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Pees lTRATED

PARES
OF BRITAIN & EUROPE
DAVID MORE JOHN WHITE

7 at Tipe.
Le
 1
/D/O/M/I|N/O]-|
HaEUSERATED

REE
7 BRITAIN & EUROPE
Second Edition
Revised and enlarged

strated record of our trees, unequalled in either

ye or beauty — and all the work of a single artist.
id More set himself to observe and meticulously paint
and European trees - common or rare, native or
iced, growing wild or cultivated in parks and gardens.
sO as a private enterprise entailing years of study,
sketching, painting and repainting until satisfied with
af on each page. The result: a remarkable book, such
1ever been made for any other continent.
ows nearly two thousand species and cultivars —
rms and those raised by gardeners by selection from
os. A surprising aspect is that all the trees shown are
e extent ‘imperfect’ — individual, asymmetric, even
-d by insects, man, weather or time. Hence the
ns to his paintings from tree-experts: “You can see he
invented them. These are all real trees.’
un and Ireland are blessed in their trees. Centuries
\ductions — from the Romans to the great collectors
ng in Asia, Africa and the Americas — enriched our
tree-flora. Now, thanks to a maritime climate with
ite rainfall and mild winters, more trees grow here,
ter, than almost anywhere in the temperate world.
nd White offer an unparalleled guide to their variety
tart of this century.
‘new edition has now been extensively revised and
ned. It not only has many improvements to details
tings and texts throughout, but on pages 776-803
luded some 90 important or conspicuous trees of
Manean regions not covered in the first edition. The
tion on shoots and buds has also been extended to
leat-shapes.

| '
book is as good as a month in an arboretum.
HUGH JOHNSON
 AT
IL

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 PCAC SEL Ps] B

TREES
OF BRITAIN & EUROPE
 ILL OES CIR AN TT I:

sBidoe
OF BRITAIN & EUROPE
Second Edition

DAVID MORE JOHN WHITE

Be Yb TO) Ok TE Ses dee AN) es ae

LONDON « NEW DELHI * NEW YORK « SYDNEY
First edition published by Cassell in 2003

Second edition published in 2013 by

Bloomsbury Publishing
50 Bedford Square
London WC1B 3DP

www.bloomsbury.com

ISBN 978-1408 1-2366-9

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available

from the British Library

© in the paintings, David More and Domino Books Ltd., 2013

© in the text, John White and Domino Books Ltd., 2013

A Domino book. All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or otherwise, without prior written permission from Domino Books Ltd.

BRENT LIBRARIES

91110000021052
Bertrams 09/10/2013
582.1609 [ £35.00
Bea WEM\

Frontispiece: In Memoriam, the English Elm

Printed and bound in China by Toppan Leefung

This book is produced using paper that is made from wood grown in managed sustainable forests.
[t is natural, renewable and recyclable. The logging and manufacturing processes conform to the
environmental regulation of the country of origin.

(ROpete Roe oP Tete home Game me eo |

 @@INGSEINGES

FOREWORD Willow Family - Salicaceae

PO PIPARSS 263
INTRODUCTION
WILLOWS booOOn

Ginkgo Family - Ginkgoaceae

MAIDENHAIR TREE
Walnut Family - Juglandaceae
WING NUTS
Yew Family » Taxaceae WALNUTS
YEWS PGS
@ RSE be)©
NO \O&
U1
Oo

NUTMEGS
Birch Family - Betulaceae
Plum Yew Family - Cephalotaxaceae BIRCHES
PLUM YEWS EID IES
HORNBEAMS
Huon Pine Family - Podocarpaceae
PODOCARPS, TOTARAS Hazel Family - Corylaceae
[BUAVAIEILS)
Monkey Puzzle Family - Araucariaceae
MONKEY PUZZLE Beech Family - Fagaceae
NORFOLK ISLAND PINE BEEG@EES
SWEET CHESTNUT
Cypress Family - Cupressaceae OAKS
INCENSE CEDARS
LAWSON CYPRESSES Elm Family - Ulmaceae
HES BGR
UB SSS ELMS
LEYLAND GYPRESSES ZELKOVAS

GYRE SOLS INE Deb eRSE

JUNIPERS
Mulberry Family - Moraceae
‘ RED CEDARS, THUJAS
MULBERRIES

Swamp Cypress Family ° Taxodiaceae , Magnolia Family - Magnoliaceae

REDWOODS I
MAGNOLIAS
JAPANESE CEDARS O5
TULIBSTREES
DAWN REDWOOD 101
SWAMP CYPRESSES 101 Laurel Family - Lauraceae
TASMANIAN CEDARS 105 GUI ASPRRIGH Ay BAW

CHINESE FIR, UMBRELLA PINE 107 SASSAFRAS

CALIFORNIAN LAUREL
Pine Family - Pinaceae
SILVER FIRS 109 Cercidiphyllaceae, Moraceae
147 RAT SURG DRE Eh
CEDARS
WARGELES Il'5y5;
Witch-Hazel Family - Hamamelidaceae
SPBRUCES 167
SWEET GUMS
HEMLOCKS ('S)5)
PARROTIA
DOUGLAS FIRS 201

PINES 205
 CONE NTE

Plane Family - Platanaceae Araliaceae, Meliaceae, Flacourtiaceae

PLANES 449 KALOPANAX, TOONA, IDESIA 709

Rose Family - Rosaceae Soapberry Family - Sapindaceae

MEDLAR, QUINCE 455 GOLDEN RAIN TREE TEAR
THORNS 457
Olive Family - Oleaceae
ROWANS 465
ASHES
WHITEBEAMS 483
OLIVE, LIGUSTRUM
IMPPILIE'S 49]
FRINGE, TREES
PRUNES Sys,
GEE RIRaIES 523 Pittosporum Family - Pittosporaceae
PITTOSPORUM
Pea Famuly ~ Pabaceae
JUDAS TREE, YELLOW-WOODS 569 Tupelo Family - Nyssaceae
RIEIDIBONDYS,, SULIK WIRES, o71 TULEBLE@S 735
WATT INES ails
BO CUS RSE S DID Myrtle Family - Myrtaceae
GUMS For
FONE NSE @ GUsals 583
LABURNUMS 587 Davidia Family - Davidiaceae
KEIN TOK IR (COMP IRIENE) IIR ITE! 589 HANDKERCHIEF TREE 745

Orange Family - Rutaceae Dogwood Family - Cornaceae

EWI@ DARE © RKB 591 DOGWOODS

Tree of Heaven Family - Simaroubaceae Heather Family - Ericaceae

DERI S yO] SE AWarIIN 593 STRAW
BER IRIGY TREES
OXYDENDRUM
Smoke Bush Family - Anacardiaceae RHODODENDRON
VARIN beiRB Be SUIMAGE 55
Storax Family - Styracaceae
Box Family - Buxaceae FUERA? SaIny ESAS.
BOX Sy
Ebony Family - Ebenaceae
Holly Family - Aquifoliaceae PERSIMMONS 765
HOES 599
Bignonia Family - Bignoniaceae
Maple Family - Aceraceae CRULAGPIAS
MAPLES 609
Foxglove Family - Scrophulariaceae
Horse Chestnut Family - Hippocastanaceae PAULOWNIAS
ISKONRLSHe) (Challe SAIN OME 663
Palm Family - Palmae
Mallow Family - Malvaceae PALMS
LIMES 677
Some Southern Trees 778-803
Tamarisk Family + Tamaricaceae GLOSSARY 804
TAMARISKS 703
SHOOTS, BUDS AND LEAVES 806
Eucryphia Family - Eucryphiaceae
INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES S816
BIGIGIRSYTPTELIANS: 705
INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES 825
Tea Family - Theaceae
STEWARTIAS

6
 FOREWORD

This book began and for many years quietly proceeded as DM’s personal project to
record in detail as many tree species, varieties and cultivars as he could find in the
British Isles and Ireland. It was not a formal undertaking with the benefits (and some-
times limitations) of a whole background of foresters, gardeners, dendrological and
taxonomic advisers, publishers, contracts, budgets, deadlines, of sizes decreed and de-
signs imported. It was the private work of an artist obsessed by trees.
The trees constantly being added were thus those to be found in temperate
north-western Europe, including those that could not survive the rigours of a conti-
nental winter but not those restricted to Mediterranean, let alone subtropical zones.
In effect it represented something approaching an illustrated analogue of Kriissmann’s
great work of reference, whose English translation (now alas out of print in both Ger-
man and English) was one of DM’s principal guides.
Eventually, Philippa Mitchell, widow of the late, great dendrologist Alan Mitch-
a con-
ell, mentioned the project to one of Alan’s past editors, to whom DM showed
ell
siderable mountain of paintings, already thigh-high on the floor of his Camberw
work pur-
flat. With a publishing contract arranged, but still a hazy finishing date, the
Soon after,
sued its placid course while widening its girth to the present 800 pages.
an upper
JW joined the team, to contribute the brief texts for which DM had left
problems of nam-
right-hand corner ofeach painting and particularly to resolve some
derive partly
ing. These last, which lie like serpents in the way of all tree students,
of natural his-
from the constant revision of scientific names that afflicts all branches
of mature trees to
tory, but also and particularly from mis-labelling. Of the millions
and private, a considerable
be seen in British and Irish tree collections, both public
or even earlier centuries.
number were planted and subsequently labelled in the 19th
prone to human error,
Time moves on, taxonomists are untiring, the rest of us are
different trees carrying
old labels get forgotten: it is all too easy to find two patently
, but still fixed to the tree’s
the same name, and others with names invalid or forgotten
horse.
trunk since the days when transport involved a
A further problem for DM lay in frequently findin g a further and striking form of
le, he accommodated these by
a tree already painted several plates ago. Where possib
sometimes find a home for the late-
repainting earlier pages: where not, he would
cases, the texts carry cross-references
comer in pages covering related species. In such
ations, and both occurrences are
directing the reader to and from these isolated out-st
Latin names.
referred to in the indexes of English and
of their conventional scientific
The sequence of trees described is broadly that
re — far from a botanical text-book.
order, but this is primarily a book for pleasu
 FOREWORD

