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  • Niger Seeds for garden bird feeder
    130245.jpg
  • Black Sunflower seeds for garden bird feeder
    130246.jpg
  • Almond Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, open-crowned tree whose blossom appears early in spring. BARK Blackish, breaking into small oblong plates. BRANCHES Ascending, usually rather spiny with numerous thin twigs but many cultivars are regularly branched and lack spines. LEAVES Alternate, to 13cm long, finely toothed and folded lengthways. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink or white flowers are paired and almost sessile; open before leaves. 5 petals each to 2.5cm long, form cup-shaped flowers. Fruit is about 6cm long, flattened ovoid, covered with velvety green down with a tough fleshy layer below, inside which is ridged and pitted ‘stone’ that when cracked reveals edible almond seed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to central and SW Asia and N Africa, but long cultivated for seeds and flowers. In our region, it needs protection from harsh winter weather.
    119887.jpg
  • Almond Nut Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
Small, open-crowned tree whose blossom appears early in spring. BARK Blackish, breaking into small oblong plates. BRANCHES Ascending, usually rather spiny with numerous thin twigs but many cultivars are regularly branched and lack spines. LEAVES Alternate, to 13cm long, finely toothed and folded lengthways. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink or white flowers are paired and almost sessile; open before leaves. 5 petals each to 2.5cm long, form cup-shaped flowers. Fruit is about 6cm long, flattened ovoid, covered with velvety green down with a tough fleshy layer below, inside which is ridged and pitted ‘stone’ that when cracked reveals edible almond seed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to central and SW Asia and N Africa, but long cultivated for seeds and flowers. In our region, it needs protection from harsh winter weather.
    133117.jpg
  • Silver Birch  Betula pendula Betulaceae Height to 26m<br />
Acquires weeping habit with age. Bark Thick, fissured at base, forming rectangular plates; smooth silvery-white higher up trunk. Branches Ascending; twigs and shoots pendulous. Leaves To 7cm long, triangular, toothed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Male catkins terminal, yellow, pendulous. Female catkins greenish, in leaf axils; produce winged seeds when mature. Status Common, especially on heaths.
    133280.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
  • Bitternut Carya cordiformis (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Large tree with a high conical crown. BARK Greyish, smooth at first becoming scaly with age, peeling flakes reveal orange patches beneath. BRANCHES Mostly straight and ascending, the greenish twigs tipped with elongated, yellowish and scaly buds. LEAVES Compound, with 9 leaflets (rarely 5–8); terminal leaflet stalkless. Individual leaflets elongated, pointed at tip with toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins, to 7cm long, yellowish and pendulous. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded to pear-shaped with 4 wings, concealing grey, smooth seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America; planted here mainly for ornament.
    135093.jpg
  • Ponderosa Pine (Western Yellow Pine) Pinus ponderosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m (50m). Large, slender, conical pine with a sturdy, straight bole. BARK Scaly pinkish-brown. LEAVES Needles, to 30cm long, narrow (3mm) and stiffly curved with finely toothed edges and a sharp, pointed tip; clustered densely on shoots and persist for 3 years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are ovoid, up to 15cm long and 5cm across, on short stalks or directly on twigs, sometimes leaving a few scales behind when they fall; solitary or in small clusters. Cone scales are oblong with swollen, exposed, ridged tips hiding 5cm-long, oval, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to W USA, planted here mostly for ornament.
    134977.jpg
  • Nikko Maple Acer nikoense (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 15m (20m). Broadly spreading deciduous tree. BARK Greyish-brown and smooth. BRANCHES Mainly level, with blackish buds that have grey hairs on scales. LEAVES Compound, with 3 leaflets, the central one up to 10cm long, the other 2 smaller and unequal at the base. They are mostly green and smooth on the upper surface, but bluish-white below with a covering of soft hairs. Leaves turn fiery red in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small yellow flowers, in pendulous clusters of 3, on hairy stalks, open at about same time as leaves. Green, winged fruits are about 5cm long, and wings spread widely, but seeds are rarely fertile or fully formed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, and now popular here as an ornamental tree, mostly for its fine autumn colours.
