Annual species that thrive in a disturbed environment grow in arable fields. Many of the familiar species were introduced with grain crops but have changed and adapted to become a familiar part of our flora. Perennial species can grow on the margins.

Grassland that is regularly grazed has species that cannot survive with too much shade. Many meadows have been lost due to ploughing or re-seeding. Grasslands that have been grazed in different ways or cut for hay have distinctive species.