Portland Spurge
First found on Portland over 300 years ago (in 1715) this perennial plant is not confined to the island, but is a local species of coastal cliffs and sand dunes in western Britain north to Argyll.
On Portland it is found in open rocky habitats around the abandoned quarries, and on the undercliffs (Weares), where it can be found in flower for much of the year. The small yellow flowers are attractive to bees and it is the food-plant of the scarce Spurge-bug, which can also be found here.
Horseshoe Vetch
Horseshoe Vetch is a vital plant for caterpillars of the Chalkhill and Adonis Blue butterflies, which feed on nothing else. Its yellow pea-like flowers can be seen from May to July.
Bird’s-foot Trefoil
Bird’s-foot Trefoil is the food plant of the Common Blue caterpillar.
Kidney Vetch
Kidney Vetch is the food plant of the Small Blue caterpillar.
Carline Thistle