    134488.jpg
  • Bitternut Carya cordiformis (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Large tree with a high conical crown. BARK Greyish, smooth at first becoming scaly with age, peeling flakes reveal orange patches beneath. BRANCHES Mostly straight and ascending, the greenish twigs tipped with elongated, yellowish and scaly buds. LEAVES Compound, with 9 leaflets (rarely 5–8); terminal leaflet stalkless. Individual leaflets elongated, pointed at tip with toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins, to 7cm long, yellowish and pendulous. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded to pear-shaped with 4 wings, concealing grey, smooth seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America; planted here mainly for ornament.
    135094.jpg
  • Foxglove Tree Paulownia tomentosa (Scrophulariaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. Small deciduous tree with an upright habit. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Mostly level. LEAVES Opposite and very broadly ovate with heart-shaped bases and tapering tips, often with forward-pointing side lobes. The upper surface is light green and hairy and the lower surface is grey-green and much more hairy. The petiole is about 15cm long, but may be as much as 45cm long, and is very downy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are borne in lax upright spikes about 30cm long; each flower is brown and downy in bud, but opens to become violet, with a yellowish tinge inside the corolla tube. There are 5 spreading lobes and the flower is about 6cm long. The fruit is a short-stalked, ovoid capsule about 5cm long with a tapering tip and glossy-green outer skin; it splits open to release many small, whitish, winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the mountains of China, brought as an ornamental tree to Britain and Ireland, where it is often seen in large gardens and sometimes as a street tree.
    132898.jpg
  • Karo Pittosporum crassifolium (Pittosporaceae)HEIGHT to 10m. Small evergreen tree or large shrub. BARK Blackish. BRANCHES Congested. LEAVES Leathery, to 8cm long and 3cm wide, ovate to lanceolate and blunt-tipped; dark green above, paler and woolly below with slightly inrolled margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers, in lax clusters, have 5 deep red petals and yellow anthers. Fruit is an ovoid capsule, to 3cm long, matt and light green, with shiny seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of New Zealand, tolerant of salt spray so planted for coastal hedging and naturalised in parts of SW England.
    132447.jpg
  • Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis L 12cm. Delightful, colourful bird. Yellow wingbars and white rump seen in flight is unique. Sexes are similar. Adult has striking black and white pattern on head, and red face. Back is buffish brown and underparts are mainly whitish, suffused pale buff on flanks and sides of breast. Wings are black with yellow wingbar and white tips to flight feathers; black tail feathers are white-tipped. Bill is narrow, conical and pale pinkish buff. Juvenile is mainly pale buffish white, streaked brown on flanks and back. Wings are black with a yellow wingbar. Voice Utters a tinkling, trisyllabic call. Song is twittering and rapid. Status Widespread. Common in breeding season in scrub, deciduous woodland and mature gardens. At other times, forms roving flocks that feed on thistle and teasel seeds; many birds migrate to mainland Europe in winter.
    137386.jpg
  • California Nutmeg Torreya californica (Taxaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Broadly conical tree with a stout bole in mature specimens, producing high-quality timber. BARK Reddish grey with narrow ridges. BRANCHES long and almost horizontal in mature trees, supporting descending lines of greenish shoots. LEAVES Needle-like with two pale greyish bands on the underside; grow in a row on each side of shoot, and smell of sage if crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Trees are usually either male or female. Male flowers resemble small yellowish catkins, borne on undersides of shoots. Fruits are ovoid, 5cm long, and green with pur¬plish streaks; resemble nutmegs and contain a single (inedible) seed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain woodlands in California. Often planted in mature gardens in Britain.
    134657.jpg
  • Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Greyish-brown, flaking. Branches Snap easily. Winter buds shiny brown, sticky, with shield-shaped leaf scar. Leaves Long-stalked, palmate, with up to 7 leaflets, each 25cm long. Reproductive parts In panicles, to 30cm tall, comprising 40+ 5-petalled, pink-spotted white flowers. Fruits spiny-cased and rounded, containing round seed (‘conker’). Status Native of Balkans, long established here.
