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  • Water Oak Quercus nigra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 18m<br />
Domed tree. BARK Purplish grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Dark green, glossy, hairless, with irregular lobes, broadest near blunt tip; retained into winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Domed acorns in shallow cups. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here occasionally.
    132291.jpg
  • Water Oak Quercus nigra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 18m<br />
Domed tree. BARK Purplish grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Dark green, glossy, hairless, with irregular lobes, broadest near blunt tip; retained into winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Domed acorns in shallow cups. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here occasionally.
    108777.jpg
  • Water Oak Quercus nigra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 18m<br />
Domed tree. BARK Purplish grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Dark green, glossy, hairless, with irregular lobes, broadest near blunt tip; retained into winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Domed acorns in shallow cups. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here occasionally.
    132623.jpg
  • Water Oak Quercus nigra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 18m<br />
Domed tree. BARK Purplish grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Dark green, glossy, hairless, with irregular lobes, broadest near blunt tip; retained into winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Domed acorns in shallow cups. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here occasionally.
    108776.jpg
  • Water Oak Quercus nigra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 18m<br />
Domed tree. BARK Purplish grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Dark green, glossy, hairless, with irregular lobes, broadest near blunt tip; retained into winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Domed acorns in shallow cups. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here occasionally.
    135049.jpg
  • 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.
    133857.jpg
  • 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.
    133212.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    132812.jpg
  • 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.
    119546.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134584.jpg
  • 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.
    130262.jpg
  • 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.
    102337.jpg
  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
    131336.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    135233.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    135226.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    132813.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    132545.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    132407.jpg
  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
    131338.jpg
  • 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.
    157436.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    134954.jpg
  • 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.
    133854.jpg
  • 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.
    133213.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134585.jpg
  • 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.
    133856.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
    101854.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134587.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134586.jpg
  • 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.
    102338.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    134908.jpg
  • 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.
    157545.jpg
  • 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.
    135227.jpg
  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
    134407.jpg
  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
    132895.jpg
  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
    132757.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    132720.jpg
  • 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.
    132549.jpg
  • 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.
    132345.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    117564.jpg
  • Common Walnut - Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    157485.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    133114.jpg
  • Common Walnut - Juglans regia. Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    157503.jpg
  • 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.
    157484.jpg
  • 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.
    157479.jpg
  • Arran Whitebeam Sorbus arranensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m. A rather domed tree (a stable and fertile hybrid between Rowan S. aucuparia and Cliff Whitebeam S. rupicola). LEAVES Narrowly oval to elliptical in overall outline but with finely-toothed rounded lobes, cut roughly half-way to midrib; 7-8 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are red, to 10mm long, with few lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Restricted to granite streamsides on Arran, the population numbering around 400.
    134740.jpg
  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
    133576.jpg
  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
    132759.jpg
  • 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.
    132550.jpg
  • 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.
    132344.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    132303.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
    132284.jpg
  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
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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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  • 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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  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
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  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
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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.
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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.
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  • Common Walnut Juglans regia Juglandaceae Height to 30m <br />
Spreading, domed tree. Bark Brown at first, grey and fissured with age. Branches Lowest ones spreading; twisted twigs bear purple-brown buds. Leaves Compound, with 7–9 leaflets, to 15cm long; thick and leathery. Reproductive parts Male catkins yellow, to 15cm long; female flowers small, greenish. Fruits green, rounded, to 5cm across, encasing edible Walnut seed. Status Cultivated since Roman times.
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  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
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  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
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  • Hubei Crab Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Broadly domed and spreading tree. BARK Reddish brown with scaly plates. BRANCHES Long and spreading, lower ones with shoots that almost reach the ground. LEAVES Narrowly ovate, pointed at the tip, to 10cm long, shiny green above and borne on a rather long, downy petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white, arising from pink buds. Fruits are reddish and 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scarce native of E Asia, planted widely here in parks and gardens.
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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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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis
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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis and Common Spotted Orchid - Dactylorhiza fuchsii - on the road verge of the Barton le Cley A6 bypass.
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  • Crack Willow - Salix fragilis
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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis
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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis
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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis
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  • Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis
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  • Pendent Silver-lime Tilia ‘Petiolaris’ (Height to 30m) is similar to Silver-lime, but branches have pendulous tips. Leaf underside is very white and downy, as is the long petiole.
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  • Hybrid Cockspurthorn Crataegus x lavallei (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. A dense, domed to spreading tree. BARK Grey and scaly. BRANCHES Level, with twigs growing thickly on the upper side, a feature that makes winter recognition easy. LEAVES Narrow and glossy green, turning dark red late in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white and borne in clusters; fruits are dull red, to 18mm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A common tree in town gardens and on roadsides.
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  • Pink Domecap - Calocybe carnea
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  • Millenium Bridge over the River Thames looking towards St Paul's Cathederal at dawn, London, Uk
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  • Millenium Bridge over the River Thames looking towards St Paul's Cathederal, London, Uk
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  • Millenium Bridge over the River Thames at dusk from the South Bank looking towards St Paul's Cathedral, London, Uk
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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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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  • Huntingdon Elm - Ulmus x vegeta (Ulmaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Widely spreading tree with a domed crown. BARK Greyish and broken into regular ridges. BRANCHES Main branches are long, straight and upright to spreading. LEAVES Ovate to elliptical with a pointed tip and toothed margins; base is markedly unequal and upper surface of leaf is smooth. Leaves are rather similar to those of Wych Elm but with a petiole more than 5mm long. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Papery fruit. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A naturally occurring hybrid between Wych Elm and Ulmus glabra, found in East Anglia and central England. However, the true native distribution is obscured because cultivars, raised from the same parents, are widely planted. COMMENTS The cultivar known as ‘Huntingdon Elm’ is popularly planted and has a degree of resistance to Dutch Elm Disease.
