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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) - Salix caprea (Salicaceae). HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the sho
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  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
    144493.jpg
  • Italian Alder Alnus cordata (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 29m<br />
An attractive tree with a bold, conical shape, fine glossy leaves and an impressive show of catkins and cones. BARK Pale grey and fairly smooth with slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Best feature for identification is the glossy heart-shaped leaves (hence cordata), which have short tufts of orange hairs along the midrib on the underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are yellow and produced prolifically; female catkins are borne in small clusters, ripening in early summer. woody ‘cones’ are larger than those of any other Alder species. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica and S Italy, planted here in parks and gardens, and often along roadsides.
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  • Italian Alder Alnus cordata (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 29m<br />
An attractive tree with a bold, conical shape, fine glossy leaves and an impressive show of catkins and cones. BARK Pale grey and fairly smooth with slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Best feature for identification is the glossy heart-shaped leaves (hence cordata), which have short tufts of orange hairs along the midrib on the underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are yellow and produced prolifically; female catkins are borne in small clusters, ripening in early summer. woody ‘cones’ are larger than those of any other Alder species. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica and S Italy, planted here in parks and gardens, and often along roadsides.
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  • Green Alder Alnus viridis (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 5m <br />
Rarely more than a large shrub or small tree. BARK Brown. BRANCHES With mostly smooth, greenish twigs and pointed, sessile, shiny-red buds. LEAVES More pointed than those of Common Alder and sharply toothed, hairy on the midrib and in the joins of the veins on the underside. When first open they are sticky to the touch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins, appearing with the leaves, are up to 12cm, yellow and pendulous; female catkins are 1cm long, erect and greenish at first, becoming reddish later, and usually found in stalked clusters of 3–5. The cone-like ripe catkins are rounded, green and tough at first, becoming blackened later and persisting until the following spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of central and E Europe, planted here for ornament.
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  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
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  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
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  • Silver Birch  Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
    142573.jpg
  • Bay Willow - Salix pentandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 18m <br />
Broadly domed, open-crowned tree when growing in its typical open streamside habitat, but more slender and upright in woodlands. SHOOTS Olive-green and glossy. LEAVES Glossy green, showing a bluish tint beneath. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS In contrast to other willows, the bright-yellow upright male catkins appear at same time as new growth of leaves, rather than just before them. Female catkins are dull yellowish-green, longer and more pendulous. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A fairly common native of moorlands, streamsides and boggy areas, and also in damp, upland woods in north of region. Only very occasionally planted as an ornamental tree.
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  • Silver Birch  Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
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  • BOG-MYRTLE Myrica gale (Myricaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Woody, brown-stemmed shrub that is characteristic of boggy habitats, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are orange, ovoid male catkins and pendulous brown female catkins; on separate plants (Apr). FRUITS are brownish nuts. LEAVES are oval, grey-green and smell of resin when crushed. STATUS-Widespread but local; sometimes locally dominant.
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  • Hazel Corylus avellana Betulaceae - catkins releasing pollen. Height to 6m. Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Crack-willow Salix fragilis Salicaceae Height to 25m<br />
Large, domed tree with a thick bole. Bark Grey-brown with criss-crossed ridges. Branches Basal. Shoots Reddish, brightest in spring. Leaves Long, glossy, with toothed margins. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow and pendulous; female catkins green and pendulous; on separate trees. Status Common in damp habitats.
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  • Silver Birch  Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
    130144.jpg
  • Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Betulaceae Height to 30m <br />
Robust tree; bole gnarled and twisted. Bark Silvery-grey and fissured. Branches Ascending and twisted; twigs greyish-brown, hairy. Leaves Oval, pointed with rounded base, short petiole, and double-toothed margin; 15 pairs of veins. Reproductive parts Male catkins, to 5cm long, yellowish-green with red scales. Fruits are clusters of winged nutlets. Status Locally common, sometimes planted and coppiced for hard timber.
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  • Hazel Corylus avellana Betulaceae Height to 6m<br />
Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Silver Birch Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
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  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
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  • Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Betulaceae Height to 30m <br />
Robust tree; bole gnarled and twisted. Bark Silvery-grey and fissured. Branches Ascending and twisted; twigs greyish-brown, hairy. Leaves Oval, pointed with rounded base, short petiole, and double-toothed margin; 15 pairs of veins. Reproductive parts Male catkins, to 5cm long, yellowish-green with red scales. Fruits are clusters of winged nutlets. Status Locally common, sometimes planted and coppiced for hard timber.
