Nature Photographers Ltd

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • NPL Blog
Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
{ 521 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    134654.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    132862.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    132348.jpg
  • Coastal Redwood Sequoia sempervirens (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An impressively large evergreen, growing to be the tallest tree in the world in its native California and Oregon. Forms a conical to columnar tree with a tapering trunk arising from a broader, buttressed base. BARK Thick and reddish-brown, becoming spongy, eventually deeply fissured and peeling. BRANCHES Mostly arise horizontally or are slightly pendulous. LEAVES Green twigs support a unique combination of 2 types of leaves arranged in spirals; leading shoots have scale-like leaves, up to 8mm long, clasping the stem, and side-shoots have longer, flattened, needle-like leaves up to 2cm long, lying in 2 rows. Crushed foliage smells of grapefruit.<br />
REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones are produced on the same tree. The small yellow male cones grow on the tips of main shoots, releasing pollen in early spring. The pale-brown female cones grow singly on the tips of shoots, becoming 2cm long and ovoid. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of California and Oregon, growing best in the hills where the permanent sea-mists keep the trees supplied with moisture. Unsurprisingly, the biggest British and Irish specimens are in the west and north of the region.
    132872.jpg
  • Coastal Redwood Sequoia sempervirens (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An impressively large evergreen, growing to be the tallest tree in the world in its native California and Oregon. Forms a conical to columnar tree with a tapering trunk arising from a broader, buttressed base. BARK Thick and reddish-brown, becoming spongy, eventually deeply fissured and peeling. BRANCHES Mostly arise horizontally or are slightly pendulous. LEAVES Green twigs support a unique combination of 2 types of leaves arranged in spirals; leading shoots have scale-like leaves, up to 8mm long, clasping the stem, and side-shoots have longer, flattened, needle-like leaves up to 2cm long, lying in 2 rows. Crushed foliage smells of grapefruit.<br />
REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones are produced on the same tree. The small yellow male cones grow on the tips of main shoots, releasing pollen in early spring. The pale-brown female cones grow singly on the tips of shoots, becoming 2cm long and ovoid. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of California and Oregon, growing best in the hills where the permanent sea-mists keep the trees supplied with moisture. Unsurprisingly, the biggest British and Irish specimens are in the west and north of the region.
    132650.jpg
  • Monterey Pine Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m <br />
Large, variable pine, slender and conical when growing vigorously, becoming more domed and flat-topped on a long bole with age. BARK Fissured and grey, blackening with age. BRANCHES Main ones sometimes hang low enough to touch ground. LEAVES Bright-green needles in bunches of 3; each needle is thin and straight, to 15cm long, with a finely toothed margin and harp-pointed tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers grow in dense clusters near ends of twigs, releasing pollen in spring. Female cones grow in clusters of 3–5 around tips of shoots, ripening to large, solid woody cones, to 15cm long and 9cm across, with a characteristic asymmetrical shape. Cone scales are thick and woody with rounded outer edges, and conceal black, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBTUION Native to a small area around Monterey, California, Guadalupe Island and Baja California, Mexico. Widely planted here in mild areas as a shelter-belt tree or for ornament, growing well next to the sea.
    133276.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.
    133317.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.
    133316.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    133277.jpg
  • Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 36m. Large evergreen, pyramidal when young, domed and spreading when mature. BARK reddish-brown; ridged and scaly with age. BRANCHES Crowded, upright on younger trees, more level and spreading with age. LEAVES Small, scale-like, on stiff, forward-pointing shoots; lemon-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones yellow, up to 5mm across, are produced on tips of shoots behind female cones; females 2–4cm across, rounded and bright green at first, maturing purplish-green; each scale has a central point. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native near Monterey, California, where it is now rare and never attains the size it can in W Britain and Ireland.
    117558.jpg
  • Common Larch Larix decidua Pinaceae Height to 35m<br />
Deciduous, conical conifer. Foliage turns golden before needles fall in autumn. Bark Greyish-brown, fissured with age. Branches Mostly horizontal. Needles To 3cm long, in bunches of up to 40. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow cones. Female cones are red in spring, maturing brown and woody. Status Native of central Europe, planted here for timber and ornament.