Similarly, JW’s texts aim simply at indicating a tree’s distinctive characteristics of

form, growth, history or points of general interest. A minimum of technical terms is
used, and these are explained in the glossary on pages 804-6. Concise additional notes
as to heights attained, hardiness and values are at the end of each tree’s description, as
explained on pages 18-19.
Ofcourse, no work ofillustration such as the following, whatever its faults, can be
made without years of help from many arboreta, botanic gardens and other institu-
tions, from their directors and staff, from gardeners and other friends — far more than
the artist can individually thank here. And no descriptive text, however cursory, can
be written without extensive reference to the whole body ofdendrological literature,
and again a lifetime of help and instruction from other tree enthusiast friends, profes-
sional and amateur.
In particular, though, wejointly want to acknowledge special kindnesses and gen-
erous help over the years from the following friends and institutions: David Alder-
man, Tree Register of the British Isles; Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham; Hugh Angus;
Bedgebury National Pinetum; Mrs Arabella Binney-Killander, Pampisford Hall,
Cambs.; Cambridge University Botanic Garden; Cardiff City Parks Department;
Sidney J. Clarke; Allen Coombes; Edinburgh Botanic Garden; Endsleigh Gardens;
David Elgy; Charles Erskine; Mark Flannigan; The Forestry Commission and its Re-
search Agency; Forest. Enterprise; David Gardener; National Botanic Garden,
Glasnevin, Dublin; Duncan Goodwin; the Harold Hillier Gardens, Arboretum and
Library; Tom Hudson; Anne Hyde; Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and its library;
Alan Jackson; Andy Jackson; Kilmun Forest Garden; Mr Maclachlan, Batsford Park,
Gloucs.; the late Alan Mitchell; Philippa Mitchell; Colin Morgan; Grace Pasley; Da-
vid Paterson; Jim Paterson; Keith Rushforth; Harry Smith Horticultural Collection;
Richard Stone; Adonal Synott; Tradespark, Nairn; Tregrehan Gardens, Cornwall;
Norman Villis; Wakehurst Place, Sussex; Westonbirt Arboretum; John Wilkinson;
Rachard Wooster.
The book’s producers and publishers in both Britain and America have also been
endlessly patient (at least, we fear that it must have seemed endless to them, with both
of us incessantly altering and adding material — a process that still looks unlikely ever
to stop). And at a more personal level, DM will be ever grateful to Neal Jackson for
his kindness, encouragement and support, and JW to his wife Jill for both tolerating
his frequent fits of dendro-abstraction and for typing and retyping his outpourings.
But most books can be improved, and we will both be very grateful for any criti-
cisms or suggestions. Please email them to us at: [email protected].
 INTRODUCTION

Paradoxically, although more tree species can be found growing today in Britain and
Ireland — and usually growing better — than in any comparable area of the temperate
world, the native tree flora of our area is notably small. Natural woodlands across
North America and other continents regularly exhibit a rich array of different tree
species all growing together. But European woods tend to be dominated by a few or
sometimes monotonously only a single species.
The reason for this difference lies in the last Ice Ages and in the conformation of
our European mountains and valleys. In other regions of the northern hemisphere
where the principal mountain ranges run north-south, as the ice descended from the
north, plants were able to retreat before its advance, and then repopulate their old
territories once the ice retreated. In Europe, however, the major physical barriers lie
east-west: the Alps, Pyrenees, most other ranges and the northern shore of the Medi-
terranean all barred the way to plants’ retreat before the ice, condemning the major-
ity of warmth-needing species to extinction. When the ice retreated, far fewer plants
had survived to advance northwards again. Of those that did, the trees most adaptable
to different soils and conditions were able to form dominant colonies with less com-
petition. For the time being, the post-Ice Age botanical landscapes were established —
great variety in North American and other northern hemisphere woods and forests,
not in the European. And away from parks and gardens, this is still the situation
today.
But in compensation, the Europeans have been active for centuries in collecting
- trees from other parts of the world and bringing home the seeds of unfamiliar species
—to Germany, France, Holland and particularly to the British Isles. From the late sev-
enteenth century onwards a passion for new trees provided commercial impetus for
nurseries
collecting expeditions launched by individuals, botanic gardens or the tree
cli-
themselves. And warmed by the Gulf Stream and favoured by a moist maritime
growing
mate without extremes of heat or cold, Britain and Ireland offered perfect
trees growing in the
conditions for most of these exotic arrivals. The great majority of
are therefore exotic,
great European gardens and arboreta, both public and private,
and far outnumber European natives.
This book offers a record of some 2,000 trees, both native and exotic, to be found
of some conspicu-
in north-western Europe, with an added survey on pages 776-803
seen in the Mediterra-
ous species too tender for Europe north of the Alps but to be
nean zone.
where over
Note that throughout this book, we exclude of course the tropics,
but see page 15.
three-quarters of the world’s flowering plants are to be found —
 TIERS
Flowering plants (Angiospermae) began to appear about 120 million years ago. They
completely dominated the earth’s vegetation in the following 30 million years. There
are reckoned to be now over 250,000 species, three quarters of which are tropical.
All trees are classified as flowering plants. Even conifers have primitive structures that
resemble flowers and serve the same reproductive purpose.
Many garden trees are ‘cultivars’. This means in broad terms that they have been
first produced by human selection from chance seedlings and have ever after been
propagated vegetatively so that their individual characteristics are perpetuated rather
than lost again in a genetic ‘soup’. They may be grafted, layered, grown from cuttings
or replicated from their tissues in a laboratory. It is as if ared-headed Scotsman could
be selected and conveniently reproduced, a process now less distant if not yet 1mmi-
nent. A new vegetatively produced plant will furthermore begin flowering at an early
age, unlike many seedlings which go through a lengthy juvenile stage. A twig on a
flowering tree behaves in exactly the same way whether it remains on its parent or
finds itself grafted on to an entirely new set of roots. It cannot know that its circum-
stances have changed. However, the lifespan of avegetatively produced plant is likely
to be shorter than that ofa seedling.
Breeding new flowering trees has been practised for hundreds of years. There is al-
ways the prospect that two good trees crossed with each other under controlled con-
ditions may produce an even better plant. It might have superior flowers, more (or
less) vigorous growth, sweeter scent or greater resistance to disease. However, the
production of spectacular new progeny without careful prior selection of the parents
is an unusual occurrence. It does not often result from unmethodical or arbitrary seed
collecting.
Within naturally occurring variations, rather than the human-induced, botanists
recognise certain subdivisions of the actual species: notably subspecies, varieties
and forms. These, representing successively less significant changes from the species’
normal characteristics, are normally signalled in a scientific name by the abbreviations
(not in italic type) subsp., var. and f. A hybrid between two different species (or less
often genera) 1s indicated by the multiplication sign x. Cultivars are accorded names
with initial capitals, printed within single inverted commas, not in italic type.
Thus nurserymen’s selections of the hybrid Black Italian Poplar have names such
as Populus x canadensis “Serotina’; and the shrubby northern populations of the Euro-
pean Bird Cherry are Prunus padus subsp. borealis. It is useful to remember that italic
type is reserved for names of naturally occurring plants themselves rather than names
of ‘man-made’ cultivars or of categories used by botanists to indicate relationships.
Plant names are far from stable, and the complexities of scientific nomenclature mer-
cifully beyond the scope of this brief introduction.

10
 GARDENING WITH TREES
Trees in a garden give it permanence, depth and vertical interest. Unlike
eround-hugging flower beds, which left alone will repeat themselves with only mi-
nor changes each year, trees develop character as they grow. Week by week and year
by year, trees constantly change — in colour, form, light and shade, in trunk,
branches, bark, shoots, foliage and flowers.
Ofcourse, they also provide shelter from extremes of heat, cold and wind. They
purify the air, protect and mulch the ground around them, extract soil moisture but
reduce waterlogging, conserve warmth, harbour wild life and generally benefit ev-
erything living in their immediate vicinity: not just ourselves.
A long time is required for a tree to reach maturity, but not to grow. Trees in fact
grow at the same rate as herbaceous garden plants, anything from 10cm to one metre
each year according to the species and its age. A tree may stand in one place for 100
years and each year it will stack upon itself the equivalent of awhole new flower bed.
Planting such a phenomenal vegetable deserves more thought and planning than it
is usually given. The first decision is the choice of species. With so many to choose
from, start by eliminating those groups which you do not want, for instance very
large, very small, non-flowering evergreens, conifers or poisonous trees. Those that
are tender in the neighbourhood are seldom worth bothering with: sooner or later a
cold winter will probably kill them. Conversely some alpine species cannot take too
much heat. If your site is acid or alkaline, of course discount trees that like the oppo-
site conditions. Check on the health of other people’s trees nearby. See what grows
well, then also call to mind all the other species in the same genus. Be positive about
what you want from your tree; is it shade, colour, foliage texture, flowers, bark, fruit
or at
(decorative or edible), scent, shelter, conservation value (e.g. good for bees)
_ what time of the year is it to be at its best?
in the
Finally, having found a tree you like, try to be sure that you will still like it
in 10 years time, or
future when its size and shape 1s dramatically changed. Visualize it
obviously de-
20 or 50 years if you can. The kind of tree a garden can accommodate
neighbours, light and
pends on the space available, and walls, buildings, paths, roads,
some species
windows must all be considered. Services under and above ground too:
will bring down
are adept at seeking out your leaky drains and poor foundations,
to doors and win-
your power cables or wreck your television reception. Areas close
biting or stinging insects, or
dows may not be the place for scented trees that attract
become tenanted by unwanted roosting birds.
e irritating seed
Some trees create unpleasant smells, cast too-dense shade, produc
on your paths or sticky
fluff, drop copious squashy fruit or slippery dead leaves
struck by lightning. As a
honey-dew on your car. Then they may be blown down or
of its own ultimate
rule it is not wise to plant a tree closer to a dwelling than 80%
species that sucker or
height. On shrinkable clays the distance should be greater and
 INTRODUCTION

have spreading roots should be avoided altogether. But the commonest error is sim-
ply planting too close to a house for comfort. Drive out of any town to see houses in
the process of disappearing in their little thickset, self-made forests: in 100 years they
will be invisible, perhaps unreachable.
Changing the view. If the above has not put you off altogether, remember that any
large established tree will mightily obstruct a view. If the view 1s to be retained, then
either the tree should not be planted there, or as it grows its lower branches should be
progressively cut offto reveal the view again. (This can actually be attractive: enhanc-
ing a view by framing it. Blue sky always appears more intense when seen next to
green foliage.) True, sometimes the object of planting a tree is positively to obstruct
an unpleasant view. The view then becomes the tree itself.
Now consider the lighting. For example, brown autumn leaves look muddy and
dull lit from the front, but can be transformed to gold when back-lit. White blossom
all but disappears when back-lit but shines out when lit from the front. Trees with
large or two-coloured leaves show off their foliage well with side light. The best way
to determine a tree’s ‘best side’ is to walk right round an existing specimen on a
sunny day and see the different effects for yourself.
Shade is another obvious factor. Observe the path of the sun round your garden and
calculate how far and in which direction at different times of day a new tree would
cast its shade. Garden flowers below a tree will usually be concentrated on its sunny
side, with the tree planted on the shady side of a border.

