Native and Non-Native Plant Species in the UK: A Comprehensive List by Region and Country"
South East England: This region is home to a diverse range of plants, including the English oak (Quercus robur), beech (Fagus sylvatica), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), and wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa). Other common native plant species found in this region include the common nettle (Urtica dioica), common cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris), and common knapweed (Centaurea nigra). There are approximately 1,700 native plant species found in this region.
South West England: The rugged coastline and mild climate of South West England provide the perfect habitat for a variety of native plants, such as Cornish heath (Erica vagans), sea thrift (Armeria maritima), rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum), bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris). Other common native plant species found in this region include common heather (Calluna vulgaris), cowslip (Primula veris), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus), and wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia). There are approximately 1,500 native plant species found in this region.
East of England: The low-lying marshlands and estuaries of the East of England provide a unique habitat for a variety of native plants, such as common reed (Phragmites australis), common scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis), common broomrape (Orobanche minor), dyer's greenweed (Genista tinctoria), and white helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium). Other common native plant species found in this region include fen orchid (Liparis loeselii), marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), ragged-robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). There are approximately 1,600 native plant species found in this region.
West Midlands: This region is characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and grasslands, and is home to a variety of native plants, such as common lime (Tilia x europaea), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), wild cherry (Prunus avium), common dog-violet (Viola riviniana), and pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris). Other common native plant species found in this region include cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), hairy violet (Viola hirta), heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile), wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), and yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). There are approximately 1,400 native plant species found in this region.
East Midlands: The rolling hills and fertile farmland of the East Midlands provide the perfect habitat for a variety of native plants, such as yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), dog-rose (Rosa canina), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), common dog-violet (Viola riviniana), and cowslip (Primula veris). In addition to these native species, the East Midlands is also home to a variety of non-native plant species that have been introduced to the area. Despite its relatively high level of plant diversity, the East Midlands has experienced habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore important habitats in the region, such as ancient woodlands and wetlands, and to promote the recovery of threatened plant species.
Wales: Wales has a diverse range of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, bogs, and mountains, which support a variety of plant species. The total number of vascular plant species recorded in Wales is around 1,550, with over 400 species being classified as native. Some notable native plant species in Wales include Welsh poppy (Meconopsis cambrica), snowdon lily (Gagea serotina), and lesser butterfly orchid (Platanthera bifolia).
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastal areas, which support a diverse range of plant species. The total number of vascular plant species recorded in Northern Ireland is around 1,450, with over 700 species being classified as native. Some notable native plant species in Northern Ireland include Irish lady's-tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana), Irish saxifrage (Saxifraga rosacea), and Irish whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica).
Scottish Highlands: The Scottish Highlands are characterized by rugged mountains, moorlands, and forests, which support a unique range of plant species. The total number of vascular plant species recorded in the Scottish Highlands is around 1,450, with over 900 species being classified as native. Some notable native plant species in the Scottish Highlands include dwarf willow (Salix herbacea), alpine lady's mantle (Alchemilla alpina), and Highland saxifrage (Saxifraga rivularis).
Scottish Lowlands: The Scottish Lowlands are characterized by rolling hills, forests, and agricultural land, which support a variety of plant species. The total number of vascular plant species recorded in the Scottish Lowlands is around 1,250, with over 600 species being classified as native. Some notable native plant species in the Scottish Lowlands include Scottish primrose (Primula scotica), yellow saxifrage (Saxifraga aizoides), and bog myrtle (Myrica gale).
Isle of Man: The Isle of Man is a small island located in the Irish Sea, which supports a variety of habitats, including moorlands, woodlands, and coastal areas. The total number of vascular plant species recorded on the Isle of Man is around 1,100, with over 400 species being classified as native. Some notable native plant species on the Isle of Man include the Manx thistle (Cirsium x scopulorum), the Manx orchid (Orchis laxiflora), and the Manx pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis subsp. longicornu).
It's worth noting that these numbers and species lists are constantly changing as new species are discovered and identified, and as climate change and human activity continue to affect plant populations.
In conclusion, the UK has a rich and diverse plant biodiversity, with over 3,000 native plant species and a large number of non-native species as well. The country's varied landscapes, ranging from mountains and moorlands to forests and wetlands, provide habitats for a wide range of plant species.
However, like many other parts of the world, the UK's plant diversity is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to protect and restore important habitats, support threatened plant species, and promote sustainable land management practices.
Despite these challenges, the UK has a long history of botanical research and conservation, with many organizations and initiatives dedicated to protecting and promoting the country's plant diversity. By continuing to prioritize conservation efforts and support scientific research, the UK can work to safeguard its rich botanical heritage for future generations.