Beech trees are large native trees with smooth grey bark and oval leaves. They produce triangular nuts held in woody cases in the autumn which in some years, known as mast years, can occur in vast quantities.
Trees provide more benefits the older and larger they are.
Trees support 100s of other living things. This tree provides a large benefit to insects (biomass of foliage insects).
Trees provide more benefits the older and larger they are.
A member of the Cherry family, this tree produces blossom very early, often in February. There are two common purple leaved cultivars to be found too.
There are two cultivars you are likely to come across, both with deep purple leaves. Except when they are in flower, they are very difficult to tell apart. 'Pissardii' has pale pink, almost white flowers, and 'Nigra' is graced with pinker blooms. The flowers of these trees are perhaps their loveliest attribute, those very deep purple leaves can look a little foreboding, especially when they are planted in groups or avenues.
You may also see a non-cultivar form, with green leaves and white flowers. Look out for small, and sweet, plums in early autumn.
'Nigra' is a newer cultivar with an overall neater appearance than its sibling 'Pissardii'. Having said that, it is very difficult to tell the cultivars apart except when they are in flower.
- Purple Myrobalan Plum
Trees provide more benefits the older and larger they are.
A medium sized conifer often seen in churchyards and cemeteries, Yew is one of just three coniferous trees native to the UK. It has a dense, dark green crown and red berries with single black seeds within. All parts of this tree are poisonous. Yews can live for thousands of years.
It is a dioecious species, which means individual trees are either male or female. Female trees are easily identified in winter by their bright red berries, or arils.
Trees provide more benefits the older and larger they are.
Elsewhere on Hounslow Greentalk
Check out our Tree of the Month. Create your own tree-lined walk! Let your friends know.
As the summer draws to a close, there are one or two tree species that actually start flowering.
One of these is the Japanese Pagoda Tree which comes into flower in late August and can keep going until the start of October. The trouble with this species is that it needs a warm summer to ensure good flowering, and this year, in London at least, it's been a bit disappointing. So while it's warmed up in September, it might not be enough to ensure we see many flowers this year. The best thing to do then, is make a note of where your nearest tree is, hope for a warmer summer in 2022, and come back next September!
Do you know that you can adopt a tree near you for free?