    144537.jpg
  • Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Greyish-brown, flaking. Branches Snap easily. Winter buds shiny brown, sticky, with shield-shaped leaf scar. Leaves Long-stalked, palmate, with up to 7 leaflets, each 25cm long. Reproductive parts In panicles, to 30cm tall, comprising 40+ 5-petalled, pink-spotted white flowers. Fruits spiny-cased and rounded, containing round seed (‘conker’). Status Native of Balkans, long established here.
    144536.jpg
  • Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Greyish-brown, flaking. Branches Snap easily. Winter buds shiny brown, sticky, with shield-shaped leaf scar. Leaves Long-stalked, palmate, with up to 7 leaflets, each 25cm long. Reproductive parts In panicles, to 30cm tall, comprising 40+ 5-petalled, pink-spotted white flowers. Fruits spiny-cased and rounded, containing round seed (‘conker’). Status Native of Balkans, long established here.
    135176.jpg
  • Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae <br />
Deciduous tree with domed crown. Bark Greyish-brown, flaking. Branches Snap easily. Winter buds shiny brown, sticky, with shield-shaped leaf scar. Leaves Long-stalked, palmate, with up to 7 leaflets, each 25cm long. Reproductive parts In panicles, to 30cm tall, comprising 40+ 5-petalled, pink-spotted white flowers. Fruits spiny-cased and rounded, containing round seed (‘conker’). Status Native of Balkans, long established here.
    135142.jpg
  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
    133263.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
  • Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Betulaceae Height to 25m. Spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. Bark Brownish, fissured into squarish plates. Branches Ascending in young trees. Young twigs sticky. Buds 7mm long, on 3mm-long stalks. Leaves Stalked, to 10cm long, rounded with notched apex. Reproductive parts Purplish male catkins, in bunches of 2–3, appear first in winter. Female catkins cone-like, reddish at first ripening green by summer. Status Common beside water.
    133261.jpg
  • Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Betulaceae Height to 30m <br />
Robust tree; bole gnarled and twisted. Bark Silvery-grey and fissured. Branches Ascending and twisted; twigs greyish-brown, hairy. Leaves Oval, pointed with rounded base, short petiole, and double-toothed margin; 15 pairs of veins. Reproductive parts Male catkins, to 5cm long, yellowish-green with red scales. Fruits are clusters of winged nutlets. Status Locally common, sometimes planted and coppiced for hard timber.
    129635.jpg
  • WILD CANDYTUFT Iberis amara (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy annual of calcareous grassland. Favours disturbed soil, often beside Rabbit burrows. FLOWERS comprise 4 white or mauve petals, 2 of which are much longer than the others (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are rounded, winged and notched. LEAVES are toothed and spoon-shaped, becoming smaller up the stem. STATUS-Local, mainly in the Chilterns.
    131871.jpg
  • Norway Spruce Picea abies Pinaceae Height to 44m.<br />
Narrowly conical tree and the archetypal Christmas Tree. Bark Brownish, scaly and resinous. Branches almost level. Needles 4-angled on short pegs. Reproductive parts Male cones small, yellowish and clustered near tips of shoots. Female cones, to 18cm long, are pendulous. Status Native of European mountains. Widely planted here as Christmas Trees and in shelter-belts.
    133275.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131243.jpg
  • LONG-HEADED POPPY Papaver dubium (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-7cm across with 4 papery, orange-red overlapping petals with no dark basal blotch; on stalks with adpressed hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and hairless capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, including the N.
    131242.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.
    129778.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.
    129777.jpg
  • Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Aceraceae Height to 35m <br />
Vigorous, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Greyish, fissured and flaking. Branches Thick, with grey-green twigs and reddish buds. Leaves To 15cm long, with 5 toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers in pendulous, yellow clusters, to 12cm long. Paired wings of fruits spread acutely, curve in slightly towards tip. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
    129663.jpg
  • PRICKLY POPPY Papaver argemone (Papaveraceae) Height to 30cm. Delicate annual of arable land, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 2-6cm across with 4 pale red petals that typically do not overlap but which do have a dark basal blotch (May-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and ribbed with prickle-like bristles. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in S England.