    123207.jpg
  • Monterey Pine Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m <br />
Large, variable pine, slender and conical when growing vigorously, becoming more domed and flat-topped on a long bole with age. BARK Fissured and grey, blackening with age. BRANCHES Main ones sometimes hang low enough to touch ground. LEAVES Bright-green needles in bunches of 3; each needle is thin and straight, to 15cm long, with a finely toothed margin and harp-pointed tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers grow in dense clusters near ends of twigs, releasing pollen in spring. Female cones grow in clusters of 3–5 around tips of shoots, ripening to large, solid woody cones, to 15cm long and 9cm across, with a characteristic asymmetrical shape. Cone scales are thick and woody with rounded outer edges, and conceal black, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBTUION Native to a small area around Monterey, California, Guadalupe Island and Baja California, Mexico. Widely planted here in mild areas as a shelter-belt tree or for ornament, growing well next to the sea. Vigorous when young.
    132433.jpg
  • Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 36m. Large evergreen, pyramidal when young, domed and spreading when mature. BARK reddish-brown; ridged and scaly with age. BRANCHES Crowded, upright on younger trees, more level and spreading with age. LEAVES Small, scale-like, on stiff, forward-pointing shoots; lemon-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones yellow, up to 5mm across, are produced on tips of shoots behind female cones; females 2–4cm across, rounded and bright green at first, maturing purplish-green; each scale has a central point. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native near Monterey, California, where it is now rare and never attains the size it can in W Britain and Ireland.
    117558.jpg
  • Northern White Cedar Thuja occidentalis (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Broadly conical tree. BARK Orange-brown, peeling in vertical strips. LEAVES Flattened, fern-like sprays of foliage show white, waxy bands below. Crushed leaves smell of apple and cloves. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones recall those of Western Red Cedar; female cones have rounded tips to cone scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America. Does not thrive here.
    134666.jpg
  • Serbian Spruce Picea omorika (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Narrowly conical to columnar tree, with a slender form unlike all other spruces. BARK Orange-brown and scaly in older trees. BRANCHES Lower branches are slightly descending with raised tips, higher branches being mostly level or ascending. All branches are short. LEAVES Flattened and keeled needles, to 2cm long, may be blunt or barely pointed, dark blue-green above with 2 pale bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are large and red, becoming yellow when releasing pollen. Female cones grow on curving stalks and are up to 6cm long, ovoid and blue-green at first, ripening to brown. Cone scales are rounded with finely toothed margins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of limestone rocks of the Drina basin of Serbia, unknown until 1875, but now a popular ornamental tree
    134664.jpg
  • Lawson’s Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Cupressaceae Height to 40m. Dense conical evergreen. Trunk often forked. Bark Cracks into vertical greyish plates. Branches Numerous. Leaves Scale-like, to 2mm long, flattened along shoot, in opposite pairs; parsley-scented. Reproductive parts Male flowers are cones, to 4mm long. Female cones, to 8mm across, have 4 pairs of scales. Status Native of western USA, widely planted here. Numerous cultivars exist with different with leaf colours.
    130383.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    132696.jpg
  • Norway Spruce Picea abies Pinaceae Height to 44m.<br />
Narrowly conical tree and the archetypal Christmas Tree. Bark Brownish, scaly and resinous. Branches almost level. Needles 4-angled on short pegs. Reproductive parts Male cones small, yellowish and clustered near tips of shoots. Female cones, to 18cm long, are pendulous. Status Native of European mountains. Widely planted here as Christmas Trees and in shelter-belts.
    133279.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen in its native California, and even in Britain it has grown to become the tallest tree in many areas. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches, which may not start for several metres above the ground, are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in groves on the western slopes of the mountains. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    133265.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    134778.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132631.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135152.jpg
  • Norway Spruce Picea abies Pinaceae Height to 44m.<br />
Narrowly conical tree and the archetypal Christmas Tree. Bark Brownish, scaly and resinous. Branches almost level. Needles 4-angled on short pegs. Reproductive parts Male cones small, yellowish and clustered near tips of shoots. Female cones, to 18cm long, are pendulous. Status Native of European mountains. Widely planted here as Christmas Trees and in shelter-belts.
