PLANT SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE CAIRNGORMS

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

A rare wildflower that forms a focus for Plantlife Scotland’s current conservation work. It grows in shady pine woods, especially fragments of ancient Caledonian Forest. Very dainty and delicate – it can be hard to spot in its favoured shady home. Don’t pick it!

Blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

A dwarf shrub with rounded leaves that turn bright red in autumn before being shed. In spring, they develop small bell-shaped flowers which develop into fruits – this is the wild form of the blueberry. A key foodstuff for the green hairstreak butterfly.

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

These hunched shrubs bear grey-green needleshaped leaves and tiny, dark cones which look like berries which are used in the production of gin. Once common, this plant has been decreasing in Scotland and is listed as a priority species.

Cowberry (Vaccinium vitisidaea)

Also known as the lingonberry, the cowberry looks similar to the blaeberry but bears scarlet fruit that are very tart, not unlike cranberries – and are best eaten when cooked into jams or sauces.