    133519.jpg
  • Hazel Corylus avellana Betulaceae Height to 6m<br />
Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Himalayan Birch Betula utilis (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 20m<br />
An elegant tree, rather rounded in specimens found growing in the open. BARK Extremely colourful, gleaming white in var. jacquemontii but pink, red or golden in other forms. The bark is marked with horizontal lenticels and it peels off horizontally into rolls. BRANCHES Mainly upright rather than spreading, with twigs that are hairy when young. LEAVES Oval, with a pointed tip and toothed margins; dark green with 7-14 pairs of veins depending on the variety. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, long, pendulous and yellow in the case of males. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Himalayas. Planted here as an ornamental tree, grown mainly for its stunning bark, which is particularly striking and evident on a sunny winter’s day.
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  • Hazel Corylus avellana Betulaceae Height to 6m<br />
Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Grey Alder Alnus incana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 25m <br />
A fast-growing alder more at home on dry soils than most other alders. Shoots and new leaves are covered with a dense layer of soft greyish hairs (hence incana). BARK Smooth and grey. LEAVES Triangular and toothed, terminating in a point, and the margins do not roll inwards. Hairs persist on the underside of the leaf as it matures. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The catkins and fruits are very similar to those of other alders, although the green fruits are more globose before ripening to the typical dark, woody alder cone. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Europe, introduced into Britain but not often planted. A good species for wasteland and reclamation schemes.
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  • SMALL NETTLE Urtica urens (Urticacae) Height to 50cm<br />
Similar to Common Nettle but smaller and annual. FLOWERS are pendulous catkins, male and female on same plant (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are superficially similar to female flowers. LEAVES are oval, pointed-tipped and toothed; up to 4cm long, lower leaves shorter than their stalks. STATUS-Widespread and locally common on disturbed ground.
    131519.jpg
  • COMMON NETTLE Urtica dioica (Urticacae)  Height to 1m<br />
The familiar stinging nettle. FLOWERS are pendulous catkins; borne on separate sex plants (Jun-Oct). FRUITS resemble flowers superficially. LEAVES are oval, pointed-tipped, toothed and borne in opposite pairs; 8cm long and longer than stalks. STATUS-Widespread and common, doing best on nitrogen-enriched and disturbed soils.
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  • Net-leaved Willow Salix reticulata (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm. Mat-forming undershrub with distinctive leaves. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Ovate, to 5cm long and untoothed; dark green above but whitish below with prominent, netted veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, males with reddish stamens. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare in Scottish Highlands.
    133896.jpg
  • Chinese Weeping Willow (Corkscrew form) Salix babylonica pekinensis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Has graceful ‘weeping’ branches and foliage reaching the ground. SHOOTS Brown and slender at first, becoming gnarled and thicker with age. LEAVES To 16cm long and 1.5cm wide, finely toothed and pointed; petiole to 5mm long. Mature leaves dark green, slightly glossy above. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, to 2cm long and 0.4cm wide, appear in May. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, planted here and sometimes naturalised in wet habitats.
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  • Evergreen (Holm) Oak Quercus ilex (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. Broadly domed tree; crown is often very dense and twiggy. BARK Very dark with shallow fissures, eventually cracking to form squarish scales. BRANCHES Appear from low down on bole. Young shoots are covered with white down. LEAVES Variable: usually ovate to oblong with a pointed tip and a rounded base on mature trees, but more like holly leaves on a young tree. Leaves are dark glossy above, paler and downy below with raised veins; on 1–2cm-long, hairy petioles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins appear in spring, their golden colour contrasting with silvery new leaves and darker twigs. Acorns, to 2cm long, sit deeply in cups covered with rows of small hairy scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, planted here, mainly in mild areas and as a shelter-belt tree in coastal areas, to protect more tender species from winds and salt spray. Naturalised occasionally.
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  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
    133573.jpg
  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    135236.jpg
  • Net-leaved Willow Salix reticulata (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10cm. Mat-forming undershrub with distinctive leaves. SHOOTS Smooth and reddish brown when mature. LEAVES Ovate, to 5cm long and untoothed; dark green above but whitish below with prominent, netted veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, males with reddish stamens. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare in Scottish Highlands.
