Discovered by George Don Senior in Scotland
Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina) is a rare, Arctic-Alpine hemiparasitic plant found in base-rich upland areas of Scotland, particularly in the Breadalbane range (Perthshire) and Argyll, thriving in damp, limestone-influenced grasslands and rocky ledges, though its populations have declined due to overgrazing, persisting better in less disturbed, rocky crags.
Key Characteristics & Habitat
Hemiparasite: It draws some nutrients from other plants like Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium palustre, and grasses.
Habitat: Prefers damp, species-rich grasslands, wet slopes, and rocky ledges where underlying limestone provides base-rich conditions.
Locations: Most common in the central Scottish Highlands (Perthshire, Argyll) but also found in Northern England.
Threats & Conservation
Overgrazing: A significant threat, leading to its loss from many pastures.
Habitat Loss: Drainage and changes in land management have impacted its traditional habitats.
Resilience: It has found refuge in less accessible ledge communities on mica-schist crags, away from livestock.
Where to Find It
Look in the Scottish Highlands, particularly areas with calcareous (limestone) geology in the central highlands, such as parts of Perthshire and Argyll.
It's a plant of "unimproved herb-rich swards" and rocky environments.
Note: Bartsia alpina is rare, so observe it responsibly, respecting private land and avoiding disturbance, as it's illegal to uproot plants without consent.