PEANTING A TREE

The hole. Digging the hole to plant a tree is your only opportunity to cultivate and
improve a piece of ground that will not be touched again for a very long time. It is
well worth taking extra trouble to do it properly. Your tree will grow much better
from the start and for a long time after. Don’t attempt the job until the weather and
the season are right. Choose an overcast day in the dormant season with no wind and
no risk of frost. If something unexpected appears in the hole, such as water, stop.
Look again at your design and try somewhere else nearby.
The most important factor is certainly not fertilising (see below) but the size of the
hole. The more broken-up congenial soil around the roots, the less resistance to their
rapid growth and the more oxygen available to them. This is true however large or
small your tree may be. The hole must be substantially larger than the root-ball of
your plant. None of the ordinary roots should need bending to fit them in — though
excessively long side roots can be cut back to a sensible length. The tree should also
be planted on the same day that the hole is dug. Leaving a hole open in sun, rain or
frost changes the soil structure and kills organisms in the immediate vicinity, many of
which might have been beneficial to the tree. On heavy soils, surface drainage away
 INTRODUCTION

from the pit may be needed to save the refilled hole from filling with rain-water.
Double digging outwards from below the site is often enough to avoid this.
Staking. If awooden tree stake is to be used, drive it in to the bottom of the empty
hole on the windward side in exposed situations. But in a sheltered garden the stake
can be placed behind the tree if it will be mainly viewed from one direction. If many
trees are planted together it does look better if all the stakes are on the same side.
Stakes that have not been pressure-treated with preservative may not last for long and
they can carry diseases such as honey fungus. Do not cut the stake to its final length
until the tree 1s planted.
Planting. The tree, which should have remained in its packing, or its pot, in the
shade, can now be inspected. Trim off any damaged shoots with sharp secateurs and
inspect for signs of disease. Unpack the root ball, even from a so-called biodegradable
container, and cut any damaged roots off cleanly. Pull out any roots that are coiled
around the rest. Either make them point outwards or cut them off. Replace some of
the excavated soil to form a mound in the bottom of the pit. Build this up until the
tree, when placed on the top ofit, will have its root collar level with the natural sur-
face of the ground. As quickly as possible begin to fill the hole. Shake the tree occa-
sionally and press the soil gently round the roots to expel air. Do not skin the roots or
compress the soil by treading or pressing too hard.
Good natural topsoil should go into the hole, without adding peat or any other organic
material. This is almost as important, and as disregarded, as digging a big enough hole.
The point is that the decomposition oforganic material changes the nature ofthe soil
near the roots. It can cause anaerobic conditions by holding excess moisture and re-
stricting soil air movement. It can reduce the supply of oxygen to the roots through
its own oxidation as it decomposes; and of nitrogen as the population of micro-
‘organisms (which absorb nitrogen) 1s increased to break down the organic material.
Farmyard manure can also encourage diseases and weed seeds. Generally speaking,
fertilizers can encourage strong competitive weed growth and promote top erowth
of the plant. This leads to root/shoot imbalance and then shoot tip death as the tree
struggles to redress the equilibrium which 1s essential for its sustained growth.
So leave the tree well alone without dosing its immediate soil with anything. Only
on notably infertile sites may a little slow-acting manure such as bonemeal be accept-
tree has es-
able. Otherwise give any feeding as a mulch in a few years time when the
as bark
tablished a new root-system. But mulching with some inert substance, such
can help
chips so long as they have been well composted, or indeed black plastic,
greatly from the start, both in retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
r growth ifthe
Lastly, do not tie too rigidly to the stake. It 1s good for stem diamete
stem no stake
plant can flex in the wind. If the plant is small enough to have a flexible
less well.
should be needed and the tree will be better for that. Rugidly tied plants do
 PLANT COLLECTORS

Even in prehistoric times, men took useful plants with them when moving around the
world. We know, for example, that the English Elm was brought to England from
eastern Europe by neolithic farmers. The Romans introduced many trees, such as wild
cherries from Asia, first to Rome and then to outlying regions oftheir empire, and ex-
tended the range of many European species, especially those with edible fruits such as
Sweet Chestnut and the Stone Pine — which until recently was wrongly thought not
to have reached Britain until the sixteenth century.
Before the mid eighteenth century and the foundation ofall modern naming by the
great Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné, the naming of trees was often confused.
Furthermore, little attention was paid to their provenance, so that the first seed to be
sent back to Europe was thought to be typical of the species. Even today new kinds of
some trees are still being discovered which contradict accepted ideas of their form.
The eighteenth century, however, saw the rise of serious botanical collecting in
remote countries, often by doctors, missionaries or soldiers. At first the chances of
bringing even dry seeds back safely were slim. Journeys took months, storms soaked
packets in salt water, ships were sunk, inhabitants were wary or hostile. One ofthe first
successful European collectors had been Englebert Kaempfer (1651-1715) a German
doctor who visited Japan around 1689 with the Dutch East India Company. Although
not allowed to collect plants by the Imperial Japanese Court he occasionally managed
to hide seeds in his handkerchief. Two of these were Ginkgo and the Japanese Larch
which bears his name — Larix kaempferi, and he also brought back the first Japanese
Flowering Cherries. It was 85 years before anyone else went plant-hunting inJapan.
By 1700 other expeditions had been bringing back trees from Asia, Turkey and the
Middle East, such as Cedar of Lebanon, Manna Ash, Cork Oak, Syrian Juniper. John
Tradescant the elder, gardener to Charles I, brought back European Larch from Rus-
sia — although it had always been a native tree in most of mainland Europe. In 1698
James Cunningham, a Scottish botanist and surgeon, had travelled to China, collected
Japanese Cedar and Chinese Fir, surviving revolutions, massacres and thefts, but died
on his way home in 1709.
Meanwhile Tradescant’s son (another John) began to collect and introduce trees
from America, including Black Locust, Tulip Tree and Swamp Cypress. Henry
Compton (1632-1713), Bishop of London, began his own arboretum at Fulham Pal-
ace, sending missionaries out to America to convert the native Indians and at the same
time to look out for exotic trees and collect seeds wherever they could. Peter
Collinson, a London linen merchant in collaboration with an American botanist, John
Bartram (1699-1777), discovered and introduced most of the remaining tree flora
from the Great Lakes to Georgia. In return, he introduced Cedar of Lebanon and
Horse Chestnut to America.
Throughout the eighteenth century the flood of new plants increased. The French
 INTRODUCTION

were very successful in China, trading skills such as glass-blowing, engineering and
clock-making for permission to explore and collect. Father Pierre d’Incarville, work-
ing for the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, remained in China for 15 years.
The Dutch were successful in Japan, mostly trading through the Dutch East India
Company. Captain Cook sailed from Britain to Australia and Francis Mason began
collecting in South Africa. William Roxburgh travelled in India and French botanists
began to explore Peru. European gardeners had developed a passion for exotic plants
and the commercial boom stimulated research much as it does today.
The momentum increased in the nineteenth century. Nurserymen began to fund
special expeditions. John Gould Veitch (1839-1870) went to Japan in 1860 for the
Veitch Nurseries in England, organizing teams of native collectors, but died aged only
31 on his way back from Australia and Pacific Islands. The next Veitch Nurseries col-
lector in the Far East was the famous Ernest Wilson, the greatest collector of them all.
He was funded by the Arnold Arboretum in America but his plants were distributed to
botanic gardens world-wide. In 1902 he returned home with 305 new Chinese plants
including Paper-bark Maple and the Dove (or Handkerchief) Tree.
In America the search was now on for commercial forest trees. The leader in this
field was David Douglas (1799-1834) a truly intrepid Scottish explorer. His epic trip
in 1824 was to the Pacific coast and Rocky Mountains, where he collected around
500 specimens, though harassed by hostile Indians and enduring injuries and great
hardship. After discovering huge trees such as Sugar Pine, in 1827 he travelled on into
Canada. By the time he returned to England via Hudson Bay he had collected 210
more plants, including Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce. On his next trip to Western
America in 1830 he sent home another 670 new plants, including Monterey Pine
from California and Mexico, and by 1833 he was in Hawaii. But here he came to a sad
end. After several expeditions to the island’s volcanic mountains he fell into a bull pit
‘and was gored to death by a wild bull already caught in it.
The twentieth century saw continual work by breeders in hybridising and in se-
lecting cultivars from seedlings of those trees which tend towards variation in these
ways. This is found very much more in some trees than in others. For example, there
are now over 500 named varieties of Lawson Cypress on the market, and an endless
profusion of new types of cherries and of other trees of the rose family. The Black
Mulberry, on the other hand, appears to have resisted change altogether. Over many
centuries, it has shown no appreciable variation at all. The Tree of Heaven is another
single type. But breeders naturally concentrate on trees important in forestry, horti-
culture, or for their valuable fruits or timber.
Perhaps surprisingly, a great many new trees able to survive our temperate-zone
Mexico
winters still await discovery, the more so with global warming. Collecting in
and down the length of South America has a long way to go. In the southern hemi-
sphere and throughout the tropics wherever altitude produces temperate conditions,
there are riches to be found.
 TREES FOR PROBLEM SITES OR SPECIAL NEEDS

GRAVES @OUES
Pinus nigra Black Pine
Fraxinus texensis Texas Ash
Aesculus indica Indian Horse Chestnut
Alnus incana Grey Alder POOR SOILS, LANDFILL etc.
Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Populus x canescens Grey Poplar
Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’? Hawthorn
Quercus cerris Turkey Oak
Eucalyptus gunnit Cider Gum
Alnus incana Grey Alder
Fraxinus excelsior Ash
Sambucus nigra Elder
Populus nigra Black Poplar
Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust
Salix alba White Willow
Populus tremula Aspen
Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree
Betula pubescens White Birch
Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane
Prunus avium Wild Cherry
VERY WET GROUND Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven
Alnus cordata Italian Alder
Quercus palustris Pin Oak
Salix alba White Willow LIME RICH SOILS
Alnus species Alders
Acer campestre Field Maple
Populus tremula Aspen
Buxus sempervirens Box
Populus x canadensis Hybrid Black Poplar
Sorbus aria Whitebeam
Betula nigra River Birch
Cornus mas Cornelian Cherry
Pterocarya fraxinifolia Caucasian Wingnut
Taxus baccata Yew
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash
Morus nigra Black Mulberry
Nyssa aquatica Water Tupelo
Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash
Eucalyptus glaucescens Tingiringi Gum
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Juniperus communis Janiper
SEASIDE CONDITIONS
Carpinus betulus Hornbeam
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Eucalyptus gunnii Cider Gum COLD EXPOSED PLACES
Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila Snow Gum Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Betula pubescens White Birch
Laurus nobilis Sweet Bay Hippophae rhamnoides Sea Buckthorn
Phillyrea latifolia Phillyrea Salix daphnoides Violet Willow
Populus alba White Poplar Larix kaempfert Japanese Larch
Tamarix (all kinds) Picea abies Norway Spruce
Quercus tlex Holm Oak Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine
Hippophae rhamnoides Sea Buckthorn Sorbus intermedia Swedish Whitebeam
Abies lasiocarpa Alpine Fir
AGID SOLES
Populus tremula Aspen
Arbutus menziesii. Madrona
Oxydendrum arboreum Sorrel Tree WEEPING FOLIAGE
Halesia carolina Snowdrop Tree Alnus incana *Pendula’
Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Salix x pendulina Weeping Willow
Magnolia denudata Lily Tree Betula pendula ‘Youngi’ Young's Weeping Birch
Eucryphia x nymansensis Fagus sylvatica ‘Aurea Pendula’ Golden Weeping Beech
Abies concolor Colorado White Fir Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ Weeping Beech
Abies pinsapo Spanish Fir Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ Weeping Copper
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Beech
Fitzroya cupressoides Patagonian Cypress Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ Weeping Willow-leaved Pear
Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’
DRY SOILS Fraxinus excelsior ‘Pendula’ Weeping Ash
Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Ilex aquifolium ‘Pendula’ Weeping Holly
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut UPRIGHT TREES
Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Ginkgo biloba ‘Sentry’
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Carpinus betulus *Fastigiata’
Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ Dawyck Beech
Tamarix (all) Populus nigra subsp. afghanica
Cupressus glabra Smooth Arizona Cypress Juniperus communis “Hibernica’ Irish Juniper

