Quaking Aspen / Spring / Summer / Edible Quaking Aspen (Populus Tremuloides)Â is a Poplar species that tolerates cold conditions. It is a smaller tree than most Poplars, that grows in cool regions across the whole of Europe and west Asia. (The American Aspen is a different species). It is…
Tag: tree

Sycamore / Spring / Edible Sycamore is a large deciduous, broad-leaved tree, it is native to Central Europe and Western Asia and is thought to have been introduced to the UK in the 1500’s. Common Names Sycamore, Sycamore maple Botanical Name Acer pseudoplatanus   Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order –…

Spruce / All year round / Edible Spruce is a family of naturalised, fast-growing, evergreen trees. They are a common choice of tree in 20th century plantations, but can also self seed and spread their seeds on the wind. Common Names      Norway spruce Botanical Name Picea abies Scientific Classification Kingdom…

Horse Chestnut / All year round / Toxic The ‘nuts’ or ‘conkers’ of Horse Chestnut are a common and familiar sight in autumn, the tree was introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th century. Common Names      Horse Chestnut, Conker tree, Buckeye. Botanical Name Aesculus hippocastanum Scientific Classification Kingdom…

Lilac / Spring / Summer / Edible Common Names Lilac flower, sweet lilac Botanical Name Syringa vulgaris and other species Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order –Lamiales Family – Oleaceae Physical Characteristics This is a deciduous shrub that blooms in spring with cones of wonderfully fragrant flowers. It can grow…

Scots Pine / All Year Round / Edible Common Names Scots Pine, Scots fir, European redwood Botanical Name Pinus Sylvestris Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Pinales Family – Pinaceae Physical Characteristics for Scots Pine A tall, evergreen tree (up to 30m) with a flat or domed top. One…

Botanical Name Fraxinus excelsior Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Lamiales Family – Oleaceae Physical Characteristics Stems Light grey bark, that fissures with age, the stems are smooth with distinctive black buds, which are arranged in opposite pairs.  Leaves Large compound leaves, up to 40 cm long, are…

Common Lime / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible Common Names Common lime, European Lime, Linden. Botanical Name Tilia x Europaea Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Malvales Family – Malvaceae Physical Characteristics for Lime Stems/Bark Young trees have grey/brown smooth bark which becomes more gnarled over time. Suckers…

Hazel / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible Common Names Hazel Botanical Name Corylus avellana Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order –Fagales Family – Betulaceae Physical Characteristics for Hazel The Common Hazel is typically found as a shrub reaching 2-8m tall where it’s coppiced, however when it’s…