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  • 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.
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  • SCENTLESS MAYWEED Tripleurospermum inodorum (Asteraceae) Height to 75cm. Scentless, hairless and often rather straggly perennial of disturbed and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are borne in clusters of solitary, long-stalked heads, 20-40mm across, comprising yellow disc florets and white ray florets (Apr-Oct). No scales between disc florets. Receptacle is domed and solid. FRUITS are achenes tipped with black oil glands. LEAVES are feathery and much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • LIMESTONE BEDSTRAW Galium sterneri (Rubiaceae) Height to 30cm. Spreading, mat-forming perennial that turns greenish black when dry. Similar to Heath Bedstraw but only grows on base-rich grassland, never on acid soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across and greenish white with 4 petals; borne in domed clusters (May-Jul). FRUITS are hairless and warty nutlets. LEAVES are narrow-oblong and bristle-tipped, with backward-pointing marginal bristles. STATUS-Locally common in N only.
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  • Long-finned Pilot Whale Globiocephala melaena Length 4-6m Medium-sized cetacean with distinctive head and dorsal fin shapes. Lives in sizeable groups (pods) and feeds mainly on squid. Head, back and dorsal fin are visible at same time when cruising at surface. Adult is mainly blackish with greyish saddle-shaped mark behind dorsal fin. Has white, thighbone-shaped mark from throat to vent, seen only when breaching. Head is blunt-ended, forehead is domed and flippers are long and sickle-shaped. Dorsal fin is broad-based and curved.
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  • Turkey Oak - Quercus cerris (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Deciduous, broadly conical oak, becoming more spreading and domed with age. BARK Thick, grey-brown, becoming fissured and forming regular, squarish plates in older trees. BRANCHES Appear swollen near base and spread upwards. Buds are covered with long hairs. LEAVES To 10–12cm long, deeply lobed with up to 10 lobes or large teeth, on 1–2cm-long, slightly downy petioles. Upper leaf surface feels rough and is deep green, lower surface is downy when new and greyish. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in May–June. Acorns ripen in late summer and are partly encased in a deep cup covered in long outward-pointing scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, introduced into Britain by J. Lucombe of Exeter in 1735; now widely planted in parks and gardens and sometimes occurring in 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.
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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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  • Beech In Autumn, Savernake Forest, Wiltshire. Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagaceae Height to 40m. Imposing deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Ascending. Buds reddish, to 2cm long, smooth and pointed. Leaves To 10cm long, oval, pointed, with wavy margin. Reproductive parts Male flowers pendent, clustered. Female flowers paired with brownish bracts. Fruits are shiny 3-sided nuts, to 1.8cm long, enclosed in a prickly case. Status Common native in S England; widely planted elsewhere.
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  • Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Greyish-brown, flaking. Branches Snap easily. Winter buds shiny brown, sticky, with shield-shaped leaf scar. Leaves Long-stalked, palmate, with up to 7 leaflets, each 25cm long. Reproductive parts In panicles, to 30cm tall, comprising 40+ 5-petalled, pink-spotted white flowers. Fruits spiny-cased and rounded, containing round seed (‘conker’). Status Native of Balkans, long established here.
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  • Wild Cherry Prunus avium Rosaceae Height to 30m <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Reddish-brown, shiny, with circular lines; peels horizontally into papery strips. Branches Spreading with reddish twigs. Leaves To 15cm long, ovate, toothed. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, in clusters of 2–6. Fruits to 2cm long, rounded, ripening dark-purple, sometimes yellowish. Status Widespread native.
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  • Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagaceae Height to 40m. Imposing deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Ascending. Buds reddish, to 2cm long, smooth and pointed. Leaves To 10cm long, oval, pointed, with wavy margin. Reproductive parts Male flowers pendent, clustered. Female flowers paired with brownish bracts. Fruits are shiny 3-sided nuts, to 1.8cm long, enclosed in a prickly case. Status Common native in S England; widely planted elsewhere.
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  • Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagaceae Height to 40m. Imposing deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Smooth and grey. Branches Ascending. Buds reddish, to 2cm long, smooth and pointed. Leaves To 10cm long, oval, pointed, with wavy margin. Reproductive parts Male flowers pendent, clustered. Female flowers paired with brownish bracts. Fruits are shiny 3-sided nuts, to 1.8cm long, enclosed in a prickly case. Status Common native in S England; widely planted elsewhere.
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  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
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  • Highclere Holly Ilex x altaclarensis (Height to 20m) is a descendent of hybrid crosses between Holly and Madeira Holly Ilex perado (not hardy in our region). It is an evergreen tree with a dense columnar habit, spreading branches and a domed crown; the bark is purplish-grey and the twigs are greenish or purple-tinged. The alternate leaves are mostly flat, smaller than those of Holly and not as prickly; they may have up to 10 small forward-pointing spines on each side. The small white 5-petalled flowers are sometimes purple-tinged near the base and, like Holly, the males and females are on separate trees. The bright-red berries can be up to 12mm long. Highclere Holly, in its various cultivar forms, is a very popular park and garden tree because of its vigorous habit and resistance to disease and pollution.
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  • Black Walnut Juglans nigra (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 32m<br />
Has a tall, straight bole and domed crown of brighter green leaves than Common Walnut. BARK Dark brown, showing a diamond pattern of deep cracks. LEAVES Compound with 15-23 leaflets, finely toothed and downy below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits similar to Common Walnut but not as edible; green husk yields a similar dark dye. Native of USA, planted here occasionally.
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