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  • The main avenue through Stoke Wood, Oxfordshire.
    161936.jpg
  • Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire one of our more noteable ancient trees believed to be over 1,000 years old. 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.
    144725.jpg
  • Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire one of our more noteable ancient trees believed to be over 1,000 years old. 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.
    144723.jpg
  • The A82 through Glencoe, Scotland
    163448.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    132596.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    132592.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    144559.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    144558.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    144560.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    144561.jpg
  • MISTLETOE Viscum album (Viscaceae)  D to 1m<br />
Woody, evergreen parasite with evenly forked branches. It forms large, spherical clumps among branches of host trees, mainly apple (often in cultivation), lime and poplars. FLOWERS are inconspicuous (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are white and sticky. LEAVES are oval, yellowish green and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    144562.jpg
  • French Hales Sorbus devoniensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A medium-sized tree, or sometimes a large hedgerow shrub. LEAVES Broadly oval and leathery with shallow-toothed, sharp lobes on distal two-thirds of leaf; dark glossy green above and white below, with 7-9 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are brownish orange, to 15mm long, with numerous lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on neutral to slightly acid, rocky ground; the main range is Devon and E Cornwall, but it also occurs in SE Ireland. These days it is mainly a hedgerow species but it is also found in coastal woodland too.
    135419.jpg
  • French Hales Sorbus devoniensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A medium-sized tree, or sometimes a large hedgerow shrub. LEAVES Broadly oval and leathery with shallow-toothed, sharp lobes on distal two-thirds of leaf; dark glossy green above and white below, with 7-9 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are brownish orange, to 15mm long, with numerous lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on neutral to slightly acid, rocky ground; the main range is Devon and E Cornwall, but it also occurs in SE Ireland. These days it is mainly a hedgerow species but it is also found in coastal woodland too.
    134735.jpg
  • French Hales Sorbus devoniensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A medium-sized tree, or sometimes a large hedgerow shrub. LEAVES Broadly oval and leathery with shallow-toothed, sharp lobes on distal two-thirds of leaf; dark glossy green above and white below, with 7-9 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are brownish orange, to 15mm long, with numerous lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on neutral to slightly acid, rocky ground; the main range is Devon and E Cornwall, but it also occurs in SE Ireland. These days it is mainly a hedgerow species but it is also found in coastal woodland too.
    132655.jpg
  • French Hales Sorbus devoniensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A medium-sized tree, or sometimes a large hedgerow shrub. LEAVES Broadly oval and leathery with shallow-toothed, sharp lobes on distal two-thirds of leaf; dark glossy green above and white below, with 7-9 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are brownish orange, to 15mm long, with numerous lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on neutral to slightly acid, rocky ground; the main range is Devon and E Cornwall, but it also occurs in SE Ireland. These days it is mainly a hedgerow species but it is also found in coastal woodland too.
    132654.jpg
  • French Hales Sorbus devoniensis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 7m <br />
A medium-sized tree, or sometimes a large hedgerow shrub. LEAVES Broadly oval and leathery with shallow-toothed, sharp lobes on distal two-thirds of leaf; dark glossy green above and white below, with 7-9 pairs of veins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits are brownish orange, to 15mm long, with numerous lenticels. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local, on neutral to slightly acid, rocky ground; the main range is Devon and E Cornwall, but it also occurs in SE Ireland. These days it is mainly a hedgerow species but it is also found in coastal woodland too.
    132653.jpg
  • Peppered Moth Biston betularia Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
    127818.jpg
  • Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) Height to 9m <br />
Small, spreading evergreen tree with a short bole and a dense, domed crown. BARK Reddish, peeling away in shreds that turn brown. BRANCHES Often ascending and twisted; twigs slightly hairy and reddish. LEAVES To 11cm long, with either sharply toothed or entire margins, and a prominent midrib. Dark glossy-green above, paler below; 1cm-long petiole is usually red and hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers borne in pendulous clusters late in year at same time as fruits from previous year; flowers white, to 9mm long, and sometimes tinged pink or green. Fruit is a round berry, to 2cm across; warty skin ripens from yellow through orange to deep red; flesh is acidic. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Main native range is SW Europe and Mediterranean; also occurs naturally in SW Ireland in open woods and thickets. Planted widely elsewhere.
    135451.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.