16
 INTRODUCTION

UPRIGHT TREES (contd.) FOR ORNAMENTAL FRUIT

Cupressus sempervirens “Green Pencil’ Malus hupehensis
Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ Abies koreana Korean Fir
Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’ Purple Filbert
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Stricta’ Maclura pomifera Osage Orange
Betula pendula ‘Obelisk’ Broussonetia papyrifera Paper Mulberry
Ficus carica Fig
FOR INTERESTING BARK Mespilus germanica Medlar
Zelkova serrata Keaki Cydonia oblonga Quince
Quercus suber Cork Oak Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn
Acer griseum Paper Bark Maple Sorbus cashmiriana Kashmir Rowan
Arbutus andrachne Greek Strawberry Tree
ORNAMENTAL CONIFERS
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii
Betula albo-sinensis var. septentrionalis Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree
Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila Snow Gum Cupressus glabra Smooth Arizona Cypress
Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane Juniperus drupacea Syrian Juniper
Prunus serrula Tibetan Cherry Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood
Pinus bungeana Lace-bark Pine Athrotaxis selaginoides King William Pine
Abies veitchii Veitch’s Silver Fir
FOR ATTRACTIVE SHOOTS
Abies concolor ‘Candicans’ Colorado White Fir cv.
Pseudolarix amabilis Golden Larch
Salix x ‘Basfordiana’
Picea pungens ‘Koster’ Koster’s Blue Spruce
Salix daphnoides Violet Willow
Pinus sylvestris subsp. scotica Scots Pine
Salix alba ‘Vitellina’ Golden Willow
Acer pennsylvanicum “Erythrocladum’ Red Moosewood UNUSUAL GARDEN TREES
Tilia platyphyllos ‘Rubra’ Red-twigged Lime
Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye
Fraxinus excelsior ‘Jaspidea’ Tilia kiusiana
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ Corkscrew Hazel Acer griseum Paper Bark Maple
Salix babylonica ‘Matsudana Tortuosa’ Corkscrew Koelreuteria paniculata Golden Rain Tree
Willow Betula grossa Japanese Cherry Birch
Acer palmatum ‘Sangokakw’ (Senkaki) Coral-barked
Nothofagus antarctica Antarctic Southern Beech
Maple Fagus sylvatica ‘Aurea Pendula’ Golden Weeping Beech
Acer ‘Silver Vein’ Snake-bark Maple Magnolia liliiflora
Eucommia ulmoides Gutta-percha Tree
FOR GOOD AUTUMN COLOUR
Crataegus laciniata Oriental Thorn
Taxodium distichum Swamp Cypress
Betula neoalaskana Yukon White Birch CHOICE EVERGREENS
Quercus coccinea ‘Splendens’ Scarlet Oak cv. Araucaria araucana Monkey Puzzle
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree Nothofagus betuloides Oval-leaved Southern Beech
Cercidiphyllum japonicum Katsura Tree Quercus myrsinifolia Bamboo-leaved Oak
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet Gum Quercus ilex Holm Oak
Parrotia persica Persian Ironwood Quercus canariensis Mirbeck Oak
Sorbus commixta ‘Jermyns’ Japanese Rowan cv. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Exmouth’
Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ Laurus nobilis Sweet Bay
Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’ Vine-leaved Japanese Maple Umbellularia californica Californian Laurel
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuky’ Prunus lusitanica Portugal Laurel
Buxus balearica Balearic Islands Box
FOR GOOD FLOWERS
TOWN STREETS
Salix daphnoides ‘Aglaia’
Magnolia x soulangiana cvs. Catalpa ovata Yellow Catalpa
Magnolia wilsonii_ Wilson’s Magnolia Acer platanoides “Crimson Sentry’
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree Acer platanoides “Elsrijk’
Sorbus sargentiana Sargent’s Rowan Ligustrum lucidum Chinese Privet
Malus ‘Magdeburgensis’ Betula lenta Cherry Birch
Prunus padus ‘Colorata’ Corylus colurna Turkish Hazel
Prunus sargentii Sargent’s Cherry Quercus x turner’. Turner’s Oak
Prunus lannesiana ‘Sarasa’ Sorbus x thuringiaca “Fastigiata’
Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ Great White Cherry of Japan Robinia pseudoacacia “Bessoniana’
Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ Golden Honey Locust
 TESS OES
Throughout the book, notes are included at the end of each description. They apply
to the principal species or form described, rather than to any cultivars or other subsid-
iary forms — such selections being usually made for their untypical characteristics.
Height generally attained is indicated by 3 figures: the heights (in metres) that the tree
may be expected to reach in 10 years, in 20 years, and eventually. They assume a
healthy isolated specimen, growing in its appropriate conditions and climatic range.
They are not necessarily the heights reached by a tree in its natural habitat: some alpine
species, for example, will be stunted and smaller where found in the wild, while some
forest trees will be drawn up to great heights — much taller than cultivated plants
would achieve. The initial 10 year measurement also assumes a good planting or re-
planting, with minimal check on growing: subsequent growth may also be influenced
by untoward stress or change of environment, for example by the sudden removal of
adjacent shelter.

Hardiness. Cold tolerance is suggested by a percentage, from zero tolerance of frost

(0%) at freezing point to effectively total resistance (100%) at -40°C or -40°F. We
chose 40° because this is the one point at which the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales
obligingly ‘cross’, and a degree of cold which no garden tree is ever likely to sufter.
For the mathematical, (-40 -32) x 5/9 = -40. And (-40 x 9/5) + 32 = -40.
For the gardener, if a tree will take -40° below freezing, it will take anything (cer-
tainly more than he or she can). These figures are only indications: the approximate
minimum temperatures (including wind chill) that a cultivated tree will tolerate with-
out sustaining lasting damage. But the provenance of seed can have a considerable ef-
fect on the ability to withstand cold, as also may unseasonal weather conditions: in
cultivation even the hardiest alpine or Arctic species may be seriously damaged by a
late spring frost.

Degrees C Hardiness | Degrees F

-40) 100% | -40
-36 90% _ | -33
le ee
-28 70% | -18
24 | «60% | ai)
20 50% | -4
-16 7 40% | ne

-12 30% | +10

-8 [ _ 20% | +18
=a : 10% | F25 |
Q O% [ oe
 INTRODUCTION

Choice. A tree’s garden value is indicated by figures referring to four categories of

usefulness below, from the most desirable to the least. But these are only personal as-
sessments, and tastes differ. Some people find the foliage of copper beeches or cherries
detestable, gloomy drainers of light. Others like them for their warmth or contrast.
Moreover, in choosing a tree for any site or purpose, we should never forget its suit-
ability for the soil and situation, its eventual height, root-spread, shade thrown and ef-
fect on the view.
ie Excellent. Among the finest trees for ornament — with perhaps also some special
practical value.

tO Good. Trees which are less decorative, but still have some particular use, such as for
shade from sun, shelter from wind, urban screening from noise, dust or ugly sights, or
for planting on derelict and re-formed sites.
Of lesser garden merit. But these may be good trees for offering food and shelter for
wild life. Others may be interesting for their rarity or age, or for providing non-wood
benefits such as bark products (cork), oils, nuts, food, tannins, cosmetics, forage (for
domestic livestock, silkworms etc.) or medicines.

Not recommended for gardens, for reasons such as:

* Susceptibility to disease.
* Invasive tendencies, suckering habits or very extensive roots.
* Unpleasant characteristics (smell, irritant, poisonous foliage or fruit, the fallen
leaves, fruits or aphids’ honeydew a nuisance).
* Potentially dangerous, as for instance from dropping branches.
* Not sufficiently well tried or unpredictable in cultivation.
* — or even extreme dullness.
Though here again a tree in this category may have some redeeming feature, such as
bearing edible seeds.

Wood. Five categories are suggested, again from 1 as the best:

i High quality wood for cabinet making, veneers and decorative work.
timber, for domestic or industrial use, including sea defences,
De Good structural
construction, piling, boat-building.
use,
Less valuable timber, but good for fencing, gates, garden and other non-structural
pallets and packaging.

4. Wood used in making fibre-board, particle board, hardboard or paper pulp.

ah Inferior wood but used for fuel.

merits have
When no mention is made of the wood, this may be because its particular
ar use to cite, not even
been described in the text, or because the wood has no particul
to be of any conse-
as fuel: or because the tree remains too small in size for its wood
quence.
 detail
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20
 GINKGORAMILY = Ginkgoaceae

Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba but with an unpleasant smell. Seeds germinate well
and transplant easily.
This is the only surviving species of the plant order
Ginkgo is highly valued as a town tree: in America
Ginkgoales, which dominated the tree flora of the
it is grown as a pollution resistant city shade tree from
world 150-200 million years ago. When first brought
Montreal to New Orleans, a huge geographic and
to the west from a cultivated source in China in 1689
climatic range. The brilliant golden autumn foliage
it was thought to be extinct as a wild plant. Subse-
colour is greatly appreciated, and the curious leaves.
quently limited numbers have been found growing
In recent years there has been a revival of interest in
naturally in Zhejian and Guizhou provinces in east-
the medicinal uses for Ginkgo, known to the Chi-
ern China. Wild examples of Ginkgo are believed to
nese for centuries.
have occurred in Europe before the current ice ages.
The upright form sometimes known in the trade as
This is a rather gaunt spiky tree capable of growing
‘Sentry’ can actually be one of several named or un-
to 40m in height but generally achieving much less.
named clones. Once established upright specimens
It is deciduous with 7cm leaves shaped like duck’s
tend to develop occasional long horizontal or sharply
feet: ya-chou-tze (duck’s foot) is a Chinese name for
angled branches which may spoil the effect.
it. The bark is corky, ridged and light earthy grey-
The pretty French clone ‘Variegata’ originated in
brown. Male and female flowers occur on separate
1854. Unfortunately it is female and likely to pro-
trees, the males consisting of 2-3cm solitary drooping
duce obnoxious smelling fruit. Odd leaves with some
yellowish-green catkins which grow in the leaf axils.
yellow stripe variegation frequently occur on indi-
Females also occur in the leaf axils but each one has a
vidual branches, particularly during a hot dry sum-
long, 4-5cm, thickened stalk. These primitive soli-
mer. There is also an insignificant weeping form,
tary flowers, which in the strict botanical sense are
‘Pendula’, first cultivated in 1855. It is seldom over
not true flowers at all, are pollinated by a self-
3m tall and requires constant pruning and training to
propelling (motile) sperm. This is thought to have
keep it in shape.
disadvantaged the family in the evolutionary compe-
Growth: 2-5-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 4.
tition with conifers and almost brought Ginkgoaceae
to extinction. The fruits are plum-like and edible,

autumn leaves

‘Variegata’
 aril
@

LT
3 flower fe y\
detail /

Common Yew
underside

2 flower
detail

Common Yew
 Vole AW) Leva Wiese 6 Taxaceae

Common Yew § Taxus baccata obvious when in fruit, it has yellow berries and is
probably the same thing as “Xanthocarpa’ which was
Although called “Common” this tree only occurs
produced some time later (1864) in Germany.
naturally in parts of Europe and Asia Minor, and it is
‘Aurea’ the Golden Yew, is a yellow-needled form
only locally common in the wild. In America and
first cultivated in 1866 but many selections have been
south-east Asia it is replaced by other species. It tol-
made since then so this name now refers to several
erates a wide range of soils and climatic conditions,
similar-looking clones.
including chalk and limestone in very dry areas. This
The Irish Yew ‘Fastigiata’, found in County Fer-
is a long-lived tree, especially where vigour is limited
managh in 1780, is a familiar sombre green, upright
by inhospitable conditions: specimens are sometimes
tree favoured in cemeteries. The original was a
measured in thousands of years. On religious sites
female tree but since 1927 males have appeared in
ancient trees usually pre-date the current theological
cultivation. Seed can not be relied upon to come true
use and are often older than the existing buildings. A
to type. Irish Yews seldom exceed 7m in height and
dense, compact evergreen, it will tolerate shade and
gradually thicken to around 5m wide. At which
erows perfectly well under the canopy of large
point, or before, snow often breaks off occasional
deciduous forest trees. Although generally small and
boughs. The golden form ‘Fastigiata Aurea’ (also
spreading, trees sometimes exceed 20m in height.
illustrated on p. 24) occurred at least twice, firstly in
Yew foliage and bark are poisonous to most domestic
1868 in France and then in 1875 in Britain. A very
livestock and to people, dried needles are very toxic.
much brighter yellow form, ‘Fastigiata Aureomargi-
Trees are normally dioecious with separate male and
nata’, produced in Sheffield in 1881, is now preferred
female trees, however occasionally a single branch of
in the nursery trade. All of the fastigiate yews have
the opposite sex to the rest of the tree may be ran-
probably arisen from the original Insh Yew of 1780.
domly produced.
Growth: 2-4-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3, 4.
There are many cultivated forms, some of which
Wood: 1, 3.
are difficult to distinguish. “Lutea’ (see also p. 27) is

‘Aurea’ ‘Fastigiata Aurea’ ‘Fastigiata’

 ‘“Adpressa
Variegata’

“Adpressa
Variegata’
new leaves

‘Dovastoniana’ “

ge
meas !

\N/
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PF

ele.
“s.

T. x hunnewelliana

<
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‘Dovastoniana’
 YEWS

Taxus baccata cultivars 1850 so avoiding confusion with the American spe-
cies Taxus brevifolia. Inevitably there is a yellow-
There are over 200 forms of Taxus baccata listed in
leaved form ‘Adpressa Aurea’ raised in 1885 and a
the World Conifer Data Pool (1993), though many
variegated form ‘Adpressa Variegata’ described in
have now invalid names or are no longer 1n cultiva-
1866.
tion. This bewildering diversity comes from yews
A female seedling of Golden Yew was raised by
being dioecious — either male or female — and there- in
William Barron in Derby, and called ‘Barronii’
fore necessarily crossing with another plant to set
1868. It is a particularly striking golden bushy plant.
seed.
The foliage colour has a bronze tint when it 1s
The Westfelton Yew, Taxus baccata ‘Dovastoni-
young. Branches and twigs are short and dense and
ana’ discovered in Shropshire in 1777 by John
tend to grow sideways rather more than upwards.
Dovaston, is a distinctive small tree. Although it has a
Growth; 2-4-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4.
straight vertical stem its wide spreading branches
often make it broader than it is high. The branchlets
Taxus x hunnewelliana
are pendulous but rather sparse.
The golden form ‘Dovastonii Aurea’ was raised This hybrid between Canadian Yew (p. 28) and Japa-
in France and named in 1868. It is similar to the nese Yew (p. 28) has been repeated many times to
Westfelton tree but produces orange-yellow growth produce new hardy ornamental plants. The cold resis-
in the spring. This recedes to the margins of the nee- tance and compact form of Canadian Yew results in
dles and fades to dull yellow in the summer. improved progeny from the Japanese plant and its
The unmistakable short-needled form of yew numerous cultivars. The original cross is believed to
‘Adpressa’ is a dense female tree up to 10m tall. have been made at the Hunnewell Pinetum in Massa-
chusetts. It was described in 1925 by Alfred Rehder.
The foliage resembles that of Tsuga (p. 195) and con-
Growth: 2-5-24. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4.
sists of blunt ended deep green needles between 5
and 10mm long. They usually form two ranks along
the shoot facing upwards towards the light. “Brevif-
olia’, as it was called, was first cultivated in 1828 at
Chester. It was eventually renamed “Adpressa’ in

‘Barronii’
‘Barronii’

25
 Taxus baccata cultivars j 4

‘Aureovariegata’
Each year’s growth starts
green but then develops
yellow-edged needles.
Britain, 1865.

‘Semperaurea’
5, (see below)

EY

The Fulham yew ‘Erecta’

A female seedling from ‘Fasti

‘Summergold’
Just as bright as “Semperaurea’ but
more of a low spreading bush
Holland, 1968.

‘es . Na
o> shay
Rigs Daa,
pet at ,
pe reg
‘ot, ‘ “
r
Lf Sigeeeeie, $1 4a
Ogek t Sy
: i , has
=
= PRL? Semperaurea’ ‘Standishii’
. uy Capi a fs) nas golden-yellow foliage from Slow-growing and less
a Td re: Woe, V9 hy S88
a SN ‘ % Wshpkse the beginning of the season but brightly-coloured but
shaded needles turn green with very dense foliage
Male. Britain, before 1908 Female. Britain, 1908

26
 YEWS

A distinctive large form ‘Glauca’ with

slightly bloomed blue-green foliage at
first. Britain, 1855.

‘Aldenhamensis’ a rare
cultivar producing clear
yellow young growths.
One of many similar
golden cultivars. Many of
these burn when planted
in full sun. Britain, 1926.

1
‘Rushmore’ y
Needles stunted and \iF
short and the whole plant mi A
is never more than a low if
spreading bush. Britain,
1978.

‘Neidpathensis’
An attractive male form
It has graceful shoots and
relatively long needles.

Male. The original plant ‘Paulina’, or ‘Cheshuntensis’

was found in the grounds Twisted shoots and curved needles.
of Neidpath Castle in A good hedging plant. Britain, 92S:
Scotland in the 1850s.
Japanese Yew Taxus cuspidata. A very hardy
species introduced to the west by Robert
Fortune in 1855. It now has 90 named forms,
and over 130 hybrids with Common Yew.
Growth: 1-2-8. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 4.

Canadian Yew
“Variegata’

Taxus x media ‘Hatfieldii’

. - ara
commemorates T. D. Hatfield
who first made the cross in

= M/ Massachusetts. This 1923

hm — cultivar is a compact upright
New f _ y male plant with green
dN S needles

Chinese Yew Taxus chinensis. This species is Canadian Yew Taxus canadensis. This extremely hardy bush
taxonomically uncertain. Some authorities called it Taxus is monoecious, which is unusual in yews. Seldom over 1.8m
celebica but others include up to six obscure species in the and hardly more than prostrate in its natural habitat. The
Chinese Yew group. Occasionally planted as a curiosity French cultivar ‘Variegata’ has white needles at first, becoming
28 but not notably ornamental yellow and finally green by the end of the summer.
oe Growth: 1-2-8, Hardiness: 60%. Choice 2, 4. Growth: 1-1-2. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3, 4
 The rare cultivar Taxus x media
‘Skalborg’ is of Swedish origin
but was raised in Denmark and
named in 1956.

Himalayan Yew Taxus wallichiana. Closely

related to Common Yew, this small tree occurs
in the Himalayas from Afghanistan to Sikkim.
Except for its strongly pointed needles it is very
difficult to distinguish from Common Yew.
Growth: 2-4-16. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.

Taxus x media “Hicksii’. A female

American shrubby tree raised in
1923. It has dark glossy green
needles on sinuous shoots making it
an ideal evergreen hedging plant.
Growth: 1-2-4. Hardiness: 60%.
fruit Choice: 2, 4.

Taxus x media ‘Sargentii’ 1s

another erect tree, female,
The Kelsey Yew, Taxus x media
‘Kelseyi’, or ‘Kelsey’s Upright’, is a
selected at the Arnold
bushy female plant from America
Arboretum
which fruits abundantly, its popular
name is Kelsey Berrybush

and Common Yew first took place at the Hunnewell

Hybrid Yew Taxus x media. The cross between Japanese
cultivars are so close that identification 1s only possible
Pinetum in Massachusetts around 1900. Many of the resulting
when detailed historical notes are available. IO

1, 2, 4.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice:
 Californian
Nutmeg

underside

4 flowers

Californian Nutmeg Japanese Nutmeg

 NUTMEGS

Californian Nutmeg Torreya californica Japanese Nutmeg Torreya nucifera

There is no connection between this tree and the From Japan this 6-14m tree (in cultivation) differs
spice nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Torreya is a member only slightly from Californian Nutmeg. It is smaller
of the yew family. The fruits, however, usually pro- in virtually all its parts. The needles are only 3cm
duced on separate female trees, do bear some resem- long and the fruits are a little over 2cm long. Crushed
blance to the culinary nutmeg. After two years they foliage and fruits have the same rather unpleasant res-
are 3-4cm long with a green fleshy outer husk and a inous smell as the Californian Nutmeg. Cultivated
hard ridged yellowish-brown core. They smell rather plants often flatten out and spread in preference to
unpleasant. This is a fairly large tree usually with a erowing upwards. Native trees in Japan are more
straightish single stem and a conical outline. The shapely (as illustrated) and can attain 25m in height.
branches of older trees spread widely like a Yew The physician and plant hunter Englebert Kaempfer
(Taxus). American Indians used the flexible strong discovered this plant in 1712. It was introduced to
wood to make bows. Rigid evergreen needles up to Europe in 1764 but not finally named until 1846.
7cm long with sharp points occur mostly in two Growth: 1-3-14. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3, 4.
ranks facing up to the light. The foliage is reminis- Wood: 1, 3.
cent of some long-needled Silver Fir species (Abies).
Torreya grandis
Mountain and coastal valleys in central and northern
California are the natural range of this species. On Similar in most respects to Japanese Nutmeg this
the western side of the Sierra Nevada it extends to 25m tree from eastern China was introduced to
over 1800m mostly in mixed coniferous forest. Wil- Europe by Robert Fortune in 1855 and described
liam Lobb brought the species to Europe in 1851 and and named by him two years later. It is rare and often
it was described in 1854. It is a fine specimen tree in stunted in cultivation, with yellowish-green needles.
cultivation and it tolerates chalky soils very well. The disagreeable smell of Japanese and Californian
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4. Nutmeg trees 1s absent.
Wood: 1, 3. Growth: 1-2-8 (25 in native region). Hardiness: 30-40%.
Choice: 4.

