| Common name |
Scientific name |
Description |
Habitat |
Other |
| Alder |
Alnus
glutinosa |
Fast
growing tree that will reach 60m. Can be coppiced.
|
Grows
on wet or flooded sites, often next to streams and ponds. Also on poor
soils. Avoid acid soils, shady situations and very dry areas. |
A
versatile tree that can be used on reclamation sites or as a pioneer
species. |
| Ash |
Fraxinus excelsior |
Large tree, up to
45m, that can live for some 200 years. Grey/green bark with distinctive
black buds in spring. |
Widespread,
preferring limestone soils that are moist but well drained. Up to 450m
altitude. |
Grows well in mixed
woodland if not too shaded. Comes into leaf late and often drops leaves
earlier than other species. |
| Aspen |
Populus tremula |
Very hardy tree
that can reach 20m. Matures in 50 years. |
Suitable for a wide
range of habitats from wet lowlands to mountain areas, but not too dry.
|
Common in the
Scottish Highlands besides streams and rivers. |
| Bay Willow |
Salix pentandra |
Usually grows to
10m. Native to North Wales and northwards |
Grows by rivers and
other wet areas though not a common tree. Not shady sites |
Has broad glossy
leaves which are sticky and fragrant when young. Good for bees. |
| Beech |
Fagus sylvatica |
Can grow up to 40m.
Large species which casts deep shade on the woodland floor. |
Needs well-drained,
sandy or chalky soils. Common in South East and Midlands Native only to
southern England. |
Popular as hedging
species |
| Bird Cherry
|
Prunus padus |
Grows to 15m.
Native of the north Midlands northwards. |
Common by streams
in limestone areas such as north-west Yorkshire. Likes lime-rich soils. |
Attractive in June
when in flower and in autumn with its yellow and amber colours. Fruits
edible for birds. |
| Black Poplar
|
Populus nigra |
Grows to 20-35m.
Now quite Scarce in the countryside. |
Typically grows in
damp soils, along stream and river sides. |
Also known as the
Manchester poplar. Very resilient to pollution and fast growing so was
once commonly planted in cities Now rare and care should be taken to
find stock of local provenance. |
| Box |
Buxus sempervirens |
Usually grows to
2-5m. A dense evergreen that is often no more than a shrub. |
Typically grows on
chalky soils such as the Chilterns, North Downs and the Cotswolds.
Native to SE England |
The wood is the
heaviest of the native timbers and does not float! |
| Crab Apple |
Malus sylvestris |
Grows to 2-10m.
Spiny with white flowers. |
Found scattered in
all areas including oak woodland, hedgerows and hilly chalky areas. |
The wild crab is
one of at least four species from which the domestic apple is derived. |
| Crack Willow
|
Salix fragilis |
Tall tree that
grows to 10-18m. Has glossy elongated slender leaves |
Likes deep moist
soils or riversides. Abundant in SE England and present throughout the
UK. |
If twisted, brittle
twigs crack at the base. In water it produces fine red, coral-like
roots. |
| Downy Birch
|
Betula pubescens |
Similar to the
silver birch, although even less demanding. Quick growing to 25m, but
short lived showing signs of aging at 60 years. |
Common on poorly
drained soils and heaths, peat bogs and damper areas. Also by streams
and pools. |
It is a pioneer
species – often the first to colonise areas of cleared woodland or
wasteland. |
| English Elm |
Ulmus procera |
Once a common
species in wet woodland, hedgerows and banks. Grows to 30m
|
Leaves dark green
and rough above and pale beneath. Dark brown bark and cracked into
rectangular plates |
Tree numbers were
devastated during the 1970’s and 80’s with outbreak of Dutch Elm
Disease, thought to have killed over 80% of population. Root stock often
remains and suckers from this but gets infected again between 5-10 years
as bark matures. |
| Field Maple
|
Acer campestre |
The only native
maple to Britain growing to 20m. Often used in hedges as either a shrub
or tree |
Common on chalk or
limestone soils in the south to the Midlands. Less common in northern
England and Scotland |
A medium sized
tough robust tree with colourful leaves that turn deep yellow in autumn.
