Identification of trees and plants at Newbold

Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It originates from the Mediterranean. It grows well in all terrains and climates. It can grow up to 18m tall. It is an invasive species in many of the UK's woodlands and is a particular problem in ours. It needs to be regularly cut back. This leaf is poisonous to humans and animals.

Laurel

 

Uses

Laurel comes from the same family as the Bay Tree. This leaf is used regularly in many Mediterranean dishes but this Laurel leaf is poisonous. It is used in gardens regularly as an ornamental plant.

 

Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

We can see by the photograph that the Ash tree lives up to its name of 'excelsior' meaning higher. These trees can grow over 35m tall. Ash trees can live up to 400 years old and they allow good quality light onto the forest floor due to their leaf size and shape. They provide food and shelter to lots of woodland species including Bull Finches, moths and caterpillars.

 

Ash

Uses

Ash is one of the toughest hardwood products available and the wood is often used for the handles of sports equipment and tools, as it is very tough and doesn't splinter easily.

Oak

Quercus robur

Oak trees seem to hold a special place in the hearts of the people of the UK. The tree is often linked with strength and nobility. Healthy trees can grow up to 40m tall. It has distinctive shaped leaves and drops acorns in the autumn. This fruit changes from green to brown and is food for squirrels, badgers and deer. As well as supporting these species it helps support many other insects and birds.

Oak

 

Uses

Oak is a very popular wood for furniture and flooring and can be used to make barrels too. Oaks have high levels of tanin, which makes them resistent to pests. That is why load bearing beams in older houses are often made out of oak.

 

Ivy

Hedera

Ivy is an evergreen, shade loving plant that grows very easily in many conditions. Before my research I thought Ivy was poisonous and it killed trees but according to the woodland trust it doesn't cause a tree any harm. It is not parasitic as it has its own root system. Ivy is often confused with Poison Ivy or Boston Ivy, both of which can cause skin irritation when touched. Ivy is very important for wildlife and can sustain species through winter when there isn't much food around. It also provides valuable protection for nests and insects.

 

Ivy climbing an Oak

Uses

Ivy is sometimes used in herbal medicines as an aid to combat respiratory illnesses. It was also used as a medicine during the plague. These days it is used more for decorative purposes in gardens or for festivals and celebrations.

Moss

From the Bryophyte group of plants.

Mosses are flowerless plants that thrive in damp or shady locations. They will often be seen in our British woodlands. They are soft to the touch and children love the experience of touching them. Mosses can absorb 20 times their own weight in water. They are home to many microscopic creature including Tardigrades and Nematodes.

 

Moss

Uses

In the First World War mosses were used as dressings for wounds as they absorbed liquids faster than cotton. There is now considerable interest in moss as we look for pollution absorbing plants. One 'CityTree' made of moss can absorb the same pollution as 275 trees. They are being placed in pollution hotspots in London.

 

Bramble or Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus

The Blackberry Bramble is commonly seen as a weed by gardeners. It has very sharp thorns and they can cause a nasty cut or can catch in clothes easily. When handling this plant gloves should be worn for protection. The bramble can grow up to 2.5m and has a fruit called the blackberry, which ripens in the autumn. This delicious fruit is safe for humans and animals to eat when it is ripe. 

Bramble with a shield bug

Uses

Blackberry leaves have been used to treat stings and bites. Blackberries are packed with antioxidants so they are a very popular fruit in the UK.