prey. Males can jump as far as 50cm; the smaller females about 30cm.

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Weasel 

Mustela nivalis

› Smallest member of the weasel family › Hunts in mouse tracks › Lacks black tip to tail

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–25cm. Slim, almost mouse-sized predator with brown back and white underside. Smaller than Stoat and without black tip to tail. HABITAT Adaptable, inhabits different habitats with sufficient cover and prey, up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Voles form the main prey of this solitary hunter. Often catches prey below ground, killing it and carrying it by gripping the neck. NOTES There are two subspecies in central Europe, which differ in coat colour: ssp. vulgaris remains brown throughout the year, while ssp. nivalis inhabits the high Alps and turns white in winter.

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Mammals

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European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus

› Prickly coat › Rolls up when threatened › Hibernates

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–30cm. Back has more than 8,000 spines; belly brown and hairy. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed forest, open cultivated land, villages and gardens, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Crepuscular and nocturnal, solitary. Diet varied: worms, slugs and insects, also fruits, eggs, fungi and small mammals. May wander several kilometres in the search for food. NOTES The rather similar Eastern Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) occurs in the eastern Alps. It differs in having white on the chest and throat.

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European Mole  Talpa europaea

› Front feet shovel-like › Lives below ground › Creates molehills

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–15cm. Coat thick, soft and deep grey-black. Front feet large and powerful, nose long and flexible. HABITAT Found in varied habitats with deep, loose soils to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Lives underground. Solitary. Uses its front feet to dig extensive underground tunnel systems that include food stores, latrines, and chambers used for sleeping and as nests for the young. Catches worms and other invertebrates in hunting corridors. NOTES Tracks its prey using highly sensitive senses of smell and taste.

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Alpine Shrew  Sorex alpinus

› Long, pointed snout › Feeds constantly › Likes rock crevices

DESCRIPTION Body length 6–9cm. Distinguished from other shrews by pale eye-ring and feet, tail as long as the body, and slate-grey coat. HABITAT Found in damp, rocky woods, ravines, by streams and on scree, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Active by day and night, solitary. Feeds on insects, worms, slugs and other invertebrates. Breeds in a nest made of moss and leaves. NOTES Must eat almost continually because of its high metabolic rate, consuming its own body weight of food each day.

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Mammals

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Mountain Hare Lepus timidus

› Hare of the mountains › Brown in summer, white in winter › Hunted by Golden Eagle, Red Fox and Eagle Owl

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–56cm. Somewhat smaller than Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) and with shorter ears. Brown summer coat is replaced in the autumn by pure white winter coat, leaving only the prominent black ear tips. HABITAT Found in open montane forest, woody scrub zone and in open country of the Alps to above 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Crepuscular and nocturnal, feeding in summer on grasses, herbs and buds, in winter on dwarf shrubs, bark and roots. In cold weather, rests up by day in snow hollows or in crevices out of the wind. NOTES Protected from the winter cold and camouflaged from predators by its white coat, and with its broad, hairy paws that act like snowshoes, it is perfectly adapted to the long winters of the high mountains.

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Alpine Marmot

Marmota marmota

› Lives in family groups › Adept climber › Creates spherical nest

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–25cm. Rodent with compact body and powerful yellow-brown chewing teeth. Head short, ears small, tail short and bushy. HABITAT Rocky alpine meadows and pastures, up to 2,700m. BEHAVIOUR Uses its strong claws to dig burrows, where it lives in family groups. An adult pair lives with their offspring from different seasons. Eats grasses and herbs. Often sits upright on its hind legs to keep watch. NOTES Has a long hibernation, usually from October to April, during which time its body temperature drops to 5°C and it loses up to half of its body weight.

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Red Squirrel 

Sciurus vulgaris

› Arboreal › Expert climber › Builds spherical drey

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–25cm. Unmistakable, with bushy tail almost as long as its body. In the mountains the dark variant is commoner than the red form; both have a white belly, and pointed ear-tufts in winter. HABITAT Lives in mixed and coniferous woodland, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Diurnal, breeding in a spherical nest (drey). A skilful climber, it spends most of its time above ground and can also climb down head-first, aided by its powerful claws. Food includes conifer seeds, beechmast, acorns, hazel nuts, buds, fungi, and nestling birds and eggs. Stores food for winter. NOTES Uses its bushy tail to help with balance and to steer when leaping up to 5m from branch to branch.

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Mammals

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Edible Dormouse Glis glis

› Bushy tail › Expert climber › Hibernates for up to seven months

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–20cm. Grey above, white below, dark ring around large dark eyes, long bushy tail. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed woodland, parks and gardens up to 1,500m, rarely higher. BEHAVIOUR Nocturnal, rests by day in tree holes or rock crevices, nest boxes or empty buildings. Eats seeds, fruit, buds and insect larvae, foraged in trees or shrubs. Climbing assisted by adhesive pads under its feet and by its curved claws. NOTES In autumn feeds on energy-rich food such as hazel nuts, acorns, beechmast and chestnuts to build up sufficient fat reserves for its remarkably long hibernation. Seeks out frost-free holes in the ground where it rests from September/October until May/June.

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Garden Dormouse Eliomys quercinus

› Striking facial markings › Two-tone tail › Hibernates

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–15cm. Conspicuous face mask, large ears and two-tone tail with white tip. HABITAT Rocky and karst country, coniferous and mixed forest, cultivated land, stone walls, gardens, parks and huts, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nocturnal omnivore, feeds on plant material, birds’ eggs, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates. Lives mainly in trees and rocks, but also often on the ground, unlike the other dormice. NOTES Conserves its energy during hibernation from October/November to April by reducing heart rate and frequency of breathing. Eventually its body temperature lowers almost to that of the environment.

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Common Dormouse

Muscardinus avellanarius

› Smallest dormouse › Hibernates › Avoids the ground

DESCRIPTION Body length 6–9cm. Mouse-sized dormouse with large button-like eyes. The orange-brown fur, and hairy tail almost as long as the body, make it unmistakable. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed forest with rich undergrowth, up to 1,900m. BEHAVIOUR Expert climber, nearly always found among branches and scrub, often in bramble and hazel bushes. Feeds at dusk or by night on buds, flowers, leaves, berries, nuts and insects. Builds a spherical nest with a side entrance, usually close to the ground. NOTES When danger threatens, it climbs upwards and freezes stock still, before creeping slowly away. Like Edible Dormouse and Garden Dormouse, it hibernates for several months.

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Mammals

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Yellow-necked Mouse  Apodemus flavicollis

› Yellow throat-patch › Climbs well › Forest dweller

DESCRIPTION Body length 8–12cm. Small mouse with large eyes and ears, and tail longer than body. Chestnut upperparts contrast strongly with the white underside. Often has a broad yellow throat band. HABITAT Mainly deciduous and mixed woodland, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nocturnal. Adept climber, also feeds in the trees. Feeds on seeds, beechmast and nuts, acorns and fungi, also insects and worms. Does not hibernate but relies on stored food in tree holes or buried in the ground. NOTES The closely related Wood Mouse (Apodymus sylvaticus) and the Alpine Wood Mouse (Apodymus alpicola) also occur in the Alps and are hard to distinguish.

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Bank Vole

Clethrionomys glareolus

› Also active by day › Red-brown back › Can climb

DESCRIPTION Body length 7–12cm. Red-brown back, prominent ears and relatively long tail distinguish Bank Vole from other native voles. HABITAT Deciduous, mixed and conifer woods, hedges and scrub, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal but may also be seen in daytime. Climbs well. Builds nest under tree stumps or brushwood. Creates tunnel systems underneath leaves or in the soil surface. Feeds on buds, grasses, fruits and invertebrates. NOTES Very fertile, producing 4–6 young two or three times a year. The young are themselves able to breed after only nine weeks. This can lead to population explosions, to the advantage of many predators such as owls, birds of prey and Red Foxes.

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Snow Vole

Microtus nivalis

› High-altitude species › Approachable › Long-haired

DESCRIPTION Body length 9–14cm. Medium-sized vole with grey-brown back and pale grey belly. Ears prominent, tail with white hairs, whiskers to 5cm long. HABITAT Found in rocky sites and low vegetation, to high altitudes. BEHAVIOUR Active day and night, strongly associated with rocky habitats. Makes a rounded nest of grasses in crevices and passageways, with storage chambers between the rocks. Does not hibernate. Feeds on grasses, herbs, lichens, seeds and tubers. NOTES Seen even at 4,700m on Mont Blanc. Not shy and may be spotted sunbathing on rocks. Visits mountain huts in winter.

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Birds

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Ptarmigan 

Lagopus mutus

› Seasonal plumage change › All year in high mountains › Not very shy

DESCRIPTION Body length 31–35cm. Plumage grey to red-brown in summer, in winter pure white, except for short black tail. Wings, belly and leg feathers white all year. Male has black stripe between bill and eye. HABITAT Permanently above the treeline, to above 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on leaves, shoots and buds. In winter forages in open areas. Males make spectacular display flights in spring and autumn. NOTES Perfectly adapted to the extreme high mountain environment: dense plumage protects it from the winter cold and its feathered feet act as snowshoes to aid walking over snow. At night it shelters in hollows dug in the snow.

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Capercaillie 

Tetrao urogallus

› Largest European gamebird › Requires near-natural forest › Very shy and sensitive to disturbance

DESCRIPTION Body length 54–90cm. Male is about a third larger than female. Male unmistakable with long tail, powerful bill and erectile throat feathers. Female has speckled golden-brown plumage. HABITAT Richly structured coniferous and mixed montane forest with undergrowth for cover, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Female makes nest on the ground and cares for young on her own. The young birds feed mainly on ants for the first few weeks. Bilberries form a large part of the adult diet in summer, while in winter it eats pine needles, buds and shoots. NOTES From late winter to spring males gather at traditional leks. Here they display to the females, with loud popping, clucking and wheezing calls, raised heads and spread tails.

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Black Grouse  Lyrurus tetrix

› Middle-sized gamebird › Male has lyre-shaped tail › Often roosts in trees

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–58cm. Male has lyreshaped tail and mainly black plumage, except for white undertail and underwing. Female noticeably smaller, cryptically patterned grey-brown with black barring. HABITAT Edges of mires and montane forest, also adjacent dwarf shrub heath and open country, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR In summer the female rears 6–10 chicks in sites with dense cover. Adult feeds mostly on buds, shoots, herbs and needle-leaves, the young on insects. NOTES Black Grouse leks in late autumn and spring are spectacular. Males seek to entice females with far-carrying, hissing calls, and display with fluffed up tail feathers and fluttering leaps.

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Birds

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Hazel Grouse  Bonasa bonasia

› Secretive forest bird › Roosts in trees

DESCRIPTION Body length 34–39cm. Speckled cryptic plumage and short erectile crest. Male has black throat. HABITAT Richly structured coniferous and mixed montane forest, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Secretive and sedentary. In summer feeds on buds, leaves and fruits, in winter on shoots, buds and Hazel catkins. NOTES Cryptic plumage makes it almost invisible on the forest floor. Since it also tends to rest under cover, spotting one is often pure luck. When startled, wing noise (burr, burr…) may give it away.

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Rock Partridge  Alectoris graeca

› Ground-dwelling › Chicks leave nest early

DESCRIPTION Body length 33–36cm. Black and white striped flanks and pure white bib with black border. Bill and legs red. HABITAT Sunny rocky mountain slopes with grass and dwarf shrubs, to above 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Rare in many places. Nest well hidden, usually at the foot of a tree or rock. Adult feeds on plant material, the young on insects. NOTES The chicks leave the nest after just a few hours and can fly a few metres after about 10 days.

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Bearded Vulture  Gypaetus barbatus

› Largest raptor in the Alps › Hunting flights along cliffs

DESCRIPTION Body length 105–125cm. Large vulture with long wings and long tail. Wingspan up to 285cm. Feathery beard at base of bill. HABITAT Rare breeder, up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on freshly killed animals, bones and carrion. Drops bones from height to break them and access the marrow. Also breaks open tortoises by the same method. NOTES Hunted to extinction in the Alps by the beginning of the nineteenth century. Now breeding again thanks to a reintroduction project started in 1986. The rusty colouring on some birds is a result of bathing in mud rich in iron oxide.

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Griffon Vulture  Gyps fulvus

› Expert glider › Broad-winged

DESCRIPTION Body length 95–110cm. Large vulture with wingspan of up to 265cm and pale, fluffy neck-ruff. Long neck covered in short, downy feathers. HABITAT Nonbreeding birds visit the western Alps from south-west Europe and reintroduction projects in France, and the eastern Alps from Croatia. BEHAVIOUR Breeds on cliffs, often in small colonies. Gathers at carcasses of large mammals. NOTES Relies on updrafts of warm air for its energy-efficient soaring flight. It can soar for hours on thermals as it looks for food.

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Birds

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Goshawk 

Accipiter gentilis

› Stealthy hunter of birds and mammals › Powerful legs

DESCRIPTION Body length 49–64cm. Powerful raptor with broad, rounded wings, powerful legs and long tail. Underside white with dark bands. Notably larger than similar Sparrowhawk. HABITAT Breeds in woods with old trees, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Agile in flight, usually surprising prey from behind. Larger female catches medium to large birds as well as mammals up to the size of hares; smaller male takes mainly smaller birds and mammals to the size of rabbits. NOTES Its numbers were depleted through hunting until the middle of the twentieth century.

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Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus

› Barred breast › May hunt at bird feeders

DESCRIPTION Body length 29–41cm. Small raptor with broad wings. Male red-brown on underside, female grey-brown. HABITAT Breeds in thick stands of trees, up to 1,900m. Hunts mainly around hedges and scrub. BEHAVIOUR Catches birds up to pigeon size in rapid pursuit flight. Often lurks on a vantage point before chasing prey. NOTES Female about a third bigger than the male and hunts larger prey. In flight somewhat less direct and more undulating than Goshawk, with more rapid and pigeonlike wingbeats.

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Common Buzzard  Buteo buteo

› Soars frequently › Cat-like call

DESCRIPTION Body length 48–56cm. Medium-sized raptor with variable plumage, broad wings and naked yellow feet. Tail barred and fan-shaped when soaring. HABITAT Breeds in woods and groups of trees. Hunts over open country, up to 1,900m. BEHAVIOUR Preys mainly on small mammals such as rabbits and voles, also eats reptiles, insects, worms and carrion. Large nest in tree, often re-used. NOTES Often seen close to roads, waiting for roadkill. The call is a cat-like piiiyay.

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Short-toed Eagle  Circaetus gallicus

› Hovers when hunting › Snake specialist

DESCRIPTION Body length 62–69cm. Large raptor with owl-like head and long wings. Head and breast grey-brown, belly and undersides of wings silvery white with dark spots. HABITAT Breeds in open woodland in the southern Alps (France and Italy), up to 1,700m. Hunts over open country and cliffs, up to 2,700m. BEHAVIOUR Prey is mainly snakes and other reptiles, although not immune to snake venom. Hunts in flight, often hovering. NOTES Long-distance migrant, wintering in southern Africa.

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Birds

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Golden Eagle 

Aquila chrysaetos

› Majestic raptor › Soars often › Pairs for life

DESCRIPTION Body length 80–93cm. Large eagle. In flight the trailing edge of the wing is S-shaped. Wingspan to 225cm. Adult dark brown with golden yellow on head and neck. Juvenile and subadult have white patches on underwing and tail. HABITAT Mountains with cliffs and open hunting sites, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Builds massive nest on cliff ledge or sometimes in a tree. Skilful hunter, taking Black Grouse, Rock Partridge, Ptarmigan, Alpine Marmot and hares, also young Red Fox, Chamois and Roe Deer. In winter also feeds on carrion. NOTES Hunting territory 50–100 km², defended in impressive display flights. Uses thermals to soar along cliffs.

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Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

› Broad cheek moustache › Hunts birds in flight › Female larger than male

DESCRIPTION Body length 38–51cm. Large, powerful falcon with long, pointed wings, usually flexed in flight. Pale below, with horizontal barring, slate grey above. Broad black moustache. HABITAT Nests on cliff ledges, up to 1,800m; also on tall buildings. BEHAVIOUR Hunts birds in flight. May reach speeds of more than 200km/h in near-vertical stoop. The impact often kills its prey. Some 210 bird species have been recorded as prey. NOTES Persecution, disturbance and poisoning with pesticides (DDT) brought it almost to extinction, but it has recovered due to extensive protection.

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Kestrel 

Falco tinnunculus

› Commonest falcon › Hunts from hover

DESCRIPTION Body length 31–37cm. Slim falcon with long wings and long tail. Both sexes red-brown above with black spots, and dark moustache. Male has blue-grey tail and head. HABITAT Open, varied country, villages and mountains, up to 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds on cliffs, buildings and in abandoned nests of other species such as crows or Magpies. Hovers frequently over meadows and pastures, with tail spread, watching the ground below for voles and other small animals. NOTES Along with Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, the commonest raptor in central Europe. Call a shrill series of short notes (ki-ki-ki-ki…).

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Birds

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Goosander 

Mergus merganser

› Dives for fish › Red hooked bill

DESCRIPTION Body length 58–68cm. Largest native sawbill. Male in breeding plumage has shiny dark green head. Female and eclipse male have red-brown head and white chin. HABITAT Clear lakes and rivers with good supply of fish, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds in hollow trees near water. The chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and follow their mother to the water. NOTES Hunts individually or in groups, dipping its head below the surface to watch for fish, then diving to grasp prey in its long saw-toothed bill.

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Tufted Duck  Aythya fuligula

› Crested head › Diving duck

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–47cm. Small duck with black-tipped bill and drooping tuft on back of head. Breeding male is black with white flanks, female dark brown with pale brown flanks. HABITAT On all types of water body, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on molluscs and other small aquatic animals, caught by diving. NOTES In winter gathers (often in thousands) on lakes such as the Bodensee in the alpine foothills and numbers are swollen by migrants from the north.

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Mallard 

Anas platyrhynchos

› Familiar duck › Complex display behaviour

DESCRIPTION Body length 50–60cm. Large duck with orange legs and blue, whiteedged wing-bar (speculum). Breeding male has metallic green head, white neck-band and chocolate brown breast. Female mostly brown, speckled. HABITAT All types of water bodies to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on land and in shallow water on plants and invertebrates. On water, dabbles with head submerged. NOTES Call of female is a loud repeated quack. Displaying male makes a short whistle.

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Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

› Habitually bobs rear of body › Call swee-swee-swee

DESCRIPTION Body length 18–21cm. Small wader with brown speckled back and straight bill. White below, with white ‘spur’ curving up around bend of closed wing. HABITAT Breeds by streams and rivers, up to 1,900m. BEHAVIOUR Nests on the ground on undisturbed gravel banks. Both sexes tend to the young, which can find their own insect prey from a day old. NOTES Flies low over water, calling, with drooping wings, alternating gliding with rapid wingbeats.

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Woodcock 

Scolopax rusticola

› Long, straight bill › Whirring flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 33–38cm. Cryptic brown plumage with broad dark bands on top of head. Plump-looking, short-legged, with large head and long bill. HABITAT Damp deciduous and mixed woodland with clearings, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Secretive, crepuscular and nocturnal. Nests on the ground. Uses its long bill to probe for worms and other invertebrates. NOTES In spring the males may be seen ‘roding’ in high display flight, making grunting calls and high-pitched squeaks.

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Dotterel 

Charadrius morinellus

› Rare breeder in the Alps › Approachable

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–24cm. Small wader. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, with chestnut breast, white eye-stripe and pale breast-band. HABITAT Irregular breeder above the treeline, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on insects and other invertebrates on stony mountain grassland. Male rears the young. NOTES One of the rarest of alpine breeding birds (Austria, Switzerland). Breeds mainly in the tundra of the far north. Regularly spotted resting on migration at high-alpine sites.

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Woodpigeon 

Columba palumbus

› Largest pigeon in Europe › Often noisy in flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 38–43cm. Large pigeon with obvious white neck-patch. White bands on upperwings striking in flight. HABITAT Breeds in woods, scrub, parks and gardens, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly herbivorous. Searches for beechmast, acorns on forest floor, also seeds of grasses and herbs. Nestlings initially fed on ‘cropmilk’, a secretion from the adult’s crop. NOTES Display flight of the male accompanied by loud wing claps. Forms large flocks in winter and on migration.

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Cuckoo 

Cuculus canorus

› Resembles Sparrowhawk in flight › Male’s call a familiar goo-ko

DESCRIPTION Body length 32–36cm. Slim, with long, rounded tail, pointed wings, and belly with dark barring. Male mainly grey, female either grey or (rarely) rufous. HABITAT Woods and open country, up to 2,600m. BEHAVIOUR Only brood parasite in the region. Female lays eggs in unguarded nests of other species. In the mountains, the commonest hosts are Black Redstart, Wheatear, Water Pipit and Dunnock. NOTES Cuckoo eggs have been found in the nests of more than 100 host species. Overwinters in Africa.

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Birds

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Eagle Owl  Bubo bubo

› Largest of all owls › Silent nocturnal hunter › Call a deep oo-hu

DESCRIPTION Body length 59–73cm. Massive body, large head with piercing orange eyes and long ear-tufts. Wingspan up to 1.7m. Largest of all the owls. Unmistakable. HABITAT Rich forest and mountain sites with rocks, cliffs and nearby open areas, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Nests on cliffs, more rarely in abandoned nests of other large birds, or on the ground. With its dagger-like talons it catches mice, rats, frogs and birds to the size of gamebirds, also birds of prey, young Red Foxes and Roe Deer fawns. NOTES Despite its size, it is a silent hunter at night or at dawn or dusk. Detects prey using sensitive hearing and eyes that are adapted to function even in very low light. Call carries for up to 4km.

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Tengmalm’s Owl  Aegolius funereus

› Breeds in nest-holes of Black Woodpecker › Nocturnal sit-and-wait hunter › Flight rather direct

DESCRIPTION Body length 22–27cm. Small owl with large head, pale face, yellow eyes and ‘astonished’ expression. Feet densely feathered. HABITAT Richly structured mixed and coniferous woods, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds mainly in old nest-holes of Black Woodpecker. Hunts at night in clearings and open woods for mice and small birds, spotted from a lookout perch then dropped upon. NOTES It relies mainly on hearing, and can locate mice from 60m, even in noisy conditions. Male’s territorial song consists of 5–8 rapidly accelerating notes, rising in tone (hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu).

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Pygmy Owl 

Glaucidium passerinum

› Smallest European owl › Bird-hunter › Flight undulating

DESCRIPTION Body length 17–19cm. Starling-sized owl with round head, yellow eyes, white eyebrows and ‘stern’ expression. Two pale patches on the lower hind neck create a false face when seen from behind, for defence. HABITAT Lives in extensive richly structured mixed and coniferous forest up to the treeline. In the Alps occurs to above 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR 3–7 young are reared in spring or early summer in old nest-holes of Great Spotted or Three-toed Woodpeckers. Mainly active at dawn and dusk. Catches birds up to the size of thrushes, also small rodents. NOTES Sometimes keeps watch, perched all day at the top of a tree, from which it may make territorial calls consisting of up to 10 whistles, rising in pitch (chuuk – chuuk-cheek-cheek…).

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Tawny Owl Strix aluco

› Commonest owl in central Europe › Hole-nester

DESCRIPTION Body length 37–43cm. Powerful owl with black eyes and a large, rounded head, lacking ear-tufts. Red-brown or grey-brown plumage. HABITAT Woods, parks, gardens and cemeteries, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Nests mainly in large holes in trees. Nocturnal hunter. Takes small mammals, birds, frogs and even worms. Usually hunts from a perch, sometimes in flight. NOTES In winter the hooting of the male (hoooh… ho-ho-ho hooouh) can carry for kilometres.

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Long-eared Owl  Asio otus

› Roosts by day close to tree trunk › Male call a deep huh

DESCRIPTION Body length 31–37cm. Slim owl with white eyebrows, long ear-tufts (not always raised) and orange eyes. HABITAT Breeds in woods, scrub and parks, to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Crepuscular and nocturnal. Breeds in abandoned nests of crows, Magpies and raptors. Hunts in open country. Catches mainly mice, but also birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, from a perch or in flight. NOTES Roosts by day close to a tree trunk, camouflaged by its bark-like cryptic plumage.

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Alpine Swift Apus melba

› Largest European swift › Leisurely wing beats

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–23cm. Large swift with long wings, white throat, dark neck-band and white belly. HABITAT Breeds in colonies on cliffs and tall buildings, to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR May fly long distances to hunt. Feeds mainly on insects and spiders, caught in the air. Migratory, wintering in Africa. NOTES Agile in flight, it can reach speeds of up to 250km/hr, making it one of the world’s fastest birds. Flight call is distinctive, a long trill, rising and falling (ti ti tititititititititi ti-ti-ti tee tee).

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Swift

Apus apus

› Tireless in flight › Often nests in buildings

DESCRIPTION Body length 16–18cm. Dark brown with grey-white chin, forked tail and long, sickle-shaped wings. HABITAT Breeds mostly in buildings in towns and villages, more rarely in trees or rock crevices, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Catches flying insects and can travel hundreds of kilometres for days at a time to feed. Migrates to overwinter in tropical Africa. NOTES On warm summer evenings, often indulges in ‘screaming parties’ between houses. Constantly on the wing outside the breeding season, even sleeping, drinking and mating in flight.

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Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus

› Black and white, no red › Prefers montane Norway Spruce woods › ‘Ring-barks’ trees

DESCRIPTION Body length 21–24cm. Small woodpecker with dark wings and white along back. Banded black and white below and with two white stripes at the sides of the head. Crown yellow in male, grey in female. HABITAT Mixed and coniferous woods with stands of old Norway Spruce trees and dead timber, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Shy. Excavates a nest-hole in dead or rotten timber. Feeds on larvae of bark beetles and other insects. NOTES Drills rings of small holes a few centimetres apart in the bark to get at the sugary sap using its long tongue. Has only three toes (most birds have four), two pointing forwards and one backwards.

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Great Spotted Woodpecker  Dendrocopos major

› Commonest native woodpecker › Drums rapidly in short bursts

DESCRIPTION Body length 23–26cm. Black and white woodpecker with red vent, pure white belly and black neck-band. Male has red patch on the back of head. HABITAT Lives in woods, trees in the open, parks and gardens, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds mainly on wood-dwelling insects and their larvae, using its long, worm-like tongue to extract them from tunnels in the wood. Extracts seeds from conifers by wedging the cones in a crack in the bark and hammering them with its powerful bill. NOTES In spring, drums to proclaim territory with a very fast burst of knocks that can sound like a creaking branch.

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White-backed Woodpecker  Dendrocopos leucotos

› Largest of the pied woodpeckers › Lives in natural forests › Extended drumming

DESCRIPTION Body length 25–28cm. Black, white and red woodpecker with pale red vent, striped flanks, and black and white banding on wings. Crown red in male, black in female. HABITAT Undisturbed and original deciduous and mixed woods, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Requires rotten or dead trees in its territory in which to excavate nestholes. Eats wood-boring insects and their larvae. NOTES This rare woodpecker is an indicator species for near-natural woodland and is not easy to observe. The drumming bouts last longer (1.6–2.1 seconds) than those of Great Spotted (0.4–0.8 seconds). Drumming starts with loud, slow beats and gets faster and faster towards the end.

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Black Woodpecker  Dryocopus martius

› Largest European woodpecker › Expert excavator › Flight call krrück krrück krrück

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–46cm. Crow-sized black woodpecker with powerful bill. Male has red crown, female red only at back of crown. HABITAT Breeds in deciduous, mixed and coniferous woods with old Beech, Silver Fir and pines, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Excavates nest in a tree trunk, with an oval entrance hole of at least 35cm diameter. Feeds on wood-boring insects and their larvae, which it hacks out using its powerful bill. NOTES The Black Woodpecker is a key species in woodland. The nest cavities are up to 80cm deep and are used by a range of other species such as Tengmalm’s Owl, bats, Edible Dormice and Hornets. Drumming bouts are loud and long (1.7–3 seconds) and audible over a long distance. Unlike other woodpeckers, flight is direct, not undulating.

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Green Woodpecker  Picus viridis

› Hunts on ground for ants › Call a laughing ‘yaffle’ › Undulating flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 30–36cm. Bright green above, with yellow rump and red on crown and nape. Black mask around pale eye. HABITAT Breeds at the edge of deciduous and mixed woodland, in open country and parks with dotted trees, and in montane open stands of European Larch, to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Often feeds on the ground. Eats mostly ants, fishing them out from their nests using its sticky 10cm-long tongue. NOTES Flight undulating. Folds wings completely between bursts of flapping and gliding. Calls very distinctive: flight call a loud kjü-kjü-kjü. Song is a laughing series of similar notes, accelerating towards the end. Drums only rarely.

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Grey-headed Woodpecker  Picus canus

› Grey head and neck › Whistling call

DESCRIPTION Body length 27–32cm. Resembles Green Woodpecker, but has grey head, shorter bill and less black around amber-coloured eye. Male has small red patch on the forehead. HABITAT Lives in deciduous and mixed woodland, swamp forest along rivers, and in open country and parks with dotted trees, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Excavates its nesting cavity in old, rotting trees, or takes over old nestholes made by other woodpeckers. Eats ants and other insects, on the ground or in dead wood. In autumn eats berries and other fruits, and in winter also takes fat and seeds at feeders. NOTES Grey-headed Woodpeckers remain true to their habitat and seldom roam far from their territories. The song consists of 6–9 whistled notes, gradually dropping in pitch (kii kii küü küü küü kuu). Drums more often than Green Woodpecker, loud and rapid, about 1.5 seconds long.

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Birds

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Raven 

Corvus corax

› Buzzard-sized › Very powerful bill › Deep, far-carrying korrp call

DESCRIPTION Body length 54–67cm. Largest passerine (‘perching bird’) of all. Metallic black plumage, heavy bill and shaggy throat feathers. Often soars. Note wedge-shaped tail. HABITAT Large forests and mountains, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Nests on cliffs and in trees. Feeds mainly on carrion; also hunts small animals and eats berries and other fruits. Indulges in acrobatic aerial displays in late winter. NOTES Resident, spends all year in the Alps, but ranges widely, flying as far as 100km from nest-site to forage. Powerful wingbeats audible, as is the far-carrying croak, uttered from a perch or in flight.

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Carrion Crow Corvus corone

› Breeds in pairs › Forms winter flocks › Call a loud kraah

DESCRIPTION Body length 44–51cm. Uniform, shiny black plumage. Bill black with slightly decurved tip. In flight told from larger Raven by rounded tail. HABITAT Open country with trees, cultivated land, parks, gardens, inhabited regions and forest edge, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Breeding pairs build a large, deep nest in the crown of a tree. Omnivorous, taking insects, worms, small mammals, young birds, eggs, carrion, seeds, fruits and discarded human food. Outside breeding season, often feeds in flocks on fields, meadows and pastures. NOTES Will take roadkill and has been known to drop nuts onto roads so the traffic breaks them open.

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Red-billed Chough

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

› Long, red bill › Red legs › Jackdaw-like chiach

DESCRIPTION Body length 37–41cm. Shiny black crow with a red bill and legs. HABITAT Rare breeder in rough mountain regions of the south-western Alps (Italy, France), up to 3,000m, also a small population in Wallis (Switzerland). BEHAVIOUR Breeds in separate pairs or in small colonies. Stick nest built on a rock ledge, in a cave or crevice. Feeds on insects and other invertebrates, at mountain meadows or between rocks. NOTES Formerly commoner. The reasons for its decline are unclear but may be due to the reduction in traditional extensive grazing. In flight, told from Alpine Chough by the deeply fingered wing-tips.

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Birds

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Alpine Chough 

Pyrrhocorax graculus

› Yellow bill › Gregarious and often very approachable › Acrobatic flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 36–39cm. Small black crow with yellow bill and orange -red legs. HABITAT In high mountains to well above 3,000m. Year-round visitor to mountain huts, peak stations and mountain restaurants. BEHAVIOUR A true montane bird, found all year at high altitudes. Nests mainly in rock crevices above the treeline, rearing 2–6 young. Used to taking food from visitors, even coming to the hand sometimes. Diet consists of worms, berries and other fruits, and carrion. NOTES Highly acrobatic in often spectacular flight. Adept at using updrafts of wind at cliff faces.

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Nutcracker 

Nucifraga caryocatactes

› Long, powerful bill › ‘Gardener of the woods’ › Call krrrrreh

DESCRIPTION Body length 32–35cm. Compact bird with short black tail. Plumage dark brown with white spots. HABITAT Coniferous forests and conifer-rich mixed woods, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Nutcrackers eat mainly hazel nuts and seeds of Arolla Pine, also other seeds, fruits and insects. Holds nuts with its feet while hammering at them with its powerful bill. NOTES Surplus nuts are held in its elastic throat pouch and then buried and stored for future use. In winter finds such stores with 80% accuracy, even under heavy snow. Some may germinate, forming a new generation of trees, hence the nickname ‘gardener of the woods’.

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Jay 

Garrulus glandarius

› Pale blue, black-banded panel on wing › ‘Guardian of the woods’ › Stores food for winter

DESCRIPTION Body length 32–35cm. Colourful crow with pinkish-brown body plumage. Note the pale blue, black-banded panel on wing, and black moustache. HABITAT Woods, isolated trees, parks, large gardens, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly herbivorous, but also takes invertebrates, reptiles, eggs and young birds. Collects acorns, beechmast and hazel nuts in late summer and autumn in its elastic throat pouch, storing them in cracks in bark or in the ground. A single bird may bury thousands of acorns. NOTES Hoarse kschaach is a characteristic warning call, also heeded by other animals (‘guardian of the woods’). Also sometimes mimics the calls of other species, such as Common Buzzard or Goshawk.

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Red-backed Shrike  Lanius collurio

› Hooked bill › Impales prey

DESCRIPTION Body length 16–18cm. Male has black face mask, grey head and chestnut back; female has brown head and barred flanks. HABITAT Open country with hedges and thorny bushes, in pasture, mires and heath habitats, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Builds bowl-shaped nest in thorny bush. Sit-and-wait predator. Prey includes insects, reptiles and small rodents. When food is in good supply, stores food by impaling prey on thorns and prickles. NOTES Overwinters in Africa, south of the Sahara.

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Skylark 

Alauda arvensis

› Extended song in flight › Shy ground-dweller

DESCRIPTION Body length 16–18cm. Grey-brown, speckled dark above. Short crest, not always visible. HABITAT Open cultivated land, meadows and heath, up to 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Nest concealed on the ground. Feeds on insects, spiders, worms and seeds. NOTES Song almost always given in flight – long series of rippling, trilling and fluting notes. Male rises 50–150m and remains there for several minutes in fluttering flight, singing continuously.

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Crag Martin 

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

› Aerial acrobat › Breeds on rock faces

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–15cm. Powerful martin. Grey-brown above, pale grey below, with broad-based, pointed wings. Throat finely streaked. Tail has white ‘windows’. HABITAT Breeds in small colonies at dry, sheltered rock faces and on buildings, up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR A true aerial acrobat. Cruises rapidly along rocky cliffs, feeding on flying insects. Makes abrupt turns, controlled drops and other impressive manoeuvres. NOTES Often feeds over rivers, lakes and other water bodies outside the breeding season.

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House Martin 

Delichon urbicum

› Often nests on buildings › Catches insects in flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–15cm. Small martin with white rump and short, forked tail. Dark blue and shiny above, pure white below. HABITAT Lives in towns, villages and rocky sites, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Mostly colonial. Builds semi-circular mud nest, glued to rock crevices or under the eaves of buildings. Feeds on flying insects, often caught over water. NOTES Outside the breeding season may roost communally in hollow trees. Often gathers on wires. Winters in Africa.

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Birds

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Crested Tit 

Lophophanes cristatus

› Call zi-zi-züt burr › Coniferous forest

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–12cm. Unmistakable small grey-brown tit with a pointed black and white crest. HABITAT Coniferous forest and mixed forest with plenty of conifers, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Secretive, usually alone or in pairs. Excavates nest-hole in rotten wood of old tree trunks, so found mainly in areas with mature trees. In summer feeds on insects and other invertebrates, in winter mainly on conifer seeds. NOTES Resident, found throughout the year in their breeding territory. Visits feeding stations less often than other tits.

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Coal Tit 

Periparus ater

› Smallest native tit › Hole-nester

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–11cm. Olive-grey and peachy-toned small tit with black head, white cheeks and white patch on nape. HABITAT Coniferous woods and mixed woods with plenty of Norway Spruce, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Light enough to be able to feed even on the outer twigs of conifers. In summer eats insects and spiders, in winter extracts seeds from cones with its narrow bill. NOTES If tree holes are in short supply may nest between tree roots or in a hole in the ground. Visits bird tables regularly, especially in winter.

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Willow Tit

Poecile montanus

› Excavates nest-hole › Black bib

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–13cm. Grey-brown tit with slightly diffuse black bib on chin, dull black cap and pure white cheeks. HABITAT In lowland found in damp riverine woodland and scrub, and wooded mires; in the mountains in near-natural mixed and coniferous woods, and in Dwarf Mountain Pine scrub, to above 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Digs its own nest-hole in old, rotten trunks. Feeds on insects, spiders and seeds. NOTES Easily confused with the very similar Marsh Tit. May be distinguished by the call: Willow Tit has a hoarse, drawn-out zi-zi taah taah taah, quite unlike the Marsh Tit’s sharp pichay.

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Marsh Tit 

Poecile palustris

› Pairs for life › Neat, small bib

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–13cm. Grey-brown tit with small black bib and shiny black cap. Cheeks white but shading brownish towards the neck. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed woodland, settlements, parks and gardens, rarely breeds above 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR In summer feeds on insects and other invertebrates, in autumn and winter also eats seeds. Stores food such as seeds in bark cracks or in moss. NOTES Pairs are faithful and stay together throughout the year. Often visits bird tables in winter.

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Birds

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Great Tit 

Parus major

› Largest native tit › Vocal and often near houses

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Largest European tit, with black hood and white cheeks. Bright yellow belly with central black band, broadening to wide black belly-patch in male. HABITAT Varied types of woodland, gardens and parks, rarely breeds above 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR Hole-nester, often uses nest boxes. Feeds on insects and other invertebrates, also seeds, especially outside breeding season. Often visits bird tables, especially in winter. NOTES Calls very varied, including Chaffinch-like pink. Heralds spring from February with two-note, squeaky-gate song ti-ta ti-ta ti-ta…

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Blue Tit 

Cyanistes caeruleus

› Acrobatic › Call sisisüdu

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–12cm. Attractive, small tit, blue-green above, yellow below, with blue cap, wings and tail, white cheeks and black eye-stripe. HABITAT Deciduous and mixed woods, open country with trees, parks and gardens, up to 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR Hole-nester, including nest boxes. Acrobatic, often hanging head-down to feed in the furthest twigs. Hunts insects and spiders, or nibbles at buds and flowers. In winter also feeds on berries and seeds. NOTES In winter often forages with other tits in mixed species flocks.

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Long-tailed Tit 

Aegithalos caudatus

› Always on the move › Spherical nest

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm (of which tail is 7–9cm). Tiny bird, with rounded head and very long tail. Plumage black, white and pink. HABITAT Open deciduous and mixed woods, parks and gardens. Breeds up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Constructs an oval nest using spiders’ webs, lined with up to 2,000 feathers, disguised with lichens and bark. Often feeds on fat at bird tables in winter. Very sociable, moving around in family groups or larger flocks. NOTES Often feeds acrobatically among thin branches, using the long tail to balance. In flight looks like a feather ball on a stick.

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Nuthatch 

Sitta europaea

› Climbs head-first down trees as well as up › Woodpecker-like bill

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–15cm. Compact bird with blue-grey back, orange belly and black eye-stripe. HABITAT Parks, gardens, mixed woodland, and European Larch and Arolla Pine woods, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Tree-loving hole-nester. Old woodpecker holes are used for nesting. If the hole is too large, its edges are plastered with mud until the size is suitable. Feeds on insect larvae, extracted from bark with the powerful bill. Nuts are wedged in a crevice and then pecked. NOTES The only native bird able not only to climb upwards on a tree trunk, but also downwards, head-first.

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Bonelli’s Warbler  Phylloscopus bonelli

› Warmth-loving forest bird › Call hü-iif

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–12cm. Small, inconspicuously coloured leaf warbler with yellowish rump, white underparts and wings, and tail edged greenish-yellow. HABITAT Open woods on dry, sunny slopes to above 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Rather elusive. Nests on the ground. Seeks out insects and spiders, mainly in the crowns of trees. NOTES Song a rather monotonous, silvery trill (svi-svi-svi-svi-svi-svi-svi), without introduction (compare to that of Wood Warbler). Overwinters in tropical Africa.

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Wood Warbler 

Phylloscopus sibilatrix

› Most colourful leaf warbler › Hard to spot

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–12cm. Dark eye-stripe and yellow stripe above eye (supercilium). Yellow-green above, white below, with bright lemon yellow upper breast. HABITAT Beech, oak and mixed woodland up to 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR Builds rounded nest with side entrance on the ground. Hunts spiders and insects in the crowns of trees. NOTES Song an accelerating trill, starting with zip notes (zip, zip, zip zip zip zip-zip-zipzip-zipzipzipzvürrrr…). May be seen in the Alps between April and September. Overwinters in tropical Africa.

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Chiffchaff 

Phylloscopus collybita

› Smallest native leaf warbler › Always on the move

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–12cm. Small brown to olive-green leaf warbler with dark legs and indistinct supercilium. HABITAT Breeds in deciduous and mixed woodland, gardens and parks, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Female builds a rounded nest among plants on the woodland floor. Hops and flutters after insects and other small invertebrates, often hovering almost like a hummingbird. NOTES The song that gives it its name distinguishes it from the similar Willow Warbler (zilp zalp zilp zalp zelp zilp…), as does its habit of occasionally flicking its tail downwards.