    131241.jpg
  • Green-winged Orchid - Anacamptis morio
    156639.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
  • Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small, slow-growing tree. LEAVES Needles, 2–4cm long, dark green, often flecked with white resin; turpentine-scented and persist for many years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 6cm long; 6mm-long spine on each scale. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Rocky Mountains, rarely planted here.
    132801.jpg
  • Austrian Pine - Pinus nigra ssp. nigra Pinaceae. Height to 30m<br />
Broadly conical with a narrow crown. Bark Greyish-brown, becoming darker and rough in older trees. Needles Paired, to 15cm long; stiff with finely toothed margins. Reproductive parts Mature cones, to 8cm long, have keeled, spined scales. Status Native of central Europe. Widely planted here for shelter or ornament and sometimes naturalised.
    157427.jpg
  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
    144530.jpg
  • Red Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Oleaceae) HEIGHT to 25m <br />
Similar to Common Ash but generally smaller. BARK Deeply furrowed, reddish-brown. BRANCHES Stout with hairy twigs and brown winter buds. LEAVES Opposite, pinnate, to 22cm long with 7, rarely 9, oval, pointed leaflets. Each leaflet to 15cm long, toothed and pointed, 2 sides of blade not matching on petiole; undersides are usually hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers open before leaves in hairy clusters in leaf axils; sexes usually on separate trees. Male flowers are red and female flowers are greenish. Both sexes of flowers lack petals, but female flowers have 4 sepals. Single-winged fruits are up to 6cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America, introduced into Britain and Ireland as an ornamental tree, but nowhere very common.
    135217.jpg
  • Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Aceraceae Height to 35m <br />
Vigorous, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Greyish, fissured and flaking. Branches Thick, with grey-green twigs and reddish buds. Leaves To 15cm long, with 5 toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers in pendulous, yellow clusters, to 12cm long. Paired wings of fruits spread acutely, curve in slightly towards tip. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
    135095.jpg
  • Black Walnut Juglans nigra (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 32m<br />
Has a tall, straight bole and domed crown of brighter green leaves than Common Walnut. BARK Dark brown, showing a diamond pattern of deep cracks. LEAVES Compound with 15-23 leaflets, finely toothed and downy below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Fruits similar to Common Walnut but not as edible; green husk yields a similar dark dye. Native of USA, planted here occasionally.
    135061.jpg
  • Cretan Maple Acer sempervirens (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 12m <br />
Shrub or small, compact evergreen tree. BARK Smooth and grey with lighter patches. BRANCHES Tangled and twisted with shiny-brown twigs. LEAVES Opposite, to 5cm long and often 3-lobed, but sometimes irregular or simple with untoothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Greenish flowers open in April, in small erect clusters. Fruits are green or red-winged, with wings parallel or slightly divergent. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Crete and Greece, planted here occasionally.
    134857.jpg
  • Moosewood Acer pennsylvanicum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 14m. One of the so-called ‘snakebark maples’. BARK Green, vertically striped with reddish-brown or white; bark becomes greyer with age. BRANCHES Mainly upright. LEAVES To 15cm long and about same width, with 3 triangular forward-pointing lobes that taper to slender points; central lobe is longest. In summer leaves are rich yellow-green with a smooth upper surface and a hairy lower surface when first open. In autumn they turn a deep yellow. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small yellow-green flowers, in pendulous racemes, appear in spring with leaves. Greenish fruits are about 2.5cm long and have downcurved wings. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here for its autumn colours.
    134835.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    134690.jpg
  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
    134687.jpg
  • 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.
    134570.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.
    132828.jpg
  • Eastern Hemlock-spruce Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Untidy tree with heavy branches, a forked trunk and dark foliage. BARK Blackish. LEAVES Needles, more tapering than those of Western Hemlock with a narrower tip; further row of leaves along middle of shoot twists to show white undersides. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers small, yellowish, clustered along underside of shoots. Female cones 1.5cm long; cone scales have thickened edges. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of eastern N America. Widely planted here.
    132610.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132513.jpg
  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
    129865.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.
    129629.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.
