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  • HAIRY-BROME Bromopsis ramosus Height to 1.8m. Stout and elegant, tufted perennial of woods and shady places. FLOWERS are borne in open, arching and drooping inflorescences with long-stalked, slender purplish spikelets, each 2cm long with a long awn (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are dark green and drooping. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131621.jpg
  • HAIRY-BROME Bromopsis ramosus Height to 1.8m. Stout and elegant, tufted perennial of woods and shady places. FLOWERS are borne in open, arching and drooping inflorescences with long-stalked, slender purplish spikelets, each 2cm long with a long awn (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are dark green and drooping. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131622.jpg
  • Rye Brome Bromus secalinus (Poaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Upright annual of biennial. Grows in arable fields and on waste ground. Inflorescence is open and often drooping, with stalked oval spikelets with awns. Leaves are smooth. Widespread but rare.
    141585.jpg
  • Barren Brome Anisantha (Bromus) sterilis Height to 1m. Annual or biennial grass. Inflorescence drooping,  with stalked florets and long awns; May-July. Dry, bare and cultivated ground. Widespread but seldom common.
    130832.jpg
  • Stinking Hawk's-beard - Crepis foetida
    164466.tif
  • 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.
    134479.jpg
  • DUKE OF ARGYLL’S TEAPLANT Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae) Height to 1.5m. Deciduous perennial with spiny and greyish white, woody stems; these often root where they droop and touch the ground. Grows on disturbed ground and in hedgerows, often near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, purplish and 5-lobed, with projecting, yellow anthers; borne in groups of 1-3 flowers that arise from leaf axils (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, red berries. LEAVES are lanceolate and grey-green. STATUS-Introduced from China and naturalised, especially near the sea.
    131611.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
  • WATER-PEPPER Persicaria hydropiper (Polygonaceae) Height to 70cm. Upright, branched annual, characteristic of damp, bare ground such as winter-wet ruts, and shallow water. FLOWERS are pale pink and borne in long spikes that droop at the tip (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small and nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval, with a peppery taste when chewed. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in the N.
    131903.jpg
  • BROAD-LEAVED WILLOWHERB Epilobium montanum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial. Similar to Hoary Willowherb but almost hairless. Found in woods and hedges. FLOWERS are 6-10mm across (droop in bud) with pale pink, notched petals and a 4-lobed stigma (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are oval, rounded at the base, toothed and opposite. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131281.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
  • BROAD-LEAVED WILLOWHERB Epilobium montanum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial. Similar to Hoary Willowherb but almost hairless. Found in woods and hedges. FLOWERS are 6-10mm across (droop in bud) with pale pink, notched petals and a 4-lobed stigma (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are oval, rounded at the base, toothed and opposite. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131329.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
  • BROAD-LEAVED WILLOWHERB Epilobium montanum (Onograceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial. Similar to Hoary Willowherb but almost hairless. Found in woods and hedges. FLOWERS are 6-10mm across (droop in bud) with pale pink, notched petals and a 4-lobed stigma (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are oval, rounded at the base, toothed and opposite. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131223.jpg
  • LESSER HAWKBIT Leontodon saxatilis (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Perennial with similarities to both Autumn and Rough Hawkbits. Stems are hairless above but bristly below. Grows in dry, grassy places. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across, with yellow florets. Heads droop in bud and are solitary; scale-like bracts are absent from flower stalk (Jun-Oct). FRUITS form a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and sparsely hairy. STATUS-Common and widespread, except in N.
    129891.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
  • 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.
    132600.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.
    101783.jpg
  • Common Chickweed - Stellaria media. Height to 30cm<br />
Annual of disturbed ground. Sometimes prostrate. Stems hairy in lines on alternate sides between leaf nodes. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5-10mm across (Jan-Dec); 3-8 stamens. FRUITS are capsules on long, drooping stalks. LEAVES are oval, fresh green and in opposite pairs; upper ones unstalked.
    157346.jpg
  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    153720.jpg
  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    153719.jpg
  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    135063.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    134929.jpg
  • Drooping Juniper Juniperus recurva (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Small evergreen with ascending branches but drooping foliage. Outline broadly conical. BARK Greyish-brown, peeling in long untidy shreds. LEAVES Tough and needle-like, clasping shoots; paint-like smell when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are yellow, growing in small clusters at tips of shoots. Female cones are produced at ends of shoots and become oval, black and berry-like when mature, growing to 8mm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW China and the Himalayas; planted in our region for ornament.
    134918.jpg
  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
    134910.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    134886.jpg
  • 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.
