The national flower of Nottingham, more accurately termed its county flower, is the Nottingham catchfly.
Understanding County Flowers in the United Kingdom
While there isn't a "national flower" specifically for a county like Nottingham in the same way a country has one, each county in the United Kingdom has adopted a unique floral emblem known as its county flower. These flowers are chosen to represent the natural heritage and distinctive flora of the region, often reflecting species that are native or historically significant to the area. They serve as a symbol of local identity and biodiversity. You can find a comprehensive list of these floral emblems on the County flowers of the United Kingdom page.
The Nottingham Catchfly (Silene nutans)
The Nottingham catchfly, scientifically known as Silene nutans, is a small, delicate wildflower that holds a special connection to Nottingham. It is a native species to the region, meaning it naturally occurs in the area's wild habitats. The common name "catchfly" comes from the sticky glands on its stems, which can trap small insects. This characteristic is thought to deter herbivorous insects from climbing the plant and eating its seeds.
Choosing the Nottingham catchfly as the county flower highlights its historical presence and ecological importance within Nottinghamshire. This beautiful plant typically features drooping, creamy-white flowers that often open at night, emitting a sweet fragrance to attract moths for pollination.
Official Recognition
The Nottingham catchfly's status as the county flower of Nottingham is officially recognized, placing it alongside other distinctive county emblems across England. The table below illustrates this designation:
| County | Common name | County status |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham | Nottingham catchfly | native |
This recognition helps raise awareness about local flora and encourages conservation efforts to protect these symbolic plants and their habitats.
