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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.
    132907.jpg
  • 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.
    132907.jpg
  • Eroded cliffs and damaged chalets following tidal surges of December 2013, Hemsby, Norfolk UK
    155694.jpg
  • 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.
    144426.jpg
  • Mature autumn woodland, Stoke Wood, Oxfordshire.
    161929.jpg
  • Storm damage in Matley Wood in the New Forest near Lyndhurst, Hampshire, 2014
    155908.jpg
  • Eroded cliffs and damaged chalets following tidal surges of December 2013, Hemsby, Norfolk UK
    155691.jpg
  • Eroded cliffs and damaged chalets following tidal surges of December 2013, Hemsby, Norfolk UK
    155692.jpg
  • Eroded cliffs and damaged chalets following tidal surges of December 2013, Hemsby, Norfolk UK
    155693.jpg
  • 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.
    144733.jpg
  • 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.
    144735.jpg
  • 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.
    144737.jpg
  • 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.
    144736.jpg
  • 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.
    144738.jpg
  • 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.
    144743.jpg
  • 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.
    144740.jpg
  • 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.
    144741.jpg
  • Rotting branch of silver birch tree in forest in Boat of Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145496.jpg
  • Rotting branch of silver birch tree in forest in Boat of Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145495.jpg
  • Caledonian pine forest on the Spey Way near Boat of Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145498.jpg
  • Caledonian pine forest on the Spey Way near Boat of Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145499.jpg
  • 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.
    144742.jpg
  • 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.
    144732.jpg
  • 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.
    144731.jpg
  • Norway Maple Acer platanoides Aceraceae Height to 30m. Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Smooth, grey, ridged. Branches Less crowded than Sycamore; twigs green, often tinged red. Leaves To 15cm long with 5–7 toothed and sharply pointed lobes. Reproductive parts Greenish flowers, in erect clusters of 30–40. Paired wings of fruits spread almost horizontally. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
    144568.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144534.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144535.jpg
  • Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144533.jpg
  • Bird Cherry Prunus padus Rosaceae Height to 17m <br />
Deciduous tree, domed with age. Bark Smooth, dark grey-brown; unpleasant smell if rubbed. Branches Mostly ascending, with downy twigs. Leaves Elliptical, to 10cm long, toothed, tapering at tip. Reproductive parts Flowers white, 5-petalled, in 15cm-long spikes. Fruits to 8mm long, shiny black. Status Local, mainly on limestone in N; also widely planted.
    135442.jpg
  • Broadleaf Cockspurthorn Crataegus persimilis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, spreading tree with a short bole and a rounded crown. BARK Scaly brown, sometimes with spiral ridges. BRANCHES The twigs and 2cm-long stiff thorns are a deep, glossy purple-brown. LEAVES Oval and toothed, smooth and shiny; they turn from glossy green, through yellow, orange and copper to a deep red by the end of autumn before they finally fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white and borne in clusters; fruits are rounded and red, up to 1.5cm long. COMMENTS A North American species, popularly planted here on roadsides and in gardens, typically as the cultivar ‘Prunifolia’; it also makes a good stockproof hedge.
    132244.jpg
  • Broadleaf Cockspurthorn Crataegus persimilis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A small, spreading tree with a short bole and a rounded crown. BARK Scaly brown, sometimes with spiral ridges. BRANCHES The twigs and 2cm-long stiff thorns are a deep, glossy purple-brown. LEAVES Oval and toothed, smooth and shiny; they turn from glossy green, through yellow, orange and copper to a deep red by the end of autumn before they finally fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are white and borne in clusters; fruits are rounded and red, up to 1.5cm long. COMMENTS A North American species, popularly planted here on roadsides and in gardens, typically as the cultivar ‘Prunifolia’; it also makes a good stockproof hedge.
    132243.jpg
  • Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa Fagaceae Height to 35m <br />
Deciduous tree with fine bole. Bark Silvery and smooth at first, spirally fissured and grooved with age. Branches Lowest branches spreading, upper ones ascending. Leaves Glossy, to 25cm long, lanceolate and toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins creamy and pendulous. Female flowers green and erect, at base of male catkins; spiny green fruits contain 3 brown nuts. Status Native of mainland Europe, planted here since Roman times.
    129773.jpg
  • Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagaceae Height to 40m <br />
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.
    129405.jpg
  • Eroded cliffs and damaged chalets following tidal surges of December 2013, Hemsby, Norfolk UK
    155690.jpg
  • 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.
    144734.jpg
  • 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.
    144739.jpg
  • Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Fagaceae Height to 40m<br />
Sturdy, domed deciduous tree. Bark Grey-brown, fissured. Branches Rather straight and radiating. Buds have long white hairs. Leaves Lobed, dark green with hairs below on veins; on yellow stalks, 1–2.5cm long, and lacking basal auricles. Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns egg-shaped, stalkless; sit directly on twig in small clusters. Status Common in W and hilly areas on poor soils.
    144519.jpg
  • Woodland floor abstract
    161234.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    135460.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    135430.jpg
  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
    135084.jpg
  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
    135062.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    134976.jpg
  • Siberian Crab Malus baccata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m <br />
A domed and rather spreading tree. BARK Brownish and regularly cracking. BRANCHES Much-divided and dense. LEAVES Rather slender and matt rather than shiny, REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Compact flower heads of white blossom make this a popular garden tree. The fruit is green at first but ripens to bright red and remains on the tree long after the leaves have fallen, providing a late feed for winter migrant birds. STATUs AND DISTRIBUTION A native of China, planted in Britain and Ireland in parks and gardens.