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Willow Warbler

Phylloscopus trochilus

› Restless insect-hunter › Whitish supercilium

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–13cm. Yellow-green leaf warbler with (usually) fleshcoloured legs, very pale yellow breast and dingy white belly. Pale supercilium and dark eye-stripe. HABITAT Open, bushy woodland, also damp habitats, parks and gardens in the northern Alps, up to 1,700m. BEHAVIOUR Nests on the ground. Hunts restlessly for insects and spiders among leaves high in the trees. NOTES The rather mournful song is a descending series of whistles, often rising slightly in tone at the end: sisisi-wüii-wüii-wüii swi swi swi tuui tuui si-si-si-swii-sü.

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Garden Warbler  Sylvia borin

› Babbling song › Call a hard, nasal chek-chekchek

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–14cm. Unobtrusive grey-brown warbler with relatively thick, short bill and grey sides to the neck. Eye dark, with pale eye-ring. HABITAT Shrubby woods, wild gardens, scrub with rich shrub layer, damp habitats and Green Alder scrub to above 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Rather retiring, nests in thick scrub. Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates, in summer and autumn also eats berries and other fruits. NOTES Present in the Alps between May and September; winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Lesser Whitethroat  Sylvia curruca

› Rattling song › Winters in north-east Africa

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Compact, short-tailed warbler with grey-brown back, pale grey belly and white throat. Note the grey head, dark cheek and dark grey legs. HABITAT Areas with hedges and scrub, parks, gardens, montane woods, Green Alder and Mountain Pine scrub, and dwarf shrub heath, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Unobtrusive. Builds cup-shaped nest in low vegetation or young conifer. Eats insects and other invertebrates, and berries in the autumn. NOTES Song is a distinctive, monotonous rattle, preceded by a short, scratchy warble.

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Blackcap 

Sylvia atricapilla

› Black (red-brown) cap › Call a hard teck

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Mainly grey, male has black cap while female and juvenile have red-brown cap. HABITAT Woods of all kinds, parks and gardens, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Male builds a few nests in scrub, of which one is chosen and finished by the female. Food is insects, and berries and other fruits in autumn. NOTES One of central Europe’s commonest breeding birds. Its melodious song is usually delivered from cover. It starts with a chattering phrase, then turns into a pure melody with clear fluting notes at the end.

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Starling 

Sturnus vulgaris

› Often quivers wings while singing › Talented mimic

DESCRIPTION Body length 19–22cm. Breeding plumage is shiny black, with a green-violet sheen. Bill yellow. Non-breeding plumage less shiny, with numerous white spots, also has darker bill in winter. HABITAT Cultivated land, gardens, parks and woods, up to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds in tree holes, buildings and nest boxes. Forages on fields, meadows and pastures for insects and worms. Also takes seeds, berries and other fruits. NOTES Song consists of loud whistles and knocking sounds. Talented singer whose lengthy song phrases often include mimicry of other birds and various random sounds.

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Goldcrest 

Regulus regulus

› Smallest European bird › Hops restlessly among foliage › Call high-pitched sri-srri-sri

DESCRIPTION Body length 8–9cm. Tiny songbird with rounded body. Olive-green above, off-white below. Crown stripe orange-yellow in male, yellow in female. Black eye with white ring. HABITAT Breeds in coniferous and mixed woodland, especially in old stands of Norway Spruce or Silver Fir, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Small agile bird, always on the move. Twists and turns tirelessly among twigs and branches as it searches for small invertebrates including scale insects and springtails. Also feeds on pollen and nectar in spring. Visits bird feeders in winter, often with tits. NOTES Goldcrest and Firecrest are the smallest European bird species and weigh only 5–8g. Goldcrest is better able to withstand the cold. Song is high-pitched and rather rhythmic, with a final flourish (siedli-i siedli-i siedli-i siedli-i-didl-iio).

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Firecrest

Regulus ignicapillus

› Tiny songbird › White supercilium › Always on the move

DESCRIPTION Body length 9–10cm. Very small, with rounded body. Differs from the closely related Goldcrest in having a black eye-stripe and white supercilium, and brighter colouration. HABITAT Deciduous, mixed and coniferous woods, gardens and parks, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Lively and approachable. Uses its pointed bill to collect small prey such as springtails and other insects, and spiders from branches and twigs. NOTES In autumn, Firecrests migrate mostly south to overwinter in the Mediterranean region. The song is rapid and high-pitched and less rhythmic than Goldcrest’s (zü-zi-zi-zi-zi-zi-zi-zirr).

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Wren 

Troglodytes troglodytes

› Small, with loud song › Rounded, with stubby tail › Keeps hidden in scrub

DESCRIPTION Body length 9–11cm. Tiny songbird with finely barred plumage. Red-brown above, brownish-white below. Often holds short tail vertical. HABITAT Gardens and parks, woods with dense undergrowth and open scrub, to above 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is a closed structure with a side entrance incorporating a lot of moss, and hidden close to the ground. Creeps rapidly like a mouse through scrub, searching for insects and other small invertebrates. Flight is short, direct and whirring, usually close to the ground. NOTES Although it is one of Europe’s smallest birds, it is often revealed by its unusually loud song, a series of forceful ringing notes and rattling trills. Alarm call is a hard zeck or rattling zerrrr.

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Wallcreeper 

Tichodroma muraria

› Adept rock climber › Exotic plumage › Often flutters wings

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Unmistakable. Mountain bird with mainly grey body, a long, thin, curved bill, and red, black and white wings, the latter most obvious in flight. Male with black chin in breeding plumage. HABITAT Steep rocky sites and ravines with sparse vegetation, to above 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nests in rocky crevices. Expert climber, it searches cracks in the rocks for insects and spiders. Often flies, butterfly-like, along the steep rock walls. NOTES Often spends the winter on rock faces and quarries at lower levels, and sometimes seen at churches, ruins or city walls in very cold weather. Outside the breeding season may be spotted even at 4,500m.

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Treecreeper 

Certhia familiaris

› Camouflaged woodland bird › Climbs in spirals up tree trunks › Visits bird tables in winter

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Small woodland bird, brown and speckled above, white beneath. Bill slightly shorter and supercilium clearer than in very similar Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla). HABITAT Breeds mainly in coniferous woods, less often in mixed woods with old trees, to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Climbs with jerky movements in a spiral up tree trunks, searching for insects and spiders picked skilfully from the bark with its long, thin bill. NOTES Song longer (2–3 seconds) and quieter than that of Short-toed Treecreeper and ends with a descending trill. The latter is found mainly in deciduous woods, gardens and parks. Its song is a short phrase ending in a whistling tone (tüt-tüt-titeroi-sri).

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Dipper 

Cinclus cinclus

› Lives around flowing water › Feeds underwater › Can submerge for up to 30 seconds

DESCRIPTION Body length 17–20cm. Dumpy dark brown bird with large white bib, red-brown belly and short tail. HABITAT Rapidly flowing clear streams and rivers, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR The only European songbird that can swim and dive, it is perfectly adapted to life in and around mountain streams. Feeds on insect larvae and other aquatic invertebrates by poking its head into the water and probing under stones. Also swims and dives in deeper water and forages by walking along the riverbed. NOTES Flies direct, low over the water surface, and can often be spotted standing and bobbing on large rocks in the river. Domed, mossy nest with a side entrance is built close to the water, even behind a waterfall.

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Song Thrush 

Turdus philomelos

› Fluting song › Arrow-shaped spots on underside

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–23cm. Small, shorttailed thrush with brown back. Underside is yellowish-white and covered in spots shaped like arrowheads. HABITAT Woods, parks and gardens, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Often remains under cover though can also be quite tame in gardens. Feeds on insects, worms and other invertebrates, and berries and other fruits, especially in winter. Smashes snails against a stone to break their shells. NOTES Well named. The fluting song is melodious and varied, with individual phrases repeated mostly 2–4 times.

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Mistle Thrush  Turdus viscivorus

› Powerfully built thrush › Belly with rounded spots

DESCRIPTION Body length 26–29cm. Largest European thrush. Back brown, underside white with many round black spots. HABITAT Breeds in open woodland, also in gardens and parks with tall trees, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Omnivorous, finding most of its food (worms, insects) on the ground. Nest usually built at the base of a branch high in a tree. NOTES In autumn it eats Mistletoe berries, and by wiping the sticky seed-bearing flesh of the fruits on tree branches, it plays a role in spreading the plant.

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Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

› Three-toned plumage above › Very aggressive in defence of its nest

DESCRIPTION Body length 22–27cm. Large, attractively coloured thrush. Grey head and neck, dark red-brown back and pale grey rump. HABITAT Open woods, parks and gardens, up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Cupshaped nest built high in a tree. Breeds mostly in small colonies. Feeds on insects, worms, berries and other fruits. NOTES A noisy and aggressive bird. Mobs and attacks corvids and raptors in flight, using its own excrement as ammunition.

4

Blackbird 

Turdus merula

› Common garden bird › Musical song

DESCRIPTION Body length 23–29cm. Female sooty brown with diffuse speckling on upper breast. Male black with yellow bill and yellow eye-ring. HABITAT Woods, open country, villages and towns to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Originally a shy woodland bird, now benefitting from association with people. ‘City blackbirds’ in gardens and parks find plenty of breeding sites and access to rich food sources. They eat worms, insects, berries and other fruits. NOTES Very vocal and a melodic songster. Males usually deliver their fluting territorial song from a treetop or other high perch.

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Ring Ouzel 

Turdus torquatus

› ‘Mountain Blackbird’ › White crescent on breast › Alarm call tak-tak-tak

DESCRIPTION Body length 24–27cm. Blackbirdsized thrush with grey-black plumage and crescent-shaped white breast-band. Bill yellow with dark tip. HABITAT Breeds in open montane coniferous woods and in subalpine woody scrub, up to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR In spring and early summer, often seen on montane meadows foraging for worms and insects to feed their young. In autumn eats berries and other fruits. Most of the alpine population winters in the western Mediterranean. NOTES There are two subspecies in Europe: in the Alps, ssp. alpestris has pale scaled underparts and paler wings; ssp. torquatus, in northern and western Europe (and a passage migrant in the Alps), is black below.

2

Alpine Accentor  Prunella collaris

› High mountain species › Rusty flanks › Lark-like song

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–18cm. Stocky with grey head, finely streaked chin and rusty flanks. Bill pointed and with yellow base. HABITAT High-alpine rocky sites with low-growing vegetation to 3,000m. Often at mountain huts and ski lifts. BEHAVIOUR Nest of dry grass and moss built in a rock crevice or hollow. In summer feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, in winter on seeds. Rather tame. Will feed on scraps from mountain huts and may turn up at feeding stations in winter. NOTES Males sing their trilling, lark-like song from the ground or in flight. Outside the breeding season, often forms small flocks of a few dozen individuals.

3

Dunnock 

Prunella modularis

› Shy and rather nondescript › Sparrow-like plumage › Creeps about, mouse-like

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Slim, with brown, black-streaked plumage and a dark, thin bill. Blue-grey head and breast. HABITAT Gardens, parks, coniferous and mixed woods with rich undergrowth, and subalpine scrub to above 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Though common in many areas, often hard to spot because of its cryptic plumage and tendency to stay hidden. Keeps to the undergrowth much of the time, but often sings from an exposed perch. Feeds mainly on insects; in winter also seeds. NOTES Often feeds on the ground. When disturbed it quickly takes cover. The nest is cup-shaped, near the ground under dense vegetation.

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Birds

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Rock Thrush 

Monticola saxatilis

› High mountain bird › Breeding male very colourful › Melodic, fluting song

DESCRIPTION Body length 17–20cm. Breeding male has blue-grey head, rust-red underside, and white patch on lower back. Female, and male outside breeding season, brown with dark barring. Tail short and rusty red. HABITAT Steep, sunny rocky slopes, boulder fields and stony alpine habitats to 2,400m. BEHAVIOUR Rather rare, shy and solitary. Nests on the ground in a rocky crevice or under a boulder. Eats mainly insects and other invertebrates on the ground. NOTES Melodic song of the male is delivered either in flight or from a prominent perch. In the Alps between April and September. Overwinters in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Wheatear 

Oenanthe oenanthe

› Bird of open country › Song rapid, chirpy and crackling › Call a hard chack

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–17cm. Both sexes have pale eyebrow and black and white tail markings. Male has black eye mask, and in breeding plumage ash-grey head and back, and black wings. HABITAT Breeds in open, stony country with low vegetation, up to 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is cup-shaped, on the ground, in a crevice, hole or under rocks. Often sits upright on a rock or other prominent perch, keeping watch. Feeds mostly on insects and other invertebrates on the ground. NOTES In flight, both sexes show distinctive tail pattern – white, with a terminal black inverted ‘T’ shape. Overwinters in sub-Saharan Africa.

3

Spotted Flycatcher  Muscicapa striata

› Catches insects in flight › Strong bill › Twitches wings and tail when perched

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Grey-brown, rather nondescript bird with streaked forehead and breast. Eyes and legs black. HABITAT Breeds in open woods, groups of trees, parks and gardens, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nest, often lined with moss and animal hair, is sited in a recess against a branch or wall. Watches from a prominent perch then makes short sallies after flying insects, often returning to the same or adjacent perch. Occasionally hovers. NOTES In the Alps between April and September. Long-distance migrant, wintering in tropical and southern Africa. Song is a quiet series of high-pitched scratchy notes (zizi-sri-zrü-tsr…).

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Birds

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Red-breasted Flycatcher  Ficedula parva

› Smallest European flycatcher › Hunts flying insects in the tree crowns › Male has orange-red throatpatch

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–12cm. Tiny bird with black and white tail and pale ring around dark eye. Brown above, white below. Adult male has orange-red throat-patch and grey head. HABITAT Near natural old-growth deciduous and mixed woods in the western Alps to 1,600m. Shady, damp, richly structured woods with dense tree cover. BEHAVIOUR Flutters restlessly after insects in tree crowns. Nest of moss in deep branch angle or bark crevice. NOTES Small and vocal; often heard before seen. The three-part song sounds rather mournful and ends with a phrase of descending tones (tjü tjü tu to ta). In the Alps only in summer. In winter migrates east to Pakistan and India.

2

Black Redstart 

Phoenicurus ochruros

› Associated with houses › Call a hard vist, tk-tk-tk › Bobs and vibrates tail

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Dainty bird that often vibrates its rusty-red tail. Adult male dark grey with a white wing patch. Female and young grey-brown. HABITAT Typically found on houses and buildings, also in open rocky country, up to 3,200m. BEHAVIOUR Builds nest in rock crevice, walls or under roofs of houses or on beams. Feeds on insects and spiders, also berries and other fruits in the autumn. Song often heard before dawn, begins with whistles and rattles and ends with an unusual crackling sequence, rather like gravel sliding down a slope. NOTES Originally a bird of rocky slopes, it is one of the highest-breeding European songbirds. Since the nineteenth century it has also become a common sight in towns and villages, where houses replace rocks as breeding sites. Migrates to the Mediterranean for the winter.

3

Redstart 

Phoenicurus phoenicurus

› Male colourful › Call a piping huit

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–15cm. Slim, with rusty-red tail. Breeding male has black chin, orange-red underside and white forehead. Crown and back are ash grey. Female is grey-brown above, buff-white beneath. HABITAT Breeds in open woodland with old trees, parks and gardens, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Nests in tree holes and nest boxes. Keeps to dense vegetation or trees. Like Black Redstart, also vibrates tail. Feeds on insects, spiders and berries. NOTES Summer visitor to the Alps. Overwinters in the savannas of west and central Africa. Song is short, soft and high-pitched, often starting with the phrase sih-trüi-trüi-trüi, very variable thereafter.

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Birds

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Whinchat 

Saxicola rubetra

› Perches low › Twitches tail › Alarm a sharp yu tek

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Small and short-tailed, speckled brown above, white supercilium. Male has red ochre chin and breast. HABITAT Bushy, often damp habitats, extensively cultivated meadows and pastures, and tall herb communities, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is well hidden in vegetation. Often sits upright on bushes, tall plants, rocks or fence posts. From there, hunts for insects and spiders, or sings its varied raw, rasping and whistling song. NOTES Sits very upright, often bobbing, and flicking its tail. In the Alps from May to September. Overwinters in tropical Africa.

2

Bluethroat

Luscinia svecica

› Male has blue throat › Call a dry, hard tack › Rare breeder in the Alps

DESCRIPTION Body length 13–14cm. Small songbird with pale supercilium and rusty-red base to the tail. Female brown and nondescript, with white throat. Male has blue throat. The ssp. svecica (Alps and northern Europe) has a red spot on the blue throat, while ssp. cyanecula (south and central Europe) has a white spot. HABITAT Found in damp or wet habitats, such as mires, and in boulder fields, dwarf shrub heath and Mountain Pines to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is cup-shaped and built on the ground. Feeds on insects, in autumn also on berries and other fruits. NOTES The Alps hold just a small population of (red-spotted) Bluethroats, but both subspecies may be spotted in the mountains during migration.

3

Robin 

Erithacus rubecula

› Both sexes have red breast › Call a short, hard tick › Solitary

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Small, rather dumpy brown bird with orange-red breast, throat and forehead. Often hops and bobs in jerky fashion on the ground with drooping wings and raised tail. HABITAT Woods, fields with trees, hedges, parks and gardens to 2,100m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds mostly on the ground, hunting for insects, worms and other invertebrates. Also eats berries and soft fruits in late summer and autumn, and visits bird tables in winter. Cup-shaped nest in thick vegetation, tree hole or under roots. NOTES Some of the population winters in the Mediterranean, while others are resident. Song is a melancholy, variable warble. Both sexes sing.

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Birds

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Water Pipit 

Anthus spinoletta

› Bird of montane meadows › Often sits on rocks › Flight call a thin fist

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Grey-brown pipit with white, streaked underside, white supercilium and dark legs. In breeding plumage shows pale pink breast and sparse streaking, white belly and grey head. Flight undulating. HABITAT Alpine grassland with rocks above the treeline, up to 3,000m. Below treeline on open grassland. BEHAVIOUR Nests in grass-lined hollow on the ground. Forages on mountain grassland for insects and spiders. Also eats seeds in winter. NOTES Often sings in flight. The song begins as the bird rises and ends after it lands. In October descends to lower levels for the winter.

2

Tree Pipit 

Anthus trivialis

› Often perches on trees › Flight call a raw psiet › Performs songflight with ‘parachute’ landing

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–16cm. Brown and streaked above, yellowish breast and white belly with bold dark streaks, and pale pink legs. Bill slightly heavier than that of similar Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis). HABITAT Open woods, woodland edge and clearings, also meadows and pastures with trees, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Cup-shaped nest on the ground. Feeds on insects. Overwinters in the savannas of west and east Africa. NOTES Song loud, and often from flight. In songflight, launches upwards from a tree, then glides and parachutes downwards, legs dangling, before landing, usually on another tree. Water Pipits and Meadow Pipits end their songflights on the ground.

3

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus

› Breeds close to people › Very vocal; chirping calls › Sociable, breeds in colonies

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–16cm. Robust bird, with brown, black streaked back and sturdy bill. Male has grey crown and black chin. Female grey-brown with brown crown. HABITAT Lives in towns and villages and breeds locally in the Alps, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Strongly associated with humans. Often in flocks. Breeds mostly in small colonies, building cup-shaped nest in a crevice, under a roof or in a tree hole. Eats seeds, insects, and forages in household waste. NOTES Very vocal, and almost constantly chirps. In parts of the southern Alps, it is replaced by the similar Italian Sparrow (Passer italiae), which differs mainly in having a red-brown crown.

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Birds

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Snowfinch 

Montifringilla nivalis

› Sparrow of the high mountains › Song hoarse and variable

DESCRIPTION Body length 16–19cm. Large, rather elongated sparrow with a grey head, brown back and dingy white underparts. In flight white dominates on wings and tail. Summer adult male has black chin and bill. HABITAT Lives above the treeline in stony areas, such as rubble and scree, and in rocky sites up to the snowline. Breeds mostly between 1,900 and 3,100m; on Monte Rosa even to 3,650m. BEHAVIOUR Nests on rock faces or between boulders, more rarely on isolated buildings. Often approachable. Feeds on invertebrates, and seeds in winter. NOTES Very sociable outside the breeding season and often seen feeding in large flocks, when they may also be spotted at mountain buildings and huts.

2

Grey Wagtail 

Motacilla cinerea

› Very long tail › Found near water › Undulating flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 17–20cm. Slim wagtail, with yellow-green rump, grey back and brownish-pink legs. Summer male has black chin and bright yellow underside. Note the very long tail, constantly wagged. HABITAT Near natural, fast-flowing streams and rivers, up to 2,100m. In winter also at still water bodies. BEHAVIOUR Nests in rocky crevices close to the water, usually rears two broods a year. Eats insects, molluscs, amphipods and other aquatic invertebrates. NOTES The most water-dependent of all European wagtails. Song consists of a short series of sharp notes (ziss-ziss-ziss-ziss), often combined with higher notes, delivered in flight or from a perch.

3

White Wagtail  Motacilla alba

› Black, white and grey wagtail › Bobs long tail › Often close to habitations

DESCRIPTION Body length 16–19cm. Graceful bird with black, white and grey plumage. Legs, chin and upper breast are black. Tail is black with white outer feathers, constantly bobbed. HABITAT Open country, up to 2,000m. Often near water, but also in cultivated country, villages, towns and industrial areas, and in the mountains. BEHAVIOUR Often found close to human habitations, nests on buildings and bridges. Feeds on insects from the ground or in short flight, foraging on lawns, banks, street margins and pastures. NOTES Characteristic undulating flight with rapid wingbeats. In Britain and Ireland, this species is known as Pied Wagtail and the summer male has a black (not grey) back. Call is a short tsli-vitt or zi-ze-litt.

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Birds

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Redpoll 

Carduelis flammea cabaret

› Likes light coniferous forest › Sociable

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–14cm. Small finch with small black bib, short bill and brown plumage. Back and flanks finely streaked. Small red patch on forehead. Summer male has red breast. HABITAT Alpine European Larch woods and other light coniferous woods, and subalpine scrub, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Sociable. Nests in small colonies and feeds mainly on seeds. NOTES This is the alpine subspecies, breeding in southern Scandinavia and west and central Europe. The ssp. flammea, which is found in northern Scandinavia and Finland, is lighter in colour.

2

Citril Finch

Carduelis citrinella

› Mountain bird › Sings as early as February

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–13cm. Small finch, uniformly yellow-green below, with yellow face and grey head. Double yellow-green wing-bar. HABITAT Light coniferous woods, often at the woodland edge with adjacent meadows, between 1,200 and 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR Often seen feeding together at montane meadows and pastures. Eats mainly seeds of trees, grasses and other plants. Descends to lower levels after heavy snow. NOTES Overwinters in south-west France and Spain. Often sings in flight.

3

Siskin

Carduelis spinus

› Long, pointed bill › Early breeder

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–13cm. Dainty bird with yellow-green plumage, streaked flanks and pointed, relatively long bill. Male has black crown and bib, and yellow breast. HABITAT Parks and gardens, coniferous and mixed woodland to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is well hidden in the foliage of a conifer. Breeds as early as the beginning of March. NOTES Gathers in flocks in autumn and winter, and forages in the valleys. Fond of the seeds of birch and Green Alder and visits bird feeders.

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Serin 

Serinus serinus

› Jingling song › Smallest European finch

DESCRIPTION Body length 11–12cm. Small bird with short, thick bill. Male has bright yellow forehead, chin and breast. Both sexes are heavily streaked on back and flanks. HABITAT Open country with sparse tree cover, open European Larch woods, gardens and parks, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds mainly on seeds. Overwinters in west and south-east Europe, and north Africa. NOTES Always on the move, and rather bouncy in flight. Song consists of jingling or tinkling notes, delivered in flight or from a perch.

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Birds

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Chaffinch 

Fringilla coelebs

› Common and widespread › Characteristic song

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–16cm. Medium-sized finch with two broad white wingbars and white outer tail feathers. Male had rusty-red cheeks and breast, and blue-grey crown and neck. Female mainly olive-brown. HABITAT Woods, parks and gardens, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Widespread and adaptable. Cup-shaped nest lined with moss and lichens in branch angle. Feeds on seeds, berries and other fruits, mainly on the ground. NOTES In spring the song, a repeated phrase ending in a flourish, is a main feature of the countryside (zi zi zizizizi chatt-chiteriidia).

2

Greenfinch

Chloris chloris

› Powerful bill › Often at bird tables

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–16cm. Sturdy finch with stout bill, and yellow patches on wings and tail. Male plumage mainly yellow-green, female olive-green. HABITAT Woodland margins, open country with trees, parks and gardens, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Sociable bird, feeding mainly on seeds, buds, berries, and other fruits. Juveniles fed initially on small insects. NOTES Often in small groups at bird tables in winter, where it tends to dominate and chase off other birds. Song has Canary-like trills. Also produces a characteristic wheezing call.

3

Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

› Fond of thistle seeds › Characteristic call

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Small finch with black and white head, brown back, and black, yellow-banded wings. Chin and forehead bright orange-red. HABITAT Open deciduous and mixed woods, cultivated land, parks and gardens, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds mainly on seeds, especially those of thistles, extracted direct from the plant, using its thin, pointed bill. NOTES Gathers in flocks outside the breeding season. Call is a cheerful three-syllable tikelitt.

4

Brambling 

Fringilla montifringilla

› Common winter visitor › White rump

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–16cm. Chaffinch-sized. Distinguished mainly by white rump. Throat, breast and shoulder rusty orange. Summer male has glossy black head. HABITAT Breeds in coniferous and birch forests of the high north, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. Overwinters mainly in central and southern Europe. In the Alps, rarely occurs above 1,700m. BEHAVIOUR Common across the Alps in winter, where it eats mainly seeds, notably beechmast. Often visits bird tables. NOTES In good beechmast years, the Alps may experience mass invasions of millions of Bramblings.

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Birds

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Linnet

Carduelis cannabina

› Red breast and forehead (male) › Feeds in flocks › Flight call tett-ett-ett

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–14cm. Slim finch with rusty-brown back, striped in female. Summer male has grey head, and red breast and forehead. HABITAT Open country and cultivated land with shrubs and hedgerows, also heaths and waste land, gardens, montane meadows, alpine pastures and dwarf shrub heath, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds mainly in open, sunny areas with few trees and shrubs, the nest well hidden in vegetation. Sociable bird that feeds mainly on seeds, it benefits from extensively managed alpine habitats. NOTES In winter it often appears in large flocks in the lowlands. On take-off it often calls with a characteristic nasal tett-ett-ett.

2

Common Crossbill  Loxia curvirostra

› Powerful bill with crossed mandibles › Specialist feeder › Call a metallic glipp-glippglipp…

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Dumpy finch with powerful bill, mandibles crossed at the tip. Adult male is bright red, the female olive-green with yellowgreen rump. HABITAT Coniferous woods and forests, especially Norway Spruce, up to 2,200m. BEHAVIOUR A specialist feeder, using its crossed mandibles to open the cones of Norway Spruce and other conifers and extract the seeds. The nest is usually high and well hidden in a coniferous tree. Breeds throughout the year, even in winter, depending on the availability of food. NOTES Numbers of individuals in a particular area are highly dependent on the food supply. In years when Norway Spruce cones and seeds are plentiful, Common Crossbill invasions can occur, while in sparse years individual birds wander to other regions.

3

Bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

› Black cap › Male has rosy-red belly › Sedentary

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–18cm. Compact finch with short, powerful bill, grey back, black tail and black cap. Male has rosy-pink underside, female beige-grey below. HABITAT Breeds in mixed and coniferous woods, gardens and parks, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nearly always seen in pairs, throughout the year. The funnel-shaped nest is hidden in a bush or young conifer. Feeds on seeds, fruits and buds. The young are also fed on insects. NOTES May be quite elusive in summer. Does not defend territories and therefore remains rather silent. Call is a soft, melancholy phew. Regular visitor to feeding stations in winter.

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Birds

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Yellowhammer

Emberiza citrinella

› Male bright yellow › Song likened to phrase ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Long-tailed bunting with red-brown rump, white tail corners, and streaked underside. Male has bright yellow head and underside, female drabber and browner. HABITAT Found in open country with trees, hedges and shrubs, also in European Larch woods, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nest is hidden in ground vegetation or in a low bush. Eats mainly seeds, also insects and spiders, mainly on the ground. NOTES Yellowhammers sing from an exposed perch. Song is a sequence of short elements at similar pitch, with a longer, lower note at the end (zizizizizizizi-zuur).

2

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

› Distinctive head markings › Lives at treeline › Call a soft, sharp tsi

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Large, longtailed bunting with grey head and throat. Note the distinctive head pattern with black stripes on cheeks, through the eyes, and at the sides of the crown. Belly and rump redbrown. HABITAT Steep, rocky mountain slopes with light scrub and tree growth, up to 2,200m. Prefers south-facing, dry, warm sites. BEHAVIOUR Rather elusive when breeding. Nests on the ground in a rock crevice or in a low tree or shrub. Feeds on seeds and insects, mainly on the ground. NOTES This warmth-loving species is widespread in the central and southern Alps but is localised in the cooler northern Alps. Like all buntings, it has a short, conical bill. The song is melodious and high-pitched.

3

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

› Shy and wary › Ground-nester › Call a metallic sli-e

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–17cm. Slim, longtailed bunting with pink bill. Note yellow throat, moustache and eye-ring. Attractively patterned, male with olive-green head in breeding season. Female somewhat duller. HABITAT In lowland in open cultivated country. In the mountains on dry, sunny slopes with light tree and shrub cover to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Very shy and wary, nesting well hidden in ground vegetation. Feeds on insects and seeds, mainly on the ground. NOTES Scattered distribution, largely confined to the western and southern Alps. Present from April to September. The only long-distance migrant among the central European buntings, it overwinters in tropical Africa.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Common (Viviparous) Lizard Zootoca vivipara

› Also found in high mountains › Even found north of arctic circle

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–18cm. Small brown lizard with short legs and a dark, often interrupted central stripe along back. Often has broad dark brown stripes along sides. HABITAT Woods, mires, alpine grassland and stony sites, up to 2,600m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on insects and spiders. Unlike most other lizard species does not lay eggs but gives birth to up to 12 fully developed young in summer (viviparity). NOTES Being viviparous means it is not dependent on warm, dry sites for egg-laying – an adaptation allowing it to survive even in raw high mountain climates.

2

Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis

› Slim, with long tail › Climbs vertically on walls

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–25cm. Slim grey-brown lizard with pointed snout, speckled chin and long tail. Very variable in colour and markings. HABITAT Sunny, stony slopes, embankments, dry stone walls, rocky sites and scree, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Warmth-loving species, active by day and often seen sunbathing. Climbs well on walls, retreating rapidly into a crack if danger threatens. Hunts insects and other invertebrates. NOTES In the breeding season, male establishes a small territory, which he defends vigorously against rivals.

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Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis

› Often sunbathes › Breeding male bright green flanks

DESCRIPTION Body length 20–28cm. Colour very variable. Powerful lizard with a broad head, short snout and yellow-red eye. Breeding male has emerald-green flanks and chin. HABITAT Embankments, railways cuttings, heathland, dry grassland, rocky sites and other warm, dry areas, to up 1,600m. BEHAVIOUR Often sunbathes. Feeds on insects, spiders and worms. In early summer the female lays up to 10 eggs in a hole she digs in the ground. The young hatch after about two months. NOTES Like most lizards, they can shed their tail under severe threat.

4

Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata

› Pretty green color › Occupies and defends its territories

DESCRIPTION Body length 30–40cm. Powerful lizard with green back and long tail. Breeding male has a blue chin. HABITAT South-facing slopes, dry grassland, vineyards and woodland clearings in France, Italy, western Germany and southern Switzerland, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Nimble and shy. Found in sunny, scrubby habitats. Hunts insects, slugs and small vertebrates. NOTES Very similar to the closely related European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis). The latter is found mainly in south-east Europe, with outlying populations, for example in Austria and Bavaria.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Slow Worm  Anguis fragilis

› Legless lizard › Live-bearing

DESCRIPTION Body length 30–50cm. Shiny brown or grey legless lizard, with snake-like body. Unlike snakes it is rather stiff in movement, and it also has well-developed, lidded eyes, like other lizards. HABITAT Open woods, footpaths, gardens, vineyards, alpine pastures and scree with sufficient shade and moisture to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Stays mostly hidden, emerging in low light to hunt slugs and worms. In late summer the female produces up to 20 young after a gestation period of around three months. The thin egg membrane is sloughed off during the birth (ovovivipary). NOTES Often called Blindworm, it is neither blind nor a worm, and in fact has welldeveloped eyes. This harmless lizard overwinters in frost-free sites in the soil and is extremely long-lived, sometimes reaching over 30 years old.

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Common European Adder  Vipera berus

› Commonest poisonous snake › Dark zigzag along back › Often sunbathes in early morning

DESCRIPTION Body length 50–85cm. Powerfully built snake with rounded, not raised snout, vertical pupils and dark zigzag along back. Body either very dark or rusty-red. HABITAT Open country such as the edge of mires, mountain meadows, dwarf shrub heath, scree slopes and woodland clearings, up to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Hunts mostly mice, frogs and lizards, by slithering after them, biting and injecting venom. Its highly sensitive sense of smell enables the snake to track its prey with remarkable accuracy. Livebearer. Female produces up to 18 young between August and October. NOTES Shy, flees from danger and only attacks if under severe threat. The venom is very painful for humans, but rarely fatal.

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Asp Viper  Vipera aspis

› Poisonous snake with vertical pupils › Triangular head › Very variable in colour and markings

DESCRIPTION Body length 60–85cm. Variably coloured viper with vertical pupils and upturned snout. Mainly grey or brownish above, with two rows of alternating dark patches, sometimes merging into a zigzag, but not as clear as on Common European Adder. In the Alps, pure black forms also occur. HABITAT Sunny, dry, rocky sites with loose vegetation. Mountain slopes, bushy sites, scree slopes, alpine pastures, open woodland and sunny river valleys, up to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Active by day. Hunts mice, lizards and small birds, killing them with a venomous bite. Livebearer. Female produces up to 15 young in late summer. NOTES The venom of the Asp Viper is stronger than that of Common European Adder and can be fatal to humans in the absence of medical intervention.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Grass Snake  Natrix natrix

› Yellow collar › Often hunts in water › Shy and harmless

DESCRIPTION Body length 60–140cm. Large, powerful snake with wavy yellow (or cream) and black markings on the neck. Head oval and clearly demarcated from rest of the body. Pupil round. Usually grey-blue or greenish-grey. HABITAT Mainly found near water, also in and around mires in boggy country, river valley woodland, gardens, alpine pastures and scree, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Grass Snakes are expert swimmers and divers and feed mainly on aquatic animals such as frogs, toads, newts and fish. Active by day, and often sunbathe. NOTES When threatened, these harmless snakes can resort to a whole arsenal of defensive reactions: they inflate their body, play dead, rise up like a cobra and bite, or produce a vile-smelling liquid from their anal gland.

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Smooth Snake

Coronella austriaca

› Small, harmless snake › Striped neck › Secretive

DESCRIPTION Body length 50–90cm. Small snake with smooth scales. Back with dark blotches. Pupil round. Head rather long, and similar in diameter to the rest of the body. Black stripes on neck, one extending over the eye. HABITAT Dry, sunny habitats such as woodland clearings, embankments, vineyards, gardens, poor grassland, rocks and scree, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Diurnal and secretive. Hunts mainly for lizards including Slow Worms. Larger prey items are held in a bite, encircled by the muscular body, and suffocated. Female gives birth to fully developed young in late summer. The egg membrane breaks during birth. NOTES Well protected by its camouflaged markings. Often stays motionless if danger threatens.

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Aesculapian Snake Zamenis longissimus

› Largest central European snake › Skilful climber › Suffocates prey by constriction

DESCRIPTION Body length 130–200cm. Large, slim snake with a narrow head and round pupil. Above, smooth and shiny, yellow-brown, olive or grey-brown. The white edges to many of the scales on the back and flanks form a characteristic fine pattern. HABITAT Dry, sunny habitats such as river valleys, open woods, bushy and rocky slopes, gardens and ruins, up to 1,600m. Mainly ground-dwelling, but climbs well up trees and shrubs using its keeled belly scales. BEHAVIOUR Active by day and in twilight. Non-venomous. Feeds on small mammals, lizards, birds’ eggs and young birds. NOTES In the breeding season, males indulge in harmless ‘fights’. In such clashes, each tries to force the other to the ground.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Green Whip Snake Hierophis viridiflavus

› Speedy, skilful hunter › Diurnal › Bites wildly in self-defence

DESCRIPTION Body length 120–180cm. Long, slim snake with elongated head and round pupils. Long, fine stripes on the tail and reticulated yellow-green or black back are distinctive. HABITAT Warm, dry, sunny habitats in the southern Alps, also bushy rocky spots, woodland edge, scrub, tall herb communities, gardens and ruins, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Moves fast, able to catch mice and lizards. Smaller prey eaten alive, larger prey first suffocated by constriction. Also hunts birds, frogs, insects, molluscs and other snakes. NOTES Although non-poisonous, when cornered it can be very aggressive and will bite repeatedly.

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Alpine Salamander Salamandra atra

› Shiny black mountain salamander › Often remains hidden › Livebearer

DESCRIPTION Body length 12–15cm. Small, slim, shiny black salamander with large ear-glands and transverse ridges on rump and base of tail. HABITAT Damp and shady deciduous and mixed woods, mountain meadows, dwarf shrub heath and rocky sites, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Mainly nocturnal and rests hidden by day beneath stones or dead wood. May emerge by day in the rain to forage for worms, slugs and insects. In the mountains it is aided by having a viviparous breeding strategy, producing live young rather than eggs every 2–3 years, and is thus not dependent on the availability of water in which to breed. NOTES Lanza’s Alpine Salamander (Salamandra lanzai), a very similar species, is found in the Cottian Alps (Italy). It is somewhat larger, and the centre of its back is smooth.

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Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

› Mainly terrestrial › Black and yellow warning colours › Protected by poisonous skin secretions

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–25cm. Rather plump salamander with a broad head. Body is shiny black, with yellow blotches or stripes. Unmistakable. HABITAT Lives in damp deciduous and mixed woods with clear, oxygen-rich springs, streams or ponds, up to 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR Rests by day beneath stones or tree roots. Emerges at night to hunt for worms, slugs and other small animals. Does not lay eggs. Instead, the female lays well-developed larvae into suitable bodies of water, after a gestation period lasting 10 months. After about three months, the young salamanders emerge onto the land. NOTES The skin glands produce a poisonous secretion, salamandrin, which (combined with the black and yellow warning coloration) helps protect it from predators.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Alpine Newt

Ichthyosaura alpestris

› Male colourful when breeding › Pure orange belly › Nocturnal when on land

DESCRIPTION Body length 8–12cm. Medium-sized newt with orange belly. When spawning, the male is brightly coloured, with sky blue longitudinal bands and a ridge with yellow and black spots along the back. Both sexes are less colourful on land. HABITAT Cool, damp sites close to water with no fish, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Eats aquatic insects, freshwater shrimps and other small invertebrates. Female lays up to 300 eggs and wraps them individually on aquatic plants. NOTES Alpine Newt populations are dependent on the number of suitable water bodies for spawning. In early spring they seek out sites such as ponds, ditches and other small water bodies (even tractor wheel ruts) to find a partner and spawn, then leave the water again between May and August.

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Smooth Newt

Lissotriton vulgaris

› Found in water and on land › Belly orange with dark spots › Eats small invertebrates

DESCRIPTION Body length 6–11cm. Slim newt with three longitudinal furrows and 5–7 dark longitudinal bands. Breeding male has a tall, wavy crest. Chin and belly yellow-orange in both sexes. HABITAT Found in small water bodies with plenty of vegetation, and on adjacent habitats to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Smooth Newts breeds in water in early spring. Female wraps the eggs individually on aquatic plants. After 3–5 weeks, gill-bearing larvae emerge, which develop in a few months into lung-breathing young newts. Adults leave the water in summer and spend the rest of the year on land. NOTES The closely related Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus) is found in the western Alps. Its throat is unspotted.

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Italian Crested Newt Triturus carnifex

› Large, powerful newt › Male has jagged crest › Female has yellow line along back

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–18cm. Large newt with dark, round spots on flanks, and a broad head. Belly orange-red with black spots. Female often has yellow line along back; breeding male has crest and a black tail. HABITAT Breeds at large, still pools and slow-flowing, well-vegetated streams. Otherwise found in meadows, river-valley woods, and deciduous and mixed woods, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Breeds in water in spring, emerging onto land from early summer. Eats insects and tadpoles. NOTES Alpine Newts are found in the north-eastern (Austria, Slovenia) and southern (Italy, Switzerland) Alps. In the north its range overlaps in places with that of the closely related Great (Northern) Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), which has white granulations on the flanks.

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Reptiles and amphibians

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Common Frog Rana temporaria

› Variable coloration › Lays spawn with 1,000– 4,000 eggs

DESCRIPTION Body length 5–11cm. Powerful, rather plump brown frog with a short snout and dark patch on the side of the head. Ear about 2mm behind the eye and smaller than the diameter of the eye. Markings and colour very variable. HABITAT Cool, damp sites in gardens, meadows, fields and woods, up to 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Common Frogs seeks out pools, ponds, lakes and ditches in which to spawn. On land outside the breeding season. Feed on insects, slugs, worms and other small animals. NOTES Breeding behaviour is quite hectic: male fights to climb onto the back of a female in a ‘piggyback’ position (amplexus). A single female may lay up to 4,000 eggs, from which the tadpoles emerge after three or four weeks.