    133895.jpg
  • Grey Alder Alnus incana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 25m <br />
A fast-growing alder more at home on dry soils than most other alders. Shoots and new leaves are covered with a dense layer of soft greyish hairs (hence incana). BARK Smooth and grey. LEAVES Triangular and toothed, terminating in a point, and the margins do not roll inwards. Hairs persist on the underside of the leaf as it matures. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The catkins and fruits are very similar to those of other alders, although the green fruits are more globose before ripening to the typical dark, woody alder cone. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Europe, introduced into Britain but not often planted. A good species for wasteland and reclamation schemes.
    132936.jpg
  • Grey Alder Alnus incana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 25m <br />
A fast-growing alder more at home on dry soils than most other alders. Shoots and new leaves are covered with a dense layer of soft greyish hairs (hence incana). BARK Smooth and grey. LEAVES Triangular and toothed, terminating in a point, and the margins do not roll inwards. Hairs persist on the underside of the leaf as it matures. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The catkins and fruits are very similar to those of other alders, although the green fruits are more globose before ripening to the typical dark, woody alder cone. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Europe, introduced into Britain but not often planted. A good species for wasteland and reclamation schemes.
    134709.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    135015.jpg
  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    133625.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    101783.jpg
  • Dwarf Birch Betula nana (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 1m<br />
A low-growing and often rather prostrate undershrub. BARK Reddish brown. BRANCHES Short and upright or spreading, with stiff, hairy twigs. LEAVES Rather rounded, 6-8mm across, coarsely toothed and hairy when young, smooth and hairless when mature. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females covered with three-lobed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A northern, tundra species in global terms, confined in our region as a native plant to the Scottish Highlands. Here, it grows on upland heaths and in bogs and is tolerant of both waterlogged and relatively free-draining peaty soils.
    134925.jpg
  • Mountain Willow Salix arbuscula (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 1.5m<br />
Small shrub. SHOOTS Dark brown and shiny when mature. LEAVES Ovate, to 4cm long, shiny green above but downy grey below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, males having red anthers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on base-rich mountain flushes.
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  • Downy Birch Betula pubescens Betulaceae Height to 25m<br />
Elegant tree. Bark Reddish in young trees; thick and grey with age, does not break into rectangular plates at base. Branches Denser and more untidy than Silver Birch, mostly erect, never pendulous. Twigs with downy white hairs in spring. Leaves Rounded at base, evenly toothed; hairy petiole. Reproductive parts Catkins similar to Silver Birch but seeds have smaller wings. Status Commonest in west and north.
    133624.jpg
  • White Willow Salix alba Salicaceae Height to 25m<br />
Broadly columnar tree. Bark Dark grey. Shoots Yellowish grey, downy at first. Leaves Blue-grey. Reproductive parts Male catkins small and ovoid. Female catkins longer and green. Status Common in damp, lowland habitats.
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  • Osier Salix viminalis (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Spreading shrub or small tree. Rarely reaches full potential, being regularly cropped for long flexible twigs (‘withies’), used for weaving. Natural crown is narrow with slightly pendulous branches. SHOOTS Straight twigs are flexible, covered with greyish hairs when young, becoming smoother and shiny olive-brown with age. LEAVES Narrow, tapering, to 15cm long, the margin usually waved and rolled under; underside has grey woolly hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, to 3cm long, appear before leaves on separate trees; erect or slightly curved. Males are yellow, females browner. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common native tree in wet habitats. Often planted for withies, masking its true native range.
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  • Hazel - Corylus avellana Betulaceae - winter. Height to 6m. Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Chilean Plum Yew Prumnopitys andina (Podocarpus andinus) (Podocarpaceae) HEIGHT to 20m<br />
Resembles a yew, but unrelated. Grows either with a single upright bole and horizontal branches, or sometimes with several boles and more upright branches. BARK Dark grey and smooth with occasional scars and ridges. LEAVES Flattened, needle-like and up to 2.5cm long; deep bluish-green on upper surface with 2 pale bands on underside. Leaves are much softer than true yew leaves, except in young trees when they are more leathery and bear small spines. Borne in dense shoots, either arranged in 2 ranks on either side of the shoot or spread all round it. FLOWERS Male catkins are yellow and borne in branched clusters near the ends of shoots. Female flowers are greenish and produced in small spikes at the tips of the shoots. The flowers occur on different-sex plants, opening in the spring. FRUITS resemble small green plums at first, containing a single seed, and may ripen to become blackened and covered with a fine bloom like sloes. <br />
STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Argentina and Chile.
