Splashes of colour in the heather
Not only heather grows on the heathlands. If you look closely, you will discover other flowering plants that can also be found in dry grassy areas, on the edges of forests and roads. What they all have in common is that they do not grow very large and only have comparatively small flowers.
The sky-blue coloured flower heads of the mountain sand bells (Jasione montana) catch the eye in July and August. They are about 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide and contain many small, blue flowers from which the light purple style protrudes. The flowers are visited by various small flies, bees, butterflies and beetles looking for nectar.
The lesser hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella) is also called the mouse-eared hawkweed because of its leaves. The lemon-yellow flower heads can be seen all summer.
The hare clover (Trifolium arvense), which blooms in June and July, is also nice to look at with its fluffy, hairy flower heads that actually resemble a hare’s tail.
Also typical, but not so common and therefore rarely seen on hikes, are heather carnations (Dianthus deltoides) and sand carnations (Armeria elongata).
