WILDFLOWER: TUFTED FORGET-ME-NOT

Common Name: Tufted forget-me-not

Latin Name: Myosotis laxa

I spotted a cluster of these little flowers in our hedgerow in late April, whilst doing some garden maintenance. They are so small that they are easy to miss.

This wildflower has the smallest flower of a group of a forget-me-nots, but it is perfectly formed, with Wedgewood-style white decoration on a dusky blue background, and a bright yellow centre.

It likes growing near water or in shade. I found it in a hedgerow, below thorn and ash trees and under a fence.

I have identified it by the erect hairs on upper leaves, small flower size and the pink colour of budding flowers.