    134870.jpg
  • Red Pine Pinus resinosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Straggly evergreen, very similar to Scots Pine. BARK Reddish and scaly. BRANCHES Usually drooping. LEAVES 10-15cm long, longer and more slender than those of Scots Pine and widely spaced with the unique characteristic of snapping easily when bent in a curve. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are reddish brown and ovoid. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTIOIN Native of Great Lakes area of USA and Canada, occasionally planted here.
    134866.jpg
  • American Snowy Mespil Amelanchier laevis (Height to 20m) Small, smooth-barked tree with similar leaves to Snowy Mespil; turn bright-red in autumn. Flowers in drooping spikes and 6mm-long fruits are purple when ripe. Naturalised in parts of S England, but usually seen in gardens.
    134811.jpg
  • American Snowy Mespil Amelanchier laevis (Height to 20m) Small, smooth-barked tree with similar leaves to Snowy Mespil; turn bright-red in autumn. Flowers in drooping spikes and 6mm-long fruits are purple when ripe. Naturalised in parts of S England, but usually seen in gardens.
    134812.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    134778.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    134697.jpg
  • 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.
    134561.jpg
  • Drooping Juniper Juniperus recurva (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Small evergreen with ascending branches but drooping foliage. Outline broadly conical. BARK Greyish-brown, peeling in long untidy shreds. LEAVES Tough and needle-like, clasping shoots; paint-like smell when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are yellow, growing in small clusters at tips of shoots. Female cones are produced at ends of shoots and become oval, black and berry-like when mature, growing to 8mm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW China and the Himalayas; planted in our region for ornament.
    134469.jpg
  • Siberian Violet-willow Salix acutifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Sometimes also known as ‘Violet Willow’. Similar to S. daphnoides but with subtly different shoots and leaves. SHOOTS Very slender, drooping at the tips and with a waxy feel, turning violet in winter. LEAVES Longer than those of S. daphnoides (to 16cm), narrower and shiny green on both sides. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Russia, but sometimes planted here by streamsides and in large gardens.
    134452.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    133240.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    132941.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    132940.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    132939.jpg
  • 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.
    132863.jpg
  • 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.
    132794.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132709.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132644.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132631.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132630.jpg
  • 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.
    132598.jpg
  • Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Often rather wizened-looking with a rather sparse appear¬ance. BARK Very dark and deeply fissured in older trees. BRANCHES Straggling, lower branches drooping. LEAVES Rigid, spined, to 12cm long, and in whorls. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones ovoid and brown, often in dense clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
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  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
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  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    123218.jpg
  • Judas Tree Cercis siliquastrum (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small, spreading and rather flat-crowned deciduous tree often with more than one bole. BARK Dark grey. BRANCHES Ascending, spreading near tips, with red-brown buds and twigs. Old trees have more drooping branches. LEAVES Simple, alternate and rounded, sometimes notched at tip and heart-shaped at base; smooth above and bluish-green when young, becoming yellow when older; paler and bluer below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 5-petalled, pink, pea-like flowers in small short-stalked clusters, opening before leaves and bursting out of bole, large branches and twigs; followed by pods, to 10cm long, slightly constricted around seeds, reddish at first, maturing brown and becoming dehiscent. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Mediterranean, planted here as an ornamental tree.
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  • PENDULOUS SEDGE Carex pendula (Cyperaceae) Height to 1.5m. Clump-forming sedge of damp woodlands on heavy soils. Stems are tall, arching and 3-sided. FLOWERS in inflorescences that comprise 1-2 male spikes above 4-5 long, drooping and unstalked female spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are flattened, greyish and short-beaked. LEAVES are long, yellowish and up to 2cm wide. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • HAIRY STONECROP Sedum villosum (Crassulaceae) Height to 15cm. Upright, unbranched biennial or perennial of damp, stony ground and stream margins. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, pink and stalked; upright (not drooping) in bud (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are fleshy, flat above and covered in sticky hairs; arranged spirally up stems. STATUS-Local from N England to central Scotland.
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  • CHICKWEED WILLOWHERB Epilobium alsiniflium (Onograceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and usually upright perennial that is almost hairless. Found damp ground in uplands. FLOWERS are 8-11mm across, pinkish purple and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, green and erect. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Local in mountains from N Wales northwards.
    131734.jpg
  • CHICKWEED WILLOWHERB Epilobium alsiniflium (Onograceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and usually upright perennial that is almost hairless. Found damp ground in uplands. FLOWERS are 8-11mm across, pinkish purple and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, green and erect. LEAVES are ovate, short-stalked and slightly toothed. STATUS-Local in mountains from N Wales northwards.