2

Common Toad Bufo bufo

› Largest European toad › Seeks water to spawn in spring › Warty skin

DESCRIPTION Body length 6–18cm. Powerful brown toad with warty skin and large ear glands. Note the gold-coloured eyes with horizontal pupil. Female usually larger than the male. HABITAT Damp woods, gardens, parks and open country, up to 2,200m. Spawns in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. BEHAVIOUR Common Toads gather each spring to breed at the water body in which they were born. Each female lays thousands of eggs in metre-long strings attached to water plants. The tadpoles emerge after about two weeks. On land, Common Toads hunt for worms, slugs and insects. NOTES Although they crawl quite slowly, in summer Common Toads may roam as far as 3km from their spawning site.

3

Yellow-bellied Toad Bombina variegata

› Call a melodious uuh…uuh… uuh › Freezes still when threatened

DESCRIPTION Body length 3–5cm. Small toad with warty skin, but without ear glands. Note the heartshaped pupil and yellow and black markings on the underside. HABITAT Aquatic, warmth-loving toad found in valleys, light woods, gravel pits and waste ground to 1,900m. BEHAVIOUR Seeks out small water bodies such as small temporary pools, ditches and even wheel ruts in which to spawn. The tadpoles emerge from the eggs as soon as eight days, and in warm weather they can develop into small adults within a month. NOTES When threatened, it adopts a striking pose, lying flat, with limbs raised, revealing the warning colours under its legs. It may also arch its back, or even flip upside down. This signals to potential predators its protection by distasteful skin secretions.

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Fish

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Minnow

Phoxinus phoxinus

› Small shoaling fish › Lateral line to mid-body

DESCRIPTION Body length 6–14cm. Elongated fish with grey-green back, dark bars on the flanks and shiny yellow-gold band above the short lateral line. Breeding male has reddish belly. HABITAT Found in clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers and lakes, up to 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Often swims in large shoals close to the surface. Feeds on insects, small crustaceans and other small aquatic animals. NOTES When spawning in spring, sometimes swims for a short time belly-up, for instance at the lake margin. Female lays sticky eggs on flat, gravelly sites.

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Stone Loach

Barbatula barbatula

› Small, bottom-dwelling fish › Crepuscular and nocturnal

DESCRIPTION Body length 8–16cm. Bottom-living fish with dark mottled, cylindrical body, visible lateral line, and six barbels on the lips. HABITAT Fast-flowing streams and rivers, and clear lakes with gravel, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Hides by day under stones or among water plants. In twilight and at night hunts along the bottom for insect larvae, molluscs, worms and small crustaceans. NOTES The female lays sticky eggs in spring in several batches. These are then guarded by the male until they hatch.

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European Bullhead Cottus gobio

› Mainly nocturnal, bottomliving › Crawls using pectoral fins

DESCRIPTION Body length 10–18cm. Small, bottomliving fish with club-shaped, scale-less body, large head and broad mouth. Large pectoral fins and sharp thorn on the gill covers are distinctive. HABITAT Found in oxygen-rich, fast-flowing streams and rivers, and in the shallows of clean lakes, up to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Lurks underneath large stones. In twilight and at night feeds on bottomliving invertebrates, fish spawn and small fish. NOTES The male rears the young: he guards the eggs in their spawning pit and fans them with fresh water using his pectoral fins. Also called Miller’s Thumb, after its shape.

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Grayling

Thymallus thymallus

› Fish of fast-flowing water › Fan-like dorsal fin

DESCRIPTION Body length 25–60cm. Silvery fish with a flat-sided body, large dorsal fin, an adipose fin, rather pointed head and small mouth. The pupils taper towards the front. HABITAT Cool, oxygen-rich, fast-flowing streams and rivers, up to 1,800m. BEHAVIOUR Young Grayling live in shoals, while adult fish tend to be solitary and swim close to the bottom. Feeds on small aquatic animals and on insects plucked from the surface. NOTES In lakes Grayling are only found near the mouth of a river. The flesh is tasty and has an aroma of thyme (note Latin name).

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Fish

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Brown Trout

Salmo trutta fario

› Red-spotted trout › Lives in clear, welloxygenated water › Major species in fastflowing rivers

DESCRIPTION Body length 25–60cm. Elongate, torpedo-shaped fish with a large mouth and an adipose fin between the dorsal fin and tail. Note the black and red spots, mostly encircled pale, on the flanks. HABITAT Lives in fast-flowing streams and small rivers, and in clear, cold lakes, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR A resident fish, highly dependent on the availability of hiding places. When young, it feeds on insect larvae and other small aquatic animals. With age, it becomes a skilled predator, reaching speeds of up to 35km/h, and can catch other fish such as Bullheads and Minnows and smaller members of its own species. NOTES Between October and February, leaves its territory and swims a short distance upstream to spawn. Before laying her eggs, the female creates a hollow in the gravel bed with her tail.

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Lake Trout

Salmo trutta lacustris

› Large trout › Only black spots › Travels to rivers to spawn

DESCRIPTION Body length 40–140cm. Large trout with torpedo-shaped body. Silver or brownish background colour with many black spots on the flanks. Differs from Brown Trout in having no red spots. HABITAT Found in deep, cool lakes and large rivers, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Sometimes makes long journeys in the autumn, to spawn in gravel in the upper reaches of rivers and streams flowing into the lake. Although the adult fish return to the lake after spawning, the young fish mostly stay in the river for one or two years. Young Lake Trout feed on aquatic invertebrates, while the adults eat mostly other fish. NOTES Brown Trout, Lake Trout (and Sea Trout) are regarded as forms or subspecies of one species, Salmo trutta. They differ in their habitats, behaviour, appearance and ecology.

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Char 

Salvelinus alpinus

› Lives in deep alpine lakes › Dark flanks with pale spots › Dwarf form in nutrient-poor lakes

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–75cm. Elongate, troutlike fish with adipose fin, large head and broad mouth. Pectoral, ventral and anal fins are edged white. Male at spawning time has a red underside. HABITAT Lives in deep, cold pre-alpine and alpine lakes, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Char exists in three ecological forms with different feeding biology: ‘Normal Char’ eat mainly small invertebrates; ‘Deep-water Char’ feed on plankton; ‘Predatory Char’ hunt other fish. NOTES The ecological forms also differ in size. Normal Char reach about 40cm, but Deep-water Char in nutrient-poor lakes remain small, while Predatory Char may grow to 75cm.

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Insects

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Small Apollo

Parnassius phoebus

› White, with red spots › High mountain butterfly › Damp sites

DESCRIPTION 55–70mm wingspan. Large white butterfly with pale yellow wings and red spots on the fore and hindwings. Unlike Apollo, the white antennae have black rings. Flies June to September. HABITAT Lives near mountain streams, wet flushes and other damp habitats, between 1,500 and 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Small Apollo is restricted to living close to water and the availability of larval food plants. The black caterpillars feed mainly on Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, and in somewhat drier sites on Roseroot. Adults often feed on thistle flowers. NOTES The large red spots on the hind wings act to alarm potential predators. Flight is slow and fluttering, like that of Apollo.

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Apollo 

Parnassius apollo

› Forewings with four large black spots › Gliding flight › Often feeds on thistle flowers

DESCRIPTION 65–80mm wingspan. Handsome white butterfly, with two large red spots on each hindwing. Red spots usually ringed black and with a white central spot. Antennae not so clearly ringed as those of Small Apollo. Flies May to September. HABITAT Nutrient-poor pastures and stony, sunny slopes to above 2,000m. Secondary habitats include embankments, natural stone walls, and spoil heaps from quarries. BEHAVIOUR Flight slow and fluttering, with intermittent glides. Only found where the larval food plants grow. These are almost exclusively White Stonecrop and Orpine (Sedum telephium). NOTES Rare species, protected worldwide under the Washington Convention on Endangered Species.

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Clouded Apollo

Parnassius mnemosyne

› White, with black lines and spots › Smallest native apollo › Larvae feed on Corydalis

DESCRIPTION 45–60mm wingspan. White, lacking red spots and with parchment-like, partly translucent wings. Differs from the similar Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi) in having black spots on fore and hindwings. Flies May to June. HABITAT Woodland clearings and edges, with adjacent extensively maintained meadows and tall herb communities, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Very habitat-loyal and flies only short distances. Mainly in flower-rich meadows, close to the larval food plant, Corydalis. NOTES It is unclear how the butterfly finds the larval food plant in high summer when the eggs are laid, since at that time the plant is not visible above ground.

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Insects Swallowtail

Papilio machaon

› Imposing, beautiful species › Flies even near peaks

DESCRIPTION 65–80mm wingspan. Large, with striking black and yellow markings and swallow-like ‘tails’ on the hindwings. Hindwing also edged with blue band and a red spot. Flies April to June (first generation), and July to September (second generation). HABITAT Poor and dry grasslands, extensively managed land, wasteland and gardens, up to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Flight powerful and rapid. Investigates a wide range of habitats. NOTES Caterpillar is large and pale green, with black and yellow stripes and orange spots.

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Mountain Green-veined White Pieris bryoniae

› Mountain species › Wings powdery grey

DESCRIPTION 35–50mm wingspan. Small white with veins on underside dusted grey. Male has white upper side of forewings, yellowish and dusted brown in female. Flies June to August. HABITAT Montane meadows, and clearings, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Has one or two generations. Prefers to stay close to mountain streams. Larvae feed on crucifers such as Buckler Mustard (Biscutella laevigata). NOTES May be confused at lower levels with Green-veined White (Pieris napi), which some consider to be a subspecies.

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Mountain Clouded Yellow Colias phicomone

› Powdery grey above › Sexes differ

DESCRIPTION 40–50mm wingspan. Upper side powdery grey. Male is yellow-green, female greenish-white. Pale eye-spot with a smaller one above it on the underside of the hindwing. Flies June to August. HABITAT Alpine pastures, montane meadows and alpine cushion vegetation, between 1,000 and 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Flight powerful and fast. Larvae feed on a range of plants such as vetches and clovers. NOTES Rarely spreads its wings when visiting flowers.

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Moorland Clouded Yellow Colias palaeno

› Characteristic of natural raised bogs

DESCRIPTION 40–50mm wingspan. Sexes differ. Male is sulphur yellow, female white or very pale yellow. Both sexes with solid black borders on upper surface of wings, and small white spot on the hindwing. Flies June to August. HABITAT Lives on open raised bogs and in open dwarf shrub heaths, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Adults search for nectar in the adjacent flower-rich damp meadows. NOTES Female lays her eggs individually on the leaves of Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), the only larval food plant.

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Insects

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Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae

› Common butterfly › Adult hibernates

DESCRIPTION 45–50mm wingspan. Colourful orange-brown butterfly, with yellow and black tiger stripes along leading edge of forewings, and bright blue spots around wing margins. Dark basal patch, especially on hindwings. Flies May to October, in two generations. Adults that have overwintered emerge between March and May. HABITAT Found in a variety of habitats, up to 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Flies early in spring and visits a wide range of flowers. NOTES Caterpillar is black with yellow longitudinal stripes, and feeds on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica).

2

Peacock

Aglais io, Syn. Inachis io

› Unmistakable markings › Defensive caterpillars

DESCRIPTION 50–60mm wingspan. Brownish red with four large, colourful eye-spots on upper side (peacock eyes). Wings are marbled very dark brown beneath. Flies June to October, in 1–2 generations. Adults that have overwintered emerge between March and May. HABITAT Very widespread in different habitats, including gardens, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Feeds on the nectar of a range of flowers, using its long proboscis. NOTES The dark black caterpillar is armed with long, tufted spines, and feeds on Common Nettle.

3

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

› Attractive migrant › Often travels in swarms

DESCRIPTION 45–50mm wingspan. Showy butterfly, bright yellow-orange and black above. Hindwing has a row of eye-spots on underside. Flies April to October. HABITAT Found in all open habitats and wanders to above 3,000m. BEHAVIOUR Migrates north each year from northern Africa and the Mediterranean region. In central Europe it breeds in 1–2 generations, which migrate south in the autumn. NOTES Caterpillars feed on thistles and Common Nettle.

4

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

› Solitary › Often feeds on windfall fruit in autumn

DESCRIPTION 50–60mm wingspan. Unmistakable, attractive butterfly with orange-red bands on the upper side. Wing-tips black with white spots. Flies June to November. May overwinter and be seen as early as April. HABITAT Varied, open habitats, including gardens, to above 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Migrates north from southern Europe in early summer, breeds in usually two generations, and migrates back south in autumn. Some hibernate, but many do not survive. NOTES Caterpillars feed mainly on Common Nettle.

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Insects

1

Yellow-spotted Ringlet Erebia manto

› Mountain butterfly › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION 35–45mm wingspan. Very variable dark brown butterfly with orange-red spots forming a band along the upper side of the forewing. Two larger orange spots have black dots within. Female usually with yellowish patches on underside of hindwing. Flies June to September. HABITAT Mountain meadows, alpine pastures and tall herb communities, between 1,000 and 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Adults visit flower-rich montane meadows. Caterpillars feed on a range of grasses. NOTES Most ringlet species live on high ground, and the various species are difficult to distinguish.

2

Large Blue

Maculinea arion

› Larvae raised by ants › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION 30–40mm wingspan. Large blue butterfly. Sexes differ. Male deep blue above with black spots on forewings. Female even more strongly marked and with larger spots. Flies June to August. HABITAT Flower-rich dry grassland, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Lays eggs on various species of thyme on which the larvae feed initially. The larvae are then gathered up by a species of red ant (Myrmica sabuleti), which mistake them for their own grubs and take them into their nest. NOTES The larvae fool the ants through chemical mimicry. Through winter, the butterfly larvae feed on the ant grubs, before pupating.

3

Thor’s Fritillary Boloria thore

› Rather dark › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION 38–46mm wingspan. Pretty orange-brown butterfly, darker above than most other fritillaries. Yellow patches form a band on the underside of hindwing. Flies June to August. HABITAT Damp, shady sites in the montane forest region, such as wooded meadows, tall herb communities, avalanche runs and vegetated banks of mountain streams, up to 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR Often found in sites with Bracken, brambles and Green Alder scrub. NOTES The larvae take two years to develop and overwinter twice.

4

Marsh Fritillary

Euphydryas aurinia

› Lowland and mountain forms › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION 30–45mm wingspan. Variable species. Contrasting orange and yellow patches above, often giving golden appearance. Underside of hindwing has pale spots with black centres. Flies May to August. HABITAT Meadows, pastures, low vegetation and fens, up to 2,500m. BEHAVIOUR Adult feeds at flower-rich, nutrient-poor meadows. Larval food plants are various species of gentian and scabious including Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis). NOTES There is a paler mountain form at high altitude.

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Insects

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Common Hawker Aeshna juncea

› Typical of moorland and bogs › Powerful flight

DESCRIPTION Body length 70–80mm. Large, powerful dragonfly. Abdomen background colour is chocolate brown, spotted yellow in female, and blue and yellow in adult male. Note broad stripes on side of thorax. Flight July to September. HABITAT Raised bogs and other mires, up to 2,400m. Also seen on lakes and ponds. BEHAVIOUR Larvae live underwater for 2–4 years. Males defend territories and patrol tirelessly along the bank and over the water. NOTES Larvae moult 13–18 times before developing into the adult insect.

2

Azure Hawker Aeshna caerulea

› Medium-sized hawker › Often sunbathes

DESCRIPTION Body length 55–65mm. Male bright blue. Abdomen black with large blue spots, brown with yellow or pale blue spots in female. Flies July to September. HABITAT Small moorland pools, between 1,000 and 2,600m. BEHAVIOUR Development of the aquatic larvae takes 3–5 years. Adults sunbathe for long periods on pale logs or stones. Males patrol along banks at low height. NOTES At temperatures below 16°C the spots on the abdomen of the male are grey.

3

White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia dubia

› Moorland and bog species › Rests in thick vegetation

DESCRIPTION Body length 30–40mm. Small darter dragonfly with white face and dark body. Body black, with yellow spots (female and immature male) or with deep red spots (adult male). Flies April to September. HABITAT Fish-free, acid water bodies in raised and intermediate bogs, up to 2,300m. BEHAVIOUR Larvae live for 2–5 years underwater. Adults rest and hunt close to their breeding habitats and fly in a characteristically skittish manner. NOTES Females lay their eggs in sunny spots, typically among waterlogged vegetation, such as on bog moss (Sphagnum spp.) or between stems of cottongrasses (Eriophorum spp.).

4

Alpine Emerald

Somatochlora alpestris

› Alpine moorland and bog species › Several related species

DESCRIPTION Body length 45–50mm. Mediumsized dragonfly with shiny metallic green thorax and matt black abdomen only somewhat shiny at the base. Bright blue-green eyes. Pale, unbroken ring between 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments. Flies June to September. HABITAT Still pools in raised and intermediate bogs, between 1,000 and 2,600m. BEHAVIOUR Larvae live for 2–5 years underwater. Males patrol low over the water and chase rivals. NOTES On sunny days the males may fly for kilometres searching for a mate.

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Insects

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Green Mountain Grasshopper Miramella alpina

› Does not ‘sing’ › Crunching sounds from mandibles

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–30mm. Shiny green grasshopper with conspicuous black stripe on the pronotum and bright red underside to femur. Stubby wings about the same length as the pronotum. Adults from June to September. HABITAT Cool, damp habitats with dense vegetation near water, woodland edge and on alpine meadows, between 1,000 and 2,800m. BEHAVIOUR Herbivorous. Often occurs in large numbers in patches of butterbur (Petasites spp.) and causes considerable damage to the leaves. NOTES Males make rhythmic movements with their hindlegs when displaying.

2

Rattle Grasshopper Psophus stridulus

› Male has red wings › Snarls on take-off

DESCRIPTION Body length 23–40mm. Large grasshopper with tall, ridged pronotum. Flightless female is larger and yellow-brown or grey. Male dark brown or mainly black. When the male flies, the bright red hindwings are visible. Adults from July to October. HABITAT Dry, stony alpine pastures and grassland to above 2,000m. BEHAVIOUR As the female is flightless, the species is very localised and slow to colonise new habitats. NOTES In flight, the male generates a snarling sound with the hindwings.

3

Club-legged Grasshopper Gomphocerus sibiricus

› High mountain species › Loud call, flies well

DESCRIPTION Body length 18–25mm. Colour variable. Antennae club-shaped at the tips. Note the club-like swollen tibia on the front legs. Adults from July to September. HABITAT Dry, stony sites, alpine pastures and alpenrose scrub, between 1,000 and 2,900m. BEHAVIOUR Herbivorous. In the mating season produces a loud, creaking call, lasting about 20 seconds (trair… trair…). NOTES During courtship the males perform unusual rocking movements.

4

Wart-biter

Decticus verrucivorus

› Long antennae › Hunts other insects

DESCRIPTION Body length 25–45mm. Large, powerful bush-cricket with short wings, variable, contrasting coloration, and dark patches on the forewings. Pronotum with continuous central keel. Female has long, sabre-shaped ovipositor. Adults from June to October. HABITAT Mountain meadows, alpine pastures, heathland and damp meadows, up to 2,600m. BEHAVIOUR Hunts mainly other insects. ‘Sings’ in sunny conditions – a series of sharp zick sounds. NOTES The name alludes to the eighteenthcentury practice of allowing this bush-cricket to nibble at warts and remove them.

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Insects

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Alpine Longhorn Beetle Rosalia alpina

› Unique coloration › In old Beech woods

DESCRIPTION Body length 15–38mm. Very large matte pale blue longhorn beetle with black patches. Antennae blue and black; in male almost twice as long as the body, in female about body length. Flies July to September. HABITAT Near-natural open Beech woods in alpine foothills and mountains to about 1,500m. BEHAVIOUR Adults may be spotted on Beech trees and on piles of Beech wood, especially in sunny weather. They lay their eggs in rotten Beech wood. The larvae take 3–4 years to mature. NOTES Flies poorly. Threatened with extinction in many areas.

2

Mountain Weevil Liparus glabrirostris

› Largest native weevil › Flightless

DESCRIPTION Body length 14–19mm. Large, shiny black weevil with yellowish patches on abdomen and bands at the sides of the pronotum. May be spotted from May to July. HABITAT In bank vegetation of montane streams and rivers, and other damp sites with stands of butterburs. BEHAVIOUR The larvae feed on the rootstocks of butterburs (Petasites spp.). Adults feed on the leaves of Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and butterburs. NOTES Mountain Weevil and its very similar close relative Liparus germanus are both flightless.

3

Red Wood Ant Formica rufa

› Sprays formic acid › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION Body length 4–11mm. Large ant with dark brown head and abdomen, and red on the rest of the body. Active throughout the year. Builds conspicuous large nests on the ground.   HABITAT Open woods and woodland margins.  BEHAVIOUR Each colony, with up to 400,000 workers, functions as a single social unit. The queens (which number between one and sometimes more than 100), are responsible for reproduction. Male ants are reproductive and winged. Busy, wingless workers build nests, rear young and collect food.   NOTES Nests can be over a metre tall and are built using needles and twigs. Inside they contain many tunnels and chambers.

4

Snow Flea

Boreus westwoodi

› Remarkable beak › Lives in snow

DESCRIPTION Body length 3–4mm. Tiny, shiny metallic green insect, related to scorpion flies and not a flea. Head has yellow beak with brown tip. Flightless. Female has a yellow ovipositor. Male has stubby sickle-shaped wings. May be spotted from October to March. HABITAT Open woods; may be seen at up to 3,800m. BEHAVIOUR Tiny insect, often active even on the surface of snow. NOTES Jumps well using powerful hindlegs. The closely related Boreus hyemalis has a dark brown beak.

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Plants

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Ferns, mosses and simple plants

1

Map Lichen

Rhizocarpon geographicum

› Checked black and yellow › Characteristic species of silicious rocks

DESCRIPTION Crusty lichens (Rhizocarpaceae). Height to 5mm. Yellow or greenish-yellow crust-forming lichen that covers wide areas of rock. Small, sharp-edged areas, often separated by black patches. The edges of the patches bear black fruiting bodies. Large patches often look rather like maps. HABITAT Sunny areas on silicious rocks such as gneiss or granite, up to 4,000m. NOTES Symbiosis of an alga and a fungus. Grows very slowly and may reach over 1,000 years old.

2

Iceland Moss

Cetraria islandica

› Fine-toothed patches › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Lichens (Parmeliaceae). Height to 10cm. Leafy lichen with grey-green, brown or dark brown lobes. The upright, branched lobes are regularly toothed and often flecked white beneath. Very variable in colour; much paler in shady sites. HABITAT Found on poor soils in mires, dry grassland, dwarf shrub heath and open woodland, up to 2,400m. NOTES Used in medicine in pastilles and herbal tea to treat colds.

3

Alpine Reindeer-lichen Cladonia stellaris

› Forms loose patches › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION Lichens (Parmeliaceae). Height to 10cm. Upright, dense and regularly branching. Yellow or yellow-grey. Branches are rounded and hollow with no central stem. Often forms loose spongy patches. HABITAT Grows on acid, nutrient-poor soils mostly above the treeline in dwarf shrub heath, raised bogs and scree, up to 3,000m. NOTES Rare in the Alps, but widespread in the tundra and northern forests of Scandinavia.

4

Beard lichens Usnea spec.

› Trails from trees › Several very similar species

DESCRIPTION Lichens (Parmeliaceae). Length to 30cm. Feathery, beard-like lichen that angles from the trunks or branches of trees. Yellow-green to silver-grey threads dangle, net-like, from a branching central stem. The outer layer of the main branch tears open when stretched, revealing a tough, white central strand. HABITAT Found in wet or misty montane forest, more rarely on trees and rocks in the open, up to 3,300m. NOTES Beard lichens are indicators of good air quality and are also of medicinal interest as they contain the antibiotic compound usnic acid.

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Ferns, mosses and simple plants

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Bog moss

Sphagnum spp.

› Star-shaped › Forms peat in raised bogs › Many similar species

DESCRIPTION Bog mosses (Sphagnaceae). Height to 15cm. Unmistakable appearance, often in thick cushions. Individual branches with rather palm-like crown, with many whorls of side-branches below. Green, red or brownish, depending on the species. HABITAT On wet, peaty soils in raised bogs, in wet flushes, marshy meadows and damp woodland, up to 2,300m. NOTES Bog mosses can hold up to 20 times their own weight in water and play a central role in peat development in raised bogs. They grow only at the tip, while the lower parts die. In wet, acid and oxygen-poor soil the decaying parts gradually form peat under increasing pressure. In central Europe, mires create about 1mm of peat each year.

2

Interrupted Clubmoss Lycopodium annotinum

› Creeping rhizomes › Evergreen, needle-like leaves › Sessile cones

DESCRIPTION Clubmosses (Lycopodiaceae). Height to 30cm. Moss-like plant with creeping shoots and upright branches. The narrowly lance-shaped leaves, 3–10mm long, stiff and finely pointed, are spirally arranged. Cone-like sporangia are sessile and up to 3cm long, at the tip of the branch. HABITAT On shady, damp, acid, humus-rich soils in coniferous forest, dwarf shrub heath and Green Alder scrub, up to 2,800m. NOTES In the similar Stag’shorn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) the cones are in groups of 2–3, on long stalks, and the leaves have white hair-points. Clubmosses are among the most ancient of plants and dominated many environments more than 320 million years ago.

3

Fir Clubmoss Huperzia selago

› Upright stems only › Evergreen › Calcifuge and poisonous

DESCRIPTION Clubmosses (Lycopodiaceae). Height to 25cm. Curved, upright forked stems, not creeping. Leaves to 8mm long, needle-like, and finely pointed, whorled or spirally arranged. Sporophylls in leaf axils. Sporangia ripen from July to September. HABITAT Shady sites with high humidity on damp, acid soils in coniferous forest, dwarf shrub heath, glacier scrub and rocky sites, up to 3,100m. NOTES Formerly used as a laxative, an emetic and to treat worms, but no longer recommended. Contains various alkaloids such as selagin. Very poisonous and may cause symptoms such as dizziness and unconsciousness.

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Ferns, mosses and simple plants

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Variegated Horsetail Equisetum variegatum

› Often unbranched stem › Pointed sporangia cones

DESCRIPTION Horsetails (Equisetaceae). Height to 30cm. Stems branched at base or unbranched, 2–3mm wide, some fertile. As in all horsetails, the stem is hollow and jointed. Stem-sheath with 4–10 teeth and black band at base. Cones terminal and pointed, ripening from May to August. HABITAT Grows on gravelly and sandy soils on banks of streams and rivers, on flushes and in calcareous fens, up to 2,100m. NOTES Variegated Horsetail is often one of the first plants to colonise bare sites such as gravel of riverbeds.

2

Wood Horsetail

Equisetum sylvaticum

› Branches whorled and further branched › Poisonous

DESCRIPTION Horsetails (Equisetaceae). Height to 80cm. Graceful plant with well differentiated fertile and sterile stems, the latter with drooping branches that are further branched. Fertile stems to 50cm tall at first pale and unbranched, later turning green with whorled branches. Stem-sheath bell-shaped with 3–6 teeth. Spores ripen in April and May. HABITAT On acid, moist soils in woods, pastures and mires to 1,900m. NOTES The green sterile stems and the (at first brownish) fertile stems develop together in spring.

3

Bracken

Pteridium aquilinum

› Largest native fern › Forms extensive stands

DESCRIPTION Bracken family (Dennstaedtiaceae). Height to 3m. Perennial fern with long stalked leaves with triangular shape. These are two/three-pinnate and mostly densely hairy beneath. Fronds emerge from creeping underground branching shoots. Sporangia on the underside of the leaves and partly covered by inrolled leaf margins. Spores ripen from July to September. HABITAT On acid, humus soils in open woodland, clearings and at forest edges, up to 2,100m. NOTES Poisonous and avoided by livestock; not welcomed by alpine farmers. May live for more than 1,000 years.

4

Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas

› Funnel-shaped growth › Poisonous rootstock

DESCRIPTION Buckler-ferns (Dryopteridaceae). Height to 120cm. Grows in rosettes. Fronds narrowly lance-shaped. Leaves two-pinnate, soft, with finely saw-toothed pinnules. Petiole covered in pale brown scales. Sori (groups of tiny sporangia) in two rows on the underside of the leaves, with kidney-shaped covering (indusium). Ripening July to September. HABITAT Damp, fertile soils in woods, tall herb communities and pastures, up to 2,400m. NOTES The rootstock contains medicinally active substances, earlier used to treat cases of tapeworm.

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Ferns, mosses and simple plants

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Holly-fern

Polystichum lonchitis

› Evergreen › Simply pinnate

DESCRIPTION Buckler-fern family (Dryopteridaceae). Height to 50cm. Perennial fern with rigid, narrowly lance-shaped, single-pinnate leaves. Leathery dark green fronds emerge from a rosette. Individual pinnules upturned and with toothed margins. Sori in two rows on the undersides of the leaves, with a rounded indusium. Ripening July to September. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in montane forest and rocky sites, up to 2,700m. NOTES One of the highest-altitude ferns, found for example at the Morteratsch Glacier (Switzerland) even at 2,700m.

2

Moonwort

Botrychium lunaria

› Leaflets moon-shaped › Indicator of poor soils

DESCRIPTION Adder’s-tongue family (Ophioglossaceae). Height to 25cm. This fern produces only a single frond each year. Frond consists of a long-stalked, panicle-like fertile blade and a pinnate sterile leaf with 3–9 pairs of fan-shaped shiny leaflets. Spores ripen May to August. HABITAT Grows on nutrient-poor soils in meadows and pastures, up to 3,100m. NOTES Intolerant of fertilised soil and has therefore become rarer in many places.

3

Hard-fern 

Blechnum spicant

› Two types of fronds › Likes shade and damp

DESCRIPTION Hard-fern family (Blechnaceae). Height to 75cm. Two frond types. Leaves narrow and lance-shaped, and simply pinnate. Evergreen sterile fronds form a rosette at the base. Short-stemmed, dark green, shiny and leathery. Fertile, spore-bearing leaves grow in the centre of the rosette and are upright, paler and long-stalked. Spores ripen July to September. HABITAT Poor, acid soils in woods and dwarf shrub heaths, up to 2,100m. NOTES Attractive shade plant for gardens.

4

Green Spleenwort Asplenium viride

› Grows in crevices › Only on calcareous substrates

DESCRIPTION Spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). Height to 15cm. Narrowly lance-shaped, simply pinnate with fronds to 25cm. Petiole and leaf both green. Frond has 10–30 short triangular leaflets on each side. These wither on the stem in autumn. Has 4–8 elongated sori (sporangia) on each leaflet. Spores ripen July to August. HABITAT Damp, shady, calcareous sites on rocks, cliffs and walls, up to 3,100m. NOTES In the similar Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) the petiole and rachis are dark brown.

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Trees and shrubs

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European Larch Larix decidua

› Slim conifer › Deciduous › Lives to 800 years

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 40m. Deciduous conifer. Pale green soft needles are arranged in clusters. In autumn they turn golden-yellow and eventually fall. All other alpine conifers are evergreen. Male and female flowers on the same branch. Ripe cones are oval, 2–4cm long. Flowers from April to June. HABITAT Montane forest on rich, fresh soils. In the eastern Alps forms the treeline with Arolla Pine (Pinus cembra) and reaches 2,500m. NOTES A fast-growing species often planted at lower levels. The wood is very hardy and is often used outdoors, for example to build terraces. Dropping their leaves helps them withstand autumn and winter storms.

2

Norway Spruce  Picea abies

› Evergreen, with drooping cones › Spruce prickles, Fir tickles

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 60m. Familiar, Christmas tree-shaped conifer with pointed crown and pointed, four-cornered needles. Ripe cones 10–15cm long, drooping down on the branches, falling entire. Male and female cones pendulous. Monoecious. Flowers May to June. HABITAT A mountain tree, abundant at around 800m and climbing up to 2,200m. Much planted at lower altitudes. NOTES Fast-growing and the most important timber species, used for building material, paper and for musical instruments. At high altitudes, the trees are slimmer, with a narrower crown and drooping side-branches. This helps reduce snow build-up.

3

Silver Fir Abies alba

› Evergreen, with erect cones › Lives to 600 years › Good timber wood

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 50m. Dark green conifer with broad crown, especially in older trees. Needles flat and rather short, arranged in two rows and banded white on underside. Cones 8–12cm long, upright, disintegrating on the tree when ripe. Monoecious. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Grows on rich, fresh to moist soils, common in montane forest, often with Beech and Norway Spruce, up to 1,700m. NOTES The taproot grows deep into the soil so Silver Fir is better able to withstand storms than the rather shallow-rooted Norway Spruce. They are also susceptible to grazing, and Roe Deer and Red Deer feed on the soft cones. Shade-tolerant. Young trees thrive for decades in the undergrowth, then grow rapidly upwards when a gap appears.

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Trees and shrubs

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Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

› Pioneer tree › Broad-crowned › Timber tree

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 40m. Broad-crowned evergreen conifer with red-brown bark, especially towards the top. Needles stiff, to 7cm long, paired, blue-grey on the inside. Cones 3–6cm long, rounded and drooping. Flowers April to May. HABITAT Prefers open sites, drought-tolerant and also grows on barren soil. NOTES Wood is light, durable and resinous. Used for example for windows, doors and furniture. The high resin content makes it at risk of forest fires. Anchored well by a taproot of up to 5m long.

2

Arolla Pine

Pinus cembra

› High mountain tree › Often contorted › Lives to 1,000 years

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 25m. Evergeen conifer with broad, conical crown. Needles to 8cm long, stiff, three angles, in clusters of five. Cones 5–8cm long, oval, and mostly upright on the branches. Seeds thick and up to 14mm long. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Grows above about 1,300m and in the Alps upwards to 2,800m. In the dry valleys of the central Alps, it forms the upper limit of trees, along with European Larch (Larix decidua). NOTES Slow-growing and therefore uncompetitive at lower altitudes with Norway Spruce (Picea abies). The seeds form the staple food of the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), which also assists the dispersal of this conifer.

3

Dwarf Mountain Pine Pinus mugo

› Plant of subalpine woody scrub › Low-growing › Tough and undemanding

DESCRIPTION Pine family (Pinaceae). Height to 5m maximal. Low-growing and shrub-like conifer with upright branches and dark bark. Needles 3–5cm long, dark green, pared. Cones to 5cm long. Flowers June and July. HABITAT Dominant in subalpine scrub, also on raised bogs, up to 2,300m. NOTES This low-growing subspecies of the Mountain Pine (Pinus mugo agg.) is beautifully adapted to withstand the winter snow. Its low, shrub-like habit enables it to withstand even avalanches without lasting damage. The extensive roots help to stabilise loose substrates.

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Trees and shrubs

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Sycamore

Acer pseudoplatanus

› Gnarled tree of alpine meadows › Yellow-gold in autumn › Two-winged fruit

DESCRIPTION Maple family (Aceraceae). Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with five-lobed leaves up to 20cm. Lobes blunt or pointed, but less sharply pointed than those of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Flowers yellow-green in drooping inflorescence up to 15cm long. Flowers April and May. HABITAT Fresh, rich soils with high humidity. Does not form pure stands but found in mixed forest up to 1,600m. NOTES Valuable timber, used for furniture, benches, flooring and for musical instruments. Long-lived tree, may reach 500 years. Often occurs as large individual trees in alpine pastures, where they have provided protection for livestock from rain and snow over the centuries.

2

Beech

Fagus sylvatica

› Commonest deciduous tree › Triangular fruit › Valued for furniture

DESCRIPTION Beech family (Fagaceae). Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with mostly shiny grey bark and oval leaves that are softly hairy when young. The triangular fruits are enclosed in a glossy brown sheath covered in stiff, narrow scales. Flowers in April and May. HABITAT Originally the dominant tree over much of Europe, from the lowlands up to mid-altitude. Now much reduced through replacement with plantations of Norway Spruce (Picea abies). Grows to 1,600m. NOTES Very competitive, with high shade-tolerance, growing even when only one-sixth of daylight reaches the forest floor. Often stocky and much-branched at high altitudes. Beech nuts are very nutritious, containing up to a quarter oil, and are eaten by many animals.

3

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia

› Shrub or small tree › Inflorescence with 200–300 flowers › Bright red berries

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 15m. Deciduous tree with pinnate leaves with 5–9 toothed leaflets. White, many-flowered inflorescence. Fruits bright red, rounded, about 1cm across. Flowers May and June. HABITAT Grows in open woods, over dwarf shrubs and on rocky slopes, up to 2,400m. NOTES The berries were once used as bait to snare birds, and many wild birds and small mammals depend on the vitamin-rich fruits to see them through the winter, especially after the first frosts. The berries are mildly poisonous to humans in the raw state, but palatable after cooking.

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Trees and shrubs

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Alpine Clematis Clematis alpina

› Poisonous climber › Feathery fruits

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 3m. Clambering shrub with woody stem and leaves divided into saw-toothed lobes. Flowers are violet or blue, 6–9cm across, individual and stalked. Between the four petals and the stamens are 10–20 white petaloid stamens. Flowers May to July. HABITAT On calcareous soils in shrubby habitats, coniferous woods and on rocky ground, up to 2,400m. NOTES Clambers over other shrubs, using tendrils that give good support.

2

Heather

Calluna vulgaris

› Slow-growing › Light-loving

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height 10–90cm. Evergreen dwarf shrub with tiny overlapping leaves in four rows. Flowers four-petalled, about 4mm long, pink or violet, in dense, raceme-like inflorescence. Flowers July to October. HABITAT On poor, acid soils in woods, heath, raised bogs, and on poor pastures, up to 2,600m. NOTES The flexible stems were once used to make brooms. Late-flowering and often a nectar source for honeybees, small butterflies and other insects.

3

Spring Heath Erica carnea

› Creeping dwarf shrub › Flowers early, also in snow

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height 15–30cm. Evergreen dwarf shrub with needle leaves, to 1cm long, in whorls of four, with in-rolled margins. Attractive pink flowers in drooping clusters. The brownish-red anthers extend about 5mm out of the belllike flowers. Flowers February to March. HABITAT Calcareous pine woods, Mountain Pine scrub and rocky sites to above 2,600m. NOTES Spring Heath originated in the Mediterranean region. The buds are already well developed in the previous autumn, so the plant can flower very early.

4

Striped Daphne Daphne striata

› Lilac-scented › Very poisonous

DESCRIPTION Daphne family (Thymeleaceae). Height to 30cm. Evergreen dwarf shrub with narrowly oval leathery leaves, to 25mm long, clustered at the ends of shoots. Flowers of four fused sepals; lacks petals. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Calcicole plant grows in open coniferous forests, Mountain Pine scrub, dwarf shrub heaths and rocky sites, up to 2,700m. NOTES Flowers pollinated by butterflies and other insects. All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous and may even be fatal.

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Trees and shrubs

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Alpine Rose

Rosa pendulina

› Compact, deciduous shrub › Flask-shaped hips › Spreads to form colonies

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 2m. Leaves 7–9 divided, on flowering stems. Leaflets oval to rounded, double-toothed. Flowering stems mostly prickle-free, lower shoots with thin, straight prickles. Flowers five-petalled, pink to purple, about 4cm across. Petals rounded; sepals entire. Fruits, dangling, egg- or flask-shaped, brink-red (hips), ripening in September. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Grows on poor, stony loam soils in tall herb communities, montane woods, subalpine scrub and on rocky slopes, up to 2,600m. NOTES Highest-growing wild rose in the Alps. The flask-shaped hips are distinctive, although hybrids do occur. Very ancient medicinal plant. Fruits are rich in vitamin C.

2

Mountain Bearberry Arctostaphylos alpina

› Deciduous dwarf shrub › Red autumn colour › Only in high mountains

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 20cm. Creeping dwarf shrub with sparsely branching mat-like growth. Leaves thin and oval with hairy-toothed margins. Flowers pink or greenish-white, flask-shaped, borne in terminal clusters. Fruits cherry-sized, shiny, green, later turning red, then dark blue. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils with long snow cover, in open Mountain Pine and dwarf shrub habitats, between 1,800 and 2,600m. NOTES Leaves turn glowing red and persist until the following spring. Fruits inedible to humans but valued by thrushes, Ravens, Ptarmigans and Black Grouse.

3

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

› Evergreen trailing shrub › Medicinal and garden plant › High tannin content

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 20cm. Low-growing dwarf shrub with mat-like habit. Leaves leathery and coarse, oval, glabrous and entire, to 3cm long. Shiny olive-green above, matte beneath. Flowers bellshaped, white and pink-tipped, borne in drooping 3–10 flowered terminal clusters. Ripe fruits red. Flowers March to July. HABITAT Dry, stony-loamy, calcareous soils in open pine woods, Mountain Pine scrub, dwarf shrub heaths and in rock crevices, up to 2,800m. NOTES Bearberry can live to 100 years old and root down to 1m. The seeds are dispersed by berry-eating birds such as Ptarmigans, Nutcrackers and Fieldfares.

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Trees and shrubs

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Bog Bilberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

› Evergreen dwarf shrub › Flesh and juice of fruit pale › Leaves with blue-green bloom

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 50cm. Much-branched shrub with entire, oval leaves, blue-green above and grey-green beneath. Flowers white or pink, bell-shaped and drooping, in the axils of the upper leaves. Fruits blue with pale flesh and juice (dark in Bilberry). Flowers May to July. HABITAT Acid, damp soils in mires, boggy woods and dwarf shrub heath, up to 3,000m. NOTES Eating too many berries may lead to nausea, headaches, vomiting and dizziness. This is caused if the berries are infected with the fungus Sclerotinia megalospora. The leaves are the larval food plant of the Moorland Clouded Yellow.

