Alchemilla xanthochlora and it's close relatives are mostly found close to gardens, in full sun or part shade. Alchemists used to prize the water that collected on the leaves of Lady's Mantle after it rained as a pure source that could be used for turning lead into gold. It's flowers are very small and abundant, appearing from june to september.
Also known as Scottish Bluebell, this delicate looking plant grows in grassland, banks, moors and other windswept areas. The leaves are almost grass-like and resemble those of Thrift (Armeria maritima) somewhat. Spreads slowly from it's rhizome and by seed, the minute seedlings need an open piece of ground to germinate properly. This perrenial plant is in flower normally between late july and october but sometimes lasting to november. Harebell has blue flowers, with the odd white or pinky-purply flower thrown in.
Sparsely distributed across the city, Meadow Cranesbill is a plant of open, moist places such as meadows not too far from water. Commonly planted in gardens. Lovely deep bluey-purple flowers from june till september the books say but in my experience the majority of the flowers are gone by mid july.
Uncommon as a whole in Edinburgh but where it is found it may be abundant. Seen on Arthur's seat. The blueish-purpleish flowers are loved by all types of insects and bees. Loves dry positions in full sun, tolerates exposed conditions. The flowering spikes of this biennial are covered in flowers between may and september.
Widespread but only individual plants. Almost common enough to get into the very common section, but not quite. Normally seen in neglected open areas, beside footpaths, roadside verges, edges of playing fields. Also seen on Arthur's Seat opposite Dunsapie loch. The yellow flowers are sometimes tinted orange at the edges and come into flowers between june and september. Perrenial
Tansy is an uncommon plants in most parts of Edinburgh, though it gets more common by the sea. Normally seen in neglected areas, particularly near gardens that are rural and areas by the sea. It has been used for medicine for centuries, in medieval time it was used to induce abortion. It was probably first cultivated by the ancient greeks. The bright yellow flowers are covered in insects between august and september. Perrenial
Red clover is a very important plant for bees and butterflies, but unfortunately it has dissappeared from most areas. Will be seen on roadsides, meadows, and sometimes beside water. It is often found on field edges, as it is sometimes sown by farmers to improve their land because it can fix nitrogen. Normally these plants have paler flowers than the truly wild type. A short-lived perrenial, flowering from may to september.