underside
Japanese Nutmeg
Torreya grandis

il
 Chinese Plum Yew

underside fruit

var. drupacea ~

~ 2 flowers

A)
yy
2
. APAs

var. nana ; peti ee

Fastigiata unders
 POUT aGE War AMIN Y 8s Cephalotaxaceae

Plum Yew Cephalotaxus harringtonia The upright form ‘Fastigiata’ has strongly ascend-
ing branches and spirally arranged upward facing
The Plum Yews have opposite shoots and dense spi-
needles. It has long been cultivated as an ornament in
rally arranged spined needles which form two ranks
Japan and was introduced to Europe in 1830 as a
on side shoots facing upwards. There are two
variety of Cephalotaxus drupacea. Only in 1913 was its
glaucous-grey bands of stomata on the underside and
present cultivar designation allocated to it.
a keeled midrib on the upper side of each needle.
Growth: 1-2-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
Male and female flowers usually occur on separate
trees. The brown fruits are around 2.5cm long and
Chinese Plum Yew Ceplialotaxus fortunet
shaped like a nutmeg. They take two years to reach
maturity. The origin of this plant is unknown. Most Robert Fortune introduced this large open shrub
authorities suggest it came from China but it has from China in 1849 and it is named in his honour.
been in cultivation in Japan for centuries. It was However, the plant’s status and name are still being
originally named Cephalotaxus pedunculata and intro- challenged by some taxonomists. In the wild it may
duced to the west in 1829. The present name was reach 10m in height, but it is seldom restricted to a
published in 1873. single stem. The long 6-8cm pointed needles are
The variety Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea spread horizontally in two ranks. Ovoid 2.5cm fruits
“Cow’s Tail Pine” is an interesting plant from Japan ripen to bloomed purplish-brown after two years.
and central China. It is a compact shrub in cultiva- This is a very hardy plant though with little decora-
tion with dense foliage. Originally it was considered tive appeal. In European gardens it thrives best under
to be a species, and harringtonia, then called partial shade of deciduous trees. The evergreen foli-
pedunculata, was a variety of it. The Chinese form was age appears to be more healthy out of strong sun-
also given separate variety status. So too was nana, light. It is tolerant of dry soils but resents vigorous
now harringtonia var. nana, a suckering bush culti- competition from other ground cover species.
vated in Japan and introduced to Europe in 1830, a Growth: 1-2-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
year after var. drupacea.

Chinese Plum Yew

 Quy= : 1 a 5 2 a} > o Es

underside adult leaves

Willow leaf
juy yeni ile leaves Podocarp

Acute-leaved Totara

Podo carpu Ss hallii

Plum-fruited Yew
old tree
 BOONE INESE AM IDY Ss Podocarpaceae

Plum-fruited Yew Podocarpus andinus Podocarpus hallii

In 1978 the name of this plant was changed to Prumno- A rare and tender plant from New Zealand, capable
pitys andina but there seems to be little support in the of growing to 20m in height; however, most culti-
horticultural trade for this change. It is a small untidy vated specimens are shrubby bushes. The evergreen
tree similar to Common Yew (p. 23) except for the 3-5cm needles and the peeling bark are attractive.
fruits. These are ovoid, 2cm long and_yellowish- Growth: 2-4-10. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 4.
brown. It was introduced from Chile in 1860.
Large-leaved Podocarp
Growth: 2-5-15. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 4. Wood: 5.
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Willow-leaf Podocarp Podocarpus salignus
Grown on a moist acid site this is one of the most
Wild plants in Chile are up to 20m tall, but in culti- rewarding podocarps. It is from south-east Asia and
vation this size is hardly ever achieved. The glossy fairly hardy. The distinctive bark, on stems up to
grey-green needles are 5-15cm long, slender and 20m tall, is fissured and shreds vertically. The linear-
slightly twisted. They are held on drooping shoots. lanceolate 8-12cm needles spiral round vigorous
The ovoid fruits are around 8mm long. This tender shoots. They are dark glossy-green above and dull
plant was introduced in 1853. pale yellowish-green on the underside. The fruits,
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 4. Icm long, are green, sometimes with a purplish cast
Acute-leaved Totara Podocarpus acutifolius on a fleshy purple receptacle reminiscent of a small
acorn cup. The upright shrubby variety maki is
Also known as Needle-leaved Totara, this small New popular in Japanese gardens.
Zealand tree was described and named in 1873. In Growth: 1-5-20. Hardiness: 60-80%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
cultivation it is usually only a dense evergreen shrub
with sharply pointed needles. A curiosity but cer- Chilean Podocarp Podocarpus nubigenus
tainly not a choice garden subject. A slow-growing shrubby plant from Chile south-
Growth: 1-2-4. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 4. wards to Patagonia, is moderately hardy in cultiva-
tion. The sharp-pointed densely-packed needles are
Totara Podocarpus totara
3-5cm long spirally arranged on strong shoots. The
In New Zealand this is a 30m tall tree but in Europe fruits are nut-like seeds held on a fleshy receptacle.
it is hardly ever as tall, requiring warmth and shelter. The genus name is a reference to this, meaning liter-
Totara is the local Maori name. ally (from the Greek) foot-fruit.
Growth: 2-5-15. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 4. Growth: 1-2-4. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2.
Wood: ap 3h 4, Di,

underside

Large-leaved Podocarp Chilean Podocarp

Totara
old tree BN
 fruit

g Bunya-Bunya

fe old bark
Monkey Puzzle Tree
 MGM KER AAWERAMILY =: Araucariaceae

Monkey Puzzle Tree Araucaria araucana coconut, male and female on separate trees. In three
years they disintegrate on the tree and shed the heavy
This species occupies a large natural range in Chile
edible seeds.
and Argentina. It grows in hill country, including
Growth: 2-6-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
volcanic slopes up to 1500m above sea level. On
Wood: 1, 2, 3.
Llaima volcano natural regeneration of the burnt-out
forest gets under way almost before the ground has Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophylla
cooled. Monkey Puzzle is now cultivated through-
out the temperate world; it is a familiar sight in parks This tender symmetrical tree, usually in cultivation as
and gardens everywhere. Such trees seldom exceed a pot plant with only juvenile foliage, can grow to
25m in height but native forest trees in the better over 40m in its native Norfolk Island in the Pacific. It
parts of their natural range can reach 50m. The origi- has tiered branches on a persistently straight stem.
nal introduction to Europe occurred soon after 1795. Growth: 2-4-8. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1.
In that year Archibald Menzies raised a few plants on
board ship from seed given to the Vancouver expedi-
tion as food by South American Indians. The most This Australian tree is native near the coast of
obvious feature of this tree is its outline. It always Queensland. It is similar to the Monkey Puzzle Tree
produces a single straight stem. The horizontal except the 5-10cm leaf scales are set wider apart. The
branches are sinuous and in distinct whorls, produc- horizontal branches occur in distinct whorls up a
ing a dense evergreen dome of foliage. Often this 1s stem that may reach 50m in height. The huge 30cm
confined to the top of the tree as lower branches are cones contain edible seeds much prized for centuries
shaded out and shed. The overlapping evergreen leaf by the Aborigines.
scales are rigid and viciously spined, completely Growth: -50 in native region. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1.
obscuring the shoot. The cones are the size of a Wood: 2.

N(
fruit

Norfolk Island Pine Bunya-Bunya

old tree juvenile foliage old tree
 leaf
detail

‘Aureovariegata’
Fa

Spipadepellesmeorig

Chilean Cedar
leaves enlarged

Q es i “ F close
young tree = cone
Incense Cedars : Chilean Cedar 'W ee
 GREESS eUNVITEY sem Cupressaceae

Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens has much in common with that species. The
branches are ascending and dense, supporting flat
From western Oregon south to Baja California this
sprays of tiny, hard scale-like, pale green leaves in
big, 46m tall, tree usually grows on cool mountain
opposite pairs. It was introduced to Europe in 1847
sides, often in a mixed coniferous forest habitat. In
but is usually very slow-growing and requires shelter.
the south ofits range it extends to over 2000m. Tra-
Growth: 1-3-15. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 4.
ditionally its aromatic wood was used to manufacture
Wood: 3 4, 5,
pencils. It is soft, straight and does not splinter. The
foliage, which resembles Thuja (p. 83), 1s dense, resin- Prince Albert’s Yew Saxegothaea conspicua
ous and deep glossy green. In cultivation, particularly
From southern Chile, an evergreen conifer inter-
when it is grown on dry sites, the outline of the tree mediate between Podocarpus (p. 35) and Araucaria
remains very narrow. At Blenheim Palace near (p. 37). It either grows to 15-20m tall with a conical
Oxford, for example, open grown trees have reached
top or remains low and bushy depending upon the
almost 30m in height with a crown width of little immediate environment. Plants with a properly
more than 4m. Incense cedar stems have red-brown formed stem have bark that is smooth at first
bark reminiscent of Wellingtonia (p. 93) but unlike becoming scaly. It is reddish-purple, turning to
the redwoods it is not spongy. brown as it matures and then bleaching grey-brown
A smaller variegated form, “Aureovariegata’, was
in old age. The foliage is superficially like yew but
cultivated in 1894. It has occasional splashes of
the undersides of the needles have two silvery bands
golden foliage but this variegation is not spectacular.
of stomata. The 1.5cm cones consist of overlapping
Better gold forms have since been developed from it.
pointed green scales. This tree, introduced by Wil-
Growth: 3-6-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
liam Lobb in 1847, was named in honour of Prince
Wood: 1, 2, 3.
Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort. The Genus name
Chilean Cedar Austrocedrus chilensis commemorates his original home Saxe-Coburg-
Gotha in northern Germany.
This small evergreen tree, 10-15m in height, comes
Growth: 1-3-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4.
from cool moist forests in central Chile and western
Wood: 3, 4, 5.
Argentina. It is closely related to Incense Cedar and