Fruit tinged pink in early summer |
| Goat Willow |
Salix caprea |
More commonly a
shrub but can grow to 10m. Found in many areas. |
Hedgerows, woods
and scrub, likes damp conditions. |
Very distinctive in
spring when branches are covered in green and yellow catkins Distinctive
silvery male catkins- gives the name pussy willow before bright yellow
stamens emerge. |
| Hornbeam |
Carpinus betula |
A graceful tree
that grows to a height of 30m. It also keeps its lower leaves in winter
like beech. Prefers sheltered positions. |
Found in woods and
hedges common in southern England. Grows well on heavy clay soils, as
well as lighter soils but not acid sands. |
One of the hardest
and strongest of native timbers. Historically used for cartwheels, still
used for piano hammers. |
| Large leaved Lime |
Tilia platyphyllos |
Large tree that
grows to 40m. Native to the Wye Valley and South Yorkshire. Commonly
planted. |
Grows well in woods
and often in limestone areas. |
Often found in
parks and avenues. First lime to flower – fragrant blooms hang in
clusters in late June. |
| Osier
|
Salix viminalis |
Between 3 to 6m |
Commonly lining
rivers and streams. Greyish – brown bark and fissured. Twigs are long
and straight. Catkins in late February, March and early April. |
Plants can be cut
annually to provide flexible shoots for basket weaving |
| Pendunculate Oak
|
Quercus robur |
Usually grows to
20–35m known for its durability and longevity. Stalked fruit, the
‘peduncle’ gives it its name. Stalkless leaves |
Best on damp heavy
clays but will grow on sandy soils. Typically found in the eastern
lowlands of Britain. |
A robust tree that
characterises the countryside. Supports a huge variety of insects
throughout the year. |
| Purple Willow |
Salix purpurea |
Up to 5m |
Damp places,
frequently beside lakes and rivers. Leaves are narrow and long- oblong
in opposite pairs on the twigs. Grey Bark, twigs yellow or grey
sometimes tinged with red or purple. |
Number of varieties
grown for basket making across south of England |
| Rowan |
Sorbus aucuparia |
Small attractive
tree that grows to 20m. Very hardy and occurs at a higher altitude than
any other native tree – up to 1000m
|
Grows in many
different soil conditions, though natural habitat is mountainous areas
or lighter soils. Does well when planted in open woods. |
White flowers in
early summer developing into red berries in autumn. High in vitamin C,
they are eaten by blackbirds, thrushes and starlings. Fruit can also be
used to make a jelly. |
| Scots Pine
|
Pinus sylvestris |
Has widest range of
any pine growing in forests, woods and plantations. Up to 40m in height.
|
Hardy tree that
grows throughout the UK. Good for growing on high ground, it also does
well on heaths. Only native in Scottish Highlands. |
Once the favoured
tree for plantations but now replaced by quicker growing Sitka spruce.
Provides good winter interest in mixed woodland. |
| Sessile Oak
|
Quercus petraea |
Majestic tree that
grows to 40m. Not planted as often as Quercus robur. Stalkless fruit,
stalked leaves. |
Grows well in
woodland preferring high rainfall areas on lighter acid soils. Western
and northern Britain |
Open birch and oak
woods (upland oak) are the favoured habitat |
| Silver Birch
|
Betula pendula |
Graceful tree that
stands out in winter with its white trunk and branches, grows quickly
when young and can reach 30m. Fairly short-lived species at about 70–100
years. |
Native throughout
UK, preferring lighter soils and shallow peats. Common on dry heaths and
open woodland. |
Pioneer species
often first to colonise recently cleared areas. This is helped by its
light seeds that are widely distributed by the wind. |
| Small Leaved Lime |
Tilia cordata |
The other native
lime with downward dropping branches and heart-shaped leaves. Grows to
about 30m in height. |
Found in mixed
woodland on lime-rich soils. Fairly hardy tree in lowland areas. Often
planted as a street tree or in avenues. |
Once thought to be
more common than oak, it coppices well and is long lived. It spreads by
suckers with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Bees are attracted to
the flowers in early summer. |
| Smooth Leaved Elm |
Ulmus carpinifolia |
Up to 30m |
Native to Kent and
East Anglia, rarer further north and west |
Upright Branches
and dome shaped crown |
| Whitebeam (Common)
|
Sorbus aria |
Grows to about 15m.
Planted all over the country and is common in streets and gardens.
Striking silver-coloured leaves in early summer. |
Native to chalk and
limestone hills of southern England. Also does well on adjacent sandy
soils. |
White flowers in
early summer and red berries in autumn, which are taken by birds. |
| White Willow
|
Salix alba |
Native all over
Britain except north-west Scotland. Grows to about 25m. Green/grey
elongated leaves. |
Common along
lowland riversides and valleys, more frequent in southern areas. Likes
damp or wet soils. |
Suitable for
pollarding. Helps to stabilise riverbanks, though not as common as crack
willow. |
| Wild Cherry (Gean) |
Prunus avium |
Native in all
parts, this attractive tree has white flowers before the leaves appear
in April–May. Grows to 30m. |
Found in woods and
hedges. Prefers lime-rich and clay soils. Any position, but not deep
shade. |
Also common as park
or street tree. Attractive to bees. |
| Wild Pear |
Pyrus pyraster |
Small Tree up to
15m |
Rarer than the crab
apple. Has quite spiny branches with particularly small and rounder
fruits than other hybrids. |
Distinctive grey or
brown bark which breaks into small rectangular plates. White flowers in
April. Fruits ripen in November. |
| Wild Service Tree |
Sorbus torminalias |
A relative of rowan
and whitebeam, grows up to 25m. Maple-like leaves which turn deep red in
autumn. |
Grows on chalk,
limestone and clay, traditionally from Kent up to Cumbria. More common
in the west.