2

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

› Much-branched dwarf shrub › Popular wild fruit › Flesh and juice of fruit dark

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 50cm. Evergreen dwarf shrub with angled green branches. Leaves elongate and oval, finely saw-toothed and pointed. Flowers rounded, greenish or pink, solitary in leaf axils. Corolla with 4–5 reflexed tips. Fruit round, blue-black with dark juice and flesh. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Acid sites in conifer woods, mires and dwarf shrub heath, up to 2,600m. NOTES The tasty fruits may be eaten raw, or made into jam or juice. Bilberries are rich in sugar and vitamins, and contain tannins. Eaten fresh they tend to be laxative and are also an ancient remedy for diarrhoea. The berries are also an important autumn food for Black Grouse and Capercaillie.

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Cowberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

› Upright, leathery shrub › Sour-tasting fruit › Evergreen

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 30cm. Evergreen dwarf shrub with leathery leaves to 3cm long. Leaves oval, alternate, with thick reflexed margins. Shiny and dark green above, paler than those of Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and with dark spots. Flowers mostly four-lobed, bell-shaped, white or pale pink, in drooping clusters at the ends of the twigs. Berry round and red. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Acid, humus-rich soils in montane forests, mires and dwarf shrub heaths, up to 2,700m. NOTES The red berries ripen from September and often remain through the winter. Eaten by many birds, which help to disperse the seeds. The berries are rich in vitamins and are often used to make jam.

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Trees and shrubs

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Alpenrose

Rhododendron ferrugineum

› Calcifuge shrub › Rusty-brown leaf undersides › Famous alpine flower

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 1m. Evergreen shrub with oval or lance-shaped leathery, smooth leaves, reflexed at margin. Leaves shiny green above, rusty brown beneath. Flowers bright red, funnel-shaped, in clusters of 6–12 at the ends of twigs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Acid, humus-rich soils in open coniferous woods, alpine pastures and in dwarf shrub heath, between 1,500 and 2,600m. NOTES Often colours whole mountain sides bright red. Slow-growing, with stems to 2cm thick. May reach 100 years old. Only grows on limestone substrates if the overlying soil has acid drainage.

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Hairy Alpenrose

Rhododendron hirsutum

› Calcicole dwarf shrub › Hairy-edged leaves › Poisonous

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 1m. Evergreen dwarf shrub with oval or lance-shaped leathery leaves, green on both sides, with a hairy, flat margin. Flowers 6–12-lobed, funnel-shaped, pale pink, in umbellike clusters at the end of twigs. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in Dwarf Mountain Pine scrub, dwarf shrub heath, open pinewoods and on rocky slopes, between 1,200 and 2,500m. NOTES Both Alpenrose and Hairy Alpenrose are frostsensitive plants and can only survive winter beneath a protective layer of snow. The sap, fruits, leaves and shoots of both species contain the compound andromedotoxin and are very poisonous.

3

Dwarf Alpenrose

Rhodothamnus chamaecistus

› Dainty dwarf shrub › Calcicole › Lives to 40 years

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 30cm. Branching evergreen dwarf shrub with pale pink flowers and leathery, lanceshaped leaves, finely saw-toothed and hairy at the margins. Leaves shiny and up to 15mm long. Flowers in groups of 1–3 at the ends of twigs. Unlike those of Hairy Alpenrose, the flowers spread out in the shape of a wheel, and have no corolla tube. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Stony, loamy, calcareous soils in rocky sites, boulder fields, Mountain Pine scrub and dwarf shrub heaths, between 1,200 and 2,400m. Eastern alpine species, found west to the Allgäu. NOTES Develops buds in autumn. Mainly pollinated by bees, but some also self-pollinated. Relict species from the Tertiary alpine flora. Endemic to the eastern Alps.

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Trees and shrubs

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Trailing Azalea

Kalmia procumbens, Syn. Loiseleuria procumbens

› Much-branched shrub › Pioneer on bare rocky sites › Lives for over 50 years

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 5cm. Low-growing, mat-forming evergreen dwarf shrub with branches to 45cm long. Leaves oval, leathery, only 4–7mm long, shiny above, with folded edge. Flowers bell-shaped, five-lobed, in terminal clusters of 2–5. Sepals dark red, corolla pink. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Dry, acid, humusrich soils in dwarf shrub heaths, rocky sites and exposed ridges, between 1,500 and 3,000m. NOTES Trailing Azalea is a consummate survivor, able to withstand drought, wind and extreme temperatures (between −40°C and 50°C) thanks to its low, mat-like habit. Important pioneer plant, adding humus to bare rocky sites.

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Mountain Crowberry

Empetrum hermaphroditum

› Low-growing shrub › Needle-like leaves › Dispersed by birds

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 20cm. Evergreen, mat-forming shrub with needle leaves. Leaves narrowly oval, 5mm long and 1.5–2mm wide with rolled margins. Flowers only 2–3mm long, solitary in leaf axils, red, three-lobed and mostly hermaphrodite. Fruits berry-like, blue-black. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Nutrient-poor acid soils in dwarf shrub heath and Alpine Sedge communities, between 1,700 and 3,000m. NOTES The fruits are eaten by many birds, including corvids, Black Grouse and Ptarmigan. The seeds pass unharmed through the birds, which thereby help to disperse the plants. The closely related Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) is usually dioecious (male and female flowers growing on separate plants) and grows on peat bogs. It can live for more than 80 years.

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Green Alder

Alnus alnobetula, Syn. Alnus viridis

› Richly branching shrub › Protects against avalanches

DESCRIPTION Birch family (Betulaceae). Height to 3m. Shrub with smooth grey-brown bark. Leaves oval, 5–8cm long, double saw-toothed and pointed, dark above and pale green beneath, with 5–7 pairs of lateral veins. Male catkins to 6cm long. Female inflorescences are cone-like, about 1cm long, appearing with the leaves. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Wet, loamy soils on stony slopes, stream banks, woodland edges, and in avalanche sites and rubble, up to 2,200m. NOTES Green Alder often forms closed stands in the subalpine woody scrub on north-facing slopes. They help stabilise the soil with their branching roots and runners. In winter their pliable branches hold back the snow and thus help reduce the risk of avalanches. The buds provide vital winter food for Black Grouse.

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Trees and shrubs

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Dwarf Willow Salix herbacea

› Deciduous › Spreads by rhizomes › ‘World’s smallest tree’

DESCRIPTION Willow family (Salicaceae). Height to 8cm. Low-growing, spreading shrub with underground creeping rhizomes and rooting branches. Stems above ground only 2–8cm long, with leaves to 3cm long, round, finely saw-toothed and shiny green on both sides. Inflorescence is inconspicuous. Anthers at first violet, later yellow. Fruiting catkins at first green, and later brownish-red. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Damp, acid soils in snowy valleys, rocky sites and alpine swards, between 1,800 and 3,300m. NOTES With most of its growth below ground, Dwarf Willow is extremely well adapted to the extreme climate of the high mountains. Dubbed ‘world’s smallest tree’ by Carl von Linné, the founder of biological systematics.

2

Net-leaved Willow Salix reticulata

› Low-growing dwarf shrub › Net-veined leaves › Survives under snow for nine months

DESCRIPTION Willow family (Salicaceae). Height to 10cm. Deciduous spreading shrub with trailing, rooting branches. Leaves oval to circular, to 4cm long, shiny dark green above, densely hairy below, with net-like veins. Flowers produced with the leaves. Fruits softly hairy. Female catkins 1.5–2cm long, male catkins to 3cm long. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Calcareous humus soils in snowy valleys, rocky sites and open grassland, between 1,400 and 3,000m. NOTES Grows extremely slowly; annual rings may be as narrow as 0.1mm. May grow for 40 years. As in the other low-growing high mountain willows, the catkins are borne on short terminal shoots.

3

Blunt-leaved Willow Salix retusa

› Deciduous dwarf shrub › Turns yellow in autumn › Smells like valerian in autumn

DESCRIPTION Willow family (Salicaceae). Height to 10cm. Grows close to the ground and roots freely. Leaves obovate, to 3cm long, smooth, entire, shiny green on both sides and often lobed, with 4–6 lateral veins. Flowers appear with the leaves. Dioecious. Catkins to 2cm long. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Calcareous humus soils on stony pastures, rocky sites and in snowy valleys, between 1,400 and 2,600m. NOTES Since Blunt-leaved Willow also regenerates from broken branches, it can recolonise quickly after avalanches. Very similar to Thyme-leaved Willow (Salix serpyllifolia), which has leaves less than 8mm long, with 3–4 lateral veins.

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Flowers and grasses

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Mat Grass

Nardus stricta

› Unobtrusive inflorescence › Stiff stem and leaves › On acid soils

DESCRIPTION Grass family (Poaceae). Height to 30cm. Forms thick clumps with stiff stems and basal leaves. Leaves grey-green, stiff, pointed, bristle-like and tightly rolled. Inflorescence is a slim, one-sided spike, about 10cm long. Spikelets single-flowered, at first grey, later yellow. Lemmas violet and 8–10mm long, including the awn. When ripe, the spikelets stick out like a comb. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Poor, acid soils in mountain meadows and alpine pastures to 2,900m. Characteristic species of mat grass swards. NOTES Well adapted to dry habitats with its rough protective leaves. Livestock tend to avoid eating it, though they sometimes pull it up in bunches.

2

Alpine Meadow Grass Poa alpina

› Pyramidal panicles › Proliferous › Characteristic species of certain alpine pastures

DESCRIPTION Grass family (Poaceae). Height to 50cm. Clump-forming grass with stems thickened at base. Leaves 2–5mm wide, green or blue-green, smooth. Upper leaves with a 4mm-long fringed ligule. Lower branches of the pyramidal or oval spike often spreading. Spikelets 5–10-flowered, mostly tinged violet. Flowers May to September. HABITAT Damp, rich, calcareous soils in pastures, mat grass swards and snowy valleys, between 1,400 and 3,600m. NOTES Alpine Meadow Grass is a valuable food plant for livestock in the Alps. It reproduces viviparously, the spikelets developing into tiny plants formed from buds (not seeds). These later fall to the ground.

3

Blue Moor Grass Sesleria caerulea

› Stiff, spiky leaves › Pioneer plant on steep mountain slopes › Characteristic species of Blue Moor Grass and Evergreen Sedge swards

DESCRIPTION Grass family (Poaceae). Height to 50cm. Forms loose clumps. Bluish, deeply rooted grass. Stems surrounded at the base by old wilted sheaths (‘straw tunic’) about 5mm wide with a short, spiked tip. Spikelets with 2–4 flowers. Lemmas bluish or dark violet. Flowers March to August. HABITAT Poor, calcareous soils in stony sites and dry grassland, open woods and on rocky outcrops, up to 2,800m. NOTES Flowers in early spring. An indicator of poor, calcareous soils. Builds up humus and helps stabilise loose, stony habitats. Tough roots anchor the plant firmly in the soil. On steep, unstable slopes, swards of Blue Moor Grass often grow stepped.

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Flowers and grasses

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Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium

› Several cottony seedheads › Flower stalks smooth › Forms dense stands

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 60cm. Spreads by underground runners. Stem rounded. Seedheads soft and cottony. The channelled leaves narrow to a three-edged tip. Has 3–7 flowering spikes of uneven length, on smooth stems, arching over after flowering with familiar cottony hairs. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Wet, calcareous meadows, wet flushes and fens, up to 2,600m. NOTES The white cottony seedheads, formed from long filaments of the fruiting head, are typical of all cottongrasses. Common Cottongrass is easily confused with Broadleaved Cottongrass (Eriophorum latifolium). The latter has a shorter three-angled stem, broader, mostly flat leaves, rough spike stalks, and does not produce runners.

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White Cottongrass

Eriophorum scheuchzeri

› Spikes are solitary › Forms flat stands › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 40cm. Produces runners. Stem round. Single, terminal rounded spike. Basal and lower stem leaves are rush-like, and the upper stem sheath is not noticeably inflated. After flowering, the long filaments form a white woolly cluster. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Wet, peaty, acid soils, and banks of lakes and pools and edges of mires, between 1,500 and 2,700m. NOTES White Cottongrass sends out long underground runners which penetrate the shallow water of lakes and pools and thus contribute to the gradual silting up of water bodies. Often found in dense stands at the banks of high alpine lakes and pools. Along with all native cottongrasses, it is endangered by the loss of its wetland habitats.

3

Hare’s-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum

› Solitary woolly heads › Dense stands in mires › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 70cm. Grows densely. Stem smooth and triangular. Leaves bristle-like, grey-green. Inflorescence is a single, terminal oval spike. Does not spread by runners. Stem leaves with inflated basal sheaths, the upper leaf lacking leaf blade. After flowering, the long filaments form a white woolly cluster. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Wet, acid soils on peat in raised bogs, up to 2,400m. NOTES The impressive woolly heads are made up of many long hairs, which aid the aerial dispersal of the tiny fruits, comparable with those in dandelion ‘clocks’. Light as a feather, they can travel up to 10km, some reaching distant suitable habitats.

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Flowers and grasses

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Alpine Sedge Carex curvula

› Grows in dense stands › Characteristic species of Alpine Sedge association

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 30cm. Tussuck-forming sedge with smooth, triangular stem. Stems and leaves noticeably curved. Leaves 1–2mm wide and wither early in the upper third. Flowering heads are dark brown and consist of many densely packed spikelets. Male flowers at the top, female flowers below. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Acid, humus soils with short snow cover in alpine swards, between 1,800 and 3,400m. NOTES Spreads by means of rhizomes and forms extensive swards that look yellow or brown, even by high summer.

2

Rusty Sedge

Carex ferruginea

› Valuable for grazing › Characteristic species of Rusty Sedge association

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 60cm. Rhizomatous sedge with rounded stem. Leaf sheaths red-brown at base. Leaves are flat and limp, and only 1–2mm wide. Inflorescence red-brown, up to 15cm long with terminal male spike and 1–4, long-stemmed, drooping female spikes. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in alpine swards, screes, damp gullies and wet slopes, between 1,000 and 2,500m. NOTES Rusty Sedge communities are some of the most attractive alpine flowering meadows and are productive mountain pastures.

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Pillow Sedge Carex firma

› Coarse evergreen leaves › Characteristic species of Pillow Sedge communities

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 20cm. Grows as thick cushions. Stem is erect, smooth and triangular. Leaves stiff, 2–4mm wide, much shorter than the stem, and lie in flat rosette on the ground. Inflorescence with terminal male spike and 1–3 oval female spikes. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Dry, stony, calcareous soils, scree, rocky slopes and poor grassland to 2,900m. NOTES Pillow Sedge communities are robust and resistant to cold and may be found even on ridges and crests exposed to strong winds.

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Evergreen Sedge Carex sempervirens

› Pioneer plant of rocky sites › Often grows with Blue Moor Grass

DESCRIPTION Sedge family (Cyperaceae). Height to 40cm. Solid, clump-forming sedge with round stem. Yellow-brown feathery leaves at base, without red-brown leaf sheaths (compare Rusty Sedge). Leaves flat and limp, 2–3mm wide, and only half as long as the stem. Inflorescence with 1–4 long-stemmed, erect female spikes and a terminal male spike. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Dry, mainly calcareous soils on grassy, stony slopes, up to 3,100m. NOTES Pioneer plant on bare rock, often grows with Blue Moor Grass (Sesleria caerulea).

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Flowers and grasses

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Jacquin’s Rush Juncus jacquinii

› Terminal flower head › Three long, corkscrew-like stigmas › Indicator of damp habitats

DESCRIPTION Rush family (Juncaceae). Height to 30cm. Terminal flower heads. Stem has a single bract on the upper third, but well below the 5–12-flowered inflorescence. Basal leaves are thin and smooth, and taller than the flowering stems. Petals and fruit glossy dark brown. Anthers are bright yellow and the stigmas pink and corkscrew-like. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Acid, damp or waterlogged, stony soils in damp grassland, flushes and stream banks, between 1,600 and 3,000m. NOTES Jacquin’s Rush is virtually restricted to the Alps, and is one of the few alpine rush species with a terminal inflorescence. It is named in honour of the Austrian botanist Nicolas Joseph Freiherr von Jacquin (1727—1817).

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Alpine Woodrush Luzula alpinopilosa

› Drooping inflorescence › Forms dense clumps › On siliceous soils

DESCRIPTION Rush family (Juncaceae). Height to 50cm. Leaves blue-green, 2mm wide, sparsely hairy. Basal leaf sheaths brown, rarely red-brown. Bract shorter than the loose, drooping inflorescence. The latter with several upright spikes, with 2–5 flowered brown clusters. Tepals about 2mm long, brown with awned tip. Ripe fruit dark brown and spherical. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Wet, stony soils in snow hollows and avalanche gullies, also scree and poor grassland, between 1,600 and 3,300m. NOTES Often common and dominant in snow hollows. There are about a dozen other Luzula species in the Alps.

3

Yellow Woodrush Luzula lutea

› Golden-yellow flowers › Above the treeline › South-west European montane species

DESCRIPTION Rush family (Juncaceae). Height to 25cm. Forms loose clumps. Leaves 3–5mm wide, hairy only on sheath opening. Stem upright, round and smooth, leaf sheath redbrown. Nodding inflorescence consists of several unevenly long spikes, each with 6–10 flowers in clusters. Bracts about 3mm long and bright yellow. Ripe fruit is redbrown. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Loose, humus soils in alpine grassland and montane pastures, between 1,800 and 3,400m. NOTES Although the flowers are attractive, it does not depend on insects for pollination. Like all members of the genus, it is wind-pollinated. The similar Luzula luzulina has individual upright flowers.

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Flowers and grasses

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Alpine Dock Rumex alpinus

› Sturdy plant › Very large leaves, heartshaped at base › Pasture weed

DESCRIPTION Knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Height to 150cm. Perennial with furrowed stem, very large leaves, and a large inflorescence. Stalked basal leaves up to 50cm long and 35cm wide, mostly with wavy margin. Note the compact, rusty-brown, upright, branching inflorescence. The numerous, inconspicuous flowers are borne in terminal panicles. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, nutrient-rich soils such as fertilised meadows and pastures, near alpine huts, livestock resting places and stream sides, between 1,000 and 2,500m. NOTES Grows mainly on nitrogen-rich soils, such as those enriched by dung or fertiliser. Unpalatable to livestock and therefore a common weed in pastures.

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Buckler-leaved Sorrel Rumex scutatus

› Spear-shaped leaves › Rocky sites › ‘Roman salad’

DESCRIPTION Knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Height to 50cm. Stem upright, often branched in lower half. Note the stalked blue-grey or green spear-shaped leaves. Leaves to 5cm long and at most twice as long as broad. Inflorescence loose and panicle-like, consisting of many pinkish individual flowers. Dioecious. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Loose, stony and rocky soils, scree and river gravel, up to 2,700m. NOTES Prefers base-rich, open and sunny sites. Sends out long shoots in among loose debris and so is well suited to growing in sites with shifting substrates. Used as a wild edible plant since Roman times, and in some places naturalised from gardens.

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Mountain Sorrel Oxyria digyna

› Flowers with four tepals › Pioneer plant › Fruit lens-shaped

DESCRIPTION Knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Height to 30cm. Individual flowers inconspicuous, like those of docks (Rumex spp.) Basal leaves long-stalked, broader than long, rounded or kidney-shaped, often reddish at the margin. Stem unbranched and mostly leafless. Many greenish or pinkish flowers in loose, branching inflorescence. Flowers with four tepals – in contrast to those of dock species, which have six. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Loose, damp, acid, rocky soils, snow hollows, stony pastures, avalanche gullies and moraines, between 1,700 and 2,800m. NOTES A pioneer plant, it is able to colonise new moraine soils within a year of the ice retreating. The flowers are simple and undifferentiated into petals and sepals (tepals).

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Lady’s-mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris agg.

› Complex, aggregate species › Attractively lobed leaves › Wet leaves retain silvery drops

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 50cm. Sturdy plant with inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, usually in dense cluster in a paniculate inflorescence. Each flower has four tepals. Basal leaves fan-like, toothed at the margin, with 5–11 lobes. Flowers May to October. HABITAT Rich, damp soils in meadows, woods, scrub, flushes and ditches, up to 2,800m. NOTES Alchemilla vulgaris is an aggregate species, within which several species have been named, some being difficult to distinguish. In the morning, the leaves often have fine water droplets on the surface. Though this can be rain or dew retained on the waterproof leaves, sometimes it is the result of the process of guttation, whereby water is actively expelled at the leaf margins.

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Alpine Lady’s-mantle Alchemilla alpina

› Leaves shine silver beneath › Ancient herbal plant

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 30cm. Low-growing sterile shoots and inconspicuous yellow-green flowers. Basal leaves are 5–7-lobed, deeply divided almost to the base, toothed at the tips, with silvery hairs beneath. Flowers in clusters in a paniculate inflorescence, June to August. HABITAT Acid, humus-rich soils in Mat Grass swards, rock debris and crevices, and dwarf shrub heaths, up to 2,700m. NOTES Features in folk medicine as especially powerful. The tannin-rich leaves have been used to treat many conditions. Lady’s-mantle species can reproduce by apomixis, a process that produces viable seeds without fertilisation, resulting in similar species that are difficult to identify, though often with different ecological requirements.

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Alpine Plantain Plantago alpina

› Small, with cylindrical spikes › Long, narrow leaves › Valuable for grazing

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 15cm. Leaves linear-lance-shaped in basal rosettes, 6–20 times as long as broad, and narrowing towards the tip. Leaves with three veins, the outer veins closer to the margin than to the central vein. Flower stalk leafless, with pale brown spikes, up to 3cm long, containing many inconspicuous individual flowers. Corolla hairy on the outside, with four pale tips. Anthers yellow. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, humus, stony loam soils in alpine low swards and snow hollows, between 1,000 and 2,700m. NOTES Alpine Plantain is an important species for grazing livestock, which mostly eat the leaves and not the flowering stalks.

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Alpine Wormwood

Artemisia umbelliformis

› Silvery and aromatic › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Aromatic plant with grey felty hairs. Leaves stalked, 3–5-lobed. Flower heads yellowish, 3–20, oval, borne loosely and irregularly on stalk. Long-stalked lower down, sessile above. Inner bracts with brown margins. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Rocks, scree and stony swards, between 1,600 and 3,700m. NOTES Alpine Wormwood contains many active chemicals and essential oils and has long been used in traditional medicine.

2

Dwarf Cudweed

Gnaphalium supinum

› White felty hairs › Common in snow hollows

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 10cm. White felty plant with narrowly lance-shaped leaves and inconspicuous inflorescence. Leaves to 3cm long, covered in silky woolly hairs on both sides. Spike terminal, with 1–6 flower heads, at first compact, later spreading. Flowers pale brownish, July to September. HABITAT Limepoor, cold, damp soils in snow hollows, avalanche gullies, moraines, also wet meadows, pastures and paths, between 1,300 and 3,300m. NOTES Dwarf Cudweed is coldresistant and a typical plant of the nival flora. Often forms loose swards in snow hollows.

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Bird’s-nest Orchid Neottia nidus-avis

› Lacks green pigment › Flowers after about nine years

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 40cm. Entire plant yellow-brown. Stem sturdy and grooved, with 4–6 scale-like leaves. Spike with 20–60 flowers, the bracts bending together to form a loose covering. Lip with cup-shaped indentation. Lacks spur. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Base- and nutrientrich soils in shady woods, up to 2,050m. NOTES Since this orchid has no chlorophyll it cannot photosynthesise. It depends on a symbiotic association with fungal mycorrhizae in its extensive (‘bird’s nest’) root system.

4

Musk Orchid

Herminium monorchis

› Many-flowered orchid › Smells of honey

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 30cm. Usually has two, rarely five, basal lance-shaped leaves. Inflorescence slim, cylindrical, with 10–30 flowers. Flowers greenish-yellow, lack spurs, and smell of honey. Lip of flower is three-lobed, with a long, narrow central lobe. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Calcareous soils in damp meadows and pastures, up to 1,900m. NOTES Musk Orchid is pollinated by small insects such as parasitic wasps, flies and beetles. Unlike most other native orchids, it can also reproduce vegetatively through rhizomes up to 20cm long.

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Alpine Dwarf Orchid Chamorchis alpina

› Inconspicuous orchid › Leaves grass-like and basal › Pollinated by ants

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 15cm. Small orchid with long, grass-like leaves and ridged stem. Leaves 4–10, linearlance-shaped, in basal rosette, often as tall as the flower spike. Bears 5–15 yellow-green to red-brown flowers. Lip 3–4mm long, usually yellow, the other tepals bending together, helmet-like. No spur. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Calcareous sites, stony pastures and windswept ridges, between 1,400 and 2,900m. NOTES The inconspicuous, scentless flowers secrete copious amounts of nectar. Uniquely among European orchids, it is pollinated by ants. The flowers do however also attract flies, parasitic wasps and beetles. Grows to higher altitudes than any other native orchids, and is also the smallest orchid in the region. It is also known as False Musk Orchid.

2

Frog Orchid

Dactylorhiza viridis, Syn. Coeloglossum viride

› Flowers weakly scented › Flower lip tongue-like › Protected (like all orchids)

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 25cm. Leaves blue-green, 3–7 on angular stem. Upper leaves lance-shaped, lower leaves oval. Inflorescence cylindrical, with 5–25 flowers. Individual flowers are small, greenish to yellowish, often suffused red. Lip three-lobed, the central lobe markedly shorter. Tepals form a helmet. Spur is short and rounded. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Poor, lime-free, humus-rich loamy soils in dwarf shrub heaths, alpine swards, poor meadows and open woods, up to 2,700m. NOTES The weak scent attracts bees, beetles and moths as pollinators. The seeds are tiny and feather-light, about 0.5mm long, and dispersed by the wind.

3

Common Twayblade

Neottia ovata, Syn. Listera ovata

› Two large leaves on stem › Upper stem hairy

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 50cm. Two broad, oval opposite leaves with prominent veins, somewhat below the middle of the stem. Bears 20–40 flowers in a long, lax, spike-like raceme. Flower lips are yellow-green, two-lobed. Tepals green and bend together. No spur. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Fresh, often calcareous soils in woods, scrub, and damp and montane meadows, up to 2,500m. NOTES As with most orchid species, the pollen of Common Twayblade is transferred to visiting insects as sticky masses (pollinia). When an insect disturbs part of the stigma, the rostellum, a sticky drop of pollen, is explosively ejected onto the head of the insect.

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Alpine Poppy

Papaver alpinum ssp. sendtneri

› White flowers › Characteristic species of rocky communities › Endemic to eastern Alps

DESCRIPTION Poppy family (Papaveraceae). Height to 20cm. Forms small cushions. Leaves grey-green, pinnate, hairy on both sides, in basal rosette. Stalks with white hairs, each with a single white fragrant flower to 4cm across. The four white petals are often yellow or black at the base. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Loamy limestone and dolomite soils among rocks and scree, even when unstable. Only in the northern calcareous Alps, between 2,000 and 2,700m. NOTES Alpine Poppy anchors itself in shifting substrates with its strong taproot and additional fibrous roots. Characteristic species of rocky communities, growing in strong, cushion-like clumps.

2

Chamois Cress

Hornungia alpina, Syn. Pritzelago alpina

› Small, many-flowered › Stem with stellate hairs

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 12cm. Many-flowers plant with leafless stems and divided basal leaves. Flowers in a loose, umbel-like raceme. Petals white and rounded. Fruit pods 4–5mm long, narrowly oval and flattened, upright in the inflorescence. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp, rocky sites, moraines and snow hollows, between 1,300 and 3,100m. Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers. NOTES There are three subspecies in the Alps: the calcicole ssp. alpina with 3–5mm long petals; the calcifuge ssp. brevicaulis (1.5–2.5mm petals); and the calcicole, found in the south-eastern Alps, ssp. austroalpina (petals 2.5–3mm).

3

Alpen-Gänsekresse Arabis alpina

› Rough hairs › Pods to 6cm long › Alpine garden plant

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 40cm. Crucifer with stellate hairs and mostly upright stems. Leaves broad and oval, short-stemmed and deeply toothed, in a basal rosette. Stem leaves with 3–10 teeth, clasping and unstalked. Flowers white, in loose clusters. Inflorescence elongates after flowering. Fruit pod rod-shaped, to 6cm long, often upright. Flowers March to October. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils in rock crevices, scree and gravel, up to 3,200m. NOTES Alpine Rock-cress survives the winter and disperses its winged seeds over the snow. Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers, and grows on river gravel.

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Alpine Bitter-cress Cardamine alpina

› Tiny plant › Rod-like pods › Damp-loving

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 10cm. Small plant with unbranched, ridged stem and dark green undivided, rough leaves. Basal leaves are oval to rounded, long-stalked, often somewhat overlapping, forming a rosette. Stem leaves 1–3, narrowing at base or short-stalked. Flowers white, in short, terminal racemes. Sepals often tinged violet at the tip. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor or lime-free, damp or wet soils in snow hollows, wet flushes and on damp rocks, between 1,500 and 3,400m. NOTES Flowers appear early, even before the stalk lengthens, an advantage in the short growing season, which is often only 2–3 months long in snow hollows.

2

Large Bitter-cress Cardamine amara

› Ancient medicinal plant › Bitter taste › Likes damp and wet

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 60cm. Dark green, with many leaves and flowers. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 4–10 pairs of leaflets and large terminal lobe. Leaflets narrowly ovate. Stem pithy. Flowers white, clustered in terminal umbel-like racemes. Petals 5–10mm. Stamens violet. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Wet soils in ditches, streams and wet flushes, also in wet scree and damp montane woods, up to 2,500m. NOTES Contains tannins and also large amounts of vitamin C, and so was formerly used against scurvy. Like the similar Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), can be used in salad. Watercress has a taller stem, smaller flowers and yellow stamens.

3

Rock Scurvygrass Kernera saxatilis

› Pretty rock plant › Sperical pods

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 30cm. Stem angular, with appressed hairs on underside. Basal leaves to 4cm long, spoon-shaped, roughly hairy, in a rosette. The stem leaves are linear and lance-shaped, decreasing in size up the stem. Flowers in a loose raceme. Petals white and rounded; sepals yellow-green. Fruit pods spherical, on thin, upright stalks. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Fine, calcareous soils in rock crevices, scree, river gravel and stony slopes, up to 2,700m. NOTES Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers, and grows on river gravel.

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Aconite-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus aconitifolius

› Lush-growing mountain plant › Forms large stands › Moisture-loving

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 60cm, occasionally to over 1m. Stem muchbranched. Flowers 1–2cm, white with yellow stamens. Basal leaves long-stalked, palmate with 3–7 toothed lobes. Flowers in loose panicles. Flower stalks 1–3 times as long as bracts, and with appressed hairs. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, loamy, calcareous soils in tall herb communities, rocky woods and damp meadows, also stream banks and in wet flushes, up to 2,500m. NOTES In spring, Aconite-leaved Buttercups may turn entire slopes white. Tolerates fertilised soil and is a weed of pastures, being poisonous and avoided by livestock. The leaves resemble those of Monks-hood (Aconitum napellus).

2

Alpine Buttercup

Ranunculus alpestris

› Sometimes more than five petals › Shiny leaves › Small and poisonous

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 15cm. Smooth plant with single flowers, 2–2.5cm, on upright stems. Basal leaves long-stalked, shiny, round or kidney-shaped, coarsely toothed, with 3–5 lobes. Petals white and heart-shaped; sepals green. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in rock crevices, snow hollows, alpine sward and channels in scree, between 1,500 and 2,900m. NOTES The leaves develop beneath the snow and unfurl as soon as the snow melts. The flowers are pollinated mainly by flies. The closely related Glacier Buttercup grows on acid substrates.

3

Glacier Buttercup Ranunculus glacialis

› High mountain plant › Fleshy leaves and large flowers

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 20m. Flowers 1.5–3cm, at first white, later suffused pink, with red-brown hairy sepals. Stalks with 1–5 flowers. Stalks and leaves smooth. The fleshy basal leaves are deeply three-lobed. Stem leaves 3–5 divided. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Limepoor, stony soils in rock crevices, scree and moraines, between 1,900 and 4,300m. NOTES Glacier Buttercup has the honour, along with Purple Saxifrage and Two-flowered Saxifrage (Saxifraga biflora), of being one of the highest-growing flowering plants in the Alps. On the Finsteraahorn (Switzerland) it grows at 4,274m. It anchors in shifting substrates with its thick rootstock.

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Christmas Rose Helleborus niger

› Flowers in winter › Protected and poisonous › Popular garden plant

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 30cm. Flowers in winter. Stem thick, unbranched, usually bearing a single flower with 1–2 oval bracts. Basal leaves evergreen and leathery, with 7–9 lance-shaped leaflets. Flowers 5–10cm, white to pale pink, turning greenish or pink after flowering. Numerous yellow stamens. Flowers December to May. HABITAT Rich, calcareous loam soils in woods, scrub and tall herb communities in the northern and southern calcareous Alps to 1,800m. NOTES The powdered black rootstock of this highly poisonous plant was formerly used to make a kind of snuff. It was also used as an emetic and to treat epilepsy and mental illness.

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Cyphel

Minuartia sedoides

› Forms dense cushions › Tiny flowers lacking petals › High-alpine pioneer plant

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 6cm. Forms moss-like cushions. Flowers and leaves very small. Leaves only 3–6mm long, narrowly lance-shaped, leathery, mostly smooth. Flowers solitary on short stalks, lacking petals. Sepals five, 2–3mm long, cream-coloured to pale green. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Lime-poor or lime-free loam soils in stony swards, sparse mat vegetation, scree and rock crevices, and on windswept ridges, between 1,800 and 3,300m. NOTES Pollinated by flies, and is one of the first plants to colonise fresh moraine soil.

3

Alpine Gypsophila Gypsophila repens

› Forms tall cushions › Delicate flowers › Bluish leaves

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 25cm. Cushion-forming plant with many non-flowering shoots. Both flowering and sterile shoots are bare and with few leaves. Leaves linear, bluish, to 3cm long. Flowers delicate, white or pink, 2–12 in terminal panicles. Petals without scale-like secondary petals unlike Rock Campion (Silene rupestris). Flowers May to September. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils on rocky slopes, in scree, rocks and river gravel, between 1,200 and 2,800m. NOTES Anchors firmly in loose substrates with its up to 2m long taproot, and thus helps stabilise the soil. Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers.

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Two-flowered Sandwort Arenaria biflora

› Tiny leaves › Common in snow hollows

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 5cm. Spreads with creeping stems up to 30cm long. Flowers stalk upright, about 2cm tall. Leaves to 5mm long, broadly oval or rounded, with a short, hairy stalk. Flowers solitary or paired, with petals the same length as calyx or slightly longer. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Damp, lime-free soils in rocky sites, alpine sward and snow hollows, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES Thrives even under snow. Requires 2–3 snow-free months to grow and flower.

2

Fringed Sandwort Arenaria ciliata

› Many short, flowerless shoots › Creeping stems

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 10cm. Plant with short hairs and both low-growing and upright stems. Leaves to 7mm long, oval or linear-lance-shaped, hairy at base, and 2–4 times as long as broad (Two-flowered Sandwort 1–2 times). Flowers solitary or paired. Petals 1.5–2 times as long as calyx. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in stony grassland, rocky sites and crevices, between 1,800 and 3,100m. NOTES Grows mat-like in grassland. There are several geographical varieties.

3

Alpine Mouse-ear Cerastium alpinum

› Forms loose cushions › On siliceous substrates

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 20cm. Hairy plant with sterile shoots and upright stalks with mostly 4–5 flowers. Leaves to 2cm long, oval to lance-shaped. The lowest bracts are at most half as long as the uppermost stem leaf, with narrow papery tips. Flowers large, with narrowly heart-shaped petals that are twice as long as the sepals. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Dry, lime-poor soils on windy ridges, rocky crevices and stony grassland, between 1,800 and 3,000m. NOTES Found in many European high mountains, and in the Arctic.

4

Broad-leaved Mouse-ear

Cerastium latifolium

› Very long taproot › Only grows on limestone

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 8cm. Loose-growing plant with many sterile shoots. Leaves blue-green, broadly oval, somewhat fleshy, with felty glandular hairs. Bracts lack papery edges. Flowers to 3.5cm. Petals heart-shaped, mostly more than twice as long as sepals. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in rock debris and moraines, between 1,500 and 3,500m. NOTES The closely related Glacier Mouse-ear (Cerastium uniflorum) has spoon-shaped leaves and grows on acid soils.

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Bladder Campion Silene vulgaris

› Showy flowers › Bladder-like form

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 90cm. Variable plant with branching stems and pointed, lance-shaped to oval leaves. Flowers terminal, in loose clusters. Petals white or pale pink and deeply notched. Note the inflated calyx, which is grey-green or pinkish and has a network of 20 veins on the surface. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Dry, calcareous soils in meadows, pastures, tall herb communities and stony sites, up to 3,000m. NOTES Named after its bladder-like calyx.

2

Small Alpine Catchfly Heliosperma pusillum Syn. Silene pusilla

› Four-toothed petals › Seeds with ciliate hairs

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 20cm. Loose and lowgrowing with solitary flowers on long stalks. Stem smooth and sticky towards the top. Leaves narrowly lance-shaped and only 1–3mm wide. Petals with four teeth, mostly white, more rarely pink or lilac. Calyx tube is 4–6mm long. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Saturated, stony, calcareous soils, wet rocks, rock debris and in wet flushes, between 1,000 and 2,400m. NOTES Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers.

3

Creeping Sandwort Moehringia ciliata

› Stem much-branched › Sward or cushion-forming

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 8cm. Delicate plant with trailing stems of up to 15cm long, only upright towards the ends. Leaves 3–10mm long, narrow, linear, somewhat fleshy, with short ciliate hairs at the base. Stem tips bear 1–3 thin-stalked flowers. Petals white, with smooth edges. Sepals green and pointed, with narrow, papery margins. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils in scree, snow hollows, crevices and rock debris, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES The seeds of Creeping Sandwort are dispersed by ants.

4

Alpine Bistort

Persicaria vivipara Syn. Polygonum viviparum, Bistorta vivipara

› Viviparous bulbils › Treat for Ptarmigans

DESCRIPTION Knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Height to 25cm. Unbranched plant with brown viviparous bulbils in lower part of spike-like inflorescence. Leaves oval to oblong, grey-green below, rolled edges. Basal leaves long-stalked, stem leaves sessile. Flowers small, white or pink, June to August. HABITAT Poor, dry, moderately acid soils in grassland, dwarf shrub heath, stable rocks and snow hollows, between 1,000 and 3,000m. NOTES The bulbils, with their starch reserves, often start to develop while still on the parent plant, then drop to the ground in autumn as tiny plantlets.

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Scree Saxifrage

Saxifraga androsacea

› Very small rosette plant › Solitary or in loose mats

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 6cm. Rosette plant with glandular hairs on stems and leaves. Stalks with 1–3 white flowers and 1–3 lance-shaped leaves. Rosette leaves lance- or spoon-shaped, entire or with 3–5 terminal teeth, edged with glandular hairs. Petals 2–3 times as long as the sepals. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp or wet, calcareous soils in snow hollows, grazed sward and rock debris, between 1,500 and 3,200m. NOTES Scree Saxifrage is one of more than 50 species of saxifrage to be found in the Alps.

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Blue Saxifrage Saxifraga caesia

› Forms tight, moss-like cushions › Restricted to limestone

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 10cm. Grows in tight cushions, with blue-green entire rosette leaves. Leaves just 3–6mm long, crumpled and arched, with calcareous encrustations. Stem smooth or with short hairs, with alternate leaves and 2–6 white flowers. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in rock debris, crevices and patchy alpine turf, between 1,500 and 3,000m. NOTES The small glandular hairs on the leaf margins exude lime, which gives the leaves their bluish tinge.

3

Rough Saxifrage Saxifraga aspera

› Pollinated by flies › Only grows on siliceous substrates

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 20cm. Forms patchy stands and lacks an obvious rosette. Leaves to 2cm long, linear-lance-shaped, pointed, with stiff, ciliate hairs. Flowers 1–10, usually on a forked, ascending stem. Petals white, broadest above the centre and with a yellow patch at the base. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Lime-poor soils on shady rocks, stream sides and rocky debris, between 1,400 and 2,400m. NOTES Closely related to Mossy Saxifrage, which grows to higher altitudes.

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Mossy Saxifrage Saxifraga bryoides

› Forms dense, flat mats › Stems mostly with single flower

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 15cm. Moss-like mat-forming plant with dense rosette of leaves and usually single-flowered stems. Leaves only 2–6mm long, linear-lance-shaped, incurved and with stiff ciliate hairs. Petals white, broadest in the middle, with several orange-yellow spots at the base. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Lime-poor soils in rocky sites, on exposed ridges and on rocks, between 1,800 and 4,100m. NOTES Mossy Saxifrage is extremely well adapted to growing in high mountains. The dense, flat mats protect it from the effects of strong winds.

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Live-long Saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata

› 10–30 flowers in a panicle › Evergreen fleshy leaves › Resistant to drought and frost

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 50cm. Grey-green basal rosette and multiple flowers in a panicle. Rosette leaves 1–3cm long, elongate oval, finely toothed, limeencrusted around the edges. Each branch of panicle with 1–6 white or cream flowers. Petals rounded, and often with red spots. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in crevices, alpine turf and on snow-free exposed ridges, between 600 and 3,400m. NOTES Live-long Saxifrage is frost-hardy and drought resistant, and stores water in its fleshy rosette leaves. The small glandular hairs exude excess lime.

