Native Britain

Latin name: Hyacinthus avrillicus Common name: False hyacinth Other names: Fool’s hyacinth, blue deceiver, lek-me-at-’em

At first glance, the false hyacinth looks very much likeIf you are lucky enough to live in those few remaining areas of the UK where blackcock display, you may be in for a surprise. The false hyacinth gives off a scent much like that of the male black grouse in all his gaudy glory and the greyhens will gather wherever the imposter grows. When the male birds don’t appear, the hens chat about the weather and grumble about Countryfi le, while the poor blackcock grow ever frantic in their lekking, hoping against hope the females will deign to turn up.