There are an incredible 60,000 species of trees across the globe. Who knew there were that many different varieties of trees? The UK is home to many varieties from the weeping willow to the oak of folklore. Which trees are most common here though? Lets take a look:
These are some of the most common native trees to the UK.
Alder this tree is mostly found growing in moist woodland and marshes. It can be identified by its female catkins which look like little brown cones that remain on the tree all year round. It was once believed that alder flowers were used to dye the clothes of fairies!
Beech prefers to grow on chalky or limestone soil and has hairy-edged leaves with four-lobed seed cases. The beech has strong feminine symbolism and called the queen of the British woodland.
Oak this is the UKs most common tree and features strongly in the tradition and folklore of our land. It is more commonly found in southern and central England and displays distinctive leaves with short stalks and curved lobes. Some of the older, larger oaks can be up to 40m tall. If you need help maintaining a tree on your property, contact a Tree Surgeon Poole at https://kieranboylandtreeservices.com/
Hawthorn a common sight in scrubland, hedgerows and wooded areas of the UK. You can identify it by its white flower clusters that have 5 petals and a spiny twig. This tree provides the food for more than 300 species of insects.
Holly this tree is prevalent in gardens, woodland and parkland. Its unique appearance features dark green shiny and spiked leaves, along with red berries that weve all seen pictured on Christmas cards. Did you know that its considered unlucky to cut down holly trees? Speak to a Tree Surgeon Dorset if you have one that needs cutting back.
Rowan this is also sometimes called the mountain ash and is often found growing at high altitudes. It has leaves with a feather-like appearance and were once planted as protection from witchcraft.
Silver Birch youll see silver birch trees on dry soil in woodlands, heaths and on downs. Their bark colour makes them stand out as they have a white/silvery bark with triangle-shaped leaves. In Scottish folklore, the birch is a symbol of love and fertility. Farmers would herd cows with birch sticks in the hope that they would go on to have healthy calves.
Small-leaved Lime this tree grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soils. It has distinctive heart-shaped leaves and rusty-brown twigs that shine in the sunshine. On the underside of the leaf, small red hairs grown along the vein.
White Willow the White Willow enjoys wet ground, such as next to streams or riverbanks. The leaves are distinctive in that they are paler than other willows and a thin, oval shape. Around the time of Jesus, willows were seen as a symbol of celebration but are now more associated with mourning and grief.