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Round-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga rotundifolia

› Branching, multiflowered plant › Round, toothed leaves › Likes damp and shade

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 60cm. Branching plant with hairy stems and many flowers in a loose panicle. Basal leaves long-stalked, rounded or kidney-shaped and irregularly and sharply toothed. Leaves get smaller up the stem. Flowers delicate and white, with yellow or red spots at the base. The 10 stamens are almost twice as long as the sepals. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Damp, calcareous humus soils on stream banks, in wet flushes, montane and ravine woods, tall herb communities, Green Alder and Mountain Pine scrub, up to 2,400m. NOTES Round-leaved Saxifrage thrives only in shady sites with high humidity. The yellow and red spots on the petals act as ‘honey guides’, leading small flies and other insects towards the nectar.

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Starry Saxifrage Saxifraga stellaris

› Delicate plant with flowers in panicles › Basal rosette › Leaves without lime exudates

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 20cm. Spreads by stolons. Stem with glandular hairs, pinkish and branched, with 3–15 flowers, leafless. Leaves inverted oval, shiny, coarsely and sharply toothed, in a basal rosette, without lime exudates. Petals narrow, white with two yellow spots. Sepals pink. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp and wet, stony, weakly acid soils on stream banks, in wet flushes, alpine sward and snow hollows, between 1,400 and 3,000m. NOTES The style and stigma develop after the anthers have released their pollen, thus avoiding self-pollination. Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by alpine rivers.

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Sweetflower Rock-jasmine Androsace chamaejasme

› Leaves with hairy margins › Wind- and cold-resistant

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 10cm. Loose-growing plant with hairy stem. Leaves to 1.5cm long, lance-shaped, entire, with hairy margins, in flat basal rosettes. Flowers 2–8, in an umbel-like inflorescence. Petals white or pink, with yellow throat. Flowers June to July. HABITAT Poor, stony, calcareous soils in alpine sward, rock crevices and on windswept ridges, between 1,200 and 3,000m. NOTES This tiny dwarf plant can withstand temperatures as low as −40°C and gale force winds.

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Swiss Rock-jasmine Androsace helvetica

› Tough, rounded cushion › May live to 50 years

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 5cm. Grows as felty grey cushion. Leaves inverse oval, 2–4mm long, close on the stem, like roof tiles, the live leaves above dead ones. Leaves, stalks and calyx all hairy and appear grey-green. Flowers solitary on 1mm-long stalks. Petals white with yellow throat. Flowers May to July. HABITAT On calcareous substrates in rock crevices and debris, between 1,600 and 3,500m. NOTES Anchors in the rock with a strong taproot.

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Milkwhite Rock-jasmine Androsace lactea

› Smooth stem › Only on limestone

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 15cm. Loose basal rosettes. Leaves 1–2.5cm long, linear-lance-shaped and entire, with just a few hairs at the tip. Plant otherwise hairless. Flowers 1–6, unevenly long-stalked, milk-white with yellow throat, in an umbel-like inflorescence. Petals lobed. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Calcareous substrates in rock crevices, stony swards and rock ledges, between 1,000 and 2,300m. NOTES A relict species from the last Ice Age.

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White Stonecrop Sedum album

› Forms cushion-like mats › Leaves store water

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 20cm. Smooth, with lowlying sterile shoots and upright flowering stems with many-flowered umbel-like panicles. Note the fleshy, linear-cylindrical leaves, to 15mm long. Leaves alternate, stem and leaves often reddish. Flowers whitish or pale pink. Petals about three times as long as the sepals. Flowers June to September. HABITAT On dry, lime-poor soils in rocky sites and on walls, up to 2,500m. NOTES White Stonecrop is the larval food plant of the Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo).

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Wild Angelica

Angelica sylvestris

› Large, sturdy umbellifer › Huge leaves › 65 animals recorded overwintering in hollow stems

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 2m. Tall, sturdy plant with tough stem and very large, mostly basal leaves, to 50cm long. Leaves triangular in outline and mostly two-pinnate. The oval leaflets are up to 15cm long and unevenly sawtoothed. Note the inflated leaf sheaths at the angle of stem and leaf stalk. Umbel with 20–40 rounded clusters of white, greenish or red flowers, each about 2.5mm in diameter. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Damp, nutrient-rich loam in montane and river valley woods, damp meadows, fens and tall herb communities to 1,800m. NOTES Wild Angelica is an ancient medicinal plant and contains essential oils. The sap can cause redness and inflammation to the skin on exposure to the light (phototoxic reaction).

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Great Masterwort Astrantia major

› Several terminal umbels › Popular garden plant › Attracts flies and beetles

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 100cm. Several umbels. Lower leaves 5–7-palmately lobed. Lobes broad, pointed and toothed. While the central lobe is separated almost to the base, the lateral lobes are joined together in the lower third. Flowers are greenish-white or pale pink and are surrounded by white or reddish bracts about 2.5cm long, extending beyond the petals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Loose, calcareous soils in montane meadows, tall herb communities and montane woods to above 2,000m. NOTES The small flowers are not very visible to most pollinators. The star-shaped bracts increase the apparent size of the flower and thus increase its attraction to visiting insects.

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Hairy Chervil

Chaerophyllum hirsutum agg.

› Loose umbels › Likes damp sites › Aggregate species

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 100cm. Hairy plant with 10–20 spreading umbels. Leaves 2–3-pinnate, the leaflets further divided, and coarsely toothed. Flowers white or pale pink, in small clusters that together make up the composite umbel. Each mini-umbel has 5–10 lance-shaped bracts. Petals and bracts edged with tiny hairs. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp, humus-rich, loamy-clay soils in tall herb communities, montane and river valley woods, as well as banks of flowing water, up to 2,500m. NOTES Hairy Chervil is an aggregate species, within which various closely related species have been recognised. The flowers have a scent that is rather unpleasant to us but attractive to flies.

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Hogweed

Heracleum sphondylium

› Leaves like a bear’s paws › Poisonous sap › Tall and sturdy

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 150cm. Tall plant with sturdy, bristly, ridged stem. Leaves large, to 50cm, simply pinnate, fancifully resembling a bear’s paw in outline. Flowers white, more rarely yellow-green or pink, in 15–30 rayed umbels. Outer flowers larger, up to 10mm wide. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Rich, loose soils in meadows, around bushes, tall herb communities and by footpaths, up to 2,500m. NOTES The large umbels (to 20cm) attract many insects to sunbathe or feed on the nectar. The sap contains toxic furanocoumarins, which can cause redness and inflammation to the skin on exposure to the light (phototoxic reaction).

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Narrow-leaved Surmountain Laserpitium siler

› Handsome umbellifer › Likes dry, sunny sites › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 150cm. Handsome plant with finely grooved stem up to 2cm thick. Leaves blue-green, up to 50cm long, triangular in outline, 3–4-pinnate. Leaflets to 7cm long, lance-shaped, smooth and entire. Flowers white, about 3mm in size, in 20–40 rayed umbels. Numerous bracts and bracteoles. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Dry, calcareous soils on stony slopes, rocks, tall herb communities, scrub and open woods, up to 2,500m. NOTES Narrow-leaved Surmountain is an ancient aromatic and medicinal plant. The fruits, which smell of caraway, were used to make an oil said to have a calming effect. It was also used as a diuretic, for stomach pains and as a remedy for snake bite.

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Masterwort

Peucedanum ostruthium

› Typical mountain umbellifer › Ancient medicinal plant › Phototoxic sap

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 100cm. Medium-tall umbellifer with umbels of up to 50 rays. Stem is hollow, round and grooved. Leaves to 30cm long consisting of three large, stalked leaflets. These are further divided into three and irregularly sharply toothed. The upper stem leaves are mostly simply three-pinnate, and with inflated sheathing stalks. The small white or pink flowers are about 3mm in diameter. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Deep, rich, loose soils in damp meadows, tall herb communities, Green Alder scrub and banks of streams, between 1,200 and 2,800m. NOTES Masterwort is used in herbal medicine to treat indigestion. The rhizome (rootstock) contains essential oils, coumarin, furocoumarin and tannins. When chewed, it can relieve toothache.

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Bride’s Feathers Aruncus dioicus

› Large and showy › Thousands of individual flowers › Likes shade and damp

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 180cm. Tall plant with large 2–3-pinnate leaves and inflorescence to 50cm long. Leaflets oval, doubly toothed and pointed. Panicles with up to 10,000 individual flowers. Dioecious, so male and female plants separate. Female flowers pure white, male flowers yellowish-white. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Rich, damp, deep soils in shady sites with high humidity, in montane and ravine woods, tall herb stands and riverside vegetation to 1,700m. NOTES Bride’s Feathers, with its impressive flowers, is a stately plant, often recommended for parks and gardens. Can reach 100 years old. The small flowers are often visited by bumblebees and other insects.

2

Lax Cinquefoil

Potentilla caulescens

› 5–20 flowers, often on drooping stems › Often on overhanging rocks › Characteristic species of limestone crevice association

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 30cm. Stems usually drooping down from rock crevices. Leaves with long, silky hairs beneath. Basal leaves long-stalked, mostly with five leaflets. Leaflets elongate oval, with a few teeth that bend towards each other at the tip. Flowers white, to 2.5cm long, mostly in many-flowered loose racemes or panicles. Flowers July to September. HABITAT On calcareous, humus-poor, stony soils in rock walls and crevices, between 800 and 2,700m. NOTES Characteristic species of limestone crevice association. Anchors with its roots even in the smallest crevices just a few millimetres wide, the shape of the root adapting to the shape of the crack.

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Eastern Cinquefoil Potentilla clusiana

› Mostly 1–3 flowers on each stem › Only on limestone and dolomite › Eastern alpine plant

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 10cm. Forms loose stands. Stems hairy and arched upwards. Basal leaves five-lobed, long-stalked and with silky hairs beneath. Leaflets inverted oval, with 3–5 uneven teeth at the tip. Flowers about 2cm long, singly or up to three, rarely up to five, in a loose panicle or raceme. Stamens smooth, style reddish. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Calcareous, humusrich, fine, stony soils in sunny, dry sites in rocks and crevices, between 1,200 and 2,200m. Eastern alpine plant. NOTES The name ‘cinquefoil’ alludes to the fact that the leaves are mostly five-fingered. There are some 40 species in the genus Potentilla in the Alps, and about 500 species worldwide.

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Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia

› Leaves retained in winter › Mildly poisonous

DESCRIPTION Heath family (Ericaceae). Height to 40cm. Leaves round and shiny, in basal rosette. Inflorescence with 8–30 nodding flowers, not all drooping to one side. Style S-shaped, notably longer than the corolla and much longer than the ovary. Sepals pointed, 2–3 times as long as broad. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony humus soils in conifer woods, mixed woods and Green Alder stands, up to 2,300m. NOTES Grows in a mycorrhizal association with symbiotic fungi, which deliver carbohydrates to the plant, receiving water and nutrient salts in return.

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Bogbean

Menyanthes trifoliata

› Star-shaped, fringed flowers › Mostly in water

DESCRIPTION Bogbean family (Menyanthaceae). Height to 30cm. Plant of mires and lake margins. Flowers star-shaped. Leaves threelobed and clover-like. Leaflets to 10cm long, oblong, entire or slightly toothed. Flowers white, suffused pink in parts, densely fringed, in a raceme-like inflorescence. Anthers violet. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Wet, acid, peaty soils in mires and raised bogs; also transitional zones at the margins of pools and lakes, up to 2,400m. NOTES Contains several bitter-tasting chemicals and used in traditional medicine.

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Spiked Rampion Phyteuma spicatum

› Conspicuous inflorescence › Young leaves edible

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 80cm. Flowerheads spiky and globular. Basal leaves heart-shaped with long stalks, irregularly double-toothed and often with a black spot. Stem leaves smaller, the upper leaves lance-shaped and sessile. Flowers white to yellow-green, in an at first oval, later cylindrical, spike. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Rich, fresh soils in woods, tall herb stands and on montane meadows, up to 2,300m. NOTES Flowers smell faintly of vanilla and the swollen root is edible.

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Wood-sorrel

Oxalis acetosella

› Delicate shade plant › Mildly poisonous

DESCRIPTION Wood-sorrel family (Oxalidaceae). Height to 15cm. Clover-like leaves and delicate flowers. Basal leaves long-stalked with three inverted oval leaflets. Flowers also long-stalked with fine pinkish-violet veins. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Shady, damp, acid soils in woods and Mountain Pine scrub, up to 2,200m. NOTES Flowers early, even in dark woods with just one hundredth of normal daylight. In strong sun the leaves fold together to reduce water loss.

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Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris

› White solitary flowers with pretty markings › Heart-shaped leaves › Attracts insects

DESCRIPTION Staff-vine family (Celastraceae). Height to 30cm. Dainty plant with basal rosette and solitary flowers at the end of angular stems. Basal leaves long-stalked and heart-shaped. Stems with a single leaf or leafless. Flower white, to 3cm, with greenish longitudinal veins. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Calcareous damp or dry soils, in wet meadows, fens, poor grassland and wet flushes, up to 3,000m. NOTES Flower has five staminodes (sterile stamens) in addition to five normal stamens. These help to attract flies and other insects. The white petals serve as a suntrap, often used by insects on cool days to warm themselves.

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Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

› Delicate creeping plant › Stolons to 6m long › Smells like vanilla

DESCRIPTION Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Height to 15cm. Creeping plant with thread-like slightly woody shoots. Leaves opposite, evergreen, rounded, and weakly saw-toothed towards tip. They are up to 1.5cm long, dark green above and blue-green beneath. Flowers cup-shaped, drooping and mostly paired, on long stalks with glandular hairs. Flowers white or pale pink outside, inside pink to purple and bearded. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Acid, humus-rich, nitrogen-poor soils in mossy conifer woods, between 700 and 2,200m. NOTES Botanically, Twinflower is a dwarf shrub. It spreads though the mossy woodland floor by means of its thread-like stolons and may live to 17 years. The favourite flower of the systematic botanist Carl von Linné (Linnaeus).

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Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia

› Insectivorous plant › Leaves with red tentacles › Grows on peat moss mounds

DESCRIPTION Sundew family (Droseraceae). Height to 15cm. Insectivorous plant with short-stalked basal leaves that are adapted as sticky traps. The round leaf blades are covered in sticky glands. The leafless flower-stalk emerges from the centre of the leaf rosette and has several small white flowers. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Poor, acid soils in raised bogs, intermediate mires and on raised peat mounds in fens to 1,900m. NOTES In its poor bog habitat, the plant obtains essential nutrients by catching insects. The leaves are sophisticated sticky traps that ensnare insects, which are slowly digested.

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Tyrolean Anemone Anemone baldensis

› Large white flowers › Oval fruit capsule › Stony, dry sites

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 15cm. Plant with hairy stem and solitary flowers to 4cm. Basal leaves longstalked, densely hairy and twice divided into three lobes. Lower half of the stem with a whorl of feathery divided bracts. Petal-like sepals 8–10, oval, with long hairs. Stamens and carpels numerous. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Mainly in the southern Alps, on rocky, calcareous soils, in poor grassland, alpine mat vegetation and rock debris, between 1,700 and 3,000m. NOTES Also known as Monte Baldo Anemone. The dark brown fruits, surrounded by dense, woolly hairs, develop inside a conspicuous eggshaped structure up to 20cm tall, on a long stalk.

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Narcissus-flowered Anemone

Anemonastrum narcissiflorum, Syn. Anemone narcissiflora

› Large, pretty mountain flower › Umbel-like inflorescence › May grow in dense stands

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 50cm. Stem with shaggy hairs. Flowers white or suffused pink. Basal leaves long-stalked, palmate and 3–5-lobed. Stem below inflorescence has a whorl of similarly shaped bracts. Note the flowers, each up to 3cm, numbering 3–8 in an umbel-like array. Has 5–6 bare, petal-like sepals. Stamens and carpels numerous. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in montane woods, open scrub and on stony grassland, between 1,000 and 2,500m. NOTES Like all anemones, it is poisonous and may be dangerous for livestock if eaten fresh. It contains the toxin anemonol, which becomes harmless when dried. Regarded as an ice age relict species.

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Coriander-leaved Callianthemum

Callianthemum coriandrifolium

› Large white flowers › Only one stem leaf › Flowers before the leaves are fully developed

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 20cm. Stem bare, with just a single leaf. Basal leaves grey-green, 1–2 pinnate, and bluntly toothed. Flowers up to 3cm, mostly solitary and terminal. Petals 6–12, oval, white or pinkish. Sepals 5–8, greenish-white. Petals about 1.5 times as long as the sepals. HABITAT Central and southern Alps on damp, stony, calcareous soils in alpine swards and mat vegetation, between 1,300 and 2,800m. NOTES The similar Kerner’s Callianthemum (Callianthemum kernerianum) is a southern alpine endemic found around Lake Garda (Monte Baldo). It has smaller flowers, with 9–15 petals.

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Alpine Pasqueflower 

Pulsatilla alpina ssp. alpina

› Large white flowers › Fern-like leaves

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 50cm. Stately plant with a shaggy stem and solitary flowers up to 6cm. Basal leaves are doubly three-pinnate. Stem with feathery leafy bracts. Flowers often somewhat bluish on the outside, with 6–9 petallike sepals. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Rich, calcareous soils in montane meadows and stony sward, between 1,200 and 2,500m. NOTES Fruiting heads with their feathery and hairy plumes have a curious wig-like appearance. There are a few white-flowered subspecies, such as ssp. alba (eastern Alps), ssp. austroalpina (southern Alps), and ssp. schneebergensis (north-eastern Alps).

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Spring Pasqueflower  Pulsatilla vernalis

› Small, but large-flowered › Hairy fruiting head › Poisonous, early-flowering plant

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 15cm. Hairy plant with impressive 4–6cm flowers. Basal leaves leathery and overwintering. They are simply pinnate with three or five lobes and only weakly hairy. Stem with a whorl of bracts that are fused and sheathlike. Flowers are white or pale pink inside, suffused violet and with shaggy hairs below, at first upright, later drooping. Usually six petal-like sepals. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Acid soils in poor grassland, pastures and dwarf shrub heaths, between 1,500 and 3,100m. NOTES One of the first plants to flower after the snow melts in poor montane meadows. The thick golden hair covering protects it against cold and frost.

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Mountain Avens  Dryas octopetala

› Evergreen trailing shrub › Forms pretty, flowering mats › Leaves with white felty hairs beneath

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 10cm. Cushion-forming dwarf shrub with low lying branches to 50cm long. Leaves evergreen, dark green above, white felty below, oval to lance-shaped, and coarsely round-toothed. Flowers to 4cm, solitary on long stalks. Usually eight petals. Pretty, wig-like fruiting heads. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Shallow, calcareous scree slopes, rocky sites and alpine mat vegetation, between 1,200 and 2,900m. NOTES Spreads by sending out a network of branches over the ground from its strong, woody base. The small twigs and branches then send out new roots. It is thus able to stabilise shallow soils as a pioneer plant, and can reach 100 years old.

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Black Yarrow Achillea atrata

› Faintly aromatic › Likes damp

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 25cm. Sparsely hairy, with finely divided stem leaves. Flowerheads in an umbel-like raceme of 3–10, each about 1.5cm across. Each composite flower with 7–12 white, spreading ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets. The bracts are edged black. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Moist, stony, calcareous soils in scree, rocky outcrops, snow hollows and moraines, between 1,100 and 3,000m. NOTES Lime indicator. Leaves only faintly aromatic. Also known as Dark-stemmed Sneezewort.

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Silvery Yarrow Achillea clavenae

› Mat-like growth form › Silky grey hairs

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Covered in silky grey soft hairs. Leaves irregularly deeply cut. Lower leaves are long-stalked, upper leaves sessile. Inflorescence umbel-like, with 3–20 flowerheads, each with 8–20 white ray florets and 5–9 pale cream disc florets. Bracts oval and edged dark brown. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Eastern Alps, on stony, loamy, calcareous soils, in stony sites and rock crevices, between 1,500 and 2,500m. NOTES Silvery Yarrow contains essential oils and bitter chemicals that give it a spicy aromatic scent.

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Musk Milfoil

Achillea moschata

› Spicy aromatic scent › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 20cm. Sparsely hairy, strongly aromatic plant with feathery divided leaves dotted with glands. Flowerhead is an umbellike raceme, about 1.5cm across. Each composite flower with 6–8 white, spreading ray florets surrounding yellowish disc florets. Bracts edged brown. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, damp soils in stony debris, grassy areas, moraines and river gravel, between 1,400 and 3,400m. NOTES Musk Milfoil replaces Black Yarrow on siliceous substrates.

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Carpathian Cats-foot Antennaria carpatica

› Dense white felty hairs › Very variable

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 20cm. Short, tufted plant with felty hairs and lance-shaped leaves. Flowerheads 2–6, in dense terminal umbel-like racemes. The inner, papery bracts are brownish, giving the flowerheads a dirty-white appearance. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, slightly acid soils in grassland, stony pastures and on exposed ridges, between 1,400 and 3,100m. NOTES Unlike Carpathian Cats-foot, Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica) produces stolons, and has spoon-shaped basal leaves.

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Stemless Carline Thistle Carlina acaulis

› Large silvery flowerhead › Indicator of poor soils

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height 3–40cm. Flowerhead 5–12cm across, either appearing stemless on a very short stalk, or on a stalk of up to 40cm. Leaves in a basal rosette, deeply cut and spiny, with web-like hairs beneath. The disc florets are surrounded by a halo of shiny silvery-white inner bracts. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Nutrient-poor, loamy, often calcareous soils in poor meadows and pastures and in open woods, up to 2,800m. NOTES Flowerheads open wide in the sun, but in rain, mist and at night the silvery bracts close, protecting the disc florets from damp and cold.

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Edelweiss 

Leontopodium alpinum

› Striking star-like flower › Symbol of the Alps › Rare and protected

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 20cm. Plant with felty white hairs and narrow, lance-shaped entire leaves getting smaller towards the base. Flowerheads 5–7mm across, yellowish, in umbel-like clusters of 2–10, surrounded by 5–15 star-like, spreading white woolly bracts. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Calcareous soils in stony sites, soil-filled rock crevices and rock ledges, between 1,500 and 3,300m. NOTES For many, Edelweiss is the queen of mountain flowers and the symbol of the Alps par excellence. Nevertheless, it was not originally native, having spread from the mountains of central Asia during the last Ice Age! What looks like a single star-shaped flower is a false flower, made up of groups of flowerheads, each containing tiny yellowish disc florets and surrounded by woolly, petallike bracts.

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False Aster

Aster bellidiastrum Syn. Bellidiastrum michelii

› Like a large Daisy › On calcareous soils › Likes damp and shade

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Rather like a tall Daisy (Bellis perennis), with leafless hairy stems. Leaves elongate, inverse oval, in a basal rosette. Each stalk with a terminal, 2–4cm flowerhead. Many disc florets are surrounded by up to 50 white ray florets, which are suffused pink as they wilt. Bracts are long and pointed. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils on rocky ridges, in wet flushes and open woods, between 500 and 2,900m. NOTES Has broader flowerheads than Daisy, while the fruits have a feathery pappus, lacking in Daisy.

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Flowers and grasses

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Alpine Moon-daisy

Leucanthemopsis alpina

› Large flowerheads › On siliceous soils › Very variable

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 15cm. Flowerhead solitary and terminal, on unbranched stem. Leaves mainly basal, stalked, comb-like, simply pinnate or deeply toothed. Stem leaves few and lanceshaped. Flowerheads 2–4cm, with white ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets. Bracts overlapping, green, edged brown. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Acid, wet, stony soils in alpine swards, scree and snow hollows, between 1,600 and 3,800m. Sometimes swept down to lower altitudes. NOTES Often produces many flowers close together. Pollinated by many insects, including beetles, flies, butterflies, bees and wasps.

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Mountain Marguerite Leucanthemum adustum

› Impressive flowerheads › Unbranched stem, upper stem leafless › Two subspecies

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 40cm. Stem leafless in upper third. Flowerheads mostly solitary. Leaves hard, somewhat fleshy, with 6–20 pointed teeth on each side. Basal leaves spoon- or lance-shaped, round-toothed or almost entire. Middle stem leaves broadest at the centre, and regularly toothed. Flowerhead to 6cm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets. Bracts edged dark brown. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony sward, scree slopes and rock ledges, between 600 and 2,400m. NOTES There are two subspecies in the Alps: ssp. adustum with a hairy stem (at least the lower section), and ssp. margaritae, which has a smooth stem and grows to 60cm, the latter only in the eastern Alps.

3

White Butterbur Petasites albus

› Flowers early › Flowers open before the leaves › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm in flower, later to 60cm. Stem leaves scale-like. Basal leaves long-stalked, to 40cm wide, rounded to heart-shaped, with grey felty hairs beneath, developing after flowering. Flowerheads in dense, rounded clusters, with only white tube florets. Flowers March to May. HABITAT Damp, rich soils in ravine woods and tall herb vegetation, also at stream sides and along tracks, up to 2,000m. NOTES As in the other butterburs and the related Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), White Butterbur flowers well before the leaves appear. In the Middle Ages, the strong scent (from essential oils) was believed to drive away plague.

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Alpine Leek 

Allium victorialis

› Typical leek shape › Characteristic smell

DESCRIPTION Daffodil family (Amaryllidaceae). Height to 60cm. Stately plant with round stems and 1–3 broadly lance-shaped stem leaves, to 20cm long and 3–6cm wide. Inflorescence dense and rounded, with more than 30 yellow-white flowers. Stamens extend outside the flowers. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, acid soils in montane meadows, alpine pastures, tall herb vegetation and rocky sites, between 1,700 and 2,600m. NOTES Once considered to have magical qualities. The fibrous coating of the bulb was associated with a knight’s protective armour, and carrying one was thought to protect against cuts and stab wounds.

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White Asphodel Asphodelus albus

› Starchy tubers › Pasture weed

DESCRIPTION Asphodel family (Asphodelaceae). Height to 120cm. Leaves to 70cm long, all basal, linear and grass-like. Inflorescence unmistakable. Many flowers in a dense raceme. Six tepals per flower, each with green to reddish-brown central vein. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Loose, calcareous soils in stony grassland, montane pastures and rocky sites, between 800 and 2,200m. Southern Alps. NOTES As the plant contains needle-shaped crystals, even sheep and goats avoid it.

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St Bruno’s Lily

Paradisea liliastrum

› Heavy, ethereal scent › Southern alpine species

DESCRIPTION Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Height to 50cm. Delicate plant with attractive funnel-shaped flowers. Leaves linear, all basal, to 30cm long. Flowers 2–10, snow white, to 5cm, mostly drooping to one side in a loose raceme. Each flower has six pointed, three-veined tepals. Flowers June to July. HABITAT Rich, dry soils in montane meadows, between 800 and 2,500m. NOTES At night, the flowers emit a strong scent that attracts moths, which use the long stamens and styles to help them land.

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Snowdon Lily

Gagea serotina Syn. Lloydia serotina

› Small lily › Star-shaped flowers

DESCRIPTION Lily family (Liliaceae). Height to 15cm. Delicate plant with two grass-like basal leaves and a few narrowly lance-shaped stem leaves. Flowers funnel-shaped, upright, with six tepals and six stamens. Flowers milk-white with a yellow base and redbrown longitudinal stripes. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, nutrient-rich humus soils in rock crevices, cliffs and exposed ridges, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES The longitudinal stripes in the flowers act as ‘honey guides’ to help pollinating insects find their way to the nectar at the base of the flowers. The English name refers to the fact that in Britain this species is only found in Snowdonia, North Wales.

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Lily-of-the-valley  Convallaria majalis

› Fragrant flowers › Leaves shiny beneath › Very poisonous

DESCRIPTION Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Height to 25cm. Stem leafless but partly sheathed by two large, broad, lance-shaped leaves up to 30cm long. Bears 5–10 long-stalked, drooping flowers in a terminal onesided raceme. The six tepals of each sweetly scented flower are fused into the shape of a bell. Berries scarlet. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Deep humus soils in deciduous and mixed woods, scrub, montane meadows and scree, up to 2,400m. NOTES All parts of the plant are very poisonous and can cause nausea, diarrhoea, heart arrhythmia and dizziness. Confusing the leaves of Lily-of-the-valley with the edible leaves of Ramsons or Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) may have fatal consequences. Those of Lily-of-the-valley, however, do not smell of garlic.

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White False Helleborine Veratrum album

› Large inflorescence › Leaves downy beneath › Poisonous pasture weed

DESCRIPTION Bunchflower family (Melianthaceae). Height to 150cm. Sturdy perennial with large, sheathing leaves, alternating up the stem. Lower leaves broad and oval, upper leaves lance-shaped. All leaves deeply pleated. Flowers very numerous, to 2cm long, whitish or yellow-green, in dense, branching terminal spikes. Flowers with six tepals, six stamens and three styles, June to September. HABITAT Rich, damp, calcareous soils in tall herb vegetation, fens, montane meadows, livestock resting sites and Green Alder scrub, up to 2,700m. NOTES Very poisonous and avoided by livestock. When not flowering it may be confused with Great Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea), but the latter has opposite, not alternate, leaves.

3

White Crocus

Crocus albiflorus, Syn. Crocus vernus

› Flowers white or violet › Often grows in large masses › Spring flower

DESCRIPTION Iris family (Iridaceae). Height to 15cm. Large-flowered plant with narrow, grass-like basal leaves that only develop fully after flowering. Leaves with a white central vein and rolled edges. Flowers are upright, white, violet, or white with violet stripes, each formed of six tepals, fused into a tube towards the base. Flowers March to June. HABITAT Rich, damp soils in montane meadows and pastures, up to 2,600m. NOTES As soon as the snow melts, this crocus turns many a mountain meadow into a sea of white and violet flowers. Such early flowering is fuelled by nutrients stored in an underground tuber. The flowers are temperature-sensitive and only open in the sun.

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Mountain Clover  Trifolium montanum

› Flowerheads 1–2cm across › Intolerant of fertilisers

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 50cm. Stem densely hairy. Leaves three-lobed (cloverleaf). Leaflets elongate oval, with appressed hairs beneath. Flowerheads rounded or oval, of 25–50 flowers, on long stalks from the axils of upper leaves; 2–3 flowerheads per stem. Flowers pure white or yellowish-white, the flower stalk much shorter than the calyx tube. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Calcareous, nutrientpoor soils in meadows, extensively managed pastures and semi-arid grassland, up to 2,400m. NOTES Mountain Clover is mainly pollinated by bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

2

Thal’s Clover Trifolium thalii

› Good grazing plant › Stabilises loose substrates

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 15cm. Forms thick swards. Leaves with three inverse oval or elliptical leaflets. Flowerheads spherical, with 15–40 flowers, at first white, later turning pink, then fading to pale brown. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Rich, stony, calcareous soils in mountain meadows, livestock resting sites and snow hollows, between 1,400 and 3,000m. NOTES The similar White Clover (Trifolium repens) has a creeping habit with long, rooting stems.

3

Yellow Oxytropis

Oxytropis campestris

› Rosette plant › Likes dry substrates

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 20cm. Stem very short. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 21–31 leaflets, grey-green, loosely hairy or smooth, in basal rosette. Leaflets 5–15mm long and 2–4mm wide. Inflorescence long-stalked, with 8–18 white or yellowish flowers. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in poor grassland, stony sites, meadows, pastures and on ridges, between 1,700 and 3,000m. NOTES The ssp. tyroliensis has violet-tinged flowers with a violet spot on the keel.

4

Alpine Butterwort Pinguicula alpina

› Delicate white flowers › Sticky trap-leaves

DESCRIPTION Bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae). Height to 15cm. Insectivorous plant with pale green leaf rosette. Leaves oval, with upturned margins, sticky and glandular on the upper surface. Flowers on leafless stems, white, with a short spur, and with 1–2 yellow throat spots on the lower lip. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Seeping wet, calcareous soils in mires, wet meadows and on wet rocks, between 600 and 2,700m. NOTES Small insects and spiders become ensnared in the many sticky glandular hairs on the leaves. These produce secretions that help digest the invertebrates.

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Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

› 6–20 large flowers › Flowers with frilly white lip

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 60cm. Leaves lance-shaped. Pretty flowers with showy white lip, in a loose raceme. The three outer tepals are brownish, the two inner tepals are white with a pink base. Lip significantly longer than the rest of the flower, and fringed, with two yellow bulges at the base. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Poor, calcareous, seeping wet soils in fens and marshy meadows, up to 2,200m. NOTES Mainly pollinated by bees, flies and digger wasps, which use the lip to land on.

2

Lesser Butterfly-orchid Platanthera bifolia

› Fragrant flowers › Night-pollinated

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 50cm, 10–40 delicate flowers in a loose inflorescence. Two oval-lance-shaped leaves towards the base, about 20cm long. Flowers white and fragrant with tongue-shaped lip with greenish tip, and a 2–3cm long spur. Pollen masses of the stamens (pollinia) lie close together, almost parallel. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, base-rich soils in woods, poor grassland, damp meadows, dwarf shrub heath and mires, up to 2,500m. NOTES Pollinated by moths, which use their long probosces to access the nectar in the deep spur.

3

Greater Butterfly-orchid Platanthera chlorantha

› Weakly scented flowers › Moth-pollinated at night

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 50cm, 10–50 delicate flowers in a loose inflorescence. Two oval-lance-shaped leaves towards the base, about 20cm long. Flowers greenish-white, with hardly any scent. Lip entire, tongue-shaped and yellowgreen. Spur swollen towards the tip. Pollen masses of the stamens (pollinia) diverging. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Base-rich, mostly calcareous soils in woods, poor grassland, wet flushes and fens, up to 2,100m. NOTES Unlike Lesser Butterfly-orchid, Greater Butterfly-orchid is only weakly scented.

4

Small-white Orchid Pseudorchis albida

› Densely flowered inflorescence › Weakly scented

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 30cm. Inconspicuous orchid with 4–8 lance-shaped leaves. Inflorescence short, a cylindrical spike with 20–50 small white or pale green flowers. Bracts arched together into a helmet shape. Lip three-lobed to the centre, the lobes of more or less equal length. Spur 2–3mm, short and blunt. Flowers May to September. HABITAT Acid, humus soils in meadows, pastures, alpine sward and mires, between 600 and 2,500m. NOTES As with most orchids, the seeds are tiny and dispersed by even the lightest of breezes.

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Yellow Alpine Poppy

Papaver alpinum ssp. rhaeticum

› Delicate yellow flowers › Very fragrant › Helps stabilise shifting substrates

DESCRIPTION Poppy family (Papaveraceae). Height to 20cm. Flowers solitary on leafless white-hairy stems. Leaves stalked, grey-green and basal, divided, with broad, blunt leaflets. Flowers at first nodding, then upright, with four golden-yellow petals. Ovary with 5–8 stigma rays. Sepals two, dark brown, falling off before flowering. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Calcareous substrates in scree, river gravel and moraines, between 1,800 and 3,100m. Southern calcareous Alps and south-western Alps. NOTES Yellow Alpine Poppy is the commonest yellow-flowered subspecies among alpine poppies. Stabilises shifting rock debris and scree. Very fragrant, though it has no nectar but attracts insects by producing plenty of pollen.

2

Buckler Mustard Biscutella laevigata

› Many yellow flowers › Pods shaped like spectacles › Vary variable

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 50cm. Hairy plant with branching stems and a few sessile stem leaves. Basal leaves lance-shaped, in a rosette. Flowers numerous, yellow, in a mostly branching raceme. Individual petals 4–8mm long. Fruit is a pod with two compartments, resembling a pair of spectacles. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Nitrogen-poor , calcareous soils in dry grassland, scree, rock ledges and pine woods, up to 2,800m. NOTES Grows well even on shifting scree, aided by its extensively branching root system. One of the most variable European plant species: after the last Ice Age it diverged into many endemic subspecies.

3

Yellow Whitlowgrass Draba aizoides

› Early flowering › Leathery, evergreen leaf rosette › Not sward-forming

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 10cm. Dainty plant with unbranching leafless stem and basal rosette. Leaves to 2cm long, narrowly lance-shaped and stiff, with hairy margins. Flowers to 15mm across, 5–10 in a raceme, fading after flowering. Petals 4–8mm long. Fruit pod elliptical. Flowers February to July. HABITAT Dry, sunny sites on fine, calcareous soils in stony swards, rock crevices, ledges and exposed ridges, between 1,500 and 3,400m. NOTES Fruits ripen over the winter, with the majority of the seeds dispersed by the wind the following year. Popular garden alpine plant.

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Cypress Spurge

Euphorbia cyparissias

› Bushy appearance › Dry, sunny sites › Poisonous milky sap

DESCRIPTION Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Height to 50cm. Bushy looking plant with woody lower stem and sterile side shoots below the inflorescence. Leaves linear, blue-green, to 3cm long and 3mm wide. Inflorescence umbel-like with 10–20 rays. Bracts greenish-yellow, later turning red. Calyx-like cup with yellow, later brownish glands. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Dry, stony, base-rich soils in poor grassland, rocky sites, open pine woods and on track sides, up to 2,700m. NOTES The milky sap is very poisonous and is therefore avoided by grazing livestock. In central Europe it is the sole larval food plant of the Spurge Hawkmoth (Hyles euphorbiae). The plant is often attacked by Pea Rust Fungus (Uromyces viciae-fabae).

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Roseroot 

Rhodiola rosea

› Rootstock smells of roses › Ancient medicinal plant › Pretty rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 40cm. Fleshy stem and leaves. Stem about 5mm thick, unbranched, with roselike smell. Leaves sessile and alternate, lance-shaped, blue-green, often tinged red at the tip. Inflorescence is a dense terminal umbel-like cluster. Dioecious. Flowers four-partite, with yellow or reddish pointed sepals and yellow, mostly red-tinged petals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, wet humus soils in rock crevices, stony springs, among boulders and in alpine mat vegetation, between 900 and 3,000m. NOTES Often planted in gardens in the past for its pleasant smell. The fresh crushed leaves are used in traditional medicine as a painkiller and cooling agent.

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Tormentil

Potentilla erecta

› Yellow four-petalled flowers › Red root sap › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 30cm. Stem trailing or upright, to 60cm long. Leaves with 3–5 inverted oval, coarsely toothed leaflets. The sessile stem leaves are larger than the basal leaves. Flowers yellow, 7–11mm, with four petals, solitary on long stalks. Flowers May to September. HABITAT Poor, acid soils in mires, meadows, pastures and woodland margins, up to 2,500m. NOTES The rootstock contains various tannins, including tormentil red, which was formerly used as a dye.

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Marsh-marigold Caltha palustris

› Shiny golden-yellow flowers › Tolerates occasional flooding › Early flowering

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 50cm. Marsh plant with up to 4cm-sized eggyellow flowers and heart- or kidney-shaped shiny leaves. Basal leaves stalked, stem leaves sessile on hollow stems. Flowers March to May. Often a second flowering in autumn. HABITAT Rich, wet soils in marshy meadows, fens, spring flushes, river woods and stream sides, up to 2,500m. NOTES Semi-aquatic, able to survive occasional flooding and even produce leaves under water. Early flowering, one of the heralds of spring. The pigment carotene helps create the intense yellow of the flowers, which were earlier used to colour butter. Contains the poisonous compound protoanemonin and is avoided by livestock.

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Mountain Buttercup

Ranunculus montanus agg.

› Golden-yellow flowers › Poisonous › Very variable

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 40cm. Dark green plant with yellow flowers on round, unfurrowed flower stalks. Basal leaves shiny, bare or sparsely hairy, divided to the centre with three lobes. Stem round, with 1–2 sessile stem leaves with lobes 2–7 times as long as broad. Has 1–3 flowers per flowering stalk. Petals shiny, calyx finely hairy. Flowers April to August. HABITAT Rich, fresh, calcareous soils in meadows, pastures, open montane woods and peaty wet meadows, between 1,000 and 2,800m. NOTES Mountain Buttercup is one example of what are known as aggregate species and contains several subspecies that are difficult to distinguish. Differs from the closely related Meadow Buttercup in the hairy calyx and solid, rather than hollow, stem.

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Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris

› Yellow flowers, 2–3cm › Leaves resemble spread hen’s foot › Avoided by livestock

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 100cm. Much-branched, with yellow flowers and round, unfurrowed stalks. Stems hollow, bare or sparsely hairy. Basal leaves longstalked, deeply palmately 3–5-lobed. Stem leaves sessile. Several golden-yellow flowers. Flowers April to September. HABITAT Damp, nutrient-rich, loamy soils in damp meadows and along tracks, up to 2,500m. NOTES Livestock in alpine pastures avoid this sharp-tasting plant. The fresh plant contains the poisonous compound protoanemonin, making it unpalatable. On drying, this chemical decays to the harmless anemonin, so the plant is harmless in hay.

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Yellow Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga aizoides

› Forms lasting cushions › Flowers often with red spots

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 20cm. Dense-growing plant with golden-yellow, sometimes orange or red flowers and low-growing, upwardly arching stems. Many sterile shoots. Leaves fleshy, linear-lance-shaped with fringing hairs. Flowering stalks with 3–10 star-shaped flowers in a loose raceme or panicle. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Seeping wet, stony soils in scree, wet flushes and on stream sides, up to 3,000m. NOTES Clumps grow rather lush in the splash zone of waterfalls. The flowers attract flies and other insects.

2

Musky Saxifrage Saxifraga moschata

› Grows to high altitudes › Resinous musky scent

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 12cm. Forms dense cushions with upright stems with 2–4 leaves, and flowering stems with 1–5 flowers. Basal leaves entire or three-toothed, in a rosette. Petals greenish-yellow or dull red, barely longer than the sepals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils in scree, poor grassland and snow hollows, between 1,400 and 4,000m. NOTES Musky Saxifrage is one of the highest-growing alpine plants, found for example on Finsteraarhorn at above 4,000m.