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  • Japanese Walnut Juglans ailantifolia (Height to 20m) similar to Common Walnut J. regia but has much larger leaves with 11–15 pointed, toothed leaflets, hairy on both surfaces, on hairy shoots. Fruits in clusters of up to 20.
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  • Weeping Willow Salix x sepulcralis (Height to 20m) similar to Chinese Weeping Willow S. babylonica but  is more popular. Hybrid between Chinese Weeping Willow and White Willow. Pendulous branches and golden foliage look elegant in waterside settings.
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  • European Hop-Hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 19m. A spreading tree with a domed crown and robust bole. BARK Grey-brown, with squarish plates. BRANCHES Almost level when growing in the open but in a woodland the branches may be crowded and ascending. LEAVES Similar to Hornbeam. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits in clusters with a superficial resemblance to bunches of hops. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe; in Britain it occurs mainly in well-established gardens.
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  • European Hop-Hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 19m. A spreading tree with a domed crown and robust bole. BARK Grey-brown, with squarish plates. BRANCHES Almost level when growing in the open but in a woodland the branches may be crowded and ascending. LEAVES Similar to Hornbeam. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits in clusters with a superficial resemblance to bunches of hops. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe; in Britain it occurs mainly in well-established gardens.
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  • Net-leaved Willow - Salix reticulata
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  • European Hop-Hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 19m. A spreading tree with a domed crown and robust bole. BARK Grey-brown, with squarish plates. BRANCHES Almost level when growing in the open but in a woodland the branches may be crowded and ascending. LEAVES Similar to Hornbeam. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits in clusters with a superficial resemblance to bunches of hops. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe; in Britain it occurs mainly in well-established gardens.
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  • Turkish Hazel Corylus colurna (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 22m<br />
Larger that Common Hazel with a stout bole and a conical crown. The best feature for identification is the involucre, which completely encloses the nut and is finely toothed and often recurved. Leaves are similar to those of Hazel, but are more likely to look lobed. A native of SE Europe and Asia Minor, and also found as an introduction further north and west.
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  • Net-leaved Willow - Salix reticulata
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  • Crack Willow - Salix fragilis
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  • European Violet-willow Salix daphnoides (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Domed shrub or small tree. BARK Grey, with shallow ridges. SHOOTS Violet-blue and bloomed – the best identification feature for this species. LEAVES Narrowly ovate to oblong, dark green and shiny above, blue-grey below, with finely toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins are distinctive with their attractive black flecks. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Introduced, planted for ornament (the attractive colour of its twigs, especially striking when coppiced) and naturalised occasionally in damp ground.
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  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Grey Willow - Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Grey Willow - Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    157534.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    133641.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Olive/Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Similar to Osier. SHOOTS Young twigs have dense grey or white hairs; older twigs become yellow-brown and smooth. LEAVES Species is best recognised by studying leaves: has matt white hairs beneath; dark shiny green above when mature. Leaves, to 15cm long and less than 1cm wide, have untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins appear on separate trees, just before leaves; reddish, male catkins to 3cm long, female catkins smaller. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Europe, sometimes planted here for ornament.
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  • Almond Willow Salix triandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small tree or untidy shrub. BARK Smooth, flaking off in small patches. SHOOTS Greenish or reddish-brown and terminate in brown, ovoid, smooth buds. LEAVES Ovate, up to 10cm long, with a serrated margin and pointed tip, usually smooth, hairless, and a dark glossy green. The petiole to 1.5cm long and smooth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins usually appear at the same time as the leaves on short leafy shoots and are erect and cylindrical. Male catkins up to 5cm long and greenish-yellow, remaining on tree for some time. Female catkins shorter and more compact. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, widespread in southern England but becoming scarce further north and west. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ponds or in marshes.
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  • Italian Alder Alnus cordata (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 29m<br />
An attractive tree with a bold, conical shape, fine glossy leaves and an impressive show of catkins and cones. BARK Pale grey and fairly smooth with slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Best feature for identification is the glossy heart-shaped leaves (hence cordata), which have short tufts of orange hairs along the midrib on the underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are yellow and produced prolifically; female catkins are borne in small clusters, ripening in early summer. woody ‘cones’ are larger than those of any other Alder species. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica and S Italy, planted here in parks and gardens, and often along roadsides.
