Bluebells- English or Spanish?

The native English bluebell, found at Saltwells, is closely related to another species, the Spanish bluebell, but how to tell the difference?

The English bluebell, pictured above, has deep violet-blue flowers (although these can sometimes be white or pink). The leaves are narrow and shorter than those of the Spanish bluebell. Its stem usually droops, with the flowers positioned mostly on one side of the stem. The flowers are narrow with straight, parallel sides. The petal tips curl back to show the creamy-white pollen within. Its strong, sweet smell can be enjoyed as you walk along the paths.

The Spanish bluebell (below), has flowers that are a paler blue (again, sometimes white or pink) and wider, longer leaves. Its stem is upright, with flowers positioned all around. The flowers are ‘trumpet-like’, with tips that ‘flare’ rather than curl and blue pollen. The Spanish bluebell does not have the distinctive smell of the English bluebell.