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Orange Saxifrage Saxifraga mutata

› Bright star-shaped flowers › Dark green leaf rosette

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 50cm. Flowers star-shaped, yellow, orange or red. Stem with glandular hairs, branching into a panicle towards the top. Stem leaves alternate, tongue-shaped and leathery, smaller towards the top of the stem. Basal leaves form a rosette to 12cm across. Flowers June to July. HABITAT Damp, shady, gravelly, calcareous sites on rocks, scree, river gravel and in gorges, up to 2,200m. NOTES Often transported to lower altitudes by rivers in spate.

4

Alpine Stonecrop Sedum alpestre

› Flowers sometimes spotted red › Leaves cylindrical

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 8cm. Low-growing or upright arching, with leafy sterile shoots. Often tinged red. Leaves cylindrical-linear, irregularly distributed on the stem. Flowers yellow, 1–6 in terminal clusters. Petals elongate oval, upright, about 1.5 times as long as the sepals. HABITAT Lime-free, humus-poor, fresh to wet soils in rocky sites and scree, snow hollows and on moraines, between 1,200 and 3,100m (on Monte Rosa up to 3,500m). NOTES Alpine Stonecrop needs 3–5 snow-free months to survive.

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Crowfoot-leaved Hare’s-ear Bupleurum ranunculoides

› Inconspicuous alpine flower › Umbel inflorescence › Two subspecies in the Alps

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 60cm. Blue-green, with narrow lance-shaped to linear basal leaves and branching leafy stem. Flowers in umbels, with 3–10 rays. Five broadly oval bracts and bracteoles, mostly fused at the base. Flowers yellow. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Dry, calcareous soils in stony sward, scree and other rocky sites, between 1,200 and 2,800m. NOTES Mainly pollinated by bees and flies. There are two subspecies in the Alps: ssp. ranunculoides is often unbranched and has 5–12mm-wide basal leaves with 9–20 longitudinal veins, while the usually branching ssp. caricinum has 2–4mm-wide basal leaves with 3–5 longitudinal veins. The name hare’s-ear comes from the shape of the leaf in some members of the genus.

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Sibbaldia

Sibbaldia procumbens

› Inconspicuous plant › Reduced, nectar-rich flowers › Pollinated by ants and flies

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 5cm. Low-lying plant with grass-like growth. Leaves three-lobed, blue-green, on long stalks. Leaflets inverse oval, with three teeth at the tip, almost bare above, hairy beneath. Flowers 5–10, inconspicuous, in compact heads. Petals pale yellow or yellow-green, narrowly oval, 1–2mm long, and shorter than the bluegreen 3–4mm long sepals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Weakly acid, damp to wet soils, often snow-covered for long periods, in snow hollows and alpine sward, between 1,900 and 3,300m. NOTES The fruiting heads remain over the winter and are dispersed by Mountain Hares, Chamois and grazing livestock. Sometimes transported to lower altitudes by rivers, for example by the Rhine as far as Lake Constance (395m).

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Golden Cinquefoil Potentilla aurea

› Flowers to 2.5cm › Silvery hairs on leaf margins › Appreciated by grazing livestock

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 20cm. Stems mostly arching upwards. Flowers 1–5, in a loose raceme. Basal leaves palmate, five-lobed, with silvery hairs at the edges. Leaflets inverse oval, wedge-shaped at the base, with 2–4 curved teeth and a much smaller terminal tooth. Flowers golden yellow, often orange at the centre. Petals heart-shaped. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime- and nutrient-poor, somewhat acid, humusrich soils in short grass meadows and stony pastures, between 1,100 and 3,000m. NOTES Golden Cinquefoil is an ancient medicinal plant, used to treat diarrhoea, sore throat, cramps and diabetes.

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Common Rock-rose

Helianthemum nummularium

› Small subshrub › Bright yellow flowers › Stipules present

DESCRIPTION Rock-rose family (Cistaceae). Height to 30cm. Delicate dwarf shrub, only woody towards the base. Leaves opposite, oval to lance-shaped, mostly with reflexed margins. Leaves with stipules. Leaves on the flowering stems as least as big as those on the vegetative stems. Flowers 2–3.5cm, bright yellow, 2–15, in a terminal raceme. Flowers May to October. HABITAT Dry, calcareous soils in poor grassland, open pine woods and between rocks, up to 2,800m. NOTES The flowers of Common Rock-rose open only in the sun and in temperatures above 20°C. Each individual flower only lasts for a day: the petals fall off in the afternoon. Some very similar subspecies have been described in the Alps.

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Alpine Rock-rose

Helianthemum alpestre

› Cushion-like growth › Lacks stipules › Often in scree

DESCRIPTION Rock-rose family (Cistaceae). Height to 15cm. Cushion-forming dwarf shrublet with woody lower stems. Upper stems hairy, but lacking stellate hairs. Leaves to 1.5cm long, narrowly lance-shaped, with rough hairs, and lacking stipules. Leaves on the flowering stems smaller than those on the vegetative stems. Flowers 12–18mm, yellow, 2–6, in a terminal raceme. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Loose, stony, calcareous soils in scree, poor grassland and on rock ridges, between 900 and 2,700m. NOTES Alpine Rock-rose is a pioneer plant on rock debris and in open, exposed sites.

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Yellow Bellflower

Campanula thyrsoides

› Conical flower spike to 20cm › Yellow caused by flavonols › Biennial plant

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 50cm. Stately plant with leafy stem and many flowers in a dense cylindrical inflorescence. Stem and leaves with rough hairs. Basal leaves oblong-lance-shaped in a rosette. Stem leaves linear and sessile. Flowers pale yellow, funnel- or bell-shaped. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Fresh, loose, calcareous soils in mountain meadows, rock debris and other stony sites, between 1,000 and 2,800m. NOTES Yellow Bellflower grows just a rosette of leaves in the first year. The conspicuous conical inflorescence, flowering from the base upwards, appears only in the second year. The hairy fruit capsules each contain 120–180 seeds – a plant with 100 flowers thus producing up to 18,000 seeds.

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Yellow Rock-jasmine Androsace vitaliana Syn. Vitaliana primuliflora

› High mountain plant › Oblong yellow petals

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 5cm. Low-growing, clumpforming plant with deep taproot. Leaves 15mm long and 2mm wide, narrowly lanceshaped, in rosettes. Flowers solitary, yellow, with a 10mm-long corolla tube and oblong petals, terminal, on stalks 1–5mm long. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Lime-poor, damp and stony soils in alpine sward, also rocky sites, between 1,700 and 3,100m. South and south-west alpine species. NOTES The Alps have a number of subspecies, distinguished partly by their hairiness.

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Auricula 

Primula auricula

› Fragrant flowers › Fleshy leaves

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 25cm. Bright yellow flowers and basal rosette. Leaves blue-green, fleshy, inverse oval, often mealy, with pale, tough margin. Bears 5–30 flowers in a long-stalked umbel. Petals opening into a funnel shape. Corolla tube to 1.5cm long. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Calcareous substrates in stony sites, Pillow Sedge communities and on rocks, up to 2,800m. NOTES Auricula anchors in cracks and crevices with its powerful taproot. The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and butterflies.

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Oxlip

Primula elatior

› Pale yellow nodding flowers › Bee-pollinated

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 30cm. Flower stem long and hairy. Leaves oval, wrinkled, with short hairs, in a basal rosette. Flowers 5–20, pale yellow, unscented, in an umbel, nodding and all turned to one side. Petals pale yellow, forming an open funnel, lacking orange spots. Calyx 1cm long, angular, but not inflated. Flowers March to May. HABITAT Damp, rich soils in open deciduous and mixed woods, also in river-valley and montane woods, up to 2,600m. NOTES A pretty, early-flowering woodland plant. The flowers are an important source of nectar for early emerging bees and butterflies.

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Cowslip

Primula veris

› Orange marks inside the flower › Fragrant

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 30cm. Leaves elongate oval, wrinkled, in a basal rosette. Flowers golden yellow, with orange spots in the throat, sweet-smelling, 5–20 all turned to one side in an umbel. Corolla bowl or funnel-shaped. Calyx angular and inflated. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Base-rich, often calcareous soils in dry meadows and open woods, up to 2,200m. NOTES Cowslip flowers are an important source of nectar for insects including bees, beetles and butterflies.

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Yellow Alpine Pasqueflower Pulsatilla alpina ssp. apiifolia

› Shaggy fruiting heads › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 50cm. Hairy stems and solitary sulphur-yellow flowers to 6cm across. Leaves basal, doubly three-lobed, fully developed after flowering. Stem leaves stalked, a ruff of feathery bracts below, and 6–9 petal-like sepals. Style extends thread-like after flowering. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Lime-poor, acid soils in poor grassland and mountain pastures, between 1,100 and 2,700m. NOTES The yellow flower colour is due to flavonoids. The fruiting head is a cluster of silky plumes.

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Globeflower 

Trollius europaeus

› Mildly poisonous › Avoided by livestock

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 60cm. Leaves palmate and irregularly toothed. Flowers to 3cm, yellow, with 10–15 petal-like sepals forming a cup shape, small leaf-nectaries and many stamens. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, moderately nitrogenous soils in wet meadows, fens and tall herb vegetation, up to 3,000m. NOTES The flower is dome-shaped, with only a small opening at the top. This allows small pollinating flies and beetles access to the nectar within.

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Alpine Avens

Geum montanum

› Does not produce runners › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 40cm. Densely hairy stem and basal rosette. Does not send out runners. The rosette leaves are lyre-shaped, simply pinnate, with unequally coarsely toothed sections. The terminal leaflet is much larger than the lateral leaflets. Flower yellow, 2–3cm, with five or six petals, often slightly notched. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Lime-free, acidic, stony soils in poor meadows, pastures, dwarf shrub heath and tall herb vegetation, between 1,200 and 3,100m. NOTES Sometimes has a second flowering in autumn. Note the wispy, plumed fruiting head.

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Creeping Avens Geum reptans

› Large, showy flowers › Produces long runners

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 20cm. Densely hairy stem and basal rosette. Sends out runners up to 1m long. Basal leaves simply pinnate with deeply divided 3–5-lobed leaflets. Terminal leaflet is only a little larger than the lateral leaflets. Flower yellow, 3–5cm, with 6–8 petals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-free, stony, loamy soils in rock debris and moraines, between 1,700 and 3,400m. NOTES With its long runners and sturdy roots, it is well adapted to growing in shifting substrates.

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Great Yellow Gentian Gentiana lutea

› Large, many-flowered gentian › Can reach 60 years old › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 120cm. Stately gentian with broad, lance-shaped, opposite stem leaves. Leaves blue-green, unstalked, to 15cm wide, with 5–7 almost parallel ribs. Flowers yellow, in whorled clusters in the upper leaf axils, each with 3–10 flowers with 1cm-long stalks. Flowers funnel-shaped with 5–6 lobes, split almost to the base. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Base-rich, nitrogen-poor soils in unfertilised montane meadows and pastures, tall herb vegetation and open scrub, up to 2,500m. NOTES The root, which can be over 1m long, contains the bitter compounds that are used to make the famous gentian schnapps. When not flowering, Great Yellow Gentian can be mistaken for the deadly poisonous White False Helleborine (Veratrum album), but the latter has alternate leaves.

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Spotted Gentian Gentiana punctata

› Spotted, bell-shaped flowers › Root to 1m long › Avoided by livestock

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 60cm. Several large bell-shaped flowers. Leaves shiny green, opposite, elliptical to oval, with 5–7 veins. Flowers to 3.5cm long, 1–3 in the upper leaf axils, and clustered at the top of the stem. Corolla is pale yellow and usually covered in dark spots. Calyx tube with 5–8 teeth. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, deep soils in rocky sites, dwarf shrub heath, alpine pastures and sward, between 1,100 and 3,000m. NOTES Mainly pollinated by bumblebees, but also by flies, beetles and butterflies. The nectar is stored in five nectaries at the base of the stamens. The large root is used to make gentian schnapps.

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Arnica 

Arnica montana

› Impressive large flowerheads › Aromatic › Famous medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 60cm. Tall, hairy plant with sturdy, mostly unbranched stem and large golden-yellow flowerhead, 4–8cm across. Basal leaves entire, oval to broadly lance-shaped, in a rosette; stem leaves opposite, in 1–3 pairs. The single large flowerhead consists of ray florets spreading around the central disc (tube) florets. Flower stalks and bracts with short glandular hairs and longer glandless hairs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-free, fresh soils in montane meadows and pastures, mires and open woods, up to 3,000m. NOTES Arnica is the most famous of all alpine medicinal plants. Tinctures of this protected species are analgesic, antiinflammatory and germicidal, and encourage healing of wounds.

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Spiniest Thistle

Cirsium spinosissimum

› Extremely spiny › Unpopular pasture weed

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 80cm. Tall thistle with hairy stems with leaves right up the stem. Leaves stiff, deeply lobed and well defended by very sharp spines. Flowerheads pale yellow, 3–10 in dense terminal clusters, surrounded by spiny bracts. Florets all tube-shaped. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Rich, fresh soils in deep soiled pastures, rocky sites, tall herb vegetation and livestock resting places, between 1,200 and 3,000m. NOTES This, the ‘spiniest of all thistles’, is an unpopular pasture weed. Sheep and goats, however, will eat the young leaves despite their spines.

2

Giant Cat’s-ear

Hypochaeris uniflora

› Solitary yellow flowerheads › Club-like thick stem › Milky sap

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 50cm. Sturdy stem, with stiff hairs and 2–7 leaves, thickening towards the top. Basal leaves inverse oval, with rough hairs, in rosette. Flowerheads solitary, 4–7cm, with only ray florets. Outer bracts with shaggy black and white hairs. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime- and nutrient-free humus soils in meadows, pastures and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,200 and 2,800m. NOTES The pale golden-yellow flowerheads of Giant Cat’s-ear are visible from distance. They contain up to 200 individual flowers that are pollinated by beetles, flies, bees, butterflies and moths. In the absence of insects, the styles bend back and collect their own pollen.

3

Colts-foot 

Tussilago farfara

› Flowers before the leaves › Early flowering › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Flowers before the leaves develop. Stem often with brownish scaly leaves. Basal leaves long-stalked, heart-shaped, grey and felty when young. Flowers yellow, to 2.5cm across, with narrow ray florets surrounding disc (tube) florets. Flowers February to May. HABITAT Damp, humus-poor soils alongside tracks, steam sides, rocky sites and open woods, up to 2,200m. NOTES Colts-foot is one of the earliest plants to flower, heralding spring. A pioneer plant, it grows well on freshly available sites. The common name comes from the horseshoe shape of the large leaves, which can be 20–30cm in diameter. Colts-foot has long been used to treat coughs.

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Large-flowered Leopard’s-bane

Doronicum grandiflorum

› Calcicole plant › Important food for Chamois and deer

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 50cm. Flowerheads 4–8cm across, with 25–35 ray florets surrounding the disc (tube) florets. Stem and leaves with glandular and non-glandular hairs. Basal leaves stalked and round-oval, stem leaves alternate and oval-lance-shaped. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils with long snow cover, in rock debris and crevices, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES The plant is sweet-tasting and is a nourishing food for Chamois and Red Deer.

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Tufted Leopard’s-bane Doronicum clusii

› Low-growing › Curly hairs at leaf margins

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Flowerheads 4.5– 6.5cm across. Stem and leaves without glandular hairs. Basal leaves lance-shaped, 1.5– 4 times as long as broad. Stem leaves sessile, narrowing towards the base. Flowerhead yellow, with long ray florets surrounding disc (tube) florets. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, stony siliceous soils in rock debris and moraines, between 1,600 and 3,300m. NOTES Ecological replacement for Large-flowered Leopard’s-bane on acid substrates.

3

Alpine Ragwort Senecio alpinus

› Common around mountain huts › Often in lush stands

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 100cm. Tall plant with angular stems, branching towards the top. Stem leaves alternate and evenly distributed. Leaves large, heart-shaped to triangular, coarsely toothed, dark green above and grey and felty beneath. Flowerheads 3–4cm across, golden yellow, with ray and disc (tube) florets, 6–20 in an umbel-like panicle. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Rich, damp, calcareous soils in livestock resting places, pastures, tall herb vegetation and on stream banks, up to 2,400m. NOTES Tolerant of fertilisers and dung, and avoided by livestock as poisonous.

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Chamois Ragwort Senecio doronicum

› Grey felty hairs › Scree stabiliser

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 50cm. Plant with scattered to dense fluffy hairs. Leaves thick, lance-shaped to elongate oval, alternate and coarsely toothed. Flowerheads solitary or 2–4, each 3–6cm across, with 10–20 spreading ray florets surrounding disc (tube) florets. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Calcareous soils in stony sward and rocky slopes, between 1,300 and 3,100m. NOTES Helps to stabilise scree with its long, sturdy roots.

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Goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

› Many flowerheads › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 100cm. Leaves alternate, narrowly lance-shaped, coarsely toothed and almost entire. Flowerheads numerous, golden yellow, each 1–2cm with 6–12 ray florets and smaller disc (tube) florets, in a terminal panicle. Flowers June to October. HABITAT Rich humus soils in open woods, pastures, poor grassland and dwarf shrub heath, up to 2,800m. NOTES Two subspecies in the Alps, with intermediates: ssp. virgaurea, and the stockier, largeflowered ssp.

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Silver Hawkweed Hieracium villosum

› Has long white hairs › Attractive to insects

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Has shaggy white or silvery hairs. Stem simple or branching, with 1–4 pale yellow flowerheads with only ray florets. Has 3–8 stem leaves, and basal leaves in a rosette. Flower bracts spreading upwards. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Fresh, stony, calcareous soils in alpine sward, scree, rock ledges and ridges, between 1,200 and 2,800m. NOTES The hairs help prevent the plant from desiccation by trapping the air around the plant and thus reducing evaporation.

3

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hieracium pilosella

› Up to 64 ray florets › Basal leaf rosette

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Single flowerheads on leafless stems. Produces leafy stolons. Leaves entire, with stellate, white felty hairs beneath and long, simple hairs above. Flowerheads 2–3cm, pale yellow, with only ray florets, of which the outer ones are often striped red. Flowers May to October. HABITAT Poor, dry, lime-poor soils in meadows, poor grassland and rock crevices, up to 3,000m. NOTES In dry weather the leaves roll inwards to reveal the white reflective underside, thus helping reduce evaporation.

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Rough Hawkbit

Leontodon hispidus

› Flowerheads droop before opening › Good pasture plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 50cm. Unbranched, with single flowerheads. Stem leafless, or with 1–3 small, bract-like, scaly leaves. Basal leaves narrow-oval to lance-shaped, often with forked hairs. Flowerhead with only ray florets. Flowers June to October. HABITAT Rich, moderately humus soils in meadows, pastures, tall herb vegetation and stony sites, up to 3,000m. NOTES Many subspecies, differing in size, hairiness and leaf shape. Cattle graze mainly on the rosettes and tend to leave the tough stems.

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Wolfsbane

Aconitum lycotonum

› Once used to poison Wolves › Several subspecies

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 150cm. Stately plant with large, deeply palmately divided leaves with 5–7 saw-toothed lobes. Flowers 1.5–2cm tall, narrow helmet-shaped, 5–25 in a loose raceme. Each flower is 2–3 times as tall as wide. Flower stalk with erect hairs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Cool, damp, nutrientand humus-rich soils in tall herb vegetation, woods and stream banks, up to 2,400m. NOTES All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid aconitin, one of the most poisonous of all plant compounds. Only a few grams can be fatal.

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Shrubby Milkwort

Polygala chamaebuxus

› Evergreen small shrub › Boat-like corolla

DESCRIPTION Milkwort family (Polygalaceae). Height to 25cm. Low-lying or arching small shrub with a woody, branching lower stem. Leaves 1–1.5cm long, alternate, elliptical, leathery and evergreen. Flowers 1–3, white and yellow/orange, in leaf axils. Lower flower lobe (keel) is four-lobed. Flowers March to June. HABITAT Base-rich, mostly dry, calcareous soils in open woods, scrub and poor grassland, up to 2,500m. NOTES The flowers develop in the autumn and so can open quickly after the snow melts early in the following year.

3

Yellow Wood Violet Viola biflora

› Delicate shade-plant › Yellow flowers

DESCRIPTION Violet family (Violaceae). Height to 15cm. Delicate plant with bare stem, and kidney-shaped, slightly notched leaves. Stipules small, lance-shaped and entire. Flowers golden yellow with dark veins, 1–2 per stem. Lateral petals upturned. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Shady sites in sometimes damp, calcareous soils on wet rocks, Green Alder scrub, tall herb vegetation and montane woods, between 400 and 3,000m. NOTES The brownish-red markings on the flowers act as ‘honey guides’ to help bees and flies find the nectar.

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Yellow Alpine Milk-vetch Astragalus frigidus

› Pollinated by bumblebees › Valuable fodder plant

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 40cm. Bare stem and yellow-white flowers. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 4–7 paired oval leaflets and a single terminal oval leaflet. Flowers 1.5cm long, drooping, 5–20 on a long-stalked, raceme-like inflorescence. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Rather moist, calcareous soils in poor grassland on steep slopes and exposed ridges, between 1,700 and 2,800m. NOTES The roots penetrate to 1m and send out underground runners.

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Alpine Kidney Vetch

Anthyllis vulneraria ssp. alpestris

› Ancient medicinal plant › Several subspecies

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 30cm. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 1–5 pairs of leaflets. Upper stem leaves with enlarged terminal leaflet longer and broader than the lateral leaflets. Flower clusters golden yellow, with 10–30 flowers. Calyx inflated, with white hairs. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Rich, calcareous soils in montane woods, stony sward, rocks and scree, between 1,000 and 2,900m. NOTES Alpine Kidney Vetch is one of the most important plants for stabilising loose substrates. Often a pioneer plant on shifting soils and avalanche slopes.

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Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus agg.

› Roots down to 1m › Several subspecies

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 30cm. Stem angular. Leaves threelobed with two stipule-like leaflets at base of leaf stalk. Flowers yellow, often initially red, in a long-stalked, loose cluster. Keel upturned, with a beak. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Base-rich, often calcareous, nitrogen-poor soils in dry grassland, meadows, pastures and stony sites, up to 2,800m. NOTES The common name refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk, and to the three-lobed leaves.

3

Horseshoe Vetch Hippocrepis comosa

› Fragrant flowers › Evergreen

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 10cm. Spreading, low-growing plant with 10–25cm-long stems. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 4–8 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet. Leaflets 5–15mm long. Flowers yellow, short-stalked, 5–12, in a longstalked dense umbel. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Base- and lime-rich soils in poor meadows, semi-arid grassland, rock debris and open coniferous woods, up to 2,800m. NOTES The common name comes from the twisted fruit pods with horseshoe-like segments.

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Brown Clover

Trifolium badium

› Bumblebee and butterfly flower › Likes rich soils

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 25cm. Leaves three-lobed, the lobes to 2cm long, oval and finely toothed. Flowerheads numerous, round or oval, 1–1.5 times as long as broad, each with 15–60 flowers. Individual flowers turn brown as they age. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp nutrient- and humus-rich soils in alpine meadows and pastures, livestock resting sites, moraines, wet flushes and on stream banks, between 1,200 and 3,100m. NOTES Brown Clover is greatly valued by mountain farmers as a fodder plant.

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Leafy Lousewort Pedicularis foliosa

› Many pale yellow flowers › Long leaf-like bracts in inflorescence

DESCRIPTION Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Height to 50cm. Leaves 2–3-pinnate, leaflets with toothed tips. Leaf-like bracts in the inflorescence are longer than the flowers. Flowers 2–3cm long, numerous, in a compact spike. Upper lip of flower is helmet-like, rounded at the front, and usually hairy. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, lime-rich, fresh soils in alpine sward, tall herb vegetation and Green Alder scrub, between 700 and 2,500m. NOTES Louseworts are semi-parasitic. They can photosynthesise for themselves, but also tap into the tissues of other plants for water and nutrients.

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Dwarf Eyebright Euphrasia minima

› Flower colour variable › Vary variable species

DESCRIPTION Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Height to 15cm. Leafy plant with short hairs and many flowers. Lacks glandular hairs. Leaves oval, sessile with 1–4 teeth on each side, lacking awns. Flowers vary in colour between white, yellow, bluish or variegated, with dark longitudinal stripes. Lower lip spreading and three-lobed. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Lime-poor soils in alpine grassland, pastures and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,200 and 3,200m. NOTES Dwarf Eyebright is one of just a few annual high mountain plants, and can germinate even at 0°C.

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Awned Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus glacialis

› Semi-parasite › Very variable

DESCRIPTION Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Height to 50cm. Bare or sparsely hairy plant with crossed opposite oval leaves. Lower teeth of the bracts with awns 1–5mm long. Flowers yellow, in a spike-like inflorescence. Corolla 15–18mm long, often with violet markings. Teeth of upper lip violet, 1–2mm long. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Nutrient-poor, base-rich soils in poor grassland, rocky sites and open pinewoods, between 900 and 2,600m. NOTES Awned Yellow-rattle is also known as Glacier Rattle. The similar European Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus alectorolophus) lacks awns and has a densely hairy calyx.

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Lady’s-slipper

Cypripedium calceolus

› Rare and protected › Flowers first at 16 years

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 60cm. Orchid with 1–3 impressive flowers. Leaves 2–4, broadly elliptical, pointed, hairy beneath, encircling the stem, with prominent veins. Most notable are the large flowers with pouched, slipper-shaped yellow lip and long, twisted purple tepals. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Fresh, calcareous soils in open woodland and in Mountain Pine scrub, up to 2,200m. NOTES The flowers are efficient traps. When small bees and other insects land, they often slip on the smooth walls and fall into the pouch, thus making pollination more likely.

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Pyrenean Whitlowgrass Petrocallis pyrenaica

› Sweet-smelling flowers › On calcareous rock

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 8cm. Cushion plant with short stems. Leaves wedge-shaped, to 1cm long, 3–5-lobed, in basal rosette. Many flowers, in a dense, umbel-like raceme. Petals 4–5mm long, pink or pale violet. Sepals oval, often tinged red. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Coarse, stony, calcareous soils in scree, exposed ridges and rock crevices, between 1,700 and 3,400m. Absent from central Alps. NOTES Anchors securely in crevices and scree with its powerful root system.

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Round-leaved Pennycress  Noccaea rotundifolia, Syn. Thlaspi cepaeifolium

› Long, sturdy root › Pioneer plant

DESCRIPTION Crucifer family (Brassicaceae). Height to 15cm. Forms loose mats, with many creeping branches, flowerless rosettes and flowering shoots. Leaves rounded to oval, bare, somewhat fleshy, dark green to bluish-green. Flowers pink to violet, and sweetsmelling, in an umbel-like raceme. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in scree and river gravel, between 1,400 and 3,400m. Also washed down to lower altitudes. NOTES Grows as a pioneer in shifting scree, aided by long rooting runners.

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Rosebay Willowherb

Epilobium angustifolium, Syn. Cham(aen)erion angustifolium

› Seeds with white plumes › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Willowherb family (Onagraceae). Height to 150cm. Tall perennial with spirally alternate narrowly lance-shaped leaves, blue-green beneath. Leaves 8–15cm long and 1–3cm wide, resembling those of willows (hence the name). Inflorescence is a spike-like raceme, 20–50cm long, with pink or purplish flowers. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Open, sunny, stony or sandy soils in woodland clearings and edges, banks and in rocky debris, up to 2,500m. NOTES A pioneer plant, quickly colonising new, often unstable sites, aided by its root suckers.

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Fleischer’s Willowherb Epilobium fleischeri

› Bushy growth › Large, long-stalked flowers

DESCRIPTION Willowherb family (Onagraceae). Height to 40cm. Leafy plant with lowgrowing habit and upcurved stems. Leaves 1–6mm wide, linear-lance-shaped, alternate, finely toothed. Flowers purple, flat, in a short terminal raceme. Seeds with silky plumes. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Sandy, gravelly, lime-poor soils on moraines, river gravel and in moist scree, between 500 and 2,600m. NOTES May grow in dense patches on open gravel banks of montane rivers.

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Greater Meadow-rue

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium

› Petals tiny and fall early › Pleasant fragrance

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 120cm. Hairless, with 1–3 times pinnate leaves. Leaflets round-oval, with coarse teeth. Branching inflorescence. Corolla reduced to 4–5 tiny petals that fall off early. Stamens lilac or pink, numerous, with filaments thickened below the anthers. Flowers May to June. HABITAT Rich, calcareous, seeping wet soils in river woodland, tall herb vegetation, alder scrub and stream sides, up to 2,500m. NOTES The colourful stamens attract nectar-seeking insects.

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Alpine Pink

Dianthus alpinus

› Short stem and large flowers › Vivid pink flowers

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 20cm. Several basal rosettes. Leaves linear-lance-shaped, to 35mm long and 5mm wide. Flower terminal, 1–2 per stem. Each flower 2–3cm across, deep pink with purple and white markings at the centre, the petals irregularly toothed. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in patchy sward, rocky slopes, dwarf shrub heath and Mountain Pine scrub, between 1,000 and 2,300m. Eastern alpine endemic. NOTES The markings at the centre of the flower are ‘honey guides’, leading insects towards the nectar.

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Wood Pink

Dianthus sylvestris

› Striking large flowers › Indicator of dry habitats

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 30cm. Dense sterile leaf rosettes and intensely pink flowers. Leaves narrow, linear and grooved. Single flowers, terminal on stems or branches. Petals irregularly toothed at the outer margin and spreading to 8–15mm across. Epicalyx short and scale-like. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Dry, shallow, low nitrate soils in poor grassland, alpine mat vegetation, rock crevices and exposed ridges, up to 2,400m. NOTES With its narrow rosette leaves, Wood Pink is well adapted to dry sites. Sometimes known as Stone Pink, which is a more suitable name considering its favoured habitats.

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Rock Soapwort

Saponaria ocymoides

› Fragrant flowers › Sticky, glandular calyx

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 30cm. Creeping plant with many turf-forming sterile shoots. Leaves 2–3cm long, oval to lance-shaped. Flowers deep pink, clustered at the ends of twigs. Each petal has two small scales in the throat of the corolla. Flowers April to October. HABITAT Stony-gravelly, often calcareous soils in rock and river debris, Mountain Pine scrub and on dry slopes, up to 2,300m. NOTES Dwarf Soapwort (Saponaria pumilio) is low-growing, forming dense cushions, with solitary flowers, and is only found in the eastern Alps.

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Moss Campion Silene acaulis

› Fragrant purple-red flowers › Cushion plant › Two subspecies, on lime or siliceous soils

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 5cm. Dense, flat, many-flowered cushions. Stems single-flowered and leafy. Leaves linear-lance-shaped, mostly with fringing hairs. The calcicole subspecies acaulis has 5–12mm long soft leaves and flower stalk to 3cm long. The calcifuge subspecies exscapa, found on siliceous soils, has hard leaves and a flower stalk only 5mm long. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Stony soils in alpine sward, scree and on exposed ridges, between 1,400 and 3,500m. NOTES Moss Campion, with its low cushion growth, is one of the plants best adapted to high mountain life. The cushion helps gather water and protects against drying out, high wind and cold. May grow to 100 years old.

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Rock Campion

Silene rupestris, Syn. Atocion rupestre

› Pink or white flowers › Corolla throat with scales › Sometimes annual

DESCRIPTION Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Height to 20cm. Delicate plant with stem branched from the base. Hairless and blue-green. Leaves lance-shaped, about 2cm long. Flowers pale pink or white, long-stalked, in a loose panicle. Petals notched, with mostly small corolla scales. Three styles. Calyx tube-shaped, 3–5mm long. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Sandy-stony, nutrient- and lime-poor soils in open dry grassland, rocky slopes and crevices, between 800 and 2,900m. NOTES The flowers are hermaphrodite, or entirely female or entirely male. They are pollinated by butterflies, bumblebees and flies. Alpine Gypsophila (Gypsophila repens) is rather similar but grows on calcareous soils and lacks corolla scales.

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Alpine Thrift Armeria alpina

› Dense flowerheads › Soft coumarin scent › Ancient medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Thrift family (Plumbaginaceae). Height to 30cm. Stem hairless and leafless. Leaves 2–5mm wide, grass-like, linear, with 1–3 veins, in basal rosette. Flowers vivid pink, clustered in dense, rounded terminal flowerheads. They are surrounded by brownish, papery, stem-sheathing bracts. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Stony, lime-poor soils in alpine nutrient-poor sward and rocky sites, between 1,500 and 3,100m. Absent from large parts of the northern Alps. NOTES The flowers of Alpine Thrift give off a delicate scent that attracts bees, flies, beetles and butterflies. The fruit clusters often remain through the winter.

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Common Bistort

Bistorta officinalis, Syn. Polygonum bistorta

› Inflorescence 4–7cm long › Likes damp or wet sites

DESCRIPTION Knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Height to 100cm. Patch-forming plant with unbranched stem, and narrow oval leaves that are blue-green below and sometimes heart-shaped at base. Note the dense terminal pink spikes. Each flower is 4–5mm long and short-stalked. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Nutrient-rich humus soils in damp meadows and tall herb vegetation, up to 2,500m. NOTES Used in traditional medicine. The roots are rich in tannins and gallic acids and produce an astringent. The word ‘bistort’ refers to the twisted appearance of the root.

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Alpine Lovage

Ligusticum mutellina

› Pinkish umbels › Valuable fodder plant

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 50cm. Fibrous tuft at the base of the stem. Leaves 2–3-pinnate, to 10cm long, with narrow linear lobes. Flowers pink, red or white, in a 10–15-rayed umbel. Aromatic scent. Lower bracts 1–3, or absent. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Seeping wet, mostly lime-poor soils in montane meadows, alpine pastures, poor grassland, tall herb vegetation and snow hollows, between 1,100 and 3,000m. NOTES Alpine Lovage was formerly used as a seasoning and to flavour cheese.

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Purple Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia

› Cushion plant › Evergreen leaves

DESCRIPTION Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). Height to 5cm. Forms dense cushions with low-lying branches and upright, single-flowered stems. Leaves 2–4mm long, opposite, oval, hairy at margins, and often with lime encrustations. Flowers pink or purple. Petals rounded-lance-shaped, with five veins. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils in rock debris, scree, stony grassland and on rocks, between 1,700 and 3,800m. NOTES Has been seen flowering at 4,505m on the Dom (Switzerland).

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Dark Stonecrop Sedum atratum

› Fleshy leaves › Red-brown stem

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 8cm. Completely hairless, mostly red-streaked plant, lacking sterile shoots. Leaves 3–5mm long, dense, cylindrical and fleshy. Flowers 3–6, in dense, flat-topped clusters. Petals pointed, white to yellowgreen, often with red stripes. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in stony grassland, rock debris and crevices, between 1,000 and 3,100m. NOTES Dark Stonecrop is one of just a few annual high mountain species. The seeds germinate in the autumn and overwinter as seedlings beneath the snow.

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Dolomite Cinquefoil Potentilla nitida

› Forms dense silvery mats › Flowers with red stamens

DESCRIPTION Rose family (Rosaceae). Height to 5cm. Trailing plant, forming low mats. Leaves and stems with silvery hairs. Leaves three-lobed. Stems mostly single-flowered. Flowers 2–3cm, deep pink or purple, more rarely white, with 20 red stamens. Petals broad, inverse oval, two times as long as sepals. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime- and humus-rich stony soils in scree, crevices and open sites, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES Alpine endemic, found only in the southern calcareous Alps.

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Mountain Valerian Valeriana montana

› Stem leaves entire › Medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Valerian family (Valerianaceae). Height to 50cm. Inflorescence branching and many-flowered. Basal leaves long-stalked, oval, entire or shallow toothed. Stem leaves opposite, oval-lance-shaped, all entire. Flowers pale pink, rarely white, in umbellike clusters. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Calcareous humus soils on stony slopes and rocky debris, between 700 and 2,700m. NOTES The closely related and very similar Three-leaved Valerian (Valeriana tripteris) has heart-shaped basal leaves and three-lobed stem leaves.

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Alpine Cyclamen 

Cyclamen purpurascens

› Fragrant flowers › Garden ornamental

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 15cm. Stems leafless. Leaves basal, kidney- or heart-shaped, some overwintering, dark green with pale markings above, reddish below. Flowers fragrant, dark pink to carmine red, solitary on long stalks. Long petal tips reflexed. Flowers June to October. HABITAT Loose, calcareous soils in deciduous woods and Beech-Silver Fir woods to 1,900m. NOTES The tuber contains saponins and is highly toxic. As little as 10mg is said to be fatal to humans.

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Alpine Rock-jasmine Androsace alpina

› Endemic to the Alps › Popular rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 5cm. Forms loose mats or cushions. Leaves covered with stellate hairs, broad lance-shaped, only 3–6mm long, in numerous rosettes. Flowers pink, rarely white, solitary and terminal, on short stalks. Petals round-tipped, centre of flower yellow. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Limepoor soils with long snow cover, on rock debris, moraines and rocks, between 1,800 and 4,200m. NOTES Alpine Rock-jasmine is one of the highest-growing flowering plants in the Alps and flowers on the Matterhorn at 4,200m.

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Bird’s-eye Primrose  Primula farinosa

› Umbel with 3–15 purple flowers › Leaves mealy beneath › Locally common

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 20cm. Primrose with basal leaf rosette. Leaves elongate oval, dark green above and mealy white beneath. Several flowers in an upright umbel. Flower purplish-red with yellow throat ring (‘eye’). Corolla tube 4–6mm long, with spreading, deeply indented lobes 4–7mm long. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Damp, calcareous, nitrogen-poor soils in fens and wet flushes, but also on dry exposed sites in high mountains, up to 2,700m. NOTES Transforms many a wet mountain meadow into a sea of pink flowers in the spring. Pollinated mainly by butterflies. The yellow ring at the flower centre acts as a nectar guide.

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Least Primrose Primula minima

› 5–20 flowers in one cushion › Very small › East alpine plant

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 5cm. Very small, with flowers 1.5–2.5cm across. Leaves wedge-shaped, stiff and shiny, and deeply toothed towards the tip, often in rosettes. Leaf surface and calyx with tiny glands. Flowers delicately scented, purple-red with deeply divided petals and a white central ‘eye’. Corolla tube 5–11mm long. Flowers June to July. HABITAT Lime-poor, humus-rich soils in snow hollows, stony sward, rock debris and crevices, between 1,500 and 3,000m. NOTES Least Primrose flowers soon after the snow melts, and often forms thick patches.

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Hairy Primrose Primula hirsuta

› Fragrant wheel-shaped flowers › Calcifuge › Early flowering

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 10cm. Leaves round-oval, coarsely toothed and sticky with dense glandular hairs, as long as or longer than the flower stalks, in a basal rosette. Flowers 2–5, spreading open, with notched petals and a pale ‘eye’. Calyx teeth protruding. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Lime- and nitrate-poor damp soils in rocky sites, Alpine Sedge communities and rock crevices, between 600 and 3,300m. Absent from the calcareous Alps. NOTES Hairy Primrose grows on Monte Rosa to 3,600m. Like all primroses it flowers early, soon after the snow melts. Forms hybrids of varied flower colour with the yellow flowered Auricula.

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Cobweb Houseleek

Sempervivum arachnoideum

› Leaves in small rosettes › Cobweb-like hairs › Popular rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 15cm. Leafy stem and 5–15 pinkish-red flowers. Leaves fleshy, to 2cm long. Basal rosette leaves oblong and pointed, with glandular hairs, and connected by long white web-like hairs. Each flower with 6–12 petals with a dark central stripe. Petals twice as long as the sepals. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, stony, dry soils in rock debris and crevices, up to 2,900m. NOTES The fleshy leaves store water and help the plant endure long dry spells. In addition, the cobweb-like hairs reduce transpiration and thus conserve water.

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Mountain Houseleek Sempervivum montanum

› Rosette leaves with glandular hairs › Petals usually 12 › Only on siliceous rocks

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 20cm. Leafy stem, and 3–11 flowers, each about 3cm long. Leaf rosettes to 8cm across, at first rounded, later spreading into a star shape. Basal leaves lance-shaped and thick, with dense glandular hairs. Flowers violetred, with 11–15 petals, 2.5–4 times as long as the sepals. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Acid, shallow soils in stony sward, rocks and rock debris, up to 3,400m. NOTES The flowers are pollinated by flies, bumblebees and butterflies. Often grows with Cobweb Houseleek. The generic name refers to the evergreen leaves.

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Common Houseleek Sempervivum tectorum

› Many large flowers › Leaves store water › Cushion plant

DESCRIPTION Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Height to 50cm. Leafy stem and a leaf rosette, 3–14cm across. Rosette leaves thick, grey-green and lance-shaped, stiff, with red-brown tips. Inflorescence with 20–100 purple flowers, each 2–3cm across. Petals usually 12, 2.5–4 times as long as the sepals. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-free, shallow, dry soils in poor grassland, rock ledges and scree, up to 2,800m. NOTES Traditionally planted on roofs and walls where it offers protection from storms and erosion. Houseleeks overwinter as evergreen rosettes.

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Adenostyles 

Adenostyles alliariae

› Leaf hairs can be brushed off › Stem leaves clasping

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 150cm. Branching inflorescence to 50cm across. Leaves heart- or kidneyshaped, irregularly toothed and softly hairy beneath. Inflorescence a dense, manyflowered cluster. Individual flowerheads deep pink, with 3–6 tube florets. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Fresh, lime-poor, nutrient-rich soils in tall herb vegetation, scree slopes, ravine woods and on stream banks, between 1,100 and 2,700m. NOTES The smaller Woolly Adenostyles (Adenostyles leucophylla) has flowerheads with 12–24 flowers.

