A FLORAL feud between mistletoe and the cowslip is taking place after both plants reached the final of the County Flower of Worcestershire competition.

Over the last few months, local people were asked to select a wild flower emblem to represent Worcestershire. Now, the people of the county are now being asked to vote for one of the two flowers by casting their vote on the internet.

"Mistletoe is really visible at this time of year when the trees are at their barest, and can be seen virtually all over the county," said Alex Preston, Worcestershire County Council's biodiversity action plan manager.

"Cowslips aren't out at this time of year, but can be seen in the spring in Hornhill Meadows.

The cowslip is found in dry meadows, hedgerows or woodland.

More than a quarter of all the cowslips left in England can be found in Worcestershire.

Mistletoe, which is traditionally associated with Christmas, is a parasitic green shrub with small white berries that grows on the branches of a tree or trunk.

Worcestershire is one of the national strongholds for mistletoe, but mistletoe is on the decline because old orchards in the county are disappearing.

County Flowers is a project organised by Plantlife International, an organisation dedicated exclusively to conserving all forms of plant life in their natural habitat.

"Both cowslips and mistletoe are great choices for the County Flower of Worcestershire," said Mr Preston.

"And hopefully, by voting in County Flowers and choosing a fitting and wild emblem for our county, everyone will be reminded of the need to look after our precious heritage."

April has been chosen by Worcestershire County Council as biodiversity month.

During the month, a programme of walks will be publicised, including a walk through bluebell woods.

Votes have to be cast on www.plantlife.org.uk by Friday, October 31 this year.