    134402.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135164.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135151.jpg
  • European Silver Fir Abies alba (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 47m <br />
Fast-growing fir, reaching a great size; until 1960s held record for tallest tree in Britain. BARK White on trunk and branches of mature trees, grey on younger trees. LEAVES Thick needles, up to 3cm long, notched at tip and in 2 rows on twigs, which are covered with pale brown hairs. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Erect cones green at first, maturing orange-brown and up to 20cm long. Eventually disintegrate into fan-like scales and toothed bracts, leaving just the protruding woody axis. Cones normally grow high up. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of European mountains. At one time widely planted in Britain for timber.
    134989.jpg
  • Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Elegant columnar evergreen with anarrowly rounded crown. BARK Dark and cracked into large reddish-brown flakes. BRANCHES Numerous short upright branches run up the trunk from near ground level. LEAVES Scale-like, in whorls of 4 each bearing a short, incurved, pointed tip, adpressed and concealing shoots; smell of turpentine when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones up to 6mm across, ovoid, deep yellow, and borne at tips of lateral shoots. Female cones are 2–3 cm across when mature, oblong to ovoid and pointed, with 6 scales; 2 large fertile scales have outwardly pointed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of California and Oregon. Very popular ornamental tree in our region.
    134893.jpg
  • Tamarack Larix laricina (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
A very slender, upright tree, the N American counterpart of Common Larch, with the smallest cones and flowers of any larch. BARK Pinkish and scaly. BRANCHES Twisted, with curled shoots. LEAVES Dark green, narrow needles with grey bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones purplish, to 2cm long with 15-20 scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to northern N America. Planted occasionally here for ornament.
    134699.jpg
  • Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Evergreen; recalls Lawson’s Cypress. BARK Reddish and soft. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Blunt-pointed, bright green with white lines below, eucalyptus-scented; in flat sprays. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Rounded female cones blue-green at first, yellowing with age. Male cones small, reddish-yellow. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan and Taiwan. Introduced to Britain in 1861; grows best in wetter areas.
    134678.jpg
  • Lawson’s Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Cupressaceae Height to 40m. Dense conical evergreen. Trunk often forked. Bark Cracks into vertical greyish plates. Branches Numerous. Leaves Scale-like, to 2mm long, flattened along shoot, in opposite pairs; parsley-scented. Reproductive parts Male flowers are cones, to 4mm long. Female cones, to 8mm across, have 4 pairs of scales. Status Native of western USA, widely planted here. Numerous cultivars exist with different with leaf colours.
    132961.jpg
  • Lawson’s Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Cupressaceae Height to 40m. Dense conical evergreen. Trunk often forked. Bark Cracks into vertical greyish plates. Branches Numerous. Leaves Scale-like, to 2mm long, flattened along shoot, in opposite pairs; parsley-scented. Reproductive parts Male flowers are cones, to 4mm long. Female cones, to 8mm across, have 4 pairs of scales. Status Native of western USA, widely planted here. Numerous cultivars exist with different with leaf colours.
    132866.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    132821.jpg
  • Norway Spruce Picea abies Pinaceae Height to 44m.<br />
Narrowly conical tree and the archetypal Christmas Tree. Bark Brownish, scaly and resinous. Branches almost level. Needles 4-angled on short pegs. Reproductive parts Male cones small, yellowish and clustered near tips of shoots. Female cones, to 18cm long, are pendulous. Status Native of European mountains. Widely planted here as Christmas Trees and in shelter-belts.
    102313.jpg
  • Common Larch Larix decidua Pinaceae Height to 35m<br />
Deciduous, conical conifer. Foliage turns golden before needles fall in autumn. Bark Greyish-brown, fissured with age. Branches Mostly horizontal. Needles To 3cm long, in bunches of up to 40. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow cones. Female cones are red in spring, maturing brown and woody. Status Native of central Europe, planted here for timber and ornament.
    144440.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    134996.jpg
  • Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Elegant columnar evergreen with anarrowly rounded crown. BARK Dark and cracked into large reddish-brown flakes. BRANCHES Numerous short upright branches run up the trunk from near ground level. LEAVES Scale-like, in whorls of 4 each bearing a short, incurved, pointed tip, adpressed and concealing shoots; smell of turpentine when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones up to 6mm across, ovoid, deep yellow, and borne at tips of lateral shoots. Female cones are 2–3 cm across when mature, oblong to ovoid and pointed, with 6 scales; 2 large fertile scales have outwardly pointed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of California and Oregon. Very popular ornamental tree in our region.