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Alpine Adenostyles 

Adenostyles glabra, Syn. Adenostyles alpina ssp. alpina

› Many flowerheads › Stem leaves stalked

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 80cm. Leaves stalked, to 30cm wide, on the underside only hairy on the veins. Leaf margins regularly toothed and lacking soft hairs. Many pink flowerheads in an umbel- or panicle-like inflorescence. Individual flowerheads mostly with three tube florets and three bracts. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Rich, calcareous soils in tall herb vegetation, woods, stony debris and on stream sides, between 800 and 2,700m. NOTES Adenostyles and Alpine Adenostyles are both pollinated mainly by butterflies.

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Alpine Thistle 

Carduus defloratus

› Spiny plant › Several subspecies

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 90cm. Upper stems leafless, lower stems densely leafy and spiny-winged. Leaves pinnately lobed and spiny-toothed. Flowerheads purple, often nodding. Outer bracts 1–1.5mm wide at base. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Base-rich soils in rocky sward, semi-arid grassland, mountain meadows and tall herb vegetation, up to 3,000m. NOTES Very variable plant: there are five subspecies in the Alps, which also hybridise with other Carduus species.

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Great Marsh Thistle Carduus personata

› Lush-growing thistle › Soft leaves

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 150cm. Much-branching plant with spiny winged stem. Leaves soft, green above, grey felty beneath. Upper leaves entire, oval and weakly spiny. Lower leaves deeply divided. Flowerheads purple, 1.5– 2.5cm across, clustered together, with only tube florets. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, rich soils in tall herb vegetation, fallow land and stream banks, up to 2,400m. NOTES Grows well on fertilised soil, and often seen at livestock resting places.

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Greater Knapweed  Centaurea scabiosa

› Round flowerheads › Often infected by gall wasps

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 100cm. Bare stem with 1–2-pinnate leaves and 1–3 flowerheads. Flowerheads to 5cm across, terminal and round, purple, with only tube florets. Flowers around the edge are greatly enlarged. Bracts grey-green with dark brown fringed tips. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Mainly on sunny, calcareous soils in poor and semi-arid grassland and around bushes, up to 2,500m. NOTES There are five subspecies in different regions of the Alps.

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Wig Knapweed  Centaurea phrygia

› Many flowerheads › Shade-tolerant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 80cm. Flowerheads 2–4. Leaves rough, oval, entire or finely saw-toothed. Leaves of middle and upper stem 2–4 times as long as broad. Flowerhead with many pale purple flowers, longer around the margins. Bracts are dark brown, reflexed, with long fringed tips and cover the base of the inflorescence like a wig. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, damp, humus-rich soils in meadows, scrub and woodland edges, up to 2,300m. NOTES All species in the genus Centaurea have tube florets but no ray florets.

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Variable Fleabane  Erigeron glabratus

› Sparsely hairy › Ray florets lilac or white

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Stems without glands and only sparsely hairy or bare. Leaves fringed only at margins. Stem with 1–3, more rarely up to six daisy-like flowerheads, each to 2cm across. The narrow outer ray florets are pinkish-lilac or white, the inner tube florets yellow or reddish. Lacks filament florets between ray and tube florets. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Calcareous, stony soils in scree, rocks and patchy sward, between 1,100 and 2,700m. NOTES Alpine Fleabane (Erigeron alpinus) is similar but has filament florets between the ray and tube florets.

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One-flowered Fleabane Erigeron uniflorus

› Single flowerheads › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 12cm. Flowerheads solitary. Stem sometimes pinkish. Leaves narrowly oval and mostly hairy only at margins. Flowerheads to 2.5cm across, with rows of white, lilac or pale pink ray florets surrounding yellow tube florets. Lacks filament florets. Bracts often reddish, with white shaggy hairs. HABITAT Lime-poor, stony soils in alpine grassland and on exposed ridges, between 1,500 and 3,700m. NOTES Once thought to possess magical qualities, and to offer protection from witches.

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Alpine Butterbur

Petasites paradoxus

› Early flowering › Often washed down to lower regions

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height 30–60cm. Stem leaves scale-like, tinged violet. Basal leaves triangular to heartshaped, white-woolly beneath, toothed and up to 20cm wide, developing towards the end of flowering. Flowerheads consisting only of pink tube florets, in a raceme. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Calcareous, seeping wet soils in rocky debris, stony scrub and stream gravel, up to 2,600m. NOTES Often carried to lower levels by streams and rivers.

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Golden Hawk’s-beard Crepis aurea

› Flowerheads solitary › Milky sap

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Mostly unbranched, with leafless stem and solitary flowerheads. Rosette leaves are oval to lance-shaped and coarsely toothed or pinnate. Unmistakable with its orange-red flowerheads to 6cm across, formed only of ray florets. Upper stem and bracts with thick black shaggy hairs. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, nutrient- and humus-rich soils in patchy sward, montane meadows and pastures, between 1,300 and 2,900m. NOTES Opens its flowerheads in the sun and closes them in bad weather.

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Orange Hawkweed

Pilosella aurantiaca, Syn. Hieracium aurantiacum

› Several flowerheads › Ornamental plant in cottage gardens

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 50cm. Spreads above and below ground by stolons and rhizomes. Stem and leaves with long hairs. Stem leaves 1–4. Basal leaves are green and broadly lance-shaped. Flowerheads 2–12 with yellow to dark orange ray florets in a terminal umbel-like cluster. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-free, acid soils in poor meadows, pastures and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,300 and 2,300m. NOTES Mainly pollinated by butterflies such as Small Tortoiseshell, which is similarly coloured. Also known as Fox-and-cubs.

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Purple Lettuce 

Prenanthes purpurea

› Montane forest species › Likes damp and shade

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 150cm. Much-branched plant with many violet to purple flowers. Leaves elongate lance-shaped, thin, green above, grey-green beneath, irregularly toothed or almost entire, clasping the stem. Flowerheads few-flowered, each with 2–5 ray florets, in a loose panicle. Milky sap. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Rich, fresh, rather lime-poor soils in woods and tall herb vegetation, up to 2,100m. NOTES Despite its size, the small, drooping flowers give the plant a delicate, dainty appearance.

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Alpine Snowbell  Soldanella alpina

› Violet deeply fringed flowers › Evergreen leathery leaves

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 15cm. Dainty plant with leafless stems and 2–3 funnel-shaped flowers. Leaves basal, long-stalked, heart- or kidneyshaped. Note the violet flowers that are fringed to equal length and cut to over halfway. Flowers April to July. HABITAT Grows as soon as the snow melts on damp or wet, calcareous soils in snow hollows, meadows, pastures and alpine sward, between 800 and 2,800m. NOTES In spring in the mountains the blue-violet buds of Alpine Snowbell often emerge through the snow.

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Dwarf Snowbell  Soldanella pusilla

› Fringed flowers › Grows through snow

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 10cm. Tiny plant with leafless stem and 1–2 bell-shaped flowers. Leaves are basal, leathery, evergreen, heart- or kidneyshaped and very small, about 10mm across. Flowers are lilac, 10–15mm long, fringed and cut only to a quarter. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Lime- and nutrient-poor damp or wet soils in snow hollows and sparse alpine sward, between 1,800 and 3,100m. NOTES Dwarf Snowbell is characteristic of snowy siliceous sites and found mainly in the central Alps.

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Purple Gentian  Gentiana purpurea

› Bell-shaped flowers › Roots used in schnapps

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 60cm. Stately gentian with shiny purple-red flowers with a rose-like perfume. Leaves lance-shaped, shiny green, mostly with five arching ribbed veins. Flowers to 4cm long, 1–3 in the upper leaf axils, clustered towards the top. Corolla bell-like, with 5–8 lobes. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, damp soils in meadows, pastures, tall herb vegetation, dwarf shrub heath and Green Alder scrub, between 1,200 and 2,700m. NOTES Purple Gentian is mainly pollinated by bumblebees. The seeds are tiny, weigh only 0.5mg and are dispersed by wind.

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Hungarian Gentian Gentiana pannonica

› Flowers with dark spots › Bell-shaped corolla

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 60cm. Flowers red-violet, with dark spots, to 5cm long, yellowish within and often cut to the middle, in the upper leaf axils and clustered towards the top. Leaves lance-shaped, shiny green, with five arching ribbed veins. Calyx split to the middle, with 5–8 irregular lobes that arch outwards. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Lime-poor soils in montane meadows, alpine sward and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,000 and 2,300m. NOTES Ancient medicinal plant. Also known as Brown Gentian.

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Martagon Lily Lilium martagon

› Large turban-shaped flowers › Moth-pollinated › Calcicole

DESCRIPTION Lily family (Liliaceae). Height to 90cm. Tall lily with densely leafy stem and several magnificent turban-shaped flowers. Leaves sessile, broad and lance-shaped, 4–8, whorled in the middle of the stems. Above and below this the leaves are alternate. Flowers 3–20, to 8cm wide, in loose racemes. Tepals six, pale purple with dark spots, and characteristically recurved. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Rich, calcareous soils in montane meadows, tall herb vegetation and open woods, up to 2,300m. NOTES Martagon Lily can grow to 50 years old and one of the longest established ornamental plants. It exudes a sweet, heavy scent, mainly at night, attracting moths, which mostly hover to feed on the nectar.

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Fire Lily 

Lilium bulbiferum

› Fiery red flowers › Unscented › Two subspecies

DESCRIPTION Lily family (Liliaceae). Height to 100cm. Impressive plant with densely leafy stem and bright orange-red flowers. Leaves sessile, alternate, narrowly lance-shaped. Flowers upright, 2–5 in an umbel-like inflorescence. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Warm, not too dry, base- and nutrient-rich soils in montane meadows, rock debris, rocky slopes, embankments and forest edges, up to 2,400m. NOTES This attractive lily is a popular garden plant and is visited by butterflies, hoverflies and ants. There are two subspecies in the Alps: ssp. bulbiferum has bulbils in the leaf axils that are lacking in ssp. croceum.

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Chives 

Allium schoenoprasum

› Spherical inflorescence › Long, hollow leaves › Ancient medicinal and culinary plant

DESCRIPTION Daffodil family (Amaryllidaceae). Height to 50cm. Clump-forming plant with an elongated, papery bulb. Leaves to 35cm long, tubular, round and smooth. Inflorescence dense and spherical, with up to 30 pink or reddish violet flowers, at first covered by a thin, papery spathe. Lacks bulbils. Flower stalks shorter than the 8–15mm-long tepals. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Rich, damp, calcareous soils in fens, wet meadows, wet flushes, stream sides and stony slopes, up to 2,700m. NOTES Chives has been cultivated since the Middle Ages and used for flavouring. Although it occurs naturally in the Alps, it was probably also introduced from Italy as a cultivated plant. It is also used in traditional medicine as a vermifuge. Pollinated by bees and butterflies.

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Mountain Sainfoin  Onobrychis montana

› Pretty purple flowers › Valued as fodder crop

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 40cm. Stems both low-growing and upright. Leaves unpaired pinnate with at most eight pairs of short-stalked, narrowly oval leaflets. Flowers numerous, deep pink, with dark stripes, in a short, dense inflorescence. The standard is 1–2mm shorter than the keel, and the wings about as long as the calyx. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Loose, sunny, calcareous soils in alpine sward, rocky sites and montane pastures, between 1,300 and 2,700m. NOTES Often grows in dense stands. It is rich in protein and therefore valued as a fodder plant and for wild animals.

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Alpine Clover 

Trifolium alpinum

› Large flowers › All leaves basal › Sweet-scented

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 20cm. Flowers 3–12, in a loose cluster. Leaves basal and three-lobed. Leaflets linearlance-shaped, almost entire and to 7cm long. Flowers to 2.5cm long, pink or purple, rarely yellowish-white, pleasantly fragrant, on long stalks. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, deep soils in poor grassland, pastures and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,400 and 3,100m. NOTES Alpine Clover anchors itself in the soil with its large taproot, which can be a metre long and weigh up to 12kg. It is one of the most nutritious of all mountain fodder plants and resists grazing well, regenerating repeatedly from its rootstock. When flowering in large masses it can fill the air with its fragrance.

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Hairy Thyme 

Thymus praecox ssp. polytrichus

› Forms aromatic mats › Very variable › Ancient medicinal and culinary plant

DESCRIPTION Labiate family (Lamiaceae). Height to 10cm. Creeping, mat-forming plant with woody base, low-lying stems and long, sterile runners. Stem round to four-cornered below the inflorescence, two opposite sides densely hairy, the other two sides bare. Differs from Large Thyme (Thymus pulegioides), which has two narrow opposite faces. Leaves opposite, rather leathery, hairy above, decreasing in size down the flowering stems. Inflorescence with many pink or purple flowers, rounded and terminal. Flowers May to September. HABITAT Dry, nutrient-poor soils in stony dry grassland, poor meadows, rock debris, heaths and on rocks, up to 3,400m. NOTES Flowers strongly aromatic when crushed. Very variable, according to the habitat. The various Thymus species are difficult to separate.

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Alpine Toadflax  Linaria alpina

› Blue-violet and orange flowers › Popular garden alpine › Grows even in loose substrates

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 15cm. Creeps through loose stones with its low-lying and upright stems. Leaves linear and lanceshaped, fleshy, frosted bluish, to 2cm long, 3–4 in whorls. Flowers blue-violet, with orange central patches, and a 5–15mm-long spur, 3–15 in a short terminal raceme. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Calcareous soils on rock and scree slopes, river gravel and moraines, between 1,200 and 4,100m. Also transported to lower levels via rivers. NOTES Its underground stem sends out many rhizomes, making it very well adapted to growing in loose substrates.

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Beaked Lousewort 

Pedicularis rostratocapitata

› Beaked upper lip › Parasitic on other plants › Pollinated by bumblebees

DESCRIPTION Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). Height to 20cm. Stems arching, sparsely hairy, leafless or with few leaves. Leaves bare, often tinged red, two-pinnate, in basal rosette. Bears 3–15 purple flowers in a dense, rounded raceme. Upper lip of flower is extended into a 3.5–5cm-long beak. Lower lip with ciliate hairs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT In the eastern Alps on damp, calcareous soils in stony grassland and rock ledges, between 1,300 and 2,800m. NOTES All louseworts connect with the roots of neighbouring host plants using specialised organs called haustoria, in order to take in water and nutrients. They also photosynthesise for themselves and are known as hemiparasites.

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Whorled Lousewort Pedicularis verticillata

› Short upper lip › Stem leaves whorled › Hemiparasite

DESCRIPTION Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). Height to 20cm, four-cornered hairy stems, and many purple flowers. Leaves pinnately lobed, in whorls of 3–4, with irregularly toothed lobes. Flowers 12–16mm long, upper lip without beak, and lower lip at least as long as the upper lip, in compact racemes. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, stony, calcareous soils in poor grassland, meadows, pastures and wet flushes, between 1,100 and 2,800m. NOTES Whorled Lousewort often parasitises Blue Moor Grass (Sesleria caerulea). It takes in water and mineral salts and is thus also able to grow in dry habitats. Louseworts are poisonous pasture weeds and are avoided by livestock.

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Broad-leaved Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza majalis

› Sturdy, many-flowered orchid › Variable

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 40cm. Bears 15–30 purple-red flowers with darker markings. Stem is thin and hollow, angular towards the top and often suffused reddish-violet. Leaves 3–6, 2–4 times as long as wide, oval to broadly lance-shaped, mostly with irregular spots on the upper side. The upper leaves reach the dense inflorescence spike. Flower lip three-lobed, pale at the base. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, nutrient-poor, base-rich soils in wet meadows, fens and spring-fed mires, up to 2,500m. NOTES A single fruit may contain up to 6,000 tiny seeds that are dispersed as far as 10km by wind.

2

Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

› Flesh-coloured flowers › Very variable

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 60cm. Has 20–50 pink to fleshcoloured flowers clustered in a spike. Stem hollow and 4–8mm thick below the inflorescence. Leaves 4–6, stiff, lance-shaped, mostly unspotted, decreasing in size up the stem. The upper leaves reach the inflorescence spike. Lip usually entire and spur horizontal or upturned. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Poor, base-rich soils in damp meadows and fens, up to 2,100m. NOTES Early Marsh-orchid has several subspecies, for example ssp. ochroleuca in alpine foothills, which has pale yellow flowers.

3

Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii

› Lip dotted and lined › Adaptable species

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 70cm. Stem often tinged red. Leaves 6–10, lance-shaped, with dark spots above. Leaves not reaching the conical inflorescence spike. Flowers numerous, lilac, pink or white, with darker markings. Spur horizontal or upturned. Lip three-lobed, the large central lobe extending beyond the lateral lobes. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Base-rich, dry to damp soils in meadows, pastures and woods, up to 2,500m. NOTES In the Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) the central lobe of the lip is shorter than the side lobes.

4

Elder-flowered Orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina

› Two colour variants › Smells like Elder

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 30cm. Stem hollow. Bears 8–30 flowers in short, dense spike. Leaves 4–7, oval-lance-shaped, unmarked, and broadest in the middle. Flowers yellow or red with yellowish lip base. Spur conical and decurved. Three tepals curved together helmet-like, the two lateral lobes bending upwards. Flowers April to June. HABITAT Base-rich, lime-poor, stony soils in poor grassland, montane meadows, open woods and scrub, up to 2,400m. NOTES The two colour variants of this pretty orchid often grow together.

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Round-headed Orchid  Traunsteinera globosa

› Dense-flowered › Scent like valerian

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 60cm. Slender orchid with 4–6 lance-shaped bluish-green stem-sheathing leaves. Inflorescence round or conical, with 80–120 pink flowers. All five tepals curved together helmet-like, the outer ones drawn out into long, widening, spoon-shaped tips. Lip three-lobed with purple spots. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Lime-rich, fresh soils in poor grassland, montane meadows and mat vegetation, up to 2,600m. NOTES Produces no nectar, but fools pollinators by mimicking the inflorescence of scabious species.

2

Fragrant Orchid 

Gymnadenia conopsea

› Impressive flower spike › Long, thin spur

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 60cm. Leaves 3–10, linear-lanceshaped, 5–20mm wide. Inflorescence a cylindrical spike to 25cm long with 20–80 pink to violet fragrant flowers. Lip three-lobed, the central lobe somewhat longer than the lateral lobes. Spur is thin, 1–2cm long, decurved and much longer than the ovary. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Fresh, base-rich soils in damp meadows, open woods, dry pastures and grassland, up to 2,800m. NOTES The nectar in the long, narrow spur is only accessible to butterflies and moths.

3

Short-spurred Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia odoratissima

› Strong vanilla scent › Grass-like leaves

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 30cm. Leaves 6–10, linear-lanceshaped, 2–6mm wide. Inflorescence spike to 8cm long with 10–30 pink or violet flowers smelling strongly of vanilla. Lip three-lobed, with markedly longer central lobe. Spur only 4–7mm long, weakly decurved and shorter than the ovary. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in poor grassland, open pine woods, damp meadows, alpine mat vegetation, fens and spring-fed mires, up to 2,600m. NOTES The fragrant flowers are pollinated by butterflies and moths.

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Black Vanilla Orchid Gymnadenia rhellicani

› Strong vanilla scent › Several subspecies

DESCRIPTION Orchid family (Orchidaceae). Height to 25cm. Orchid with strong vanilla scent and a globular to oval dense inflorescence. Leaves hollow, linear and grass-like, in a basal rosette. Flowers 20–75, dark red-brown, rarely pink or white, with upcurved lip and decurved tepals. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Base- and lime-rich humus, loose soils in poor grassland, unfertilised montane meadows and alpine pastures, between 1,100 and 2,800m. NOTES Avoided by grazing livestock. If eaten accidentally by cows, it can turn the milk blue.

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Rock Speedwell Veronica fruticans

› Four petals and two stamens › Often washed down to lower altitudes

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 20cm. Plant with short hairs and woody, branching lower stem. Leaves to 2cm long, elliptic, entire or finely round-toothed, shiny, short-stalked or sessile. Flowers 3–7, in a loose terminal raceme. Each flower has a dark blue corolla with a white centre, circled reddish-purple. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, dry soils in rocky sites and crevices, between 1,200 and 3,100m. NOTES The deep blue flowers are pollinated by bees, hoverflies and beetles. The purple ring acts as a ‘honey guide’.

2

Leafless-stemmed Speedwell Veronica aphylla

› Dainty plant › Pollinated by flies

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 6cm. Stem short and leafless. Leaves 8–15mm long, hairy, with short teeth at tip, in a basal rosette. Flowers 6–8mm across, lilac to blue-violet, with dark veins, 2–5, terminal on a long stalk. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in scree, rocky sites, patchy sward and snow hollows, between 1,300 and 3,000m. NOTES Also reproduces vegetatively via shoots in the leaf axils, often leading to many plants growing close together.

3

Alpine Speedwell Veronica alpina

› Leafy stems › Good rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 15cm. Hairy or almost bare plant with many stem leaves. Lacks basal rosette. Leaves to 2cm long, oval, sessile and entire. Flowers 6–8mm across, blue, 5–20 in a short, terminal, umbel-like raceme. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Damp to wet humus soils in snow hollows, wet flushes, damp grassland, rocky sites and moraines, between 1,500 and 3,400m. NOTES Alpine Speedwell is a true mountain plant, found for example in the Ötztal Alps (Austria) as high as 3,400m.

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Bluish Paederota  Paederota bonarota

› On calcareous rocks › Eastern alpine species

DESCRIPTION Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Height to 15cm. Bears 10–40 deep violet-blue flowers in a dense, spike-like raceme. Leaves round-oval, opposite, shortstalked, and with up to nine coarse teeth along the sides. Corolla funnel-shaped and twolipped. Bracts and sepals are suffused purple. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Rich, calcareous soils in rock crevices and on steep cliffs, up to 2,500m. Only on limestone and dolomite. Endemic to the eastern Alps. NOTES The closely related Yellow Paederota (Paederota lutea), also known as Yellow Veronica, has lemon-yellow flowers.

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Fringed Gentian

Gentianopsis ciliata, Syn. Gentianella ciliata

› Scent of violets › Autumn-flowering

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 25cm. Lacks basal rosette. Stem leaves narrowly lance-shaped, with single vein. Flower funnel-shaped, four-lobed, 2.5–5cm long, pale blue to violet-blue. Note the spreading petals, toothed at the tip and fringed with fine hairs. Calyx deeply four-lobed, with pointed tips. Flowers August to October. HABITAT Loose, calcareous soils in poor grassland and pastures, up to 2,500m. NOTES Fringed Gentian requires short turf in open habitats. As a ‘funnel flower’, it is pollinated by bumblebees and butterflies.

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Common Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris

› Large nodding flowers › Mildly poisonous

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 80cm, bears 3–12 blueviolet, 5cm flowers. Basal leaves long-stalked and twice three-lobed. Stem leaves simple. Flowers with five protruding outer petals and five spurred and inclined inner petals. Spur hooked at the tip. Stamens extend only slightly from the flower. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in open woods, scrub, montane meadows and tall herb vegetation, up to 2,100m. NOTES Some bees and other insects (‘nectar-thieves’) bite the side of the spur to get at the nectar.

3

Dark Columbine Aquilegia atrata

› Strikingly coloured flowers › Long stamens

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 60cm, with 3–12 brownviolet, nodding flowers to 4cm long. Basal leaves twice three-lobed with long stalks. Flowers with five protruding outer petals and five spurred and inclined inner petals. Spur hooked at the tip. Stamens extend 5–10mm beyond the flower. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Calcareous, occasionally dry soils in pine woods, woodland edges, scrub, fens and montane meadows, up to 2,200m. NOTES The flower is adapted for pollination by long-tongued bumblebees.

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Alpine Eryngo

Eryngium alpinum

› Unusual inflorescence › In the southern and western Alps

DESCRIPTION Umbellifer family (Apiaceae). Height to 80cm. Thistle-like plant with grooved stem and unusual egg-shaped inflorescence to 6cm tall. Basal leaves long-stalked, triangular-oval and entire. Upper leaves deeply divided, with awned teeth. Many blue-violet flowers. Inflorescence extending above and surrounded by a ruff of feathery amethyst blue bracts. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Rich, damp, calcareous soils in stony grassland and tall herb vegetation, between 1,500 and 2,400m. NOTES The bracts close over when it is wet or dark.

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Globe-headed Rampion Phyteuma hemisphaericum

› Small, delicate plant › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 20cm. Basal leaves 1–2mm wide, linear and grass-like. Stem leaves sessile. Bears 8–20 blue-violet flowers in a terminal hemispherical inflorescence. Florets bending inwards before opening. Outer bracts pointed and sometimes toothed. Flowers July to August. HABITAT Lime-poor, stony humus soils in alpine grassland, poor pastures, scree and rock crevices, between 1,700 and 3,600m. NOTES Rampions have curved, claw-like flowers.

2

Round-headed Rampion Phyteuma orbiculare

› Flowerheads round › Calcicole

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 50cm. Basal leaves oval to lance-shaped, often heart-shaped at the base. Stem leaves narrower, the upper leaves sessile. Flowerhead rounded, with 15–30 blue-violet flowers. The tube florets are up to 1.5cm long and bend inwards before opening. Bracts long and pointed with a broad, rounded base. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Loose, calcareous soils in poor meadows and pastures, fens and open scrub, up to 2,500m. NOTES Visited by butterflies, bumblebees, flies and beetles.

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Blue-spiked Rampion Phyteuma betonicifolium

› Endemic to the Alps › Calcifuge

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 70cm. Flowerhead oval to cylindrical. Basal leaves lance-shaped, long-stalked, heart-shaped at the base and 3–5 times as long as wide. Many blue-violet flowers in a 4–10cm-long spike. Florets almost upright before opening. Bracts to 1mm wide, not protruding beyond the lowest flowers. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Fresh, lime-poor soils in poor meadows and pastures, scrub and open woods, between 600 and 2,700m. NOTES Blue-spiked Rampion is absent from the eastern Alps.

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Devil’s Claw

Physoplexis comosa

› Blue-green leaves › Endemic to the southeastern Alps

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 15cm. Showy, umbel-like inflorescence. Basal leaves stalked, kidney-shaped, shiny and unevenly notched. Stem leaves inverse oval to lance-shaped, coarsely toothed. Flowers 8–20, pinkish-lilac, with violet tips. Each individual flower is inflated at the base, narrowing upwards into a thin tube. Flowers June to August. HABITAT On limestone and dolomite in the south-eastern Alps. Stony, damp soils in scree and rock crevices, up to 2,000m. NOTES The name derives from the unusual shape of the flowers. The dark red style with two stigmas protrudes up to 15cm from the corolla tube.

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Alpine Bellflower Campanula alpina

› Flowers to low on stem › Eastern alpine plant

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 20cm. Stem and sepals with woolly hairs. Flowers violet-blue, 3–8 in a short raceme, some flowers low on the stem. Leaves narrow lance-shaped, with shaggy hairs or almost bare. Corolla bellshaped, 10–20mm long, hairy at tips, but not bearded. Sepals more than half as long as the corolla (compare Bearded Bellflower). Flowers June to August. HABITAT In the eastern Alps on lime-poor soils in poor grassland, montane pastures and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,300 and 2,600m. NOTES Flowers usually violet-blue, but some plants have whitish flowers.

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Bearded Bellflower  Campanula barbata

› Flowers with shaggy hairs › Flowers often nodding

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 40cm. Flowers hairy, and nodding to one side, in raceme-like inflorescence. Leaves basal, elongate lance-shaped, in a rosette. Flowers 10–12, each 15–30mm long, bell-shaped and white-haired inside. Sepals about one-third the length of corolla, with reflexed appendages at the base. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-poor soils in sparse grassland, dwarf shrub heath and open woods, between 1,100 and 2,900m. NOTES The beard-like hairs protect the flowers from ‘honey thieves’.

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Fairy’s Thimble

Campanula cochleariifolia

› Short bell-shaped flowers › Slender plant

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 15cm. Tuft-growing plant with sterile rosettes and light blue to lilac nodding flowers. Basal leaves broadly oval to rounded, and toothed. Stem leaves linear. Flowering stems mostly curved upwards. Flowers 1–2cm, solitary or 2–8 in a loose cluster. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Fresh to damp, calcareous soils in rocky sites, gravel banks and on rocks, up to 3,100m. NOTES Basal leaves not withered by the time of flowering, unlike those of related species.

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Scheuchzer’s Bellflower Campanula scheuchzeri agg.

› Delicate plant with large flowers › Mainly on acid soils

DESCRIPTION Bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Height to 30cm. Mostly hairless, with wide, bell-shaped flowers. Basal rosette leaves long-stalked, round-heart-shaped, withering by the time of flowering. Stem leaves linearlance-shaped. Flowers blue-violet, 1.5–2.5cm long, 1–5 in a usually one-sided raceme. Flower buds nodding. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Fresh, nitrate-poor soils in grassland, poor pastures and rocky sites, between 1,400 and 3,100m. NOTES The similar Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) has a sterile leaf rosette, upright flower buds, and a many-flowered inflorescence.

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Flowers and grasses

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Stemless Gentian  Gentiana acaulis

› Iconic alpine flower › Olive-green stripes inside the flower › Siliceous substrates

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 10cm. Short stem and large dark blue flowers. Basal leaves to 10cm long, inverse oval to elliptic, in a rosette. Flower striking, 4–6cm long with bell-shaped corolla, and olive-green speckles and stripes inside. Calyx teeth less than half the corolla length and somewhat constricted at the base, with white connective tissue. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Limepoor, acid, damp soils in grassy and mat vegetation and pastures, between 1,100 and 3,000m. NOTES Stemless Gentian and Clusius’ Gentian are closely related ‘sister species’, each adapted to growing on different substrates. The flowers close in bad weather. Both species are sometimes called Trumpet Gentian.

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Clusius’ Gentian  Gentiana clusii

› Iconic alpine flower › Corolla without greenish markings inside › Calcicole

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 10cm. Short stem and large dark blue flowers. Basal leaves 2–5cm long, broadly lance-shaped and pointed, in a rosette. Flower striking, 4–6cm long with bell-shaped corolla. May be speckled inside but lacks olive-green markings. Calyx teeth triangular and pointed, and at least half as long as corolla, appressed, and without pale connective tissue. Flowers April to August. HABITAT Damp, calcareous soils in poor grassland, mat vegetation and alpine pastures, between 500 and 2,800m. NOTES Alpine Gentian (Gentiana alpina) is another almost stemless gentian species, found only in the southern and western Alps. Its rosette leaves are only 1–2cm long and it has a shorter 2–4cm-wide corolla.

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Willow Gentian

Gentiana asclepiadea

› Stately, large-flowered gentian › Autumn flowering › Medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 100cm. Stem leafy, upright or arching, with several flowers. Leaves opposite, lance-shaped, tapering and mostly five-veined. Flowers 3–5cm long, dark blue, bell-shaped, with pale stripes inside, in groups of 1–3 in the leaf axils. Calyx tubular. Flowers August to October. HABITAT Rich, damp, calcareous soils in woods, damp meadows, fens and tall herb vegetation, up to 2,200m. NOTES Willow Gentian is at its best in full sun when the temperature is at least 19°C. Cooler than this and the flowers begin to close.

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Bavarian Gentian Gentiana bavarica

› Narrow-tubed flower › Alpine endemic

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 15cm. Flowers solitary on stalks. Also has sterile shoots. Leaves 5–13mm long, shiny, inverse oval, the lower leaves tightly packed but not in rosette. Stalks with 2–4 pairs of leaves. Corolla dark blue, often with a white throat, and a double tooth between the five spreading corolla lobes. Calyx more than half the length of the corolla tube. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Damp, loose, fine soils in snow hollows, rocky debris, flushes and mat vegetation, between 1,800 and 3,600m. NOTES Pollinated mainly by bees and butterflies.

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Snow Gentian Gentiana nivalis

› Branching and manyflowered › Lacks sterile shoots

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 15cm. Branching plant with several terminal flowers. Basal leaves to 10mm long, oval, in a rosette. Stem leaves lance-shaped. Flowers dark to pale blue, with 15mm-long tube and five spreading lance-shaped lobes. Calyx about two-thirds the length of the corolla, appressed, without winged margins. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in poor grassland, pastures and on ridges and peaks, between 1,300 and 3,000m. NOTES The flowers can close within a minute in bad weather.

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Spring Gentian Gentiana verna

› Early flowering › Intolerant of fertilisers and manure

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 10cm. Forms loose tufts. Basal leaves in a rosette, 10–30mm long, lance-shaped, stiff, pointed and much larger than the stem leaves. Flowers deep blue, with 2–3cm-long corolla tube with five oval lobes with a double tooth between them. Calyx narrowly winged. Flowers March to June. HABITAT Calcareous, sometimes wet soils in poor montane meadows, alpine pastures, fens and stony debris, up to 3,500m. NOTES Sometimes has a second flowering in the autumn.

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German Gentian

Gentianella germanica

› Up to 50 flowers › Calyx with transverse wrinkles

DESCRIPTION Gentian family (Gentianaceae). Height to 30cm. Mainly branching gentian with many terminal solitary flowers. Basal leaves inverse oval, mostly withered by flowering time. Stem leaves numerous and lance-shaped. Corolla pinkish, 23–35mm long, five-lobed, slender, funnel-shaped with hairy throat. Flowers May to October. HABITAT Dry, calcareous soils in poor, stony grassland, pastures and fens, up to 2,700m. NOTES Variable species, with tall, sparsely branched summer forms and much-branched, many-flowered autumn forms (seasonal dimorphism). Also known as the Chiltern Gentian for its localised English distribution, centred on the Chiltern Hills.

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Wood Crane’s-bill Geranium sylvaticum

› Flowers about 3cm across › Fruit with long beak

DESCRIPTION Crane’s-bill family (Geraniaceae). Height to 60cm. Branching plant with glandular hairy leaves and stems. Leaves irregularly toothed, palmate, with 5–7 lobes, divided beyond the centre. Flowers spreading, red-violet. Petals rounded, with a white base. Flower stalks glandular hairy and upright in fruit. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Deep, seeping wet soils in tall herb vegetation, montane meadows and woods, up to 2,500m. NOTES The fruit pod, resembling a bird’s bill, disperses its seeds explosively to up to 2.7m.

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Sticky Primrose Primula glutinosa

› Stem and leaves sticky › Eastern alpine species

DESCRIPTION Primrose family (Primulaceae). Height to 10cm. Sticky plant with Cowslip-like red-violet to dark blue flowers. Leaves spoon-shaped and shiny, mostly finely toothed. Flowers scented, 2–7 in in a terminal umbel. Flower stalks 0.5–2mm long, much shorter than the bracts. Flowers June to August. HABITAT In the eastern Alps on acid, humus-rich soils with long snow cover, in damp rocky debris and alpine grassland, between 1,700 and 3,100m. NOTES Sticky Primrose crosses with the tiny Least Primrose (Primula minima), forming fertile hybrids.

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King of the Alps Eritrichium nanum

› Silky hairy › Absent from northern Alps

DESCRIPTION Borage family (Boraginaceae). Height to 5cm. Mat-forming plant with strong, woody taproot and many sterile rosettes. Leaves small, lance-shaped, with shaggy, silky hairs. Flowers fragrant, sky blue, with golden-yellow central ring, 3–6 per stalk, each with a bract. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Lime-free, stony, acid soils in rock crevices, scree and on exposed ridges, between 2,200 and 3,300m. NOTES A cushion plant, it can grow for up to 30 years in the rock- and ice-deserts of the high mountains.

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Alpine Forget-me-not Myosotis alpestris

› Flowers lack bracts › Roughly hairy

DESCRIPTION Borage family (Boraginaceae). Height to 20cm. Densely hairy, matforming plant with rosette leaves narrowing towards the stem. Stem leaves sessile, oval to lance-shaped. Flowers densely clustered, vivid blue, with yellow scales forming a ring in the centre. Calyx hairy, with mostly appressed hairs. Flowers June to July. HABITAT Rich, fresh soils in montane meadows, alpine grassland and rocky sites, between 1,600 and 3,000m. NOTES Alpine Forget-me-not is mainly pollinated by butterflies, flies and bumblebees.

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Flowers and grasses

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Wood Scabious

Knautia dipsacifolia

› Stem leaves undivided › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION Teasel family (Dipsacaceae). Height to 100cm. Several flowerheads. Lower stem with bristly hairs, upper stem with glandular hairs. Leaves undivided and opposite. Lower leaves stalked, broadly lance-shaped and toothed. Upper leaves sessile. Flowerheads flat, 2.5–4cm across, violet to lilac, most with enlarged outer florets. Corolla with four unequal lobes. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Damp, nutrient-rich soils in woods, lush meadows and tall herb vegetation, up to 2,300m. NOTES Wood Scabious is mainly pollinated by butterflies and bees.

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Shining Scabious Scabiosa lucida

› Flowerheads solitary › Several similar species

DESCRIPTION Teasel family (Dipsacaceae). Height to 50cm. Usually unbranched, with bare, somewhat shiny stems and solitary flowerheads. Basal leaves and lower stem leaves undivided, middle stem leaves simply pinnate. Many lilac to violet flowers in a dense, umbrella-like flowerhead 2–4cm across. Outer florets enlarged. Calyx bristles 5–8mm long. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Dry, poor, calcareous soils in montane meadows, grassland and stony sites, up to 2,800m. NOTES The florets of Scabiosa species have five petal lobes, whereas those of the similar Knautia species have four petal lobes.

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Matted Globularia Globularia cordifolia

› Flowerheads 1–2cm across › Rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Globularia family (Globulariaceae). Height to 10cm. Mat-forming evergreen trailing subshrub with low-lying woody stems. Leaves 1–3cm long, leathery, rounded or heart-shaped. Flowers 6–8mm long, violet-blue, in a many-flowered, spherical flowerhead. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Shallow, calcareous soils in stony grassland, scree, crevices and on sunny ledges, up to 2,800m. NOTES The corolla tubes of the flowers are so narrow that they are mostly pollinated by butterflies with their long ‘tongues’ (probosces). Globularias are also known as globe daisies.

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Leafless-stemmed Globularia Globularia nudicaulis

› Stem almost leafless › Evergreen

DESCRIPTION Globularia family (Globulariaceae). Height to 25cm. Unbranched plant with upright stem with only 1–3 tiny leaves. Basal leaves to 15cm long, inverse oval and rounded, in a rosette. Flowers 10–12mm long, violet-blue, in a many-flowered spherical flowerhead 1.5–2.5cm in diameter. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Shallow, calcareous, moderately dry soils in meadows, mat vegetation, dwarf shrub heath and Mountain Pine scrub, between 500 and 2,600m. NOTES Globularias have a bitter flavour and are avoided by grazing livestock.

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Alpine Aster  Aster alpinus

› Lilac and yellow inflorescence › Pretty rock garden plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 20cm. Pretty, mostly solitary flowers on mainly unbraced plant. Basal leaves lance-shaped to elongate spoon-shaped, entire and blunt. Stem leaves narrow lanceshaped. Note the 3–5cm flowerhead with yellow tube florets and spreading pale violet ray florets. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Shallow, stony, calcareous soils in alpine grassland and pastures, also on rocks, between 1,100 and 3,100m. NOTES Visited mainly by butterflies, beetles and flies.

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Perennial Cornflower Centaurea alpina

› Two-coloured flowerhead › Bee and ant plant

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 60cm. Plant often with grey felty hairs. Flowerheads 4–6cm across, consisting entirely of tube florets. Leaves alternate, dark green above, narrow oval. The outer enlarged florets are blue, the inner florets red-violet. Bracts green, with black comb-like fringed appendages. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Fresh, calcareous, moderately rich soils in montane meadows, tall herb vegetation and at woodland margins, up to 2,200m. NOTES The enlarged outer florets increase the attractiveness to insects.

3

Alpine Sow-thistle Cicerbita alpina

› Attractive pale violet flowers › Milky sap

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 2m. Stems to 25cm long, brownish-red, with glandular hairs, hollow and with milky sap. Leaves divided, with enlarged triangular terminal lobes. Flowerheads numerous, bluish-violet, in a slender raceme or panicle. Only ray florets. Bracts 10–15cm long, with glandular hairs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Fresh, nutrient-rich soils in tall herb vegetation and montane meadows, between 900 and 2,200m. NOTES The flowerheads, with their approximately 20 florets, open in the sun and close at night or in the rain.

4

Alpine Saw-wort Saussurea alpina

› Delicate purple tube florets › Arctic-alpine species

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Flowerheads 3–8 in a tight inflorescence. Leaves lance-shaped, entire or shallow toothed, with sparse grey felty hairs beneath; at least the lower leaves stalked. Flowerheads to 2cm across, with 5–15 violet tube florets and cobwebby bracts. Flowers July to September. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in rocky debris, patchy sward, crevices and windswept ridges, between 1,600 and 3,100m. NOTES There are three subspecies in the Alps, differing mainly in size and leaf shape.

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Flowers and grasses

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Purple Colt’s-foot Homogyne alpina

› Red-brown stem › Sometimes washed to lower altitudes

DESCRIPTION Composite family (Asteraceae). Height to 30cm. Flowerheads solitary. Stems with mostly only two small, scaley, bractlike leaves. Basal leaves stalked, leathery, kidney-shaped and green on both sides, shiny above, and at most 3cm wide. Ray florets pink, with purple tips. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp, humus-rich soils in grassland, pastures, dwarf shrub heath and open woods, between 1,000 and 2,900m. Recorded on Piz Languard (Switzerland) at 3,200m. NOTES The outer florets are female, the inner florets hermaphrodite.