    105803.jpg
  • Siskin - Carduelis spinus - male at garden feeder
    162281.jpg
  • Close up of wheat ears in crop field
    154754.jpg
  • Close up of wheat ears in crop field
    154755.jpg
  • Summer wheat field
    154797.jpg
  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
    144527.jpg
  • Evergreen (Holm) Oak Quercus ilex (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. Broadly domed tree; crown is often very dense and twiggy. BARK Very dark with shallow fissures, eventually cracking to form squarish scales. BRANCHES Appear from low down on bole. Young shoots are covered with white down. LEAVES Variable: usually ovate to oblong with a pointed tip and a rounded base on mature trees, but more like holly leaves on a young tree. Leaves are dark glossy above, paler and downy below with raised veins; on 1–2cm-long, hairy petioles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins appear in spring, their golden colour contrasting with silvery new leaves and darker twigs. Acorns, to 2cm long, sit deeply in cups covered with rows of small hairy scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, planted here, mainly in mild areas and as a shelter-belt tree in coastal areas, to protect more tender species from winds and salt spray.
    135227.jpg
  • Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Deciduous, rapid-growing oak that forms a fine, broadly domed tree. BARK Pale grey and finely fissured, breaking into fine ridges. BRANCHES Largest are long and straight, emerging from a sturdy bole; terminate in finely downy greyish-green or<br />
brownish twigs. LEAVES Large, deeply lobed, to 25cm long and 14cm wide. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow catkins appear in May and early June; acorns are borne in cups about 1.2cm deep covered in downy, blunt, overlapping scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Balkans, central Europe and S Italy. Planted here for its splendid appearance when mature.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Caucasian Wingnut Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Spreading tree with domed crown and stout bole from which many branches arise close to same point. Suckers freely. BARK Grey, fissured and gnarled. LEAVES Compound, with 11–20 pairs of leaflets, each to 18cm long, ovate to lanceolate with a pointed tip and toothed margins. Midribs bear stellate hairs on underside. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins solitary, female catkins pendent with many flowers and give rise to broad-winged nutlets. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here for ornament.
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  • Caucasian Wingnut Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Spreading tree with domed crown and stout bole from which many branches arise close to same point. Suckers freely. BARK Grey, fissured and gnarled. LEAVES Compound, with 11–20 pairs of leaflets, each to 18cm long, ovate to lanceolate with a pointed tip and toothed margins. Midribs bear stellate hairs on underside. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins solitary, female catkins pendent with many flowers and give rise to broad-winged nutlets. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here for ornament.
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  • Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Rather slender, domed tree. BARK Dark greyish-brown, smooth in young trees, ridged with maturity. BRANCHES Slender and spreading. LEAVES 15cm-long, even more deeply lobed than Pin Oak but less strongly bristle-tipped. In summer, leaves are glossy green above and paler below with small hair-tufts in vein axils below. Turn brilliant red in autumn, especially in cultivar Q. coccinea ‘Splendens’. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Acorns, to 2.5cm long, are rounded, half-enclosed in a slightly glossy cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America. Planted here for its brilliant autumn colours.
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  • Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Aceraceae Height to 35m <br />
Vigorous, spreading deciduous tree. Bark Greyish, fissured and flaking. Branches Thick, with grey-green twigs and reddish buds. Leaves To 15cm long, with 5 toothed lobes. Reproductive parts Flowers in pendulous, yellow clusters, to 12cm long. Paired wings of fruits spread acutely, curve in slightly towards tip. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
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  • 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.
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  • Austrian Pine Pinus nigra ssp. nigra Pinaceae Height to 30m<br />
Broadly conical with a narrow crown. Bark Greyish-brown, becoming darker and rough in older trees. Needles Paired, to 15cm long; stiff with finely toothed margins. Reproductive parts Mature cones, to 8cm long, have keeled, spined scales. Status Native of central Europe. Widely planted here for shelter or ornament and sometimes naturalised.
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  • Small-leaved Gum Eucalyptus parviflora (Height to 20m). Similar to Ribbon Gum E. viminalis, has tiny juvenile leaves and small, willow-like adult leaves.