y OG
RNR
Mivet
SE \
©
LYZB A 2
ia

‘Aureovariegata’
 old cones

Lawson Cypress

young cone,
enlarged

‘Lombartsii’ ‘Glauca Lombartsii’ Lawson Cypress

40
 PAWSON CY RRESSES

Lawson Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars

The limited range of this North American forest tree Of the many cultivars ‘Lombartsii’, raised in Hol-
includes south-west Oregon and north-west Califor- land in 1904, is particularly large. It has a straight
nia from sea level on the coast to over 900m inland. stem and conical top. The foliage is yellowish-green
Specimens with straight stems may reach 50m in but with the typical Lawson Cypress bluish bloom
height. Trees of this species were introduced to on it. Strongly bloomed plants within this cultivar
Europe by the Scottish botanist Andrew Murray in are called ‘Glauca Lombartsii’, first described in
1854 from the upper Sacramento Valley in Califor- 1925. From 1887 glauca was recognized as a distinct
nia. Seed was sent to the Lawson Nursery in Edin- form but it is only used now in a collective sense.
burgh. Lawson soon distributed the plant widely as Named glaucous trees were often prefixed ‘Glauca’,
an evergreen ornamental rather than as a forest tree. as in ‘Glauca Lombartsii’, but this is no longer per-
He, and subsequent growers, found huge variations mitted in the rules of cultivated plant taxonomy.
in foliage colour and vigour which did not occur in ‘Grayswood Pillar’ and ‘Hillieri’ (also illustrated
the native American forests. Its low nutrient require- on p. 45) are two of the finest Lawson Cypress selec-
ments and shade tolerance made this an indispensable tions to come from the Hillier Nurseries. “Gray-
urban decorative tree, wind-break and hedging swood_ Pillar’, described in IG, 16 a narrow
plant. Seeds germinate in about three weeks and columnar tree with grey-blue foliage. It arose as a
young saplings transplant easily. Clipping is tolerated sport on ‘Blue Jacket’ (p. 46) originally produced at
from an early age if required. When grown as a forest Young’s Nursery in Surrey. ‘Hillier’, which was
tree this species produces timber which is soft but produced in 1910 and named in 1928, has feathery
durable. It is pale orange-brown with attractive sprays of foliage which are bright yellow at the
darker brown streaks and knots. See p. 261 for cone. extremities. This is also a columnar tree and one of
Growth: 2-8-40 (50 in native region). Hardiness: 80%. the most reliable golden Lawson Cypresses, provided
Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3. it is planted in full light.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.

‘Lombartsii’

forma glauca
AI
 °“Westermannii’

“Stricta’
(Waterer’s tree)

\ ‘Pottenii’? 7 <A]
umi a8 : ee
1 Erecta Viridis’
5 old tree
42 old tree
 PAWS OIN '(GYRRESSES

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars (continued) very large trees and in old age branches do tend to
‘fall apart’.
The cultivar “Pottenii’ is a columnar tree first Semi-juvenile foliage is a permanent feature of
described in 1923. It has slender upright branches ‘Ellwoodii’, a pre 1929 seedling raised at Swanmore
which are often damaged by snow and even nesting Park in Hampshire. It was named in honour of the
birds, such as jackdaws. On old specimens the neat head gardener there. Originally promoted as a dwarf
vertical outline is often broken and unsightly brown rockery plant ‘Ellwoodii’ has proved itselftobe quite
patches of inner crown are exposed to view. The unsuitable in this role. Trees over 10m tall are
original plant was produced at the Potten Nursery in known in England. The dark grey-green foliage is
Kent. tightly packed on ascending branches producing an
Two cultivars which started out as columnar speci- impenetrable column. Eventually several main stems
mens but have proved with time to be rather spread- develop producing multiple pointed tops.
ing in maturity are ‘Alumii’ and ‘Erecta Viridis’. Narrow cultivars of Lawson Cypress are very com-
‘Alumii’ was described in 1891 but its actual origin is mon. ‘Stricta’ is another Waterer Nursery tree
obscure. Possibly it arose as a sport on the lost 1872 named in 1888. Unfortunately the name ‘Stricta’ had
clone ‘Erecta Glauca’, either at Worcester or some- already been assigned to a completely different tree
where in Germany. The foliage is dull grey-green as elsewhere in England. ‘Stricta Glauca’ is a 1937
‘Erecta Glauca’ must have been. Belgian plant. It is a narrow 10m tree with blue-
‘Erecta Viridis’, named in 1867, is a product of green foliage. A more feathery blue-green clone 1s
the famous Anthony Waterer Nursery in Surrey. ‘Columnaris’ a Dutch selection made around 1940.
This is one of the brightest green upright forms of It was formerly called ‘Columnaris Glauca’. Another
Lawson Cypress, even in mid-winter. Originally, in Dutch cultivar is ‘Westermannii’ named in 1890. It
1850, it was called ‘Erecta’ but this (now invalid) has pale yellow tipped sprays of foliage on a broadly
name was also applied to several other cultivars, conical medium-sized tree.
including various yellow sports loosely referred to as Growth: 2-6-15 variable. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.
‘Erecta Aurea’ (see p. 46). These are all potentially

>:
22
he AA
—

NGA
REN
:
XY) De2 . y
Fone’ SP

‘Ellwoodii’ ‘Stricta Glauca’ *Stricta’ *Columnaris’

leaf detail

‘ ey y is

“Wisselii’ “Wisselii’ “Triompf van Boskoop’

old tree flowering profusely
44
 AWS OINSGY RIRIES SES

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars (continued) The drooping green cultivar “Youngii’ is a vigor-
ous tree produced in England by L. M. Young, at the
The curious cultivar “Wisselii’ is a distinctive Dutch
Milford Nursery in Surrey. It was named in 1900 as
clone of Lawson Cypress named in 1893. It was pro-
“Youngs variety’. Many specimens develop distinctly
duced by and named after F. van der Wissel. It has
pendulous shoots on a rather open conical branch
stout ascending branches and shoots densely clothed
arrangement, others resemble the species (illustrated).
in short compact but irregular foliage which appears
‘Fletcheri’ is an interesting cultivar found origi-
to be somewhat spirally arranged. The minute scale
nally as a sport on a normal tree growing 1n Surrey in
leaves are blue green. Some individuals produce
1911. It has permanently semi-juvenile foliage which
copious amounts of red male strobili (flowers) in
was ‘tested’ for reversion in the nursery for 12 years
spring. This is a fast-growing columnar tree easily
before a name was assigned to it in 1923. Neverthe-
able to exceed 15m in height.
less cuttings taken from low down on ‘Fletcher’
‘Triompf van Boskoop’ was produced by F. J.
trees behave quite differently to cuttings taken from
Grootendorst at Boskoop in Holland around 1890.
leading shoots. Typical plants have ascending
In shape and almost in size it resembles the true Law-
branches densely arranged on a columnar multi-
son Cypress but it has glaucous blue-green foliage. It
stemmed tree 10-15m tall. The foliage is light grey-
is a very fertile clone which produces a range of
green. The many informal golden varieties of ‘Fletc-
brightly-coloured seedlings, some of which are glau- heri’ including seedlings, are now being replaced in
cous like the parent. cultivation by the yellowish-grey cultivar ‘Somerset’
The golden Lawson Cypress ‘Hillieri’ is described
described in 1967 and produced by Scott’s Nursery
on p. 41. in Somerset.
Growth: 2-6-20. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.

7 omerset’ ‘Fletcheri’
‘Hillieri’
 LAWSON CYPRESS CULTIVARS

‘Lycopodioides’ A f
curious 5m shrub with & J
densely deformed
irregular blue-green I
foliage. Holland, 1890.
‘Erecta Aurea’
see p. 43 / Fine glaucous
YZ foliage. Milfor
“Moerheimii’ S A conical 10m tree with
Nursery, Surre
; pale-yellow-tipped green
foliage. Holland, before 1934

‘Henry Dinger’ & Narrowly fastigiate,

¢ short-branched, found
originally growing in
Ireland, 1951

eae ea MG ob 4 be

im WEN
Naeoe one
at ye ai?a, eke,
cif. Ate
dle
“Albo-spica’ A narrow tree with pale ‘Henry Dinger’
‘Golden King’ A vigorous la
yellowish-white tipped foliage. Now considered More yellow than
10-15m tree with bnght yellov
to be identical to ‘Argenteovariegata’ (see p. 51) “Albo-spica’. Holland, 1968 =m
4¢ ) England,
WNGle q 1975
fale : shoot tips. Holland, 1931.
wth: 1-5-12 variable.
diness: 50-70%.
ice: 1.

‘Elegantissima’
A conical tree with more
than one cultivated origin.
It is greenish in summer
Green Hedger’ and golden-yellow in Ti
Densely conical, discovered in a winter. (Illustrated is a twig 74% Gay’ Mmige va
rursery in Surrey in 1939. from the William Barron 4 She y ‘ ih é se id 8
Formerly called “‘Westermanni’. thee WIKa)e Bel, SN rg) ;
‘Winston Churchill’ keeps its
‘Silver Tip’ has distinctly variegated
distinctive conical shape for at least
foliage. Selected in Holland before 1968.
20 years. England, 1965.

‘Slocock’
A conical tree. §
urea’ oa England, 1989. §
yw-growing and {7
mpact. Britain, @!
2:

Ellwood’s Gold’ Tamariscifolia

‘Chilworth Silver’
A distinctive but dull yellow slow-growing A domed 4-5m spreading bush with a
A slow-growing blue green
form of‘Ellwoodii’. England, compact upright tree. It is a mutation from dense canopy supported by bare multiple
stems. England, 1923.
HOWL, ‘Ellwoodii’ (p. 43) and only has i
semi-juvenile foliage. Britain, 1968.
 ‘Erecta
Filiformis’ Ly

‘Filiformis’ f ¥

‘Filiformis’ ‘Intertexta’ “Stewartii’

