How well do you know England’s trees? We all love trees, and we know that there quite a few that grow in England. But how many do we know, aside from oak, ash, elm and perhaps cherry blossom and weeping willow? England has many types of trees, but here are the main types. So next time you go for a walk: you will know what tree it is. See how to grow your own fruit trees. and plant trees in your city or town.
Many trees (include yew & oak) are toxic to horses. Acorns, conkers and fruit pips/seeds are all toxic to pets. See make your garden safe for pets to know which trees to avoid planting in your garden (avoid cocoa/pine/rubber mulch and fresh compost near pets). Use humane safe slug/snail deterrents & no-dig garden methods to protect wildlife.
- Alder Trees are small trees that are often found by rivers, they have small pine cones.
- Beech trees are our tallest trees, and the big branches host a myriad of wildlife and birds. The beautiful leaves sometimes don’t fall in winter.
- Elder trees have small scented petals, used to make elderflower, used in English wines and organic cordial.
- Hazel trees are found near hedgerows, with warm leaves. The nuts are loved by dormice and woodpeckers, squirrels, mice and voles.
- Hawthorn trees are found near hedgerows and form barriers, as natural hedges. Last century, farmers planted around 200,000 miles of them, but most have now gone. With beautiful blossoms, these trees are loved by birds for nesting away from predators. Many moths can only live on this tree, and the pollen is also loved by bees.
- Holly trees (associated with Christmas) are spiky shrubs that can live for 300 years. Holly is toxic to pets.
- Horse Chestnut originated from Turkey and drops conkers in autumn (toxic to pets and horses). With white spring flowers, some say it looks a Christmas tree with lights.
- Larch trees came from Europe. These conifers are adored by birds, moths and squirrels. The bark is pink-brown.
- Lime trees may sound Mediterranean, but grow in England. It sweet scents wafts over many parks, and people can admire the pretty heart-shaped leaves. Bees love this tree, as do moth caterpillars. It can live up to 500 years. Mostly found in parks and avenues.
- Silver Birch trees are pretty unique, so you likely know them already. Mushrooms often grow on the silver trunk. Birds like to feed on insects, found in the branches.
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Oak trees live for up to 1000 years, and are often found in large parks. It gives home to many creatures and drops acorns for local squirrels. - Rowan trees are fast-growing trees that are mostly found in northern England and Scotland. It prefers cold weather (it grows well in Norway) and has beautiful red berries at the end of summer.
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Sycamore trees are not really native to England, but grow here nonetheless. Very tolerant of wind and rain, you’ll often find these lovely trees near coastal areas. They are loved by moths, bees, birds and mammals for their pollen. -
Weeping Willow is often the favourite tree for many, its beautiful falling branches teeming with gorgeous leaves. It often drapes into the water, to shelter native wildlife.