|
Edible red fruits
are attractive to birds. Will only self-sow on land that has not been
previously cultivated. |
| Wych Elm |
Ulmus glabra |
A dense canopied
tree that can grow to 40m. |
Often grows by
water and likes damp and shady spots. Is also found on hillsides in
Scotland. |
Very hardy tree
that copes well with polluted air, so is often used as a city park tree. |
| Yew |
Taxus baccata |
Very hardy
evergreen tree that is commonly found in churchyards. Can grow up to
25m. |
Tolerant of all
conditions except very wet ground. Prefers chalk and limestone, but
found in oak woods on other soils. |
Our oldest living
tree with some specimens more than 2,000 years old. Very strong, durable
wood that was traditionally used to make longbows. |
| Hawthorn
|
Crataegus monogyna |
Up to 12m
|
Often used as
hedging species and excellent stock barrier. Provides a good habitat for
birds and berries in the autumn. |
|
| Common name |
Scientific name |
Height |
Habitat |
| Alder buckthorn,
|
Frangula alnus |
Up to 5m
|
Mainly on moist,
acidic soils in lowland England and Wales, but also on lime-rich fenland
peat. Cannot tolerate permanent waterlogging. |
| Blackthorn or sloe |
Prunus spinosa |
Up to 4m
|
Widespread and
common except in northern Scotland on all except very acid or peaty
soils. Intolerant of dense shade. Valued for its fruits
(sloes). Its dense, spiny growth also makes it ideal for nesting birds. |
| Bramble |
Rubus fruticosus |
Up to 2m |
Common in woodland,
hedgerows and scrub throughout England and Wales. Thrives in well
drained soils from acid to alkaline. |
| Buckthorn, purging
|
Rhamnus catharticus |
Up to 6m rarely to
10m |
Confined to
lime-rich soils on limestone and in fens in England and Wales. |
| Creeping Willow |
Salix repens |
Low growing not
much above ground level. |
Locally dominant
species in wet and dry sand dune stacks, acidic heathland and moorland.
|
| Dog rose |
Rosa canina |
Up to 3m |
Commonly found in
hedgerows, scrub and woodland in a wide range of soils throughout
England and Wales up to 550m |
| Dogwood |
Cornus sanguinea |
Up to 5m
|
Widespread in
England and Wales, especially on lime-rich soils. Avoids dense woodland. |
| Elder |
Sambucus nigra |
Up to 10m
|
Widespread except
in northern Scotland. Frequently found on lime-rich soils, on disturbed
areas and on land rich in nitrogen. |
| Guelder Rose |
Viburnum opulus |
Up to 4m
|
Widespread, but
rare in northern Scotland. Avoids very acid and very dry sites and dense
woodland. Thrives on moist soils. |
| Hawthorn (Midland) |
Crataegus laevigata |
Up to 12m |
Similar in size to
hawthorn. Leaves are different from Crataegus Monogyna and has two
stoned fruit rather than one in. This is an ancient woodland indicator
in many areas Prefers shade in woods and heavy soils, typically
in southern England
Many hybrids between this and hawthorn.
|
| Hazel
|
Corylus avellana |
Up to 6m
|
Found in woodland,
hedgerows and scrub. Common on chalk, limestone, neutral and mildly acid
soils. A multi stemmed shrub, hazelnuts are good food source for
squirrels and mice. Traditionally coppiced, often as understorey in oak
woodland. Straight coppice stems are ideal for weaving into hurdles and
other woodland products. |
| Holly
|
Ilex aquifolium |
Can reach 20m
height in some locations, |
Grows on almost any
soils and in damp areas. Also found as an understorey in oak and beech
woodland. Can be used a hedgerow species. Female tree produces red
berries in autumn – food for some birds. May be sterile if planted in
deep shade. Provides winter interest in woodland.
|
| Juniper |
Juniperus communis |
Rarely more than
5m. |
Slow-growing
evergreen shrub found in a wide range of habitats. Grows on chalk and
limestone in open sunny places, but also in north on shallow wet acid
peat and in shade of other conifers. Increasingly rare.
Has the most extensive range worldwide of any tree. Spans the
landmass of the northern hemisphere. |
| Privet |
Ligustrum vulgare |
Up to 5m |
Widespread in
England and Wales, especially in light woodland on thin, dry lime-rich
soils. Cannot tolerate waterlogging. |
| Spindle |
Euonymous europaeus |
Up to 6m
|
In England, Wales
and Southern Scotland. Common in woods and scrub on lime-rich soils. |
| Strawberry tree
|
Arbutus unedo |
Rarely exceeding
10m |
Evergreen tree or
shrub. Only native in southwest Ireland. Slow growing and not long
lived. Needs shelter to survive and is found mainly in Southern England
and Ireland preferring drier situations. |
| Wayfaring Tree |
Viburnum lantana |
Up to 6m
|
Confined to
southern England and Wales, nearly always on dry lime-rich soils. Cannot
grow on waterlogged soils or in dense shade. |
| Willow, grey |
Salix cinerea |
Usually to 5m
rarely to 10m |
Very similar to
Salix caprea, but classed as a shrub due to its size. Widespread. More
tolerant of acid soils than S. caprea, but less tolerant of dry soils
thriving in moist conditions. |
T.W.I.G.