Species of the Month May 2021

Bluebell Rust Uromyces muscari

 

Bluebell Rust is a fungus with small fruiting bodies which cause discolouration on the leaves of Bluebell species. This takes the form of yellowed areas filled with dark brown/black pustules, which are visible on the upper and lower sides of the leaves, making it quite easy to spot. May is a good time to find this fungi, whilst bluebells are in full leaf. You can see further photographs on NatureSpot.

Bluebell Rust is probably found on most bluebells in Wales, but we only have 126 records in the SEWBReC database (view the Wales wide distribution on Aderyn).

If you spot Bluebell Rust during May (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.