    134868.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    134697.jpg
  • Tamarack Larix laricina (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
A very slender, upright tree, the N American counterpart of Common Larch, with the smallest cones and flowers of any larch. BARK Pinkish and scaly. BRANCHES Twisted, with curled shoots. LEAVES Dark green, narrow needles with grey bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones purplish, to 2cm long with 15-20 scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to northern N America. Planted occasionally here for ornament.
    134671.jpg
  • Smooth Arizona Cypress Cupressus glabra (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. British form grows into a neat, ovoid tree with blue-grey foliage often with white tips. In the wild (in Arizona) it is more spreading. BARK Reddish or purplish; falls away in rounded flakes in older specimens, revealing yellow or reddish patches. LEAVES Greyish-green, often with a central white spot; grapefruit-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are small, yellow and grow at tips of shoots. Female cones are oval, up to 2.5cm across when mature, and greenish-brown; scales have a central blunt projection. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Arizona, planted in our region for ornament and hedging.
    132875.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132632.jpg
  • Bosnian Pine Pinus heldriechii (leucodermis) (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly pyramidal tree with a tapering bole. BARK Grey, with irregular plates. Whitish patches appear with age. LEAVES Paired needles, to 9cm long, densely packed on shoots, stiff and projecting at right-angles, pungent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 8cm long and 2.5cm across, narrowly ovoid and ripening to brown; scales have a recurved prickle. Second-year cones are deep blue. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Balkans and SW Italy, mainly on dry mountain limestone. Planted here for ornament, thriving on free-draining soils.
    132612.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132275.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.
    132265.jpg
  • Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 36m. Large evergreen, pyramidal when young, domed and spreading when mature. BARK reddish-brown; ridged and scaly with age. BRANCHES Crowded, upright on younger trees, more level and spreading with age. LEAVES Small, scale-like, on stiff, forward-pointing shoots; lemon-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones yellow, up to 5mm across, are produced on tips of shoots behind female cones; females 2–4cm across, rounded and bright green at first, maturing purplish-green; each scale has a central point. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native near Monterey, California, where it is now rare and never attains the size it can in W Britain and Ireland.
    130384.jpg
  • European Larch Larix decidua Pinaceae Height to 35m<br />
Deciduous, conical conifer. Foliage turns golden before needles fall in autumn. Bark Greyish-brown, fissured with age. Branches Mostly horizontal. Needles To 3cm long, in bunches of up to 40. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow cones. Female cones are red in spring, maturing brown and woody. Status Native of central Europe, planted here for timber and ornament.
    134319.jpg
  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    135064.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    134997.jpg
  • Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 36m. Large evergreen, pyramidal when young, domed and spreading when mature. BARK reddish-brown; ridged and scaly with age. BRANCHES Crowded, upright on younger trees, more level and spreading with age. LEAVES Small, scale-like, on stiff, forward-pointing shoots; lemon-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones yellow, up to 5mm across, are produced on tips of shoots behind female cones; females 2–4cm across, rounded and bright green at first, maturing purplish-green; each scale has a central point. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native near Monterey, California, where it is now rare and never attains the size it can in W Britain and Ireland.
    134946.jpg
  • Common Larch Larix decidua Pinaceae Height to 35m<br />
Deciduous, conical conifer. Foliage turns golden before needles fall in autumn. Bark Greyish-brown, fissured with age. Branches Mostly horizontal. Needles To 3cm long, in bunches of up to 40. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow cones. Female cones are red in spring, maturing brown and woody. Status Native of central Europe, planted here for timber and ornament.
    134696.jpg
  • Tamarack Larix laricina (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
A very slender, upright tree, the N American counterpart of Common Larch, with the smallest cones and flowers of any larch. BARK Pinkish and scaly. BRANCHES Twisted, with curled shoots. LEAVES Dark green, narrow needles with grey bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones purplish, to 2cm long with 15-20 scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to northern N America. Planted occasionally here for ornament.