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  • Red Snakebark Maple Acer capillipes (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m Upright, open tree. BARK Boldly striped. BRANCHES With bright scarlet shoots. LEAVES To 15cm long, rather ovate but with shallow, sharp-angled side lobes and a drawn-out tip. Leaves turn reddish or yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish green flower in racemes. Fruits have almost level wings. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for ornament.
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  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
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  • Azarole Crategus azarolus (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m<br />
A low, spreading tree. BARK Scaly and brown. BRANCHES Twisted and spreading, with numerous thorns. LEAVES As deeply lobed as Oriental Hawthorn but with broader lobes; fine white hairs on both leaf surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are creamy white and borne in dense clusters; fruits are yellow, to 2cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Mediterranean region and planted here occasionally for ornament.
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  • Sugar Maple Acer saccharum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 26m <br />
Similar to Norway Maple. BARK Has large fissures and falls away in shreds in older trees. BRANCHES Upright to spreading. LEAVES 13cm-long leaves are lobed, but teeth on lobes are rounded, not drawn out into a fine point as in Norway Maple; there are hairs in vein axils below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous yellow-green flowers are small and lack petals; open in spring with leaves. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America, planted here for its autumn colours.
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  • Père David’s Maple Acer davidii (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m <br />
Spreading, open tree. BARK With a pattern of green and brown vertical stripes when young. BRANCHES Mainly upright. LEAVES To 15cm long, either unlobed and ovate or with shallow lobes; dark green above, paler below, on red petioles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish, in 6cm-long drooping racemes. Fruits have wings at a shallow angle. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, grown here for its ornamental bark.
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  • Cappadocian Maple Acer cappadocicum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Broadly domed tree. BARK Grey and smooth. BRANCHES With crimson young twigs. LEAVES To 15cm long, with 5 untoothed lobes tipped with ‘whiskers’; dark green above with hair tufts on vein axils below; leaves turn yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellow flowers in erect, branched heads. Fruits green with paired wings. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native from Caucasus eastwards, planted here for ornament.
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  • Moosewood Acer pennsylvanicum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 14m. One of the so-called ‘snakebark maples’. BARK Green, vertically striped with reddish-brown or white; bark becomes greyer with age. BRANCHES Mainly upright. LEAVES To 15cm long and about same width, with 3 triangular forward-pointing lobes that taper to slender points; central lobe is longest. In summer leaves are rich yellow-green with a smooth upper surface and a hairy lower surface when first open. In autumn they turn a deep yellow. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small yellow-green flowers, in pendulous racemes, appear in spring with leaves. Greenish fruits are about 2.5cm long and have downcurved wings. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here for its autumn colours.
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  • Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Pinaceae Height to 60m<br />
Tall, slender, conical evergreen. Bark Greyish-green, often blistered. Branches in whorls. Needles to 3.5cm long, grooved above, with 2 white bands below. Reproductive parts Male flowers small and yellow. Female flowers resemble tiny pinkish shaving-brushes. Both sexes grow at tips of twigs. Status Native of W North America. Widely planted here for timber; thrives in Scotland.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Dahurian Larch Larix gmelinii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Slender, conical deciduous tree. BARK Reddish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Level, sometimes forming flattish areas of foliage, and supporting long, yellowish or red-brown, downy shoots. LEAVES Blunt-tipped needles, bright green above with 2 paler bands below, to 4cm long; in clusters of 25. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones similar to those of other larches, with pinkish or greenish, slightly projecting bracts, becoming brown when ripe, with square-ended scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, sometimes planted for timber or as a specimen tree here.
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  • Dahurian Larch Larix gmelinii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Slender, conical deciduous tree. BARK Reddish-brown and scaly. BRANCHES Level, sometimes forming flattish areas of foliage, and supporting long, yellowish or red-brown, downy shoots. LEAVES Blunt-tipped needles, bright green above with 2 paler bands below, to 4cm long; in clusters of 25. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female cones similar to those of other larches, with pinkish or greenish, slightly projecting bracts, becoming brown when ripe, with square-ended scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, sometimes planted for timber or as a specimen tree here.
