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Flower Hunter Day
“What a lonely place it would be to have a world without a wildflower!”
~ Roland R. Kemler
Hiking in the Highlands? Keep an eye out for a true alpine treasure—Kalmia procumbens, or the alpine azalea. This delicate, trailing plant flourishes on the highest peaks of the Scottish Highlands, where the slopes are dry and cloaked in fine scree. Found in abundance on Ben Lomond in the southwest and sweeping up the flanks of the Cairngorms, its vibrant pink blooms form bright carpets that contrast beautifully against the rugged landscape.
Rarely seen below 1,200 feet, the alpine azalea thrives in well-drained, high-altitude environments, often growing alongside alpine club mosses. From June to August, its tiny, crown-shaped flowers grace the mountaintops, while its older woody stems develop a soft gray bark.
The tartan inspired by this resilient flower echoes the soft tones of scree and stone, offset by gentle pinky-reds that reflect the azalea’s delicate charm. In the Victorian language of flowers—floriography—the alpine azalea symbolizes both doubt and compassion, making it a poignant emblem of Highland beauty and quiet strength. 💗 🤍 🖤 🤍 💗 💮 💮 💮
The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, and the region is home to a diverse range of wildflowers that thrive in its rugged landscape. Here are some other of the most common and iconic wildflowers found in the Scottish Highlands:
1. Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium): The national flower of Scotland, the Scotch thistle is a prickly, purple-flowered plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall.
2. Scottish Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia): Also known as the Harebell, this delicate, bell-shaped flower is a common sight in the Highlands, particularly in woodland areas.
3. Heather (Calluna vulgaris): Heather is a ubiquitous sight in the Highlands, covering vast areas of moorland and heathland. It’s a key food source for many animals and is often used in traditional crafts.
4. Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale): This shrub produces small, brown-red buds and has a sweet, honey-like aroma. It’s often used in skincare products and is a natural midge repellent.
5. Scottish Primrose (Primula scotica): This rare and endangered species is found only in Scotland and is characterized by its delicate, yellow flowers.
6. Dwarf Cornelian (Cornus suecica): This small, deciduous shrub produces white flowers and is often found in peaty, acidic soils.
7. Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix): This low-growing, evergreen shrub produces pink or white flowers and is often found in acidic soils.
8. Bell Heather (Erica cinerea): This low-growing, evergreen shrub produces pink or purple flowers and is often found in acidic soils.
9. Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris): This rare and endangered species is found in wet, acidic soils and produces white flowers.
10. Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis): This perennial plant produces blue flowers and is often found in wet, grassy areas.
Where to find them:
The Scottish Highlands are home to many national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, which offer excellent opportunities to spot these wildflowers. Some popular destinations include:Cairngorms National Park
Loch Ness
Glencoe
The Cairngorms
The West Highland Way
For more on where to find Scottish wildflowers, click the trailing azaleas!