    134672.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    132997.jpg
  • Smooth Arizona Cypress Cupressus glabra (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. British form grows into a neat, ovoid tree with blue-grey foliage often with white tips. In the wild (in Arizona) it is more spreading. BARK Reddish or purplish; falls away in rounded flakes in older specimens, revealing yellow or reddish patches. LEAVES Greyish-green, often with a central white spot; grapefruit-scented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are small, yellow and grow at tips of shoots. Female cones are oval, up to 2.5cm across when mature, and greenish-brown; scales have a central blunt projection. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Arizona, planted in our region for ornament and hedging.
    132815.jpg
  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    132796.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132513.jpg
  • Bosnian Pine Pinus heldriechii (leucodermis) (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly pyramidal tree with a tapering bole. BARK Grey, with irregular plates. Whitish patches appear with age. LEAVES Paired needles, to 9cm long, densely packed on shoots, stiff and projecting at right-angles, pungent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 8cm long and 2.5cm across, narrowly ovoid and ripening to brown; scales have a recurved prickle. Second-year cones are deep blue. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Balkans and SW Italy, mainly on dry mountain limestone. Planted here for ornament, thriving on free-draining soils.
    132448.jpg
  • Lawson’s Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Cupressaceae Height to 40m. Dense conical evergreen. Trunk often forked. Bark Cracks into vertical greyish plates. Branches Numerous. Leaves Scale-like, to 2mm long, flattened along shoot, in opposite pairs; parsley-scented. Reproductive parts Male flowers are cones, to 4mm long. Female cones, to 8mm across, have 4 pairs of scales. Status Native of western USA, widely planted here. Numerous cultivars exist with different with leaf colours.
    130386.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135012.jpg
  • Norway Spruce Picea abies Pinaceae Height to 44m.<br />
Narrowly conical tree and the archetypal Christmas Tree. Bark Brownish, scaly and resinous. Branches almost level. Needles 4-angled on short pegs. Reproductive parts Male cones small, yellowish and clustered near tips of shoots. Female cones, to 18cm long, are pendulous. Status Native of European mountains. Widely planted here as Christmas Trees and in shelter-belts.
    134904.jpg
  • Bosnian Pine Pinus heldriechii (leucodermis) (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly pyramidal tree with a tapering bole. BARK Grey, with irregular plates. Whitish patches appear with age. LEAVES Paired needles, to 9cm long, densely packed on shoots, stiff and projecting at right-angles, pungent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 8cm long and 2.5cm across, narrowly ovoid and ripening to brown; scales have a recurved prickle. Second-year cones are deep blue. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Balkans and SW Italy, mainly on dry mountain limestone. Planted here for ornament, thriving on free-draining soils.
    132452.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132630.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    134669.jpg
  • Chinese Fir Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Broadly conical evergreen conifer with foliage recalling Monkey-puzzle (see p.34). BARK Reddish-brown, ridged with age. LEAVES Narrow strap-shaped, pointed and up to 6cm long; glossy green with 2 white bands below. Dead foliage persists inside crown; looks bright orange in sunlight. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are yellowish; in clusters at shoot tips. Cones rounded, scaly, 3-4cm across, green ripening brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China; planted here in large gardens, mainly in south and west.
    132995.jpg
  • Western Himalayan (Bhutan) Cypress Cupressus torulosa (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 27m <br />
Ovoid crown recalls C. glabra but tree has more open habit. Slender green shoots smell of new-mown grass when crushed. BARK Spirally ridged in older trees. BRANCHES Raised, with descending sprays of looser foliage. LEAVES Tiny, scale-like and unmarked, with minute, incurved points. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are less than 15mm across, each scale with a rounded knob. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to W Himalayas, grown in a few old, British gardens. COMMENTS Slow-growing.
    132996.jpg
  • Eastern Hemlock-spruce Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Untidy tree with heavy branches, a forked trunk and dark foliage. BARK Blackish. LEAVES Needles, more tapering than those of Western Hemlock with a narrower tip; further row of leaves along middle of shoot twists to show white undersides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers small, yellowish, clustered along underside of shoots. Female cones 1.5cm long; cone scales have thickened edges. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America. Widely planted here.
