As spring comes to Britain’s forests, one of the most beautiful sights is the carpet of bluebells that covers the ground in the shade. But even though we think of bluebells as very British, some of them are actually from Spain. How can you tell the difference between Spanish bluebells and English bluebells?
A Tale of Two Bluebells
There are two main types of bluebell found growing wild in the UK
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English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) – also known as British bluebell, common bluebell, or wild hyacinth Native to the UK
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Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) – introduced to the UK from Spain and Portugal.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 says that English bluebells are protected and that bulbs must not be taken from the wild. No such protection exists for Spanish bluebells.
While superficially similar, several differences make it possible to distinguish between these two spring blooms when you know what to look for.
Key Identification Features
Here are the main differences between English and Spanish bluebells:
Flower Shape
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English: Long, tubular flowers that curl back at the tips. Usually deep violet-blue.
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Spanish: Conical or bell-shaped flowers with straight, open tips. Paler blue or pinkish.
Flower Arrangement
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Flowers hang off one side of the stem and tilt their heads to one side. Creates a sweeping arc effect.
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Spanish: Flowers encircle the entire stem, not just on one side.
Scent
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English: Sweet, delicate fragrance.
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Spanish: No scent.
Flower Color
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English: Deep violet-blue, sometimes white.
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Spanish: Pale blue or pinkish, often white.
Petal Tips
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English: Tips curl back tightly.
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Spanish: Tips spread open.
Pollen Color
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English: Creamy white or pale yellow.
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Spanish: Blue or greenish.
Stem
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English: Slender arching stem that droops under the weight of the flowers.
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Spanish: Stiff, upright stem.
Leaves
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English: Narrow leaves, usually 1-1.5cm wide.
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Spanish: Broad leaves, often around 3cm wide.
Habitat
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English: Ancient woodlands.
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Spanish: Woodland edges, roadsides, gardens.
Flowering Time
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English: April to early May.
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Spanish: April to late May.
Why It Matters
Telling English and Spanish bluebells apart is important for conservation. Here’s why:
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English bluebells are considered an indicator of ancient woodland. Protecting them helps preserve these fragile ecosystems.
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Spanish bluebells spread aggressively and can cross-pollinate with English bluebells, diluting native strains.
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Hybrids of English and Spanish bluebells often lack the rich color and delicate scent of pure English bluebells.
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English bluebell seeds and bulbs are protected to stop wild populations being eroded. No such protections exist for Spanish bluebells.
So when admiring bluebell displays this spring, take a moment to notice subtle differences that reveal their origins. If in doubt, look for the nodding, one-sided arc of flowers on slender drooping stems – the signature of our iconic English bluebell.
Hybrid Bluebells
Cross-pollination between Spanish and English bluebells produces hybrids. Hybrids show intermediate features, like:
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Paler color than English bluebells
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Less dangling flower stems
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Reduced scent
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Upright growth habit
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Pink or white flowers more common
Over time, repeated hybridization can eliminate the English bluebell as a distinct species. Hybrids are increasingly common in urban woodlands.
How to Stop Hybridization
If you want to keep English bluebells safe, don’t plant Spanish bluebells where they could spread to nearby forests. Other tips:
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Remove Spanish bluebells from gardens near woodlands.
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Dispose of garden waste like cuttings carefully to prevent spread.
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Join conservation groups protecting ancient woodlands.
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Volunteer to help monitor bluebell populations.
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Share your knowledge to help others identify bluebell types.
The Takeaway
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Two types of bluebell grow in Britain – native English and introduced Spanish.
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English bluebells are protected, Spanish are not.
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Look for flower shape, arrangement, scent and color to tell them apart.
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Hybrids have intermediate features and threaten English bluebells.
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Take care not to plant Spanish bluebells near woodlands to prevent hybridization.
So go enjoy those bluebell carpets, but take a moment to check – is it English or Spanish surrounding you with that violet-blue springtime haze? Being able to tell the difference helps protect the fragile uniqueness of our woodland ecosystems.