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  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
    134314.jpg
  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
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  • Olive/Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Similar to Osier. SHOOTS Young twigs have dense grey or white hairs; older twigs become yellow-brown and smooth. LEAVES Species is best recognised by studying leaves: has matt white hairs beneath; dark shiny green above when mature. Leaves, to 15cm long and less than 1cm wide, have untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins appear on separate trees, just before leaves; reddish, male catkins to 3cm long, female catkins smaller. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Europe, sometimes planted here for ornament.
    133879.jpg
  • Almond Willow Salix triandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small tree or untidy shrub. BARK Smooth, flaking off in small patches. SHOOTS Greenish or reddish-brown and terminate in brown, ovoid, smooth buds. LEAVES Ovate, up to 10cm long, with a serrated margin and pointed tip, usually smooth, hairless, and a dark glossy green. The petiole to 1.5cm long and smooth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins usually appear at the same time as the leaves on short leafy shoots and are erect and cylindrical. Male catkins up to 5cm long and greenish-yellow, remaining on tree for some time. Female catkins shorter and more compact. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, widespread in southern England but becoming scarce further north and west. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ponds or in marshes.
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  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
    133207.jpg
  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
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  • Italian Alder Alnus cordata (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 29m<br />
An attractive tree with a bold, conical shape, fine glossy leaves and an impressive show of catkins and cones. BARK Pale grey and fairly smooth with slightly downy twigs. LEAVES Best feature for identification is the glossy heart-shaped leaves (hence cordata), which have short tufts of orange hairs along the midrib on the underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are yellow and produced prolifically; female catkins are borne in small clusters, ripening in early summer. woody ‘cones’ are larger than those of any other Alder species. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica and S Italy, planted here in parks and gardens, and often along roadsides.
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  • Olive/Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Similar to Osier. SHOOTS Young twigs have dense grey or white hairs; older twigs become yellow-brown and smooth. LEAVES Species is best recognised by studying leaves: has matt white hairs beneath; dark shiny green above when mature. Leaves, to 15cm long and less than 1cm wide, have untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins appear on separate trees, just before leaves; reddish, male catkins to 3cm long, female catkins smaller. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Europe, sometimes planted here for ornament.
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  • Almond Willow Salix triandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small tree or untidy shrub. BARK Smooth, flaking off in small patches. SHOOTS Greenish or reddish-brown and terminate in brown, ovoid, smooth buds. LEAVES Ovate, up to 10cm long, with a serrated margin and pointed tip, usually smooth, hairless, and a dark glossy green. The petiole to 1.5cm long and smooth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins usually appear at the same time as the leaves on short leafy shoots and are erect and cylindrical. Male catkins up to 5cm long and greenish-yellow, remaining on tree for some time. Female catkins shorter and more compact. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, widespread in southern England but becoming scarce further north and west. Grows in damp ground, often beside rivers and ponds or in marshes.
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  • Goat Willow (Sallow) - Salix caprea (Salicaceae). HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
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  • Olive/Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Similar to Osier. SHOOTS Young twigs have dense grey or white hairs; older twigs become yellow-brown and smooth. LEAVES Species is best recognised by studying leaves: has matt white hairs beneath; dark shiny green above when mature. Leaves, to 15cm long and less than 1cm wide, have untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins appear on separate trees, just before leaves; reddish, male catkins to 3cm long, female catkins smaller. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Europe, sometimes planted here for ornament.
    134454.jpg
  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
    133905.jpg
  • Goat Willow (Sallow) Salix caprea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Depending on its situation this may be a multi-branched, dense, shrubby tree, or a taller tree with a straight, ridged stem and sparsely domed crown. SHOOTS Thick, stiff twigs are hairy at first, but become smoother and yellowish-brown with age. If the twigs have the bark peeled off they are smooth. (Compare with Grey Willow.) LEAVES Large, up to 12cm long and oval, with a short twisted point at the tip. The upper surface is dull green and slightly hairy, the lower surface is noticeably grey and woolly. The leaf margins have small, irregular teeth, and the short petiole sometimes has 2 ear-like sinuous stipules at its base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins, on separate trees, appear before the leaves, often very early in the spring in sheltered places. Measuring up to 2.5cm long, they are ovoid and covered with greyish silky hairs before opening; at this time, Goat Willow is often called ‘Pussy Willow’ because the silky-grey buds bear a fanciful resemblance to cats’ paws. When they open, the male catkins become bright yellow. Female catkins are greener and produce numerous silky-haired seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native species in Britain and Ireland, occurring in woods, hedgerows and scrub, and often in drier places than other similar species.