    130379.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    130193.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131456.jpg
  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131455.jpg
  • ELDER Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 10m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree with spreading, outcurved main branches and corky bark. Grows in woodland, scrub and hedgerows, thriving best on chalky and nitrogen-enriched soils. FLOWERS are 5mm across and creamy white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 10-20cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are blackish purple berries, borne in clusters. LEAVES are unpleasant-smelling and divided into 5-7 leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    129659.jpg
  • Peppered Moth - Biston betularia. Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
    157542.jpg
  • Cedar of Lebanon - Cedrus libani (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. Mature tree is flat-topped with immense trunk in old trees. BARK Dark grey, fissured and ridged, becoming dark brown in very old trees. BRANCHES Main ones are massive and ascending; smaller, lateral branches level, supporting flat plates of foliage. LEAVES Needles, to 3cm long, usually in clusters of only 10–15 on short shoots, singly if growing on long shoots. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones greyish or blue-green and erect, to 7.5cm long. Mature female cones are solid, ovoid, to 12cm long and 7cm across, ripening from purple-green to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain forests of E Mediterranean; widely planted here in parks and gardens since 1640.
    157475.jpg
  • Cedar of Lebanon - Cedrus libani (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. Mature tree is flat-topped with immense trunk in old trees. BARK Dark grey, fissured and ridged, becoming dark brown in very old trees. BRANCHES Main ones are massive and ascending; smaller, lateral branches level, supporting flat plates of foliage. LEAVES Needles, to 3cm long, usually in clusters of only 10–15 on short shoots, singly if growing on long shoots. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones greyish or blue-green and erect, to 7.5cm long. Mature female cones are solid, ovoid, to 12cm long and 7cm across, ripening from purple-green to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain forests of E Mediterranean; widely planted here in parks and gardens since 1640.
    157474.jpg
  • 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.
    157452.jpg
  • Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. Mature tree is flat-topped with immense trunk in old trees. BARK Dark grey, fissured and ridged, becoming dark brown in very old trees. BRANCHES Main ones are massive and ascending; smaller, lateral branches level, supporting flat plates of foliage. LEAVES Needles, to 3cm long, usually in clusters of only 10–15 on short shoots, singly if growing on long shoots. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones greyish or blue-green and erect, to 7.5cm long. Mature female cones are solid, ovoid, to 12cm long and 7cm across, ripening from purple-green to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain forests of E Mediterranean; widely planted here in parks and gardens since 1640.
    134363.jpg
  • Peppered Moth Biston betularia Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
    156600.jpg
  • Katsura Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Conical-crowned deciduous tree, sometimes with a single bole, more often with several main stems. BARK vertically fissured and peeling. LEAVES In opposite pairs, to 8cm long, rounded, with pointed tips and heart-shaped bases. Pink at first, turning green in summer, then red in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are produced in leaf nodes in April. Male flowers are small clusters of reddish stamens, female flowers are darker-red clusters of styles. Fruits are claw-like bunches of 5cm-long pods which change from grey, through green, to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, grown in Britain and Ireland for ornament.
    134336.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    134143.jpg
  • Peppered Moth Biston betularia Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
    127817.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    144532.jpg
  • Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) Height to 9m <br />
Small, spreading evergreen tree with a short bole and a dense, domed crown. BARK Reddish, peeling away in shreds that turn brown. BRANCHES Often ascending and twisted; twigs slightly hairy and reddish. LEAVES To 11cm long, with either sharply toothed or entire margins, and a prominent midrib. Dark glossy-green above, paler below; 1cm-long petiole is usually red and hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers borne in pendulous clusters late in year at same time as fruits from previous year; flowers white, to 9mm long, and sometimes tinged pink or green. Fruit is a round berry, to 2cm across; warty skin ripens from yellow through orange to deep red; flesh is acidic. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Main native range is SW Europe and Mediterranean; also occurs naturally in SW Ireland in open woods and thickets. Planted widely elsewhere.
    135450.jpg
  • Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Tall, slender to slightly conical deciduous tree with one main trunk. BARK Grey-brown, corky and deeply ridged in mature trees. BRANCHES spreading with long, greenish-brown shoots, which in turn bear shorter brown shoots. LEAVES Yellowish-green to dark-green, fan-shaped, divided at least once and up to 10-12cm long; radiating veins reach margins. Leaves on long shoots widely separated; those on the short shoots close-packed. FLOWERS Male catkins yellow, in small upright clusters; female flowers grow singly on a 5cm-long pedicel. Flowers seldom seen in Britain; most mature trees in our region are male. FRUITS to 3cm long and usually ovoid, containing a single seed inside a harder shell. Green at first, yellowing with age, becoming foul-smelling. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Chekiang Province of China. Endangered in the wild but widely cultivated.
    135424.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.
    135317.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.
