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Common Hawthorn

A beginner’s guide to plant identification in June

June in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is a vibrant time for nature lovers. The countryside, parks, and even roadside verges are alive with colour and buzzing with pollinators. Whether you’re exploring Cannock Chase, Trentham Gardens, or your own back garden, this guide will help you identify some of the region’s most iconic plants this month.

Tools for plant identification

Before heading out, gather a few essentials:

  • Field guide or plant ID app: Apps like, iNaturalist and irecord, use image recognition to help identify plants quickly.
  • Notebook or journal: Write down observations like leaf shape, flower colour, and habitat.
  • Smartphone or camera: Take clear photos of the plant from different angles—leaves, flowers, stems, and overall shape.

Here are some of the most seen wild plants and flowers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent during June:

  1. Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
  • Where: Hedgerows and field boundaries.
  • ID tips: White or pinkish flowers in clusters; deeply lobed leaves.
  • Fun fact: Known as the “May tree,” but often still blooming into June 
  1. Elder (Sambucus nigra)
  • Where: Woodland edges and hedgerows.
  • ID tips: Flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers with a sweet scent.
  • Uses: Flowers can be used to make elderflower cordial or champagne 
  1. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
  • Where: Woodland clearings and heathland like Cannock Chase.
  • ID tips: Tall spikes of tubular purple flowers; leaves are soft and fuzzy.
  • Caution: Beautiful but toxic if ingested 
  1. Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
  • Where: Damp meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
  • ID tips: Glossy yellow flowers and creeping runners.
  • Note: Can be invasive in lawns 
  1. Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis)
  • Where: Grasslands and roadside verges.
  • ID tips: Bright yellow pea-like flowers; climbing stems.
  • Ecology: A favourite of bees and butterflies
  1. Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
  • Where: Grasslands and nature reserves like Doxey Marshes.
  • ID tips: Pale pink flowers with purple spots; lance-shaped leaves.
  • Status: A sign of healthy, undisturbed grassland 

Respecting Nature

  • Don’t pick wildflowers: Many are protected or vital to pollinators.
  • Stick to paths: Especially in sensitive areas like Cannock Chase AONB.
  • Share your sightings: Contribute to platforms like iNaturalist or the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s citizen science projects.

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