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  • HAIRY-BROME Bromopsis ramosus Height to 1.8m. Stout and elegant, tufted perennial of woods and shady places. FLOWERS are borne in open, arching and drooping inflorescences with long-stalked, slender purplish spikelets, each 2cm long with a long awn (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are dark green and drooping. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • BLADDER CAMPION Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial of dry grassland on well-drained soil; often on chalk. FLOWERS are white, drooping and 16-18mm across (Jun-Aug); petals are deeply divided and calyx is swollen to form a purple-veined bladder. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but common only in S.
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  • WOOD-SEDGE Carex sylvatica (Cyperaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Elegant and tufted sedge with smooth, 3-sided and arched stems. Grows in damp woods. FLOWERS are in nodding inflorescences comprising 1 terminal male spikes and 3-4 slender, long-stalked female spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are green, 3-sided and beaked. LEAVES are pale green, 3-6mm across and drooping. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • CORN SPURREY Spergula arvensis (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm. Straggling stickily hairy annual. A weed of arable land with sandy soils. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across and have 5 whitish petals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules; longer than sepals and drooping at first. LEAVES are narrow and borne in whorls along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but not as common as it used to be, due to herbicide use.
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  • COWBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Ericaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Straggly, evergreen undershrub, with round twigs that are downy when young. Found on moors and in woodland on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and pink; borne in drooping terminal clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, up to 1cm across. LEAVES are leathery, oval and untoothed; they are dark green above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common from N Wales northwards; also in Ireland.
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  • Height to 1.5m. Clump-forming sedge of damp woodlands on heavy soils. Stems are tall, arching and 3-sided. Flowers in inflorescences comprising 1-2 male spikes above 4-5 long, drooping, unstalked female spikes (June-July). Fruits flattened, greyish, short-beaked. Leaves long, yellowish, up to 2cm wide.
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  • COWBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Ericaceae)  Height to 20cm. Straggly, evergreen undershrub, with round twigs that are downy when young. Found on moors and in woodland on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and pink; borne in drooping terminal clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, up to 1cm across. LEAVES are leathery, oval and untoothed; they are dark green above but paler below.
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  • NAVELWORT Umbilicus rupestris (Crassulaceae) Height to 15cm. Distinctive perennial found on walls and banks, often growing in partial shade. FLOWERS are whitish, tubular and drooping; borne in spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and splitting. LEAVES are rounded and fleshy with a depressed centre above the leaf stalk
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  • COMMON CHICKWEED Stellaria media (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Annual of disturbed ground. Sometimes prostrate. Stems hairy in lines on alternate sides between leaf nodes. FLOWERS are white, 5-petalled and 5-10mm across (Jan-Dec); 3-8 stamens. FRUITS are capsules on long, drooping stalks. LEAVES are oval, fresh green and in opposite pairs; upper ones unstalked.
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  • BLADDER CAMPION Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright perennial of dry grassland on well-drained soil; often on chalk. FLOWERS are white, drooping and 16-18mm across (Jun-Aug); petals are deeply divided and calyx is swollen to form a purple-veined bladder. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval; in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but common only in S.
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  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
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  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
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  • Red Pine Pinus resinosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Straggly evergreen, very similar to Scots Pine. BARK Reddish and scaly. BRANCHES Usually drooping. LEAVES 10-15cm long, longer and more slender than those of Scots Pine and widely spaced with the unique characteristic of snapping easily when bent in a curve. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are reddish brown and ovoid. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTIOIN Native of Great Lakes area of USA and Canada, occasionally planted here.
    134903.jpg
  • Red Pine Pinus resinosa (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Straggly evergreen, very similar to Scots Pine. BARK Reddish and scaly. BRANCHES Usually drooping. LEAVES 10-15cm long, longer and more slender than those of Scots Pine and widely spaced with the unique characteristic of snapping easily when bent in a curve. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are reddish brown and ovoid. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTIOIN Native of Great Lakes area of USA and Canada, occasionally planted here.
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  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    134669.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    134624.jpg
  • 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.
    134599.jpg
  • 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.
    134598.jpg
  • 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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  • Siberian Violet-willow Salix acutifolia (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Sometimes also known as ‘Violet Willow’. Similar to S. daphnoides but with subtly different shoots and leaves. SHOOTS Very slender, drooping at the tips and with a waxy feel, turning violet in winter. LEAVES Longer than those of S. daphnoides (to 16cm), narrower and shiny green on both sides. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of Russia, but sometimes planted here by streamsides and in large gardens.
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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.