48
 DAWISOIN GY PIRSESSES

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars (continued) the others have probably come. ‘Stewartii’ is a subtle
yellow form changing to greenish-yellow in winter.
‘Filiformis’ is a curious tree from Belgium, described
The fronds of foliage are held more or less horizon-
in 1877, although several earlier introductions were
tally. It was cultivated by Stewarts Nursery, Bourne-
made. It is an open spreading tree over 10m in
mouth around 1900. ‘Green Spire’ is a fairly upright
height. The shoots hang down in long deep green
tree with yellowish-green young shoots. Its origins
tresses. In 1896 an upright stiff-twigged form of the
are curious. In the world conifer data pool its name 1s
same thing was produced in Germany and named
described as synonymous with “Green Pillar’. This
‘Erecta Filiformis’.
probably accounts for some of the variation often
Another ‘drooping’ cultivar is ‘Intertexta’ but it
found in that cultivar today (p. 51).
does not have filamentous foliage. Although young
‘Kestonensis’ is a plant surrounded by taxonomic
trees are usually conical and symmetrical, they may
intrigue. It originated around 1920 but the name was
eventually develop rogue branches which stick out
applied to different cultivars by several authors. The
sideways for no apparent reason. All the foliage turns
original plant was said to be a compact rounded bush
downwards at the extremities. This cultivar was pro-
and it was described and named in 1935. Subse-
duced in Worcester from 1872 but probably origi-
quently it was lost from cultivation and a new plant
nated at the Lawson Nursery in Edinburgh in 1869.
appeared which was described, quite differently, as a
Similar in many respects is “Pendula’ which has
compact form of ‘Ellwoodii’. The Reuthe Nursery
softer foliage and a more regular shape. Only the
at Keston in Kent later claimed this was not correct
shoot tips are strongly pendulous. It was first culti-
and the original plant was a dwarf form of‘Fletcher’
vated in 1870 and named in 1891. (p. 45). Some authorities dismiss the whole saga and
Three golden forms are illustrated here, “Lutea’ is
suggest the name should not be used at all.
the standard bright yellow type from which most of
Growth: 2-6-20. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.

iif
Phat: 13, aes

‘Pendula’ ‘Kestonensis’
‘Green Spire’
49
‘Pembury Blue’
‘Pembury Blue’
leaves enlarged

*“Merrist
Wood’

‘Pembury Blue’ “Argenteovariegata’ “Lutea Smithii’ “Merrist Wood’

50
 DAW S@INIGY RIRES SES

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars (continued) creamy-white variegation on grey-green foliage. It

arose in the Lawson Nurseries in Edinburgh, Scot-
Of the glaucous cultivars ‘Pembury Blue’, named
land, in 1875.
in 1968, has become a popular garden tree in a
‘Green Pillar’, originally produced by Hoggers
relatively short time. It was developed by the Jack-
Nursery in England and named ‘Hogger’, is a conical
man Nursery in Surrey in 1965. The foliage is
tree with vertical foliage which is yellowish in spring
silvery-blue in the first year darkening to grey-blue
and green later on. It was cultivated around 1960 but
ater the second year. The outline of the tree
renamed in 1965 as ‘Green Pillar’. Another cultivar
remains neat and conical for the first 20-30 years.
dating back to 1940 was already called “Green Pillar’,
A much older blue-grey form is ‘Fraseri’? which
probably named ‘Green Spire’ (p. 49) originally, so
was cultivated by Lombarts Nursery in Holland
individuals in cultivation today appear to vary
before 1887. The foliage, unlike ‘Pembury Blue’
depending on their origins.
stands vertically on the branches showing off flat
‘Merrist Wood’ is a green foliage tree similar to
sprays of light and darker grey. This is a big tree
the species but selected for its resistance to the root-
and old specimens are often seen in landscaped
rotting disease Phytophthera, which can be a serious
parks and arboreta. killer of Lawson Cypress. Merrist Wood is an agri-
‘Naberi’ is a 1929 Dutch selection, finally named
cultural college in southern England.
in 1949. It is a variegated form which is not easy to
‘Lutea Smithii) was produced in Derbyshire
separate on the ground from many other similar-
around 1898. In full sun it is perhaps a little brighter
looking variegated plants. The foliage is dull green
than most other ‘golden’ forms of Lawson Cypress.
with yellow shoot tips which become pale creamy-
Probably this is because the foliage tends to be more
grey in winter. The tree is usually conical but it
tightly packed than it is on ‘Lutea’ and ‘Aurea’. Some
does not grow vigorously and is slow to recover if
authorities still list this clone as “Smithi’ but this is a
inadvertently damaged.
confusing mistake because two trees were listed as
The Dutch cultivar ‘Stardust’ varies from season
‘Smithii’ for a time, the other being “Darleyensis’.
to season. It produces yellow spring growth, on a Both of these cultivars were created by Smith’s
deep green background, which becomes bronze Nursery at Darley Dale.
later in the year. The much older clone “Argenteo- Growth: 2-6-20 variable. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.
variegata’ is a strong-growing cultivar with

.
‘Fraseri
='9) ‘Stardust’
‘Green Pillar’
Sawara Cypress

‘Squarrosa Aurea’ \\
AS

“Squarrosa’ *Plumosa’
 FEUNILASIE, (CNARDIRIE SSEnS

Sawara Cypress Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera’ is a small conical tree with spreading
branches and a pendulous elongated form of adult
Ultumately this is a large tree; specimens 50m tall
foliage. It was introduced to England from Japan in
have been recorded in its native Japan. In cultivation,
1861. A golden type ‘Filifera Aurea’ was cultivated
where it is seldom seen as the true species, most
in England in 1889. It is very slow-growing and
specimens do not achieve half this height. It was needs good light to produce its characteristic golden
introduced to England in 1861 by Robert Fortune, threads offoliage. ‘Gold Spangle’ is a sport of *Fili-
the former gardener at the Chelsea Physic Garden in fera Aurea’ produced in Holland around 1900. The
London. From seed young Sawara Cypress plants
foliage is partly adult and partly plumose, a good
pass through three stages of juvenility. Each of these example of the unstable nature of this species and
is marked by a different kind of foliage, from an ini- showing how it is also able to regress to a semi-
tial squarrose (feathery) form, to a plumose, compact, juvenile state. A more recent golden form is
soft, acutely spiky form to the final adult scaly leaves. ‘Strathmore’ described in 1975. This may actually
Even these are not always of one single type. Some be identical to the lost cultivar “Aurea Nana’ (1891),
individuals remain fixed in either of the first stages of which is supposed not to be in cultivation. It is a
development, giving rise to numerous cultivars. bushy plant with green and yellow adult foliage.
‘Squarrosa’ is a common tree up to 25m tall from ‘Plumosa’, described in 1867, is a Japanese tree with
Japan. It was described in 1844 and introduced, to
all-juvenile foliage. It was introduced to Bnitain from
Belgium, in 1861. The soft spiny juvenile foliage is Japan by John Gould Veitch. The very soft foliage
bunched on long spreading branches. Although the
becomes dense and eventually thick ‘mats’ of live and
red-brown stem is usually straight, the conical out- dead material build up among the branches making
line becomes open and untidy with age. Patches of them prone to snow damage. There are many named
brown dead foliage frequently appear. There are ‘Plumosa’ clones of every shape and size. Several culti-
numerous named ‘Squarrosa’ cultivars of every size, vars so-called by plant breeders have progressed, years
shape and colour from silvery-green to yellow later, to adult foliage, making their names invalid.
(‘Squarrosa Aurea’). Growth: 3-8-30. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 2 (cvs).
Wood: 1, 2 (species)

‘Filifera’
leaf detail

‘Filifera Aurea’
Sawara Cypress
53
 Chamaec) paris
thyoides
‘Varie gata’

Taiwan
Cypress

“Variegata y

cones

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
White Cypress
“‘Variegata’ White Cypress
old tree
bark
 FPAILISIE, (CWIPIRUESS
IES

Nootka Cypress Chamaecyparis nootkatensis White Cypress Chamaecyparis thyoides

Also. known as Xanthocyparis nootkatensis and Also known as White Cedar and in America
Cupressus nootkatensis, this incredibly hardy tree Swamp-cedar, this 15-27m tree has a straight stem,
extends northwards from Oregon into Alaska to slender crown and short horizontal branches. It
61°N. In the south of the range it grows up to an grows on wet peaty acid soils usually in swampy con-
altitude of 1800m. It occurs either as pure dense for- ditions close to the North American coast from cen-
ests or mixed with other forest conifers such as Sitka tral Maine south to northern Florida and Mississippi.
Spruce (p. 191) and Mountain Hemlock (p. 197). It In cultivation its branches spread more widely than
is a big 30m straight tree with a symmetrical conical in the wild. It was introduced by Peter Collinson in
outline and a deeply fluted stem. Nutrient require- 1736. The cultivar ‘Glauca’ was first described in
ments are low but a good supply of moisture 1s essen- 1847 but new blue-green seedlings continue to
tial. This species was discovered by Archibald occur. Finally ‘Wariegata’ is an 1831 Insh cultivar
Menzies between 1791 and 1793. It was sent to described in 1855. It has occasional small bright yel-
Hamburg and Leningrad around 1850 and arrived in low patches among the foliage.
Britain from Germany in 1853. The medium-sized Growth: 1-3-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3.

cultivar of it “Wariegata’ has cream-coloured shoots

scattered throughout the foliage. It was produced Taiwan Cypress Chamaecyparis formosensis
around 1873 in Germany but the original clone is In Taiwan this is a huge forest tree up to 65m tall. It
probably no longer in cultivation. “Pendula’ is as grows in mountainous areas at 1000-2900m in cen-
large as the species but less symmetrical with lax pen- tral and northern parts of the island. Ancient speci-
dulous branch tips. There are several different clones mens exist which are said to be over 1000 years old.
in cultivation and new pendulous seedlings continue In cultivation it is generally a small to medium-sized
to appear. tree with open spreading branches and a broad coni-
Growth: 2-5-30. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3. cal outline. The scratchy green foliage darkens and
becomes bronzed in the winter.
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.

cone

cone

leaf detail

White Cypress ‘Pendula’

Taiwan Cypress
young tree bark
 cones

Hinoki Cypress “Crippsii’

56
 UAE Ss @AVaRIRUE
SS Ens

Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa rather open flat sprays of yellow foliage. A much
brighter yellow tree, ‘Crippsii’, has dense foliage but
In its native Japan this is one of the most highly
is slow-growing. This cultivar was raised in England
respected forest trees. Its wood is usually reserved for
before 1899 and named in 1901.
fine furniture and lacquer work. It is also used for top
‘Lycopodioides’ is a peculiar bush or small rather
quality house interiors and for Shinto temples. It
gaunt tree with widely spaced out branches and trun-
grows in mixtures, with spruces and Zelkova serrata
cated tufts of distorted green foliage. It was intro-
(p. 415), or sometimes in pure stands which occur
duced to the west by Philipp von Siebold in 1861.
from sea level to 1500m in altitude. It is hardy to
Several surviving early plants appear to have been
-40°C and resistant to snow damage. The outline is
grafted on to Lawson or Hinoki Cypress rootstocks
broadly conical when grown in the open. Eventually
which vastly outgrow the ‘Lycopodioides’ scion.
it becomes ragged when trees become ancient. Most
‘Tetragona Aurea’ is another plant with trun-
of the flexible horizontal branches are relatively thin
cated mossy foliage. It was introduced around 1870
so the wood contains very few large knots. Since its
and is thought to be a golden-leaved sport from the
introduction to horticulture in 1861 a vast number of
‘Fernspray Cypress’, ‘Filicoides’. The cultivar *Fili-
cultivated forms have been developed from it. These
coides’ itself is usually only a bushy plant with an
now far outnumber the true species except in Japan.
irregular outline. The short green foliage resembles