    135041.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    135017.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    135016.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    135015.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    134960.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
  • Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) Height to 9m <br />
Small, spreading evergreen tree with a short bole and a dense, domed crown. BARK Reddish, peeling away in shreds that turn brown. BRANCHES Often ascending and twisted; twigs slightly hairy and reddish. LEAVES To 11cm long, with either sharply toothed or entire margins, and a prominent midrib. Dark glossy-green above, paler below; 1cm-long petiole is usually red and hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers borne in pendulous clusters late in year at same time as fruits from previous year; flowers white, to 9mm long, and sometimes tinged pink or green. Fruit is a round berry, to 2cm across; warty skin ripens from yellow through orange to deep red; flesh is acidic. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Main native range is SW Europe and Mediterranean; also occurs naturally in SW Ireland in open woods and thickets. Planted widely elsewhere.
    134772.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    134479.jpg
  • 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.
    134406.jpg
  • Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Tall, slender to slightly conical deciduous tree with one main trunk. BARK Grey-brown, corky and deeply ridged in mature trees. BRANCHES spreading with long, greenish-brown shoots, which in turn bear shorter brown shoots. LEAVES Yellowish-green to dark-green, fan-shaped, divided at least once and up to 10-12cm long; radiating veins reach margins. Leaves on long shoots widely separated; those on the short shoots close-packed. FLOWERS Male catkins yellow, in small upright clusters; female flowers grow singly on a 5cm-long pedicel. Flowers seldom seen in Britain; most mature trees in our region are male. FRUITS to 3cm long and usually ovoid, containing a single seed inside a harder shell. Green at first, yellowing with age, becoming foul-smelling. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Chekiang Province of China. Endangered in the wild but widely cultivated.
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  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    133703.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    133702.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
  • 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.
    133264.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    133246.jpg
  • Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Mature tree is flat-topped with immense trunk in old trees. BARK Dark grey, fissured and ridged, becoming dark brown in very old trees. BRANCHES Main ones are massive and ascending; smaller, lateral branches level, supporting flat plates of foliage. LEAVES Needles, to 3cm long, usually in clusters of only 10–15 on short shoots, singly if growing on long shoots. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones greyish or blue-green and erect, to 7.5cm long. Mature female cones are solid, ovoid, to 12cm long and 7cm across, ripening from purple-green to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain forests of E Mediterranean; widely planted here in parks and gardens since 1640.
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  • Katsura Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Conical-crowned deciduous tree, sometimes with a single bole, more often with several main stems. BARK vertically fissured and peeling. LEAVES In opposite pairs, to 8cm long, rounded, with pointed tips and heart-shaped bases. Pink at first, turning green in summer, then red in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are produced in leaf nodes in April. Male flowers are small clusters of reddish stamens, female flowers are darker-red clusters of styles. Fruits are claw-like bunches of 5cm-long pods which change from grey, through green, to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, grown in Britain and Ireland for ornament.
    132960.jpg
  • Katsura Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Conical-crowned deciduous tree, sometimes with a single bole, more often with several main stems. BARK vertically fissured and peeling. LEAVES In opposite pairs, to 8cm long, rounded, with pointed tips and heart-shaped bases. Pink at first, turning green in summer, then red in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are produced in leaf nodes in April. Male flowers are small clusters of reddish stamens, female flowers are darker-red clusters of styles. Fruits are claw-like bunches of 5cm-long pods which change from grey, through green, to brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, grown in Britain and Ireland for ornament.
    132951.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.
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  • Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Tall, slender to slightly conical deciduous tree with one main trunk. BARK Grey-brown, corky and deeply ridged in mature trees. BRANCHES spreading with long, greenish-brown shoots, which in turn bear shorter brown shoots. LEAVES Yellowish-green to dark-green, fan-shaped, divided at least once and up to 10-12cm long; radiating veins reach margins. Leaves on long shoots widely separated; those on the short shoots close-packed. FLOWERS Male catkins yellow, in small upright clusters; female flowers grow singly on a 5cm-long pedicel. Flowers seldom seen in Britain; most mature trees in our region are male. FRUITS to 3cm long and usually ovoid, containing a single seed inside a harder shell. Green at first, yellowing with age, becoming foul-smelling. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Chekiang Province of China. Endangered in the wild but widely cultivated.
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  • 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
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    132601.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
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  • 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.
    132455.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.