    133932.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    133277.jpg
  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
    133239.jpg
  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    132796.jpg
  • Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 15m Young trees are the most attractive, with a neat conical shape. Older trees are less shapely and have a flatter, twiggier crown. BARK Distinctly red and flaky. BRANCHES Usually drooping with bright green shoots showing clearly between the rather sparse foliage. LEAVES Slender, 8-12cm long and shiny green. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pointed cones and reddish, to 5cm long. Flowers and cones are produced on quite young trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    132797.jpg
  • Drooping Juniper Juniperus recurva (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 14m. Small evergreen with ascending branches but drooping foliage. Outline broadly conical. BARK Greyish-brown, peeling in long untidy shreds. LEAVES Tough and needle-like, clasping shoots; paint-like smell when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are yellow, growing in small clusters at tips of shoots. Female cones are produced at ends of shoots and become oval, black and berry-like when mature, growing to 8mm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW China and the Himalayas; planted in our region for ornament.
    132722.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132712.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132713.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132632.jpg
  • Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m. A deciduous conifer resembling Common Larch, but lacking the drooping shoots, and having a more twiggy appearance with a dense crown. BARK Reddish-brown, flaking off in scales. LEAVES Needles, growing in tufts of about 40, slightly broader, and greyer in colour than those of Common Larch. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are similar to those of Common Larch, but female cones are pink or cream in spring, becoming brown and woody in autumn, and differing from those of Common Larch in having turned-out tips to the scales, looking like woody rose-buds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but now very common in forestry plantations, replacing the Common Larch because of its more vigorous growth. Of less value to wildlife, because of the dense needle-litter that accumulates beneath it, and the later leaf-fall.
    132629.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
    132624.jpg
  • Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Often rather wizened-looking with a rather sparse appear¬ance. BARK Very dark and deeply fissured in older trees. BRANCHES Straggling, lower branches drooping. LEAVES Rigid, spined, to 12cm long, and in whorls. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones ovoid and brown, often in dense clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan and Korea, occasionally planted here.
    132459.jpg
  • Canadian Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis  HEIGHT to 7m. Small deciduous, spreading tree with hairy young twigs. LEAVAES To 5cm long, elliptical and finely toothed. Purple tinged and woolly at first, smooth and green when older.  REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers in drooping, slightly hairy spikes; petals white, to 1.4cm long. Fruits deep purple when ripe with dried sepals at tip. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to North America. Planted here and sometimes naturalised.
    120969.jpg
  • Deodar Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m <br />
Broadly conical evergreen with drooping leading shoot on the tapering crown.. BARK Almost black on old trees, fissured into small plates. BRANCHES With drooping tips. LEAVES In whorls of 15–20 on short lateral shoots, or in spirals on larger twigs. Needles are 2–5cm long, shortest on lateral shoots, dark green with pale-grey lines on either side. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers purplish, turning yellow with autumn pollen release, to 12cm long. Mature female cones are solid and barrel-shaped, to 14cm long and 8cm across, growing only on older trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W Himalayas. Introduced into Britain in 1831 and widely planted in parks and gardens, where it can form a stately tree.
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  • Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 45m.  Large, narrowly conical evergreen with dense foliage; crown spire-like with drooping leading shoot. LEAVES Needles, dark glossy green above with 2 pale bands below, in 2 flattened rows on either side of shoot. Note, 2 leaf sizes (hence heterophylla): some 6mm long, others to 2cm long, both with rounded tips and toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers reddish at first, but yellowing with pollen. Female cones solitary, ovoid and pendent, to 3cm long; scales blunt. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W North America. Widely planted here and reaches a great size.
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  • Rye Brome Bromus secalinus (Poaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Upright annual of biennial. Grows in arable fields and on waste ground. Inflorescence is open and often drooping, with stalked oval spikelets with awns. Leaves are smooth. Widespread but rare.
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  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • THREE-CORNERED GARLIC Allium triquetrum (Liliaceae) Height to 45cm. Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic when bruised. Grows in hedges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 2cm long, bell-shaped and white, with narrow green stripes; in drooping umbels on 3-sided stems (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and keeled; 3 per plant. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised locally in SW.
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  • ALPINE WILLOWHERB Epilobium anagallidifolium (Onograceae) Height to 5cm. Creeping, hairless perennial and slender stems. Restricted to damp ground in upland areas. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across, pink and seldom open fully; borne on drooping stems (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are long, erect, red pods with cottony seeds. LEAVES are ovate, barely toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Local; mountains, from N England northwards.
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  • COMMON COTTONGRASS Eriophorum angustifolium (Cyperaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright perennial, distinctive when in fruit. Grows in very boggy ground with peaty, acid soils. FLOWERS are in inflorescences of drooping, stalked spikelets (Apr-May). FRUITS are dark brown with cottony hairs; fruiting heads resemble balls of cotton wool. LEAVES are dark green and narrow. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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