Populus nigra
Black Poplar
Family Salicaceae
Description
Deciduous fast growing tree. Planted poplars are hybrids of P. nigra and foreign species. Height 30m
Habitat
Wet woods and stream sides but becoming rare. Should not be planted near buildings or where there are land drains. Also upland and exposed sites suitable.
Natural Distribution
Mainly Eastern and Central England but across England to Cheshire. Native to most of Europe and Western Asia.
The Tree Year 

Flowers         Leaves           Fruit          Ripen          Fall

Mar/April     April/May     May/June
Propagation and Growth
Grown from sets. Hard wood cuttings 20 to 25cm long are inserted into cultivated soil with top end level with soil surface. Will trees produced from seed although fertility rate not high. Forestry commission grant aid restricted to certain hybrids.
Timber
White and soft wood not very durable.
Uses of Wood
Used for plywood and as a softwood substitute in building and pallets. Industrial uses include wood wool board products and pulp.
Food and Drink
Related Species
Aspen is another native poplar.

Populus tremula

Aspen
Family Salicaceae
Description
Deciduous very hardy tree distinguished by its shimmering appearance.

Height max 20 m Age Mature at 50 years

Habitat
Wide rang of habitats from wet lowland to mountain ledges but not dryhabitats.
Natural Distribution
Throughout Britain, Europe, North Africa and North Asia.
The Tree Year 

Flowers         Leaves           Fruit         Ripen           Fall

March           April/May       May
Propagation and growth
Natural distribution by airborne seed. Should not be planted near buildings or drains. Seed quickly loose there vigour but fresh seed germinate quickly. Unlike Black poplar and hybrids not easy to grow from sets.
Timber
Light coloured wood.
Uses of Wood
Matches, clogs, floorboards and pulp. Not used for fuel.
Food and Drink

Related Species
Populus nigra

Prunus avium
Wild Cherry

Gean

Family Rosaceae
Description
Small deciduous tree with round red fruit. Highly rated for timber. Height 2ft 5m Age up to 200 years.
Habitat
Fertile soil but prefers none acid rich soils. Found in woods and hedgerows.
Natural Distribution
Throughout British Isles except Northern Scotland. Also most of Europe as far as the Urals.
The Tree Year 

Flowers     Leaves     Fruit     Ripen      Fall

April/May   April      June
Propagation and Growth
Grown from seed. Deeply dormant treat as Acer campestre but start treatment as soon as collected for planting following April. Approx 4000 seeds per kg. Can be grown from cuttings from young trees.
Timber
Reddish brown wood.
Uses of Wood
Turnery, furniture, veneers, decorative panelling. Good firewood with fragrance of blossom as burns.
Food and Drink
The black fruit are edible. Birds quickly strip fruit from trees.
Related Species
Cultivated cherries derived from Prunus avium. See Prunus padus.

Prunus padus

Bird Cherry
Family Rosaceae
Description
Small deciduous tree with black egg shaped fruit. Height 15m
Habitat
In woods particularly by stream sides on limestone hills.
Natural Distribution
N. England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
The Tree Year 

Flowers      Leaves      Fruit      Ripen     Fall

May/June
Propagation and growth
Grown from seed. Deeply dormant - treat as Acer campestre but start treatment November for planting following April. Approx 14000 germinable seeds per kg.
Timber
Uses of Wood
Food and Drink
Bitter-sweet edible berries
Related Species
Prunus avium.


Page 5.17/18/19/20 - Native Trees of the British Isles