    134907.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    132458.jpg
  • Ponderosa Pine (Western Yellow Pine) Pinus ponderosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m (50m). Large, slender, conical pine with a sturdy, straight bole. BARK Scaly pinkish-brown. LEAVES Needles, to 30cm long, narrow (3mm) and stiffly curved with finely toothed edges and a sharp, pointed tip; clustered densely on shoots and persist for 3 years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are ovoid, up to 15cm long and 5cm across, on short stalks or directly on twigs, sometimes leaving a few scales behind when they fall; solitary or in small clusters. Cone scales are oblong with swollen, exposed, ridged tips hiding 5cm-long, oval, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to W USA, planted here mostly for ornament.
    134977.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    134690.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    134687.jpg
  • Ponderosa Pine (Western Yellow Pine) Pinus ponderosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m (50m). Large, slender, conical pine with a sturdy, straight bole. BARK Scaly pinkish-brown. LEAVES Needles, to 30cm long, narrow (3mm) and stiffly curved with finely toothed edges and a sharp, pointed tip; clustered densely on shoots and persist for 3 years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are ovoid, up to 15cm long and 5cm across, on short stalks or directly on twigs, sometimes leaving a few scales behind when they fall; solitary or in small clusters. Cone scales are oblong with swollen, exposed, ridged tips hiding 5cm-long, oval, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to W USA, planted here mostly for ornament.
    132621.jpg
  • Eastern Hemlock-spruce Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Untidy tree with heavy branches, a forked trunk and dark foliage. BARK Blackish. LEAVES Needles, more tapering than those of Western Hemlock with a narrower tip; further row of leaves along middle of shoot twists to show white undersides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers small, yellowish, clustered along underside of shoots. Female cones 1.5cm long; cone scales have thickened edges. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America. Widely planted here.
    132610.jpg
  • Aleppo Pine Pinus halepensis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
A small pine, often growing in a gnarled and deformed manner. BARK Young trees have shiny, smooth, silvery-grey bark, becoming scaly, fissured and redder with age. BRANCHES Twigs are characteristically pale grey, or even white. LEAVES Paired needles are slender (0.7mm), to 15cm long, sometimes slightly twisted and with very finely toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Red-brown cones are up to 12cm long and 4cm across, oval or conical and borne singly on short stalks, or in groups of 2–3, and sometimes deflexed. Cone scales are shiny reddish-brown with hide winged seeds up to 2cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Widespread and common around Mediterranean, planted here for ornament.
    117479.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    132627.jpg
  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
    134427.jpg
  • Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. maritima (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Similar to ssp. nigra but more shapely. BRANCHES Shorter than ssp. nigra and level, so young trees are columnar. LEAVES Soft, narrow needles, paler green than ssp. nigra, to 15cm long, often twisted in young trees. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones similar to ssp. nigra. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica, S Italy and Sicily, planted here on lowland heaths, coastal dunes, and poor soils. Resistant to pollution.
    130385.jpg
  • Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta (ssp. latifolia). Similar to Beach Pine (ssp. Pinaceae) Columnar with a less dense crown; usually grows on a much straighter, but sometimes divided trunk. Needles are broader than those of Beach Pine, and more spread apart. Grows in the mountains well inland away from sea. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS All trees have male flowers in dense clusters near the tips of shoots. Female flowers grow in groups of up to 4 close to the tip of the shoot. Cones are rounded to ovoid, up to 6cm long and 3cm in diameter, and usually a shiny yellow-brown. Each cone scale has a slender, sharp tip, which easily breaks off.<br />
STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to coastal western North America, widely planted here for timber on poor soils and exposed, often upland, sites.
    134330.jpg
  • Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Conical deciduous conifer with shoots and leaves in opposite pairs. Trunk tapers and is buttressed at base, becoming ridged in older trees. BARK Rich reddish-brown, peeling in vertical strips. LEAVES 2.5cm long, flat and needle-like, pale green at first, becoming darker green later; on short, lateral shoots that are shed in autumn. Leaves emerge early in spring, and turn yellow, pink or red before falling. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are produced on young shoots in separate clusters on same tree in spring. Males are yellow; females greenish, producing rounded green, then brown cones about 2.5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW China, unknown as a living tree (known only from fossil records) until 1941. Now a popular garden tree.
