Dog's Mercury is one of the plants that indicate the presence of ancient woodland. This is because it spreads by underground runners rather than seed. As it cannot compete with the lush growth of grasslands, it cannot cross open ground and so does not easily colonise new areas.
So although it is not a very striking plant to look at - this is the male plant in full bloom - it is something to note with interest.
The female flowers are even less prepossessing.
Colour difference in the photos is due to differing light conditions; they are usually the same colour - but hardly ever meet.
We have quite a lot of it in Filnore Woods. Its presence, along with several other ancient woodland indicators, suggests that this was the site of an ancient woodland.
Plants like bluebells, yellow archangel, red campion and violets may all have been hanging on in hedgerows and shady spots since the middle ages and even since the last ice age. We aim to create the conditions in which they can flourish again.
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