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  • Paper-bark Maple Acer griseum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 15m <br />
Dense and spreading tree. BARK Reddish-brown and distinctive, peeling off in thin papery scales. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Pinnate and divided into 3 blunt-toothed leaflets, each toothed and lobed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellow-green flowers are small, growing in drooping clusters. Pale-green winged fruits are about 3cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, planted here occasionally for ornament.
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  • Montpelier Maple Acer monspessulanum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 15m. Small deciduous tree with a neatly domed crown. BARK Blackish or grey and fissured. BRANCHES With smooth, thin and brown twigs terminating in small, ovoid orange-brown buds. LEAVES Leathery, to 8cm long, with 3 spreading lobes, entire margins, shiny dark-green above and bluish below with a few tufts of hairs in axils of lower veins; petiole is similar length as leaf and orange-tinted. Leaves are fresh green in spring, but dark in summer, and remain on tree until well into autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish-green flowers after leaves, in small clusters on long, slender pedicels; upright at first but pendent later. Red-tinged fruits are about 1.2cm long, with parallel or overlapping wings. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, planted here for ornament.
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  • 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.
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  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
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  • Dutch Elm Ulmus x hollandica (Ulmaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Tall and rather straggly hybrid tree.  BARK Brown, cracking into small, shallow plates. BRANCHES Higher branches are longer than ones lower down, and are spreading. LEAVES Oval, toothed, to 15cm long, sometimes buckled. Leaf base is only slightly unequal. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Papery fruits. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A naturally occurring hybrid, whose parents are presumed to include Wych Elm, Plot’s Elm and Ulmus minor. Has a scattered range across southern England and south-west Wales and is found in hedgerows in lowland districts.
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  • Dutch Elm Ulmus x hollandica (Ulmaceae) HEIGHT to 30m<br />
Tall and rather straggly hybrid tree.  BARK Brown, cracking into small, shallow plates. BRANCHES Higher branches are longer than ones lower down, and are spreading. LEAVES Oval, toothed, to 15cm long, sometimes buckled. Leaf base is only slightly unequal. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Papery fruits. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A naturally occurring hybrid, whose parents are presumed to include Wych Elm, Plot’s Elm and Ulmus minor. Has a scattered range across southern England and south-west Wales and is found in hedgerows in lowland districts.
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  • Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa Fagaceae Height to 35m <br />
Deciduous tree with fine bole. Bark Silvery and smooth at first, spirally fissured and grooved with age. Branches Lowest branches spreading, upper ones ascending. Leaves Glossy, to 25cm long, lanceolate and toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins creamy and pendulous. Female flowers green and erect, at base of male catkins; spiny green fruits contain 3 brown nuts. Status Native of mainland Europe, planted here since Roman times.
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  • Filbert Corylus maxima (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Very similar to Hazel except for the nuts, which are mostly solitary or in bunches of 2–3 and entirely enclosed in an undivided involucre, which is constricted over the nut and toothed at the tip. A native of the Balkans, but widely planted elsewhere for the superior quality of its nuts, and sometimes naturalized
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  • Filbert Corylus maxima (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Very similar to Hazel except for the nuts, which are mostly solitary or in bunches of 2–3 and entirely enclosed in an undivided involucre, which is constricted over the nut and toothed at the tip. A native of the Balkans, but widely planted elsewhere for the superior quality of its nuts, and sometimes naturalized
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  • Chinese Fir Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Broadly conical evergreen conifer with foliage recalling Monkey-puzzle (see p.34). BARK Reddish-brown, ridged with age. LEAVES Narrow strap-shaped, pointed and up to 6cm long; glossy green with 2 white bands below. Dead foliage persists inside crown; looks bright orange in sunlight. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are yellowish; in clusters at shoot tips. Cones rounded, scaly, 3-4cm across, green ripening brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China; planted here in large gardens, mainly in south and west.
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  • Chinese Fir Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Broadly conical evergreen conifer with foliage recalling Monkey-puzzle (see p.34). BARK Reddish-brown, ridged with age. LEAVES Narrow strap-shaped, pointed and up to 6cm long; glossy green with 2 white bands below. Dead foliage persists inside crown; looks bright orange in sunlight. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers are yellowish; in clusters at shoot tips. Cones rounded, scaly, 3-4cm across, green ripening brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China; planted here in large gardens, mainly in south and west.