    134887.jpg
  • Ashleaf Maple (Box Elder) Acer negundo (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Small but vigorous deciduous tree with numerous shoots growing from bole and main branches. BARK Smooth in young trees, replaced by darker, shallowly fissured bark in older trees. BRANCHES With green shoots and small buds that have only 2 whitish scales. LEAVES Pinnate, to 15cm long with 3 or sometimes up to 7 irregularly toothed oval leaflets. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers occur separately, opening in March before leaves. Petals are absent; male flowers are greenish with prominent red anthers, and female flowers are greenish-yellow and pendent. Brown fruits are about 2cm long with wings slightly spreading, remaining on tree after leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America, commonly planted as an ornamental tree, and sometimes for shelter; sometimes naturalised.
    134881.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    133676.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132899.jpg
  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
    132814.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
    132254.jpg
  • Ashleaf Maple (Box Elder) Acer negundo (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Small but vigorous deciduous tree with numerous shoots growing from bole and main branches. BARK Smooth in young trees, replaced by darker, shallowly fissured bark in older trees. BRANCHES With green shoots and small buds that have only 2 whitish scales. LEAVES Pinnate, to 15cm long with 3 or sometimes up to 7 irregularly toothed oval leaflets. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers occur separately, opening in March before leaves. Petals are absent; male flowers are greenish with prominent red anthers, and female flowers are greenish-yellow and pendent. Brown fruits are about 2cm long with wings slightly spreading, remaining on tree after leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America, commonly planted as an ornamental tree, and sometimes for shelter; sometimes naturalised.
    124978.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    117617.jpg
  • Siberian Crab Malus baccata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m <br />
A domed and rather spreading tree. BARK Brownish and regularly cracking. BRANCHES Much-divided and dense. LEAVES Rather slender and matt rather than shiny, REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Compact flower heads of white blossom make this a popular garden tree. The fruit is green at first but ripens to bright red and remains on the tree long after the leaves have fallen, providing a late feed for winter migrant birds. STATUs AND DISTRIBUTION A native of China, planted in Britain and Ireland in parks and gardens.
    117547.jpg
  • WATER-PURSLANE Lythrum portula (Lythraceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, creeping and hairless annual. Found on damp, bare ground and also in shallow water, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, with 6 pinkish petals that are often absent or fallen; borne in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    130200.jpg
  • Siberian Crab Malus baccata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m <br />
A domed and rather spreading tree. BARK Brownish and regularly cracking. BRANCHES Much-divided and dense. LEAVES Rather slender and matt rather than shiny, REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Compact flower heads of white blossom make this a popular garden tree. The fruit is green at first but ripens to bright red and remains on the tree long after the leaves have fallen, providing a late feed for winter migrant birds. STATUs AND DISTRIBUTION A native of China, planted in Britain and Ireland in parks and gardens.
    134855.jpg
  • Indian Bean Tree (Southern Catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides (Bignoniaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Medium-sized deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Greyish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Mostly spreading with smooth, stout twigs tipped with very small orange-brown buds. LEAVES Long-stalked, large and broadly ovate, to 25cm long and 20cm across, with heart-shaped bases and short-pointed tips; margins are untoothed, upper surface is smooth and lower surface is downy. Leaves are tinged with purple and downy when young, becoming a lighter, almost transparent green when mature. Usually late to open and early to fall. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5cm-long flowers are an open bell shape with 2 lips; petals are white with purple and yellow spots; in large showy panicles in midsummer. Fruit is a long, slender bean-like pod, to 40cm long, that hangs from branches long after leaves have fallen; contains many inedible flat, papery seeds, to 2.5cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SE USA, planted here and quite common in many large cities, including London.
    132946.jpg
  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
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  • Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Tall, narrowly conical evergreen with tapering crown, strong foliage and pointed buds. BARK Black, marked with scars of fallen branches. LEAVES Sharp-spined needles, up to 5cm long, dark green above with 2 light bands below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Bright-green cones, up to 10cm long, are distinctive with their long projecting hair-like bracts, which persist throughout summer. Flowers are small and insignificant; males yellowish, growing on underside of shoot, females green, growing on top of shoot. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Rare native of S California. Does well in rainier parts of our region.
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  • Cockspurthorn Crataegus crus-galli (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
A small, usually spreading deciduous tree with a flattish crown and a short bole. BARK Smooth and greyish-brown in young trees; in older trees it is fissured. BRANCHES Purple-brown twigs carry numerous 7–10cm-long sharp spines. LEAVES Up to 8cm long and about 3cm wide, increasing in width above the middle, with a toothed margin. Both surfaces are smooth and shiny, dark green in summer and turning a rich orange in autumn, often before other species have started to show colour changes. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white flowers are<br />
about 1.5cm in diameter and grow in loose clusters, opening in May. The red globular fruits are ripe in October and persist after the leaves have fallen. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native tree in NE America, and often planted in Britain and Ireland as a garden or roadside tree, mostly for its striking orange autumn colours
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