    132432.jpg
  • Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) Height to 9m <br />
Small, spreading evergreen tree with a short bole and a dense, domed crown. BARK Reddish, peeling away in shreds that turn brown. BRANCHES Often ascending and twisted; twigs slightly hairy and reddish. LEAVES To 11cm long, with either sharply toothed or entire margins, and a prominent midrib. Dark glossy-green above, paler below; 1cm-long petiole is usually red and hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers borne in pendulous clusters late in year at same time as fruits from previous year; flowers white, to 9mm long, and sometimes tinged pink or green. Fruit is a round berry, to 2cm across; warty skin ripens from yellow through orange to deep red; flesh is acidic. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Main native range is SW Europe and Mediterranean; also occurs naturally in SW Ireland in open woods and thickets. Planted widely elsewhere.
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  • 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.
    130367.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    130215.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    130214.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    130191.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    130182.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    130136.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    129701.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    129690.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    129692.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    114086.jpg
  • Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Tall, slender to slightly conical deciduous tree with one main trunk. BARK Grey-brown, corky and deeply ridged in mature trees. BRANCHES spreading with long, greenish-brown shoots, which in turn bear shorter brown shoots. LEAVES Yellowish-green to dark-green, fan-shaped, divided at least once and up to 10-12cm long; radiating veins reach margins. Leaves on long shoots widely separated; those on the short shoots close-packed. FLOWERS Male catkins yellow, in small upright clusters; female flowers grow singly on a 5cm-long pedicel. Flowers seldom seen in Britain; most mature trees in our region are male. FRUITS to 3cm long and usually ovoid, containing a single seed inside a harder shell. Green at first, yellowing with age, becoming foul-smelling. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Chekiang Province of China. Endangered in the wild but widely cultivated.
    109927.jpg
  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
    105810.jpg
  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
    105808.jpg
  • Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Tall, slender to slightly conical deciduous tree with one main trunk. BARK Grey-brown, corky and deeply ridged in mature trees. BRANCHES spreading with long, greenish-brown shoots, which in turn bear shorter brown shoots. LEAVES Yellowish-green to dark-green, fan-shaped, divided at least once and up to 10-12cm long; radiating veins reach margins. Leaves on long shoots widely separated; those on the short shoots close-packed. FLOWERS Male catkins yellow, in small upright clusters; female flowers grow singly on a 5cm-long pedicel. Flowers seldom seen in Britain; most mature trees in our region are male. FRUITS to 3cm long and usually ovoid, containing a single seed inside a harder shell. Green at first, yellowing with age, becoming foul-smelling. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Chekiang Province of China. Endangered in the wild but widely cultivated.
    104341.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
    101784.jpg
  • Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown.  The main trunk is frequently covered with large tuberous burrs. BARK Mostly smooth and pale brown, flaking away to reveal rounded yellow patches. BRANCHES Often spreading. In older specimens branches droop down to the ground. Young shoots are yellow-brown and hairy, while older twigs are greyer. LEAVES Large, up to 18cm in length and width; deeply divided into 5–7 lobes which are themselves notched; central lobe is longest, and the leaf is borne on a 5cm-long petiole that has a swollen base enclosing a bud. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers, up to 6cm long, are composed of 2–7 rounded, yellowish flower heads. Female flowers, up to 8cm long, comprise up to 6 rounded, dark-red flower heads; the flowers open in May–June. As they ripen into fruits the catkins reach a length of 15cm and the ball-like heads grow to 3cm across; they contain many 1-seeded carpels with long hairs attached to bases. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans, eastwards into Asia.
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  • 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.
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  • PURPLE TOOTHWORT Lathraea clandestina (Orobanchaceae) Subterranean. Distinctive perennial. Entirely parasitic on the roots of trees such as poplars, willows and alders and grows in damp woodland. The main visible signs of the plant above ground are the flowers; sometimes these form large patches. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla purple and held erect (Mar-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are scale-like and borne close to the ground. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised locally.
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  • ELDER Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 10m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree with spreading, outcurved main branches and corky bark. Grows in woodland, scrub and hedgerows, thriving best on chalky and nitrogen-enriched soils. FLOWERS are 5mm across and creamy white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 10-20cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are blackish purple berries, borne in clusters. LEAVES are unpleasant-smelling and divided into 5-7 leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • DWARF CORNEL Cornus suecica (Cornaceae) Height to 15cm. Creeping perennial of upland moors. FLOWERS are small and purplish black; borne in dense umbels surrounded by 4 white bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are red berries. LEAVES are ovate and pointed with 3 main veins on both sides of the midrib. STATUS-Scattered in N England and locally common in parts of Scotland; absent from Ireland.
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  • ALPINE FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis alpestris (Height to 25cm) is a tufted perennial that recalls Wood Forget-me-not but which is much shorter and with deep blue (not pale blue) flowers (Jul-Sep). Its main British location is the Scottish Highlands but it is also found in Upper Teesdale.