    135437.jpg
  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
    132855.jpg
  • Eastern Hemlock-spruce Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Untidy tree with heavy branches, a forked trunk and dark foliage. BARK Blackish. LEAVES Needles, more tapering than those of Western Hemlock with a narrower tip; further row of leaves along middle of shoot twists to show white undersides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers small, yellowish, clustered along underside of shoots. Female cones 1.5cm long; cone scales have thickened edges. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America. Widely planted here.
    132611.jpg
  • Western Larch Larix occidentalis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Largest of all the larches, although it rarely reaches its maximum height away from its native range. A tall, slender, conical tree. BARK Grey and scaly, forming deep fissures low down. BRANCHES slightly ascending and short with red-brown shoots. LEAVES Soft needles up to 4cm long, borne in tufts on side-shoots. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow, and pendent below the shoots; female flowers are red and upright above the shoot on the same tree. Both open in spring. Cones are ovoid, 4cm long, with long bracts protruding from between the scales, distinguishing this from all other larches. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION native of mountains of British Columbia, south to Oregon. Introduced in 1881 into Britain, where there are now some very fine specimens in mature collections.
    134698.jpg
  • Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small, slow-growing tree. LEAVES Needles, 2–4cm long, dark green, often flecked with white resin; turpentine-scented and persist for many years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 6cm long; 6mm-long spine on each scale. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Rocky Mountains, rarely planted here.
    132801.jpg
  • Chinese Fir Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Broadly conical evergreen conifer with foliage recalling Monkey-puzzle (see p.34). BARK Reddish-brown, ridged with age. LEAVES Narrow strap-shaped, pointed and up to 6cm long; glossy green with 2 white bands below. Dead foliage persists inside crown; looks bright orange in sunlight. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are yellowish; in clusters at shoot tips. Cones rounded, scaly, 3-4cm across, green ripening brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China; planted here in large gardens, mainly in south and west.
    132880.jpg
  • Weymouth Pine Pinus strobus (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 32m <br />
Mature tree has tapering trunk and rounded crown. BARK Dark grey. BRANCHES Level. LEAVES Blue-green needles; note tuft of hairs below each 10cm-long bunch of 5 needles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Slender cones; basal scales often curve outwards. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here mainly for timber.
    113424.jpg
  • Austrian Pine Pinus nigra ssp. nigra Pinaceae Height to 30m<br />
Broadly conical with a narrow crown. Bark Greyish-brown, becoming darker and rough in older trees. Needles Paired, to 15cm long; stiff with finely toothed margins. Reproductive parts Mature cones, to 8cm long, have keeled, spined scales. Status Native of central Europe. Widely planted here for shelter or ornament and sometimes naturalised.
    134978.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    134944.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    134929.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134906.jpg
  • Stone Pine Pinus pinea (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broad umbrella-shaped tree with a dense mass of foliage on spreading branches on top of a tall bole. BARK Reddish-grey on old trees and fissured, flaking away to leave deep orange patches. LEAVES Paired needles, to 20cm long and 2mm wide, slightly twisted. Through a hand-lens 12 lines of stomata can be seen on outer surface and 6 on inner surface. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones rounded to ovoid, to 14cm long and 10cm across, ripening rich glossy brown after 3 years. Scales, closely packed with a slightly pyramidal surface, conceal large, slightly winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Mediterranean coasts. Planted here occasionally, usually near coasts.
    134692.jpg
  • Dahurian Larch Larix gmelinii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Slender, conical deciduous tree. BARK Reddish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Level, sometimes forming flattish areas of foliage, and supporting long, yellowish or red-brown, downy shoots. LEAVES Blunt-tipped needles, bright green above with 2 paler bands below, to 4cm long; in clusters of 25. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones similar to those of other larches, with pinkish or greenish, slightly projecting bracts, becoming brown when ripe, with square-ended scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, sometimes planted for timber or as a specimen tree here.
    134675.jpg
  • Patagonian Cypress Fitzroya cupressoides (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Densely foliaged evergreen. BARK Reddish-brown, peeling away in vertical strips. BRANCHES Thick branches grow from low down on the bole and curve upwards to grow almost vertically, bearing descending masses of shoots. LEAVES are hard, blunt-ended scales, curving outwards away from shoot, with white stripes on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Sometimes a prolific producer of cones, which are small, rounded and brown, and up to 8mm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountains of Chile and Argentina, attaining great size and age.