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  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
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  • Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Pinaceae Height to 36m<br />
Conical evergreen becoming flat-topped with age. <br />
Bark Grey-brown and scaly low down, red or orange higher up. Branches Irregular. Needles Paired, grey-green to 7cm long. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow, at tips previous year’s shoots. Female flowers grow at tips of new shoots; crimson at first, ripening to brown cones. Status Native to parts of Scotland, also planted for timber and naturalised there and throughout Britain.
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  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
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  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
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  • Oriental Spruce Picea orientalis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m<br />
Dense-foliaged evergreen growing into a strongly conical tree on a short, stout bole. BARK pale brown and scaly. BRANCNES slender with numerous hairy twigs. LEAVES Very short, blunt needles, to 1cm long, arise all round shoots, but leave more open area on the lower surface; dark green and glossy above and square in cross-section. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small male flowers are red then yellow. Female cones, to 8cm long, are pendent and ovoid, often curved and green with purple or grey tinges when still growing, ripening to shiny brown. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of mountain forests of Caucasus and NE Turkey, widely planted here for ornament, and occasionally for commercial forestry.
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  • Bosnian Pine Pinus heldriechii (leucodermis) (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly pyramidal tree with a tapering bole. BARK Grey, with irregular plates. Whitish patches appear with age. LEAVES Paired needles, to 9cm long, densely packed on shoots, stiff and projecting at right-angles, pungent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 8cm long and 2.5cm across, narrowly ovoid and ripening to brown; scales have a recurved prickle. Second-year cones are deep blue. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Balkans and SW Italy, mainly on dry mountain limestone. Planted here for ornament, thriving on free-draining soils.
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  • Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 35m  <br />
Narrowly columnar, becoming shapeless with age. BARK Greyish brown and resinous. BRANCHES Lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending. LEAVES Needles, to 20cm long and 7mm wide, supple with finely toothed margin. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones long, cylindrical, to 25cm long, growing below shoot, light-brown and resinous. Cone scales wedge-shaped and grooved, thickened at tip. Basal scales are sometimes reflexed. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Himalayas, planted here for ornament.
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  • Bosnian Pine Pinus heldriechii (leucodermis) (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m <br />
Broadly pyramidal tree with a tapering bole. BARK Grey, with irregular plates. Whitish patches appear with age. LEAVES Paired needles, to 9cm long, densely packed on shoots, stiff and projecting at right-angles, pungent. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 8cm long and 2.5cm across, narrowly ovoid and ripening to brown; scales have a recurved prickle. Second-year cones are deep blue. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Balkans and SW Italy, mainly on dry mountain limestone. Planted here for ornament, thriving on free-draining soils.
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  • Caucasian Wingnut Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Spreading tree with domed crown and stout bole from which many branches arise close to same point. Suckers freely. BARK Grey, fissured and gnarled. LEAVES Compound, with 11–20 pairs of leaflets, each to 18cm long, ovate to lanceolate with a pointed tip and toothed margins. Midribs bear stellate hairs on underside. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins solitary, female catkins pendent with many flowers and give rise to broad-winged nutlets. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here for ornament.
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  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
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  • Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. maritima (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Similar to ssp. nigra but more shapely. BRANCHES Shorter than ssp. nigra and level, so young trees are columnar. LEAVES Soft, narrow needles, paler green than ssp. nigra, to 15cm long, often twisted in young trees. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones similar to ssp. nigra. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica, S Italy and Sicily, planted here on lowland heaths, coastal dunes, and poor soils. Resistant to pollution.
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  • Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. maritima (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Similar to ssp. nigra but more shapely. BRANCHES Shorter than ssp. nigra and level, so young trees are columnar. LEAVES Soft, narrow needles, paler green than ssp. nigra, to 15cm long, often twisted in young trees. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones similar to ssp. nigra. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Corsica, S Italy and Sicily, planted here on lowland heaths, coastal dunes, and poor soils. Resistant to pollution.
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