    133878.jpg
  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m. Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
    133949.jpg
  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
    130255.jpg
  • Olive/Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m. Similar to Osier. SHOOTS Young twigs have dense grey or white hairs; older twigs become yellow-brown and smooth. LEAVES Species is best recognised by studying leaves: has matt white hairs beneath; dark shiny green above when mature. Leaves, to 15cm long and less than 1cm wide, have untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins appear on separate trees, just before leaves; reddish, male catkins to 3cm long, female catkins smaller. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Europe, sometimes planted here for ornament.
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  • Grey Poplar Populus x canescens (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 37m <br />
Stable hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen. When fully mature, grows into an impressively large tree with a good solid bole. In spring the tree has a whitish appearance when the wind displaces the leaves, but it is not as brilliantly white as the White Poplar. BARK Whitish with diamond-shaped fissures. LEAVES Rounded to oval and toothed with regular blunt, forward-pointing teeth; borne on long petioles. Leaf upper surface is glossy grey-green and lower surface is covered with a greyish-white felt. By mid- to late summer the leaves lose some of the white felt and the tree looks greyer. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female catkins are borne on separate trees. Fe¬male trees with green, pendulous catkins are rare. Male catkins are elongated and pendulous, giving whole tree a purplish col¬our when they swell before opening in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mainland Europe and introduced into Britain very early, probably with the White Poplar.
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  • Sweet Chestnut - Castanea sativa Fagaceae. Height to 35m <br />
Deciduous tree with fine bole. Bark Silvery and smooth at first, spirally fissured and grooved with age. Branches Lowest branches spreading, upper ones ascending. Leaves Glossy, to 25cm long, lanceolate and toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins creamy and pendulous. Female flowers green and erect, at base of male catkins; spiny green fruits contain 3 brown nuts. Status Native of mainland Europe, planted here since Roman times.
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  • Bay Willow Salix pentandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 18m <br />
Broadly domed, open-crowned tree when growing in its typical open streamside habitat, but more slender and upright in woodlands. SHOOTS Olive-green and glossy. LEAVES Glossy green, showing a bluish tint beneath. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS In contrast to other willows, the bright-yellow upright male catkins appear at same time as new growth of leaves, rather than just before them. Female catkins are dull yellowish-green, longer and more pendulous. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A fairly common native of moorlands, streamsides and boggy areas, and also in damp, upland woods in north of region. Only very occasionally planted as an ornamental tree.
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  • Black-poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 32m  Large, spreading tree when fully mature, with a domed crown and thick, blackish, gnarled bole covered with distinctive burrs and tuberous growths. Rather straggly, however, when growing among other trees in woods. SHOOTS And buds are<br />
smooth and golden-brown when young. LEAVES Triangular and long-stalked with a finely toothed margin and are fresh shiny green on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are pendulous and reddish, female catkins are greenish. Both appear in April. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of our region, preferring heavier soils and damp conditions. Tolerates pollution so sometimes planted in cities. It is known in the north of England as ‘Manchester Poplar’.
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  • Crack-willow Salix fragilis Salicaceae Height to 25m<br />
Large, domed tree with a thick bole. Bark Grey-brown with criss-crossed ridges. Branches Basal. Shoots Reddish, brightest in spring. Leaves Long, glossy, with toothed margins. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow and pendulous; female catkins green and pendulous; on separate trees. Status Common in damp habitats.