    134650.jpg
  • Weymouth Pine Pinus strobus (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 32m <br />
Mature tree has tapering trunk and rounded crown. BARK Dark grey. BRANCHES Level. LEAVES Blue-green needles; note tuft of hairs below each 10cm-long bunch of 5 needles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Slender cones; basal scales often curve outwards. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here mainly for timber.
    132870.jpg
  • Macedonian Pine Pinus peuce (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Narrowly conical; trunk slender and crown pointed. BARK Greyish-green. LEAVES Slender, supple needles, to 12cm long, with toothed margins and pointed tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones to 20cm long, mostly cylindrical, sometimes curved near tip; grow below shoots, green, ripening to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, planted here occasionally.
    132793.jpg
  • Spanish (Hedgehog) Fir Abies pinsapo (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Shapely at first, becoming open-crowned and straggly with age. BARK Dark grey. LEAVES Bluish-grey, usually blunt, needles, to 1.5cm long, densely arranged all around twig. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small male flowers red, opening yellow; female flowers green, in upright clusters above shoot. Cones cylindrical, tapering, upright and smooth. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of Sierra Nevada in S Spain. Sometimes planted for ornament here; tolerates calcareous soils.
    132791.jpg
  • Sargent’s Spruce Picea brachytyla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 26m. Broadly conical spruce with a tapering crown and a fairly open habit. BARK Grey-brown with squarish scales. BRANCHES Ascending, with pendulous side-shoots. LEAVES Crowded, pointed needles with a green upper surface and a pale to silvery-white lower surface. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are small and reddish-yellow, female cones are narrowly ovoid with triangular-tipped scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Introduced into Britain from China in the early twentieth century, and now mostly confined to gardens and collections.
    132782.jpg
  • Dahurian Larch Larix gmelinii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Slender, conical deciduous tree. BARK Reddish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Level, sometimes forming flattish areas of foliage, and supporting long, yellowish or red-brown, downy shoots. LEAVES Blunt-tipped needles, bright green above with 2 paler bands below, to 4cm long; in clusters of 25. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones similar to those of other larches, with pinkish or greenish, slightly projecting bracts, becoming brown when ripe, with square-ended scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, sometimes planted for timber or as a specimen tree here.
    132748.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132644.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132624.jpg
  • Oriental Spruce Picea orientalis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m<br />
Dense-foliaged evergreen growing into a strongly conical tree on a short, stout bole. BARK pale brown and scaly. BRANCNES slender with numerous hairy twigs. LEAVES Very short, blunt needles, to 1cm long, arise all round shoots, but leave more open area on the lower surface; dark green and glossy above and square in cross-section. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small male flowers are red then yellow. Female cones, to 8cm long, are pendent and ovoid, often curved and green with purple or grey tinges when still growing, ripening to shiny brown. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of mountain forests of Caucasus and NE Turkey, widely planted here for ornament, and occasionally for commercial forestry.
    132363.jpg
  • Korean Fir Abies koreana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Usually broadly conical in outline but sometimes dumpy. BRANCHES Level in conical trees. LEAVES Strap-like, blunt needles, notched at tip and up to 18mm long; dark green above but whitish either side of midrib below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellowish; female flowers reddish, maturing into bluish purple cones that ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Korea, now widely planted in gardens.
    132347.jpg
  • Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. maritima (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Similar to ssp. nigra but more shapely. BRANCHES Shorter than ssp. nigra and level, so young trees are columnar. LEAVES Soft, narrow needles, paler green than ssp. nigra, to 15cm long, often twisted in young trees. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones similar to ssp. nigra. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica, S Italy and Sicily, planted here on lowland heaths, coastal dunes, and poor soils. Resistant to pollution.
    130370.jpg
  • Nootka Cypress Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, forming an elegant conical tree. BRANCHES Slightly upturned with pendulous shoots. LEAVES Tough and scale-like. Unpleasant smell when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow. Cones blue in first year, ripening through green to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Discovered near Nootka, on Vancouver Island; occurs elsewhere in Pacific North-west. Intolerant of lime-rich soils. COMMENTS Hardy.
    125549.jpg
Next