CUCKOO FLOWER : Cardamine pratensis
Also known as Lady's Smock.
This lovely flower is pale lilac, almost white. It appears in damp soil from April until June along road and pathway edges or embankments, ditches and riverbanks. Its name of cuckoo flower is thought to come from it appearing at about the same time as the cuckoo is heard - and also spring. The alternative name of 'Lady's-smock' evidently comes from the cupped shape of the flowers. However, 'smock' was once a slang term for a woman and the name may have alluded to certain springtime activities in the meadows!
It has four petals on upright stems (although double flowers are known).
The seeds are sold by many online outlets and guidance on growing them is given by the RHS and others.
Cuckoo flowers along the Leven in April.
RHS : https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/94085/cardamine-pratensis/details
WILDLIFE TRUSTS : http://www.spanglefish.com/explorewestdunbartonshire/pageadmin.asp?intent=update_content&pageid=731722
