Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa

A characteristic plant of ancient woodland, carpeting large areas with its white flowers, veined with purple

Grows from underground root-like stems called rhizomes that spread below the surface to create large clumps

Flowers early, in March, and is visited by bees to collect pollen at a time when little else is available

Contains poisonous chemicals that can blister the skin, but is also used in herbal medicine