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  • Pond Cypress Taxodium ascendens (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 18m. Slender, conical to columnar deciduous tree. BARK Grey and ridged in older specimens. BRANCHES Horizontal but curving down sharply at tips, and fine shoots that curved upwards with small clasping leaves and give a knotted-cord look. Deciduous shoots are shed in autumn. There is a fine display of autumn colours, starting orange and turning brown. LEAVES Pale green and 8mm long; arranged spirally. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellowish-green, hanging catkins up to 20cm long. Female flowers are produced on the same tree at base of male catkins, first appearing in autumn, but not opening until spring. Rounded cones up to 3cm long are green at first but ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the SE USA, growing in wet ground by ponds and swampy ground. Introduced into Britain, where it succeeds only in warmer parts of the south.
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  • Black-poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 32m  Large, spreading tree when fully mature, with a domed crown and thick, blackish, gnarled bole covered with distinctive burrs and tuberous growths. Rather straggly, however, when growing among other trees in woods. SHOOTS And buds are<br />
smooth and golden-brown when young. LEAVES Triangular and long-stalked with a finely toothed margin and are fresh shiny green on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are pendulous and reddish, female catkins are greenish. Both appear in April. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of our region, preferring heavier soils and damp conditions. Tolerates pollution so sometimes planted in cities. It is known in the north of England as ‘Manchester Poplar’.
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  • Silver Birch  Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
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  • Bay Willow Salix pentandra (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 18m <br />
Broadly domed, open-crowned tree when growing in its typical open streamside habitat, but more slender and upright in woodlands. SHOOTS Olive-green and glossy. LEAVES Glossy green, showing a bluish tint beneath. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS In contrast to other willows, the bright-yellow upright male catkins appear at same time as new growth of leaves, rather than just before them. Female catkins are dull yellowish-green, longer and more pendulous. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A fairly common native of moorlands, streamsides and boggy areas, and also in damp, upland woods in north of region. Only very occasionally planted as an ornamental tree.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
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  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
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  • Sweet Chestnut - Castanea sativa Fagaceae. Height to 35m <br />
Deciduous tree with fine bole. Bark Silvery and smooth at first, spirally fissured and grooved with age. Branches Lowest branches spreading, upper ones ascending. Leaves Glossy, to 25cm long, lanceolate and toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins creamy and pendulous. Female flowers green and erect, at base of male catkins; spiny green fruits contain 3 brown nuts. Status Native of mainland Europe, planted here since Roman times.
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  • Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa Fagaceae Height to 35m <br />
Deciduous tree with fine bole. Bark Silvery and smooth at first, spirally fissured and grooved with age. Branches Lowest branches spreading, upper ones ascending. Leaves Glossy, to 25cm long, lanceolate and toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins creamy and pendulous. Female flowers green and erect, at base of male catkins; spiny green fruits contain 3 brown nuts. Status Native of mainland Europe, planted here since Roman times.
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  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
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  • Golden Oak of Cyprus Quercus alnifolia (Height to 8m) is a small, shrubby evergreen oak with numerous branches, a short bole and dark-grey bark pitted with orange-brown lenticels. Leaves are 5cm long, leathery, with a toothed margin, a smooth, dark glossy-green upper surface and a distinctive golden-felted below. Male catkins are yellowish-green and pendulous, and female catkins are smaller and inconspicuous. Acorns are up to 3cm long, and sit in a small scaly cup. A native of the mountains of Cyprus, only seen here in specialist collections.
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  • Pond Cypress Taxodium ascendens (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 18m. Slender, conical to columnar deciduous tree. BARK Grey and ridged in older specimens. BRANCHES Horizontal but curving down sharply at tips, and fine shoots that curved upwards with small clasping leaves and give a knotted-cord look. Deciduous shoots are shed in autumn. There is a fine display of autumn colours, starting orange and turning brown. LEAVES Pale green and 8mm long; arranged spirally. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellowish-green, hanging catkins up to 20cm long. Female flowers are produced on the same tree at base of male catkins, first appearing in autumn, but not opening until spring. Rounded cones up to 3cm long are green at first but ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the SE USA, growing in wet ground by ponds and swampy ground. Introduced into Britain, where it succeeds only in warmer parts of the south.
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  • Caucasian Wingnut Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Spreading tree with domed crown and stout bole from which many branches arise close to same point. Suckers freely. BARK Grey, fissured and gnarled. LEAVES Compound, with 11–20 pairs of leaflets, each to 18cm long, ovate to lanceolate with a pointed tip and toothed margins. Midribs bear stellate hairs on underside. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins solitary, female catkins pendent with many flowers and give rise to broad-winged nutlets. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here for ornament.
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