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  • COMMON COMFREY Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 1m. Roughly hairy perennial with strikingly winged stems. Grows in damp ground beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and tubular to bell-shaped; colour varies but usually white, pink or purple, and borne in curved clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny nutlets. LEAVES are oval and hairy, the upper ones clasping, and the stalk running down the main stem. STATUS-Widespread; common only in C and S England.
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  • PURPLE TOOTHWORT Lathraea clandestina (Orobanchaceae) Subterranean. Distinctive perennial. Entirely parasitic on the roots of trees such as poplars, willows and alders and grows in damp woodland. The main visible signs of the plant above ground are the flowers; sometimes these form large patches. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla purple and held erect (Mar-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are scale-like and borne close to the ground. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised locally.
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  • ELDER Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae) Height to 10m<br />
Deciduous shrub or small tree with spreading, outcurved main branches and corky bark. Grows in woodland, scrub and hedgerows, thriving best on chalky and nitrogen-enriched soils. FLOWERS are 5mm across and creamy white; borne in flat-topped clusters, 10-20cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are blackish purple berries, borne in clusters. LEAVES are unpleasant-smelling and divided into 5-7 leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • The narrow leaves are submerged but domed, flower heads are borne on emergent stems, up to 60cm tall (July-Sept). It grows in peaty pools and lakes in the west, and also, very locally, in NW Scotland, but its main global range is North America.
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  • KNOTGRASS Polygonum aviculare (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m (often prostrate)<br />
Much-branched annual of bare soil and open ground. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate with a silvery basal sheath; main stem leaves are larger than those on side branches.
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  • PIPEWORT Eriocaulon aquaticum (Eriocaulaceae). Aquatic. The narrow leaves are submerged but domed flower heads are borne on emergent stems, up to 60cm tall (July-Sep). It grows in peaty pools and lakes in the west, and also, very locally, in NW Scotland, but it's main global range is North America.
    143578.jpg
  • PIPEWORT Eriocaulon aquaticum (Eriocaulaceae). Aquatic. The narrow leaves are submerged but domed flower heads are borne on emergent stems, up to 60cm tall (July-Sep). It grows in peaty pools and lakes in the west, and also, very locally, in NW Scotland, but it's main global range is North America.
    143580.jpg
  • PIPEWORT Eriocaulon aquaticum (Eriocaulaceae). Aquatic. The narrow leaves are submerged but domed flower heads are borne on emergent stems, up to 60cm tall (July-Sep). It grows in peaty pools and lakes in the west, and also, very locally, in NW Scotland, but it's main global range is North America.
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  • Peppered Moth Biston betularia Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
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  • Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Ulmaceae Height to 40m<br />
Spreading tree. Bark Cracked and ridged with age. Branches Main ones spreading. Young twigs have stiff hairs. Leaves Oval, to 18cm long, with tapering tip. Unequal base extends beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 2cm long. Status Widespread but much reduced by Dutch Elm Disease; large trees seldom seen nowadays.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
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  • 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.
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  • English Elm Ulmus procera Ulmaceae Height to 36m <br />
High domed and lofty. BARK Dark, grooved with squarish plates. Branches Main ones ascending. Twigs reddish, hairy. Leaves Rough, rounded to oval; unequal base does not reach beyond petiole. Reproductive parts Fruits papery, to 1.5cm long, short-stalked. Status Fairly common but declining.
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  • COMMON COMFREY Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae) Height to 1m. Roughly hairy perennial with strikingly winged stems. Grows in damp ground beside rivers and ditches. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and tubular to bell-shaped; colour varies but usually white, pink or purple, and borne in curved clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny nutlets. LEAVES are oval and hairy, the upper ones clasping, and the stalk running down the main stem. STATUS-Widespread; common only in C and S England.
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  • Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) Height to 9m <br />
Small, spreading evergreen tree with a short bole and a dense, domed crown. BARK Reddish, peeling away in shreds that turn brown. BRANCHES Often ascending and twisted; twigs slightly hairy and reddish. LEAVES To 11cm long, with either sharply toothed or entire margins, and a prominent midrib. Dark glossy-green above, paler below; 1cm-long petiole is usually red and hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers borne in pendulous clusters late in year at same time as fruits from previous year; flowers white, to 9mm long, and sometimes tinged pink or green. Fruit is a round berry, to 2cm across; warty skin ripens from yellow through orange to deep red; flesh is acidic. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Main native range is SW Europe and Mediterranean; also occurs naturally in SW Ireland in open woods and thickets. Planted widely elsewhere.
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