Common Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) This month we focus on a common tree that is steeped in folklore and mythology and is commonly associated with Christmas – hence it being this month ‘What Tree?’ This evergreen species is native to the UK, Europe, North Africa and western...
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) This tree originates from central United States and south-eastern Canada and was introduced to the UK in 1725. The name derives from the latin for ‘maple’ while saccharinum combines the Greek work sakkharon meaning ‘sugar’ and the Latin suffix ‘inum’ for ‘of...
Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) This non-native species is found in both Japan and China and was introduced to the UK in 1865. Katsura is the Japanese name for the tree and the genus name stems from the Greek word ‘Kerkis’ meaning Judas tree and ‘phyllon’ meaning a...
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) This month we are revisiting a tree that was featured as the very first ‘What Tree?’ when Tree Frontiers was founded in 2010. It’s great to revisit this species as the hornbeam is a particular favourite of both Nick and Steve’s and is...
Cut-leaved Lime ‘Laciniata’ (Tilia platyphyllos ‘laciniata’) The focus of this month’s ‘What Tree?’ is a very specific cultivar of large-leaved lime. This is because this species was identified during a recent tree survey on behalf of one of our Client’s. Other than on this site, the only time that we have come across this particular tree is in...
Tulip (Liriodendron tulipifera) This non-native species was introduced to the UK from eastern USA by John Tradescant the Younger in the 17th century. Historically, American Indians utilised multiple parts of the tree; leaves for medicine, wood for canoes and pulpwood for paper. Today, the timber is...
Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) Arguably blackthorn is not a tree, but rather a shrub or hedging plant, most commonly found as a key component of agricultural field boundary hedges. The vicious, hard, sharp thorns prevent livestock from pushing through hedges while providing excellent protection for nesting birds,...
Yew (Taxus bacatta) Arguably the most recognisable evergreen tree in the UK, the yew is commonly associated with churches and places of religious significance. The Fortingall Yew in Perthshire is considered to be the oldest tree in Britain, with its age estimated to be anywhere between...
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) This non-native species was introduced to the UK from China in 1751, and has gained its name from the speed at which it grows. Its botanical name 'Ailanthus' is derived from Indonesian word ai lanit which means a tree reaching for...