A beginners guide to Cairngorm flora

An vital part of enjoying the outdoors is the flora which makes up a huge part of what you can see and enjoy. This simple guide identifies some of the more obvious species that you can spot in the Cairngorms, although the species are not exclusive to the area and will be visible across similar environments in the UK. The more you can identify the more interesting your journey becomes and this would be particularly useful to those taking groups into mountainous environments. All of these photos were taken in late July when the majority of species were in full bloom.

Heather

Fir clubmoss

Devil’s bit scabious

Cowberry

Cross leaved heath

Common butterwort

Heather in bloom

Vegetation changes

Cloudberry (edible)

Deer grass

Moss campion in bloom

Ladies-mantles

Sundew

Sundew; an insectivorous plant found commonly in wet boggy areas.

Bog asphodel

Bell heather

Scots pine