The Scots pine has been voted Scotland’s favourite native tree and the Scottish bluebell the most popular native flower in a survey which attracted votes from around the world, conducted by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE).

The Scots pine is synonymous with the Scottish landscape as well as providing a habitat for species such as the crossbill, pine marten and capercaillie.

The Scottish bluebell, or harebell ( Campanula rotundifolia), grows abundantly around Scotland and its flowering is considered by many to herald the start of summer.

The rowan tree was voted third and fourth was the Scottish primrose – one of only a handful of British flowers that occur naturally in Scotland; the silver birch came in fifth place.

Votes were also received for some more unusual choices including bog myrtle, melancholy thistle, Arran whitebeam, round-leaved sundew, twinflower, eyebright and woolly willow.

“The survey has been fascinating and has also helped provoke discussion about the fragility of our trees and plants. Many of Scotland’s native species are vulnerable or endangered. This can be for a number of reasons from changing land uses or grazing to climate change,” said Dr Heather McHaffie RBGE’s science conservation officer commenting on the results.

The survey was inspired by Scotland’s Big 5 campaign to identify Scotland’s favourite wildlife. When Scottish Natural Heritage revealed that its ‘big five’ were animals and birds, RBGE decided to champion biodiversity and find Scotland’s five most popular native trees, plants and shrubs.

One Response to “Oh favourite flower of Scotland”

1. Scot R. Hines

   28 Nov 13 07:28

   and more recently there have been experimental projects involving the beaver and wild boar . Today, much of the remaining native Caledonian Forest lies within the Cairngorms National Park and remnants of the forest remain at 84 locations across Scotland. On the west coast, remnants of ancient Celtic Rainforest still remain, particularly on the Taynish peninsula in Argyll , these forests are particularly rare due to high rates of deforestation throughout Scottish history.

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