2

Common Monk’s-hood Aconitum napellus

› Very poisonous › Ancient ornamental and medicinal plant

DESCRIPTION Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Height to 150cm. Flowers blue-violet in a rather dense raceme. Leaves palmate, with 5–7 lobes, cut almost to the midrib, with linear segments. Upper petal-like sepal rounded and arched into a hood, wider than tall. Flowers June to September. HABITAT Damp, rich soils in fertilised meadows and tall herb vegetation, as well as wood margins and stream sides, up to 3,000m. NOTES Entire plant contains the alkaloid aconitin, one of the most potent of plant poisons, just a few grams of which can be fatal.

3

Alpine Bartsia Bartsia alpina

› Leaves and flowers violet › Sometimes washed to lower altitudes

DESCRIPTION Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Height to 20cm. Loosely hairy plant with opposite oval, bluntly toothed leaves. Upper leaves suffused violet, similar in colour to the dark violet flowers. Flowers solitary in the upper leaf axils, forming a terminal raceme. Lower lip three-lobed, and shorter than the helmet-shaped upper lip. Calyx with glandular hairs. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Seeping wet soils in stony sward, pastures, wet flushes and fens, between 1,000 and 3,100m. NOTES A semi-parasite, it takes in water and dissolved nutrients from other plants.

4

Long-spurred Violet Viola calcarata

› Butterfly flower › West alpine species

DESCRIPTION Violet family (Violaceae). Height to 10cm. Short-stemmed, pansy-like flowers. Leaves basal, oval to lance-shaped, blunt-toothed, with small stipules. Flowers 2.5–4cm across, mostly violet, more rarely yellow, white or bicoloured, with a yellow central patch. Spur as long as the petals. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Damp soils in poor meadows, pastures and rock debris, between 1,500 and 3,000m. NOTES Pollinated mainly by butterflies, which can reach the nectar with their long probosces.

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Pyramidal Bugle Ajuga pyramidalis

› Small flowers › Conspicuous inflorescence

DESCRIPTION Labiate family (Lamiaceae). Height to 25cm. Tall, leafy, pyramidal plant with square, hairy stems. Lacking stolons. Rosette leaves inverse oval, and larger than the oval stem leaves. Leaves in the flower spike suffused red-violet and about twice as long as the flowers. Flowering spike with 2–6 flowers in the leaf axils. Flowers small, violet-blue, with a very short upper lip. Flowers May to August. HABITAT Nutrient- and lime-poor soils in alpine grassland and pastures, tall herb vegetation and dwarf shrub heath, between 800 and 2,700m. NOTES The large violet-tinted bracts add to the attraction of the flowering spike to long-tongued bees and bumblebees. The fruits are dispersed by ants.

2

Alpine Basil-thyme

Acinos alpinus, Syn. Calamintha alpina, Clinopodium alpinum

› Flowers violet with white centre › Smells of peppermint › Sometimes washed to lower altitudes

DESCRIPTION Labiate family (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Mint-scented plant with low-lying and upright stems. Leaves 1–2cm long, oval and short-stalked, with 1–5 marginal teeth. Unlike Basilthyme (Acinos arvensis), underside of the leaves without prominent veins. Flowers shortstalked and violet, mostly in threes in the upper leaf axils. Corolla 12–20mm long (Basilthyme: 7–10mm). Flowers June to September. HABITAT Lime-poor, nitrogen-rich soils in stony grassland, rock debris, Mountain Pine scrub and on ledges, up to 2,900m. NOTES Alpine Basil-thyme exhibits two different flowering types: there are plants with small, female flowers, and others with larger, hermaphrodite flowers. It is pollinated by bumblebees, bees, flies and butterflies.

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Dragonmouth

Horminum pyrenaicum

› Pretty inflorescence › Likes short, poor, dry turf › Only species in its genus

DESCRIPTION Labiate family (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Unbranched plant with square stems and many flowers in a one-sided spike. Basal leaves long-stalked, oval, wrinkled and bluntly toothed. Stem leaves much smaller – entire, sessile and pointed. Flowers violet, 2–6 in the axils of bracts. Corolla 15–20mm long, with three-lobed upper lip. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Mainly in the western and southern Alps, on fresh, stony, calcareous soils in poor grassland, pastures and open Arolla Pine woods, up to 2,500m. NOTES The flowers are unusually rich in nectar and are an abundant source of food for bees and bumblebees.

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Mountain Milk-vetch Oxytropis jacquinii

› Pointed keel › Sometimes washed to lower altitudes

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 20cm. Short plant with unpaired pinnate, red-stalked leaves with 17–35 leaflets. Stipules fused at the base. Flowers blue to reddish-violet, 5–20, clustered in a raceme to 8cm long. Keel of flower distinctly pointed. Bracts barely reaching the middle of the calyx tube. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Calcareous soils in stony grassland and rock debris, between 1,700 and 2,900m. NOTES Unlike other legumes, Mountain Milk-vetch is avoided by alpine livestock.

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Alpine Milk-vetch Astragalus alpinus

› Bi-coloured flowers › Stems often trailing

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 25cm. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 15–23 oval leaflets. Stipules oval and membranous. Flowers 5–15, in a long-stalked raceme. Flowers white and violet, 10–12mm long and delicately fragrant. Standard and keel of flower tipped violet, the rest of the flower white. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in poor meadows and pastures, and on exposed ridges, between 1,300 and 3,100m. NOTES The seeds of Alpine Milk-vetch are dispersed by birds and ruminants.

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Alpine Sainfoin

Hedysarum hedysaroides

› Taproot often around 1m long › Pollinated by bumblebees

DESCRIPTION Pea family (Fabaceae). Height to 40cm. Leaves unpaired pinnate, with 11–19 unstalked, lance-shaped leaflets. Flowers purple, short-stalked, nodding, 10–35 in a one-sided spike-like raceme. Fruit capsule conspicuous, up to 4cm long, constricted between the seeds, with 2–6 segments, like a string of pearls. Flowers June to August. HABITAT Stony, calcareous soils in patchy grassland, montane meadows and dwarf shrub heath, between 1,400 and 2,900m. NOTES Alpine Sainfoin, with its high protein and fat content, it is one of the most valuable of all alpine fodder plants.

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Common Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris

› Violet flowers › Leaves with sticky hairs

DESCRIPTION Bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae). Height to 20cm. Pale green oval rosette leaves with inrolled margins, covered with sticky-slimy glandular hairs. Flowers violet, with hairy white throat spot, solitary on leafless stalks. Spur 4–7mm long. Lobes of lower lip longer than broad. Flowers May to July. HABITAT Wet, nutrient-poor soils in bogs, calcareous spring-fed mires and fens, up to 2,200m. NOTES The sticky leaf surface ensnares insects, which are then digested with enzymes secreted by the leaves, and the resultant soup absorbed by the plant.

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Index (Common names) A Accentor, Alpine 72 Adder, Common European 94 Adenostyles 256 Adenostyles, Alpine 256 Alder, Green 6, 10, 146 Alpenrose 8, 10, 144 Alpenrose, Dwarf 144 Alpenrose, Hairy 8, 144 Anemone, Narcissusflowered 194 Anemone, Tyrolean 194 Angelica, Wild 184 Ant, Red Wood 120 Apollo 4, 108 Apollo, Clouded 108 Apollo, Small 108 Arnica 4, 228 Asphodel, White 204 Aster, Alpine 290 Aster, False 200 Auricula 224 Avens, Alpine 226 Avens, Creeping 226 Avens, Mountain 196 Azalea, Trailing 146 B Badger 22 Bartsia, Alpine 292 Basil-thyme, Alpine 294 Bear, Brown 20 Bearberry 140 Bearberry, Mountain 140 Lichen, Beard 124 Beech 136 Bellflower, Alpine 280 Bellflower, Bearded 4, 280

Bellflower, Scheuchzer’s 280 Bellflower, Yellow 222 Bilberry 142 Bilberry, Bog 142 Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Common 238 Bistort, Alpine 176 Bistort, Common 248 Bitter-cress, Alpine 168 Bitter-cress, Large 168 Blackbird 70 Blackcap 64 Blue, Large 114 Bluethroat 78 Boar, Wild 16 Bogbean 190 Bracken 128 Brambling 86 Bride’s Feathers 188 Bugle, Pyramidal 294 Bullfinch 88 Bullhead, European 104 Bunting, Ortolan 90 Bunting, Rock 90 Butterbur, Alpine 260 Butterbur, White 202 Buttercup, Aconiteleaved 170 Buttercup, Alpine 170 Buttercup, Glacier 4, 11, 170 Buttercup, Meadow 216 Buttercup, Mountain 216 Butterfly-orchid, Greater 210 Butterfly-orchid, Lesser 210 Butterwort, Alpine 208

Butterwort, Common 296 Buzzard, Common 36 C Callianthemum, Coriander-leaved 194 Campion, Bladder 176 Campion, Moss 246 Campion, Rock 246 Capercaillie 32 Cat’s-ear, Giant 230 Catchfly, Small Alpine 176 Cats-foot, Carpathian 198 Chaffinch 86 Chamois 4, 6, 14 Char 106 Chervil, Hairy 184 Chiffchaff 62 Chives 264 Chough, Alpine 54 Chough, Red-billed 52 Christmas Rose 172 Cinquefoil, Dolomite 250 Cinquefoil, Eastern 188 Cinquefoil, Golden 220 Cinquefoil, Lax 188 Clematis, Alpine 138 Clouded Yellow, Moorland 110 Clouded Yellow, Mountain 110 Clover, Alpine 266 Clover, Brown 238 Clover, Mountain 208 Clover, Thal’s 208 Clubmoss, Fir 126 Clubmoss, Interrupted 126

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Colt’s-foot, Purple 292 Colts-foot 230 Columbine, Common 276 Columbine, Dark 276 Cornflower, Perennial 290 Cottongrass, Common 152 Cottongrass, Hare’stail 152 Cottongrass, White 152 Cowberry 142 Cowslip 224 Crane’s-bill, Wood 286 Cress, Chamois 166 Crocus, White 8, 206 Crossbill, Common 88 Crow, Carrion 52 Crowberry, Mountain 146 Cuckoo 42 Cudweed, Dwarf 162 Cyclamen, Alpine 250 Cyphel 172 D Daphne, Striped 138 Darter, White-faced 116 Deer, Red 16 Deer, Roe 16 Devil’s Claw 278 Dipper 68 Dock, Alpine 158 Dormouse, Common 28 Dormouse, Fat 28 Dormouse, Garden 28 Dotterel 42 Dragonmouth 294 Duck, Tufted 40 Dunnock 72

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E Eagle, Golden 4, 38 Eagle, Short-toed 36 Edelweiss 4, 6, 200 Emerald, Alpine 116 Eryngo, Alpine 276 Eyebright, Dwarf 240 F Fairy’s Thimble 280 Falcon, Peregrine 38 Fern, Male 128 Fieldfare 70 Finch, Citril 84 Fir, Silver 132 Firecrest 66 Flea, Snow 120 Fleabane, Oneflowered 258 Fleabane, Variable 258 Flycatcher, Redbreasted 76 Flycatcher, Spotted 74 Forget-me-not, Alpine 286 Fox, Red 18 Fritillary, Marsh 114 Fritillary, Thor’s 114 Frog, Common 102 G Gentian, Bavarian 284 Gentian, Clusius’ 282 Gentian, Fringed 276 Gentian, German 284 Gentian, Great Yellow 228 Gentian, Hungarian 262 Gentian, Purple 262 Gentian, Snow 284 Gentian, Spotted 228 Gentian, Spring 284

Gentian, Stemless 282 Gentian, Willow 282 Globeflower 226 Globularia, Leaflessstemmed 288 Globularia, Matted 288 Goldcrest 66 Goldenrod 234 Goldfinch 86 Goosander 40 Goshawk 36 Grass, Blue Moor 11, 150 Grass, Mat 11, 150 Grasshopper, Clublegged 118 Grasshopper, Green Mountain 118 Grasshopper, Rattle 118 Grass-of-Parnassus 192 Grayling 104 Greenfinch 86 Grouse, Black 4, 9, 32 Grouse, Hazel 34 Gypsophila, Alpine 172 H Hard-fern 130 Hare, Mountain 6, 26 Hare’s-ear, Crowfootleaved 220 Hawk’s-beard, Golden 260 Hawkbit, Rough 234 Hawker, Azure 116 Hawker, Common 116 Hawkweed, Mouseear 234 Hawkweed, Orange 260 299

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Index (Common names) Hawkweed, Silver 6, 234 Heath, Spring 138 Heather 138 Hedgehog, European 24 Helleborine, Marsh 210 Helleborine, White False 206 Hogweed 186 Holly-fern 130 Horsetail, Variegated 128 Horsetail, Wood 128 Houseleek, Cobweb 254 Houseleek, Common 254 Houseleek, Mountain 254 I Ibex, Alpine 4, 6, 14 J Jay 54 K Kestrel 38 Kidney Vetch, Alpine 238 King of the Alps 286 Knapweed, Greater 258 Knapweed, Wig 258 L Lady’s-mantle 160 Lady’s-mantle, Alpine 160 Lady’s-slipper 240 Lammergeier 34 Larch, European 6, 10, 132

Leek, Alpine 204 Leopard’s-bane, Large-flowered 232 Leopard’s-bane, Tufted 5, 232 Lettuce, Purple 260 Lichen, Map 124 Lily, Fire 264 Lily, Martagon 264 Lily, Snowdon 204 Lily, St Bruno’s 204 Lily-of-the-valley 206 Linnet 88 Lizard, Common (Viviparous) 92 Lizard, Common Wall 92 Lizard, Sand 92 Lizard, Western Green 92 Loach, Stone 104 Longhorn Beetle, Alpine 120 Lousewort, Beaked 268 Lousewort, Leafy 240 Lousewort, Whorled 268 Lovage, Alpine 248 Lynx, Eurasian 18 M Mallard 40 Marguerite, Mountain 202 Marmot, Alpine 26 Marsh-marigold 216 Marsh-orchid, Broadleaved 270 Marsh-orchid, Early 270 Marten, Beech (Stone) 20 Marten, Pine 20 Martin, Crag 56

Martin, House 56 Masterwort 10, 186 Masterwort, Great 184 Meadow Grass, Alpine 150 Meadow-rue, Greater 244 Milfoil, Musk 198 Milk-vetch, Alpine 296 Milk-vetch, Mountain 296 Milk-vetch, Yellow Alpine 236 Milkwort, Shrubby 236 Minnow 104 Mole, European 24 Monk’s-hood, Common 10, 292 Moon-daisy, Alpine 202 Moonwort 130 Moss, Bog 126 Moss, Iceland 124 Mouflon 14 Mouse, Yellow-necked 30 Mouse-ear, Alpine 174 Mouse-ear, Broadleaved 174 Mustard, Buckler 212 N Newt, Alpine 100 Newt, Italian Crested 100 Newt, Smooth 100 Nutcracker 54 Nuthatch 60 O Orchid, Alpine Dwarf 164

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Orchid, Bird’s-nest 162 Orchid, Black Vanilla 272 Orchid, Elder-flowered 270 Orchid, Fragrant 272 Orchid, Frog 164 Orchid, Musk 162 Orchid, Round-headed 272 Orchid, Short-spurred Fragrant 272 Orchid, Small-white 210 Owl, Eagle 44 Owl, Long-eared 46 Owl, Pygmy 44 Owl, Tawny 46 Owl, Tengmalm’s 44 Oxlip 224 Oxytropis, Yellow 208 P Paederota, Bluish 274 Painted Lady 112 Partridge, Rock 34 Pasqueflower, Alpine 196 Pasqueflower, Spring 196 Pasqueflower, Yellow Alpine 226 Peacock 112 Pennycress, Roundleaved 242 Pine, Arolla 6, 10, 134 Pine, Dwarf Mountain 6, 10, 134 Pine, Scots 134 Pink, Alpine 244 Pink, Wood 244 Pipit, Tree 80 Pipit, Water 80 Plantain, Alpine 160 Poppy, Alpine 166

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Poppy, Yellow Alpine 212 Primrose, Bird’s-eye 252 Primrose, Hairy 252 Primrose, Least 252 Primrose, Sticky 286 Ptarmigan 6, 32 R Ragwort, Alpine 232 Ragwort, Chamois 232 Rampion, Blue-spiked 278 Rampion, Globeheaded 278 Rampion, Roundheaded 278 Rampion, Spiked 190 Raven 52 Red Admiral 112 Redpoll 84 Redstart 76 Redstart, Black 76 Reindeer-lichen, Alpine 124 Ring Ouzel 72 Ringlet, Yellowspotted 114 Robin 78 Rock-cress, Alpine 166 Rock-jasmine, Alpine 250 Rock-jasmine, Milkwhite 182 Rock-jasmine, Sweetflower 182 Rock-jasmine, Swiss 182 Rock-jasmine, Yellow 224 Rock-rose, Alpine 222

Rock-rose, Common 8, 222 Rose, Alpine 140 Roseroot 214 Rowan 136 Rush, Jacquin’s 156 S Sainfoin, Alpine 296 Sainfoin, Mountain 266 Salamander, Alpine 98 Salamander, Fire 98 Sandpiper, Common 40 Sandwort, Creeping 176 Sandwort, Fringed 174 Sandwort, Twoflowered 174 Saw-wort, Alpine 290 Saxifrage, Blue 178 Saxifrage, Live-long 180 Saxifrage, Mossy 178 Saxifrage, Musky 218 Saxifrage, Orange 218 Saxifrage, Purple 11, 248 Saxifrage, Rough 178 Saxifrage, Roundleaved 180 Saxifrage, Scree 178 Saxifrage, Starry 180 Saxifrage, Twoflowered 11, 170 Saxifrage, Yellow Mountain 218 Scabious, Shining 288 Scabious, Wood 288 Scurvygrass, Rock 168 Sedge, Alpine 154 Sedge, Evergreen 11, 154 301

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Index (Common names) Sedge, Pillow 154 Sedge, Rusty 11, 154 Serin 84 Shrew, Alpine 24 Shrike, Red-backed 56 Sibbaldia 220 Siskin 84 Skylark 56 Slow Worm 94 Snake, Aesculapian 96 Snake, Grass 96 Snake, Green Whip 98 Snake, Smooth 96 Snowbell, Alpine 262 Snowbell, Dwarf 262 Snowfinch 82 Soapwort, Rock 244 Sorrel, Buckler-leaved 158 Sorrel, Mountain 158 Sow-thistle, Alpine 290 Sparrow, House 80 Sparrowhawk 36 Speedwell, Alpine 274 Speedwell, Leaflessstemmed 274 Speedwell, Rock 274 Spleenwort, Green 130 Spotted-orchid, Common 270 Spruce, Norway 10, 132 Spurge, Cypress 214 Squirrel, Red 26 Starling 64 Stoat 22 Stonecrop, Alpine 218 Stonecrop, Dark 248 Stonecrop, White 182 Sundew, Roundleaved 192

Surmountain, Narrowleaved 186 Swallowtail 110 Swift 46 Swift, Alpine 46 Sycamore 136 T Thistle, Alpine 256 Thistle, Great Marsh 256 Thistle, Spiniest 230 Thistle, Stemless Carline 200 Thrift, Alpine 246 Thrush, Mistle 70 Thrush, Rock 74 Thrush, Song 70 Thyme, Hairy 266 Tit, Blue 60 Tit, Coal 58 Tit, Crested 58 Tit, Great 60 Tit, Long-tailed 60 Tit, Marsh 58 Tit, Willow 58 Toad, Common 102 Toad, Yellow-bellied 102 Toadflax, Alpine 268 Tormentil 214 Tortoiseshell, Small 112 Treecreeper 68 Trout, Brown 106 Trout, Lake 106 Twayblade, Common 164 Twinflower 192 V Valerian, Mountain 250 Vetch, Horseshoe 238

Violet, Long-spurred 292 Violet, Yellow Wood 236 Viper, Asp 94 Vole, Bank 30 Vole, Snow 30 Vulture, Griffon 34 W Wagtail, Grey 82 Wagtail, White 82 Wallcreeper 68 Warbler, Bonelli’s 62 Warbler, Garden 64 Warbler, Willow 62 Warbler, Wood 62 Wart-biter 118 Weasel 22 Weevil, Mountain 120 Wheatear 74 Whinchat 78 White, Mountain Green-veined 110 Whitethroat, Lesser 64 Whitlowgrass, Pyrenean 242 Whitlowgrass, Yellow 212 Willow, Blunt-leaved 148 Willow, Dwarf 6, 148 Willow, Net-leaved 148 Willowherb, Fleischer’s 5, 242 Willowherb, Rosebay 242 Wintergreen, Roundleaved 190 Wolf 18 Wolfsbane 236 Woodcock 42

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Woodpecker, Black 50 Woodpecker, Great Spotted 48 Woodpecker, Green 50 Woodpecker, Greyheaded 50 Woodpecker, Threetoed 48

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Woodpecker, Whitebacked 48 Woodpigeon 42 Woodrush, Alpine 156 Woodrush, Yellow 156 Wood-sorrel 190 Wormwood, Alpine 162 Wren 66

Y Yarrow, Black 198 Yarrow, Silvery 198 Yellowhammer 90 Yellow-rattle, Awned 240

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Index (Scientific names) A Abies alba 132 Accipiter gentilis 36 Accipiter nisus 36 Acer pseudoplatanus 136 Achillea atrata 198 Achillea clavenae 198 Achillea moschata 198 Acinos alpinus 294 Aconitum lycoctonum 236 Aconitum napellus 292 Actitis hypoleucos 40 Adenostyles alliariae 256 Adenostyles alpina ssp. alpina 256 Adenostyles glabra 256 Aegithalos caudatus 60 Aegolius funereus 44 Aeshna caerulea 116 Aeshna juncea 116 Aglais io 112 Aglais urticae 112 Ajuga pyramidalis 294 Alauda arvensis 56 Alchemilla alpina 160 Alchemilla vulgaris agg. 160 Alectoris graeca 34 Allium schoenoprasum 264 Allium victorialis 204 Alnus alnobetula 146 Alnus viridis 146 Anas platyrhynchos 40 Androsace alpina 250 Androsace chamaejasme 182

Androsace helvetica 182 Androsace lactea 182 Androsace vitaliana 224 Anemonastrum narcissiflorum 194 Anemone baldensis 194 Anemone narcissiflora 194 Angelica sylvestris 184 Anguis fragilis 94 Antennaria carpatica 198 Anthus spinoletta 80 Anthus trivialis 80 Anthyllis vulneraria ssp. alpestris 238 Apodymus flavicollis 30 Apus apus 46 Apus melba 46 Aquila chrysaetos 38 Aquilegia atrata 276 Aquilegia vulgaris 276 Arabis alpina 166 Arctostaphylos alpina 140 Arctostaphylos uvaursi 140 Arenaria biflora 174 Arenaria ciliata 174 Armeria alpina 246 Arnica montana 228 Artemisia umbelliformis 162 Aruncus dioicus 188 Asio otus 46 Asphodelus albus 204 Asplenium viride 130 Aster alpinus 290 Aster bellidiastrum 200

Astragalus alpinus 296 Astragalus frigidus 236 Astrantia major 184 Atocion rupestre 246 Aythya fuligula 40 B Barbatula barbatula 104 Bartsia alpina 292 Bellidiastrum michelii 200 Biscutella laevigata 212 Bistorta officinalis 248 Bistorta vivipara 176 Blechnum spicant 130 Boloria thore 114 Bombina variegata 102 Bonasa bonasia 34 Boreus westwoodi 120 Botrychium lunaria 130 Bubo bubo 44 Bufo bufo 102 Bupleurum ranunculoides 220 Buteo buteo 36 C Calamintha alpina 294 Callianthemum coriandrifolium 194 Calluna vulgaris 138 Caltha palustris 216 Campanula alpina 280 Campanula barbata 280 Campanula cochleariifolia 280 Campanula scheuchzeri agg. 280

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Campanula thyrsoides 222 Canis lupus 18 Capra ibex 14 Capreolus capreolus 16 Cardamine alpina 168 Cardamine amara 168 Carduelis cannabina 88 Carduelis carduelis 86 Carduelis citrinella 84 Carduelis flammea cabaret 84 Carduelis spinus 84 Carduus defloratus 256 Carduus personata 256 Carex curvula 154 Carex ferruginea 154 Carex firma 154 Carex sempervirens 154 Carlina acaulis 200 Centaurea alpina 290 Centaurea phrygia 258 Centaurea scabiosa 258 Cerastium alpinum 174 Cerastium latifolium 174 Certhia familiaris 68 Cervus elaphus 16 Cetraria islandica 124 Chaerophyllum hirsutum agg. 184 Cham(aen)erion angustifolium 242 Chamorchis alpina 164 Charadrius morinellus 42 Chloris chloris 86

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Cicerbita alpina 290 Cinclus cinclus 68 Circaetus gallicus 36 Cirsium spinosissimum 230 Cladonia stellaris 124 Clematis alpina 138 Clethrionomys glareolus 30 Clinopodium alpinum 294 Coeloglossum viride 164 Coleas phicomone 110 Colias palaeno 110 Columba palumbus 42 Convallaria majalis 206 Coronella austriaca 96 Corvus corax 52 Corvus corone 52 Cottus gobio 104 Crepis aurea 260 Crocus albiflorus 206 Crocus vernus 206 Cuculus canorus 42 Cyanistes caeruleus 60 Cyclamen purpurascens 250 Cypripedium calceolus 240 D Dactylorhiza fuchsii 270 Dactylorhiza incarnata 270 Dactylorhiza majalis 270 Dactylorhiza sambucina 270 Dactylorhiza viridis 164

Daphne striata 138 Decticus verrucivorus 118 Delichon urbica 56 Dendrocopos leucotos 48 Dendrocopos major 48 Dianthus alpinus 244 Dianthus sylvestris 244 Doronicum clusii 232 Doronicum grandiflorum 232 Draba aizoides 212 Drosera rotundifolia 192 Dryas octopetala 196 Dryocopus martius 50 Dryopteris filix-mas 128 E Eliomys quercinus 28 Emberiza cia 90 Emberiza citrinella 90 Emberiza hortulana 90 Empetrum hermaphroditum 146 Epilobium angustifolium 242 Epilobium fleischeri 242 Epipactis palustris 210 Equisetum sylvaticum 128 Equisetum variegatum 128 Erebia manto 114 Erica carnea 138 Erigeron glabratus 258 Erigeron uniflorus 258 Erinaceus europaeus 24 305

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Index (Scientific names) Eriophorum angustifolium 152 Eriophorum scheuchzeri 152 Eriophorum vaginatum 152 Erithacus rubecula 78 Eritrichium nanum 286 Eryngium alpinum 276 Euphorbia cyparissias 214 Euphrasia minima 240 Euphydryas aurinea 114 F Fagus sylvatica 136 Falco peregrinus 38 Falco tinnunculus 38 Ficedula parva 76 Formica rufa 120 Fringilla coelebs 86 Fringilla montifringilla 86

Geranium sylvaticum 286 Geum montanum 226 Geum reptans 226 Glaucidium passerinum 44 Glis glis 28 Globularia cordifolia 288 Globularia nudicaulis 288 Gnaphalium supinum 162 Gomphocerus sibiricus 118 Gymnadenia conopsea 272 Gymnadenia odoratissima 272 Gymnadenia rhellicani 272 Gypaetus barbatus 34 Gyps fulvus 34 Gypsophila repens 172

G Gagea serotina 204 Garrulus glandarius 54 Gentiana acaulis 282 Gentiana asclepiadea 282 Gentiana bavarica 284 Gentiana clusii 282 Gentiana lutea 228 Gentiana nivalis 284 Gentiana pannonica 262 Gentiana punctata 228 Gentiana purpurea 262 Gentiana verna 284 Gentianella ciliata 276 Gentianella germanica 284 Gentianopsis ciliata 276

H Hedysarum hedysaroides 296 Helianthemum alpestre 222 Helianthemum nummularium 222 Heliosperma pusillum 176 Helleborus niger 172 Heracleum sphondylium 186 Herminium monorchis 162 Hieracium aurantiacum 260 Hieracium pilosella 234 Hieracium villosum 234

Hierophis viridiflavus 98 Hippocrepis comosa 238 Homogyne alpina 292 Horminum pyrenaicum 294 Hornungia alpina 166 Huperzia selago 126 Hypochaeris uniflora 230 I Ichthyosaura alpestris 100 Inachis io 112 J Juncus jacquinii 156 K Kalmia procumbens 146 Kernera saxatilis 168 Knautia dipsacifolia 288 L Lacerta agilis 92 Lacerta bilineata 92 Lagopus mutus 32 Lanius collurio 56 Larix decidua 132 Laserpitium siler 186 Leontodon hispidus 234 Leontopodium alpinum 200 Lepus timidus 26 Leucanthemopsis alpina 202 Leucanthemum adustum 202 Leucorrhinia dubia 116

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Ligusticum mutellina 248 Lilium bulbiferum 264 Lilium martagon 264 Linaria alpina 268 Linnaea borealis 192 Liparus glabirostris 120 Lissotriton vulgaris 100 Listera ovata 164 Lloydia serotina 204 Loiseleuria procumbens 146 Lophophanes cristatus 58 Lotus corniculatus agg. 238 Loxia curvirostra 88 Luscinia svecica 78 Luzula alpinopilosa 156 Luzula lutea 156 Lycopdium annotinum 126 Lynx lynx 18 M Maculinea arion 114 Marmota marmota 26 Martes foina 20 Martes martes 20 Meles meles 22 Menyanthes trifoliata 190 Mergus merganser 40 Microtus nivalis 30 Minuartia sedoides 172 Miramella alpina 118 Moehringia ciliata 176 Monticola saxatilis 74 Montifringilla nivalis 82 Motacilla alba 82

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Motacilla cinerea 82 Muscardinus avellanarius 28 Muscicapa striata 74 Mustela erminea 22 Mustela nivalis 22 Myosotis alpestris 286 N Nardus stricta 150 Natrix natrix 96 Neottia nidus-avis 162 Neottia ovata 164 Noccaea rotundifolia 242 Nucifraga caryocatactes 54 O Oenanthe oenanthe 74 Onobrychis montana 266 Ovis ammon 14 Oxalis acetosella 190 Oxyria digyna 158 Oxytropis campestris 208 Oxytropis jacquinii 296 P Paederota bonarota 274 Papaver alpinum ssp. rhaeticum 212 Papaver alpinum ssp. sendtneri 166 Papilio machaon 110 Paradisea liliastrum 204 Parnassia palustris 192 Parnassius apollo 108 Parnassius mnemosyne 108

Parnassius phoebus 108 Parus major 60 Passer domesticus 80 Pedicularis foliosa 240 Pedicularis rostratocapitata 268 Pedicularis verticillata 268 Periparus ater 58 Persicaria vivipara 176 Petasites albus 202 Petasites paradoxus 260 Petrocallis pyrenaica 242 Peucedanum ostruthium 186 Phoenicurus ochruros 76 Phoenicurus phoenicurus 76 Phoxinus phoxinus 104 Phylloscopus bonelli 62 Phylloscopus collybita 62 Phylloscopus sibilatrix 62 Phylloscopus trochilus 62 Physoplexis comosa 278 Phyteuma betonicifolium 278 Phyteuma hemisphaericum 278 Phyteuma orbiculare 278 Phyteuma spicatum 190 Picea abies 132 Picoides tridactylus 48 307

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Index (Scientific names) Picus canus 50 Picus viridis 50 Pieris bryoniae 110 Pilosella aurantiaca 260 Pinguicula alpina 208 Pinguicula vulgaris 296 Pinus cembra 134 Pinus mugo 134 Pinus sylvestris 134 Plantago alpina 160 Platanthera bifolia 210 Platanthera chlorantha 210 Poa alpina 150 Podarcis muralis 92 Poecile montanus 58 Poecile palustris 58 Polygala chamaebuxus 236 Polygonum bistorta 248 Polygonum viviparum 176 Polystichum lonchitis 130 Potentilla aurea 220 Potentilla caulescens 188 Potentilla clusiana 188 Potentilla erecta 214 Potentilla nitida 250 Prenanthes purpurea 260 Primula auricula 224 Primula elatior 224 Primula farinosa 252 Primula glutinosa 286 Primula hirsuta 252 Primula minima 252 Primula veris 224

Pritzelago alpina 166 Prunella collaris 72 Prunella modularis 72 Pseudorchis albida 210 Psophus stridulus 118 Pteridium aquilinum 128 Ptyonoprogne rupestris 56 Pulsatilla alpina ssp. alpina 196 Pulsatilla alpina ssp. apiifolia 226 Pulsatilla vernalis 196 Pyrola rotundifolia 190 Pyrrhocorax graculus 54 Pyrrhocorax pyyrhocorax 52 Pyrrhula pyrrhula 88 R Rana temporaria 102 Ranunculus aconitifolius 170 Ranunculus acris 216 Ranunculus alpestris 170 Ranunculus glacialis 170 Ranunculus montanus agg. 216 Regulus ignicapillus 66 Regulus regulus 66 Rhinanthus glacialis 240 Rhizocarpon geographicum 1244 Rhodiola rosea 214 Rhododendron ferrugineum 144

Rhododendron hirsutum 144 Rhodothamnus chamaecistus 144 Rosa pendulina 140 Rosalia alpina 120 Rumex alpinus 158 Rumex scutatus 158 Rupicapra rupicapra 14 S Salamandra atra 98 Salamandra salamandra 98 Salix herbacea 148 Salix reticulata 148 Salix retusa 148 Salmo trutta fario 106 Salmo trutta lacustris 106 Salvelinus alpinus 106 Saponaria ocymoides 244 Saussurea alpina 290 Saxicola rubetra 78 Saxifraga aizoides 218 Saxifraga androsacea 178 Saxifraga aspera 178 Saxifrage biflora 11, 170 Saxifraga bryoides 178 Saxifraga caesia 178 Saxifraga moschata 218 Saxifraga mutata 218 Saxifraga oppositifolia 248 Saxifraga paniculata 180 Saxifraga rotundifolia 180 Saxifraga stellaris 180

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Scabiosa lucida 288 Sciurus vulgaris 26 Scolopax rusticola 42 Sedum album 182 Sedum alpestre 218 Sedum atratum 248 Sempervivum arachnoideum 254 Sempervivum montanum 254 Sempervivum tectorum 254 Senecio alpinus 232 Senecio doronicum 232 Serinus serinus 84 Sesleria caerulea 150 Sibbaldia procumbens 220 Silene acaulis 246 Silene pusilla 176 Silene rupestris 246 Silene vulgaris 176 Sitta europaea 60 Soldanella alpina 262 Soldanella pusilla 262 Solidago virgaurea 234 Somatochlora alpestris 116 Sorbus aucuparia 136 Sorex alpinus 24 Sphagnum spp. 126 Strix aluco 46 Sturnus vulgaris 64 Sus scrofa 16

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Sylvia atricapilla 64 Sylvia borin 64 Sylvia curruca 64

Turdus torquatus 72 Turdus viscovorus 70 Tussilago farfara 230

T Talpa europaea 24 Tetrao tetrix 32 Tetrao urogallus 32 Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 244 Thlaspi cepaeifolium 242 Thymallus thymallus 104 Thymus praecox ssp. polytrichus 266 Tichodroma muraria 68 Traunsteinera globosa 272 Trifolium alpinum 266 Trifolium badium 238 Trifolium montanum 208 Trifolium thalii 208 Triturus carniflex 100 Troglodytes troglodytes 66 Trollius europaeus 226 Turdus merula 70 Turdus philomelos 70 Turdus pilaris 70

U Ursus arctos 20 Usnea spp. 124 V Vaccinium myrtillus 142 Vaccinium uliginosum 142 Vaccinium vitis-idaea 142 Valeriana montana 250 Vanessa atalanta 112 Vanessa cardui 112 Veratrum album 206 Veronica alpina 274 Veronica aphylla 274 Veronica fruticans 274 Viola biflora 236 Viola calcarata 292 Vipera aspis 94 Vipera berus 94 Vitaliana primuliflora 224 Vulpes vulpes 18 Z Zamenis longissimus 96 Zootoca vivipara 92

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Photo credits With 562 colour photos: 62 by H. Bellmann/F. Hecker: 29 (1a), 95 (2), 97 (2), 99 (3), 105 (3), 109 (1), 117 (4), 121 (1, 4), 129 (1), 139 (1), 145 (3), 147 (1), 155 (1, 3), 157 (1, 2, 3), 163 (2, 4), 165 (1a, 1b), 167 (2b), 169 (3), 173 (1, 2), 179 (1), 183 (2, 3), 195 (1, 3), 197 (2), 199 (4), 205 (3), 205 (4), 213 (1, 3), 223 (2), 227 (1), 241 (2), 243 (1, 2), 245 (2), 247 (2, 3), 251 (1, 3, 4), 253 (3), 267 (2), 269 (3), 271 (2), 275 (2, 4), 281 (1), 285 (1, 2), 287 (2, 3, 4), 293 (4), 295 (1); 2 by W. Buchhorn/F. Hecker: 51 (1), 65 (3b); 1 by O. Diez/ Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 39 (1); 81 by R. Eberhardt: 5 o., 15 (2a, 2b), 19 (2), 23 (2), 29 (1b, 3), 33 (2a, 2b, 3b), 37 (3b), 39 (3a), 41 (1b), 45 (3), 47 (2), 49 (1, 3), 51 (2), 53 (1a), 55 (2, 3), 57 (1b, 3, 4), 59 (1, 2, 3, 4), 61 (3), 63 (2, 3, 4), 65 (2), 67 (1, 3), 69 (2), 71 (2), 73 (1, 2, 3), 75 (3), 77 (1, 2a, 3b), 79 (1a, 1b), 81 (1a), 83 (1, 2), 85 (1, 2, 3a), 87 (1b, 2, 4), 89 (1, 2a, 2b), 91 (1), 109 (3), 111 (3), 115 (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3, 4), 117 (2), 119 (1, 2, 3), 131 (2), 151 (1), 179 (2), 193 (2), 219 (3a), 221 (1), 243 (4), 249 (3), 281 (2), 285 (4); 79 by F. Hecker: 17 (3), 19 (1, 3), 21 (1, 2, 3), 23 (1, 3), 25 (1, 2), 29 (2), 31 (1, 2), 35 (1), 37 (2), 43 (1, 4), 45 (1), 47 (1, 4a, 4b), 57 (2), 63 (1), 67 (2), 69 (1), 75 (2b), 79 (2), 81 (2), 91 (2, 3), 95 (1, 3), 97 (1, 3), 99 (1), 101 (2a, 2b), 105 (1, 2, 4), 107 (1, 2, 3), 119 (4), 125 (2, 3, 4), 127 (2), 133 (1b), 141 (2, 3a, 3b), 147 (2), 149 (1, 2), 153 (1), 159 (2), 167 (2a), 177 (4), 179 (3), 187 (2), 189 (2), 193 (1b), 215 (2), 221 (2, 3), 225 (1), 239 (2), 253 (2), 255 (2, 3), 269 (1), 271 (1), 277 (2, 4), 289 (2), 295 (3), 297 (2); 1 by A. Ghignone/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 35 (3); 3 by N. Griebl: 219 (2), 279 (1, 4); 1 by M. Guyt/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 47 (3); 1 by A. Hartl/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 101 (3); 23 by M. Hassler: 151 (3), 155 (2, 4), 163 (1), 167 (1), 169 (1), 175 (1, 2, 3, 4), 177 (2, 3), 199 (2, 3), 203 (2), 209 (1, 2, 3), 249 (4), 259 (2, 4), 261 (1), 267 (1); 1 by W. & K. Layer/ Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 27 (1); 1 by A. Limbrunner/F. Hecker: 25 (3); 1 by E. Mestel/F. Hecker: (39 (2); 1 by J. Opiola: 291 (4); 1 by H. Schmidbauer/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 31 (3); 4 by R. Schmidt/F. Hecker: 37 (1), 45 (2), 51 (3), 75 (1); 2 by M. Varesvuo/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 37 (4), 43 (2); 1 by A. Volz/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 35 (2); 1 by P. Weigell: 189 (3); 1 by W. Willner/Blickwinkel via F. Hecker: 53 (3); 1 by B. Zwittnig: 259 (3) All others are by the author. With 1 illustration by Kay Elzner. Front cover: Alpine Ibex, Matevz Lavric/Shutterstock; Queen of Spain Fritillary, Heliosphile/Shutterstock; White-winged Snowfinch, Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock; Western green Lizard, F.Demonsant/Shutterstock. Back cover: Dwarf Mountain Pine, K.Jagielski/Shutterstock; Common Bilberry, Nata Naumovec/Shutterstock; Edelweiss, ciud/Shutterstock.

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About the author Thomas Gretler is a biologist, journalist and passionate nature photographer. He lives in the Allgäu, and since 2001 has worked as a freelance photojournalist and author, specialising particularly on the themes of nature and tourism. He creates hiking and nature adventure trails, and takes photographs for several print media and publishers. Originally published in German, this book is Gretler’s fourth work for Kosmos.

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BLOOMSBURY WILDLIFE Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK 29 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland BLOOMSBURY, BLOOMSBURY WILDLIFE and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury Publishing, 2023 This electronic edition published in 2023 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc This edition published by arrangement with Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart, Germany First published in 2022 in Germany as Gretler, Tiere und Pflanzen der Alpen by Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG © Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart, Germany, 2022 Translation © Martin Walters, 2023 The author has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN: PB: 978-1-3994-0941-4; ePub: 978-1-3994-0943-8; ePDF: 978-1-3994-0942-1

Layout for this edition by Rod Teasdale Bloomsbury Publishing Plc makes every effort to ensure that the papers used in the manufacture of our books are natural, recyclable products made from wood grown in well-managed forests. Our manufacturing processes conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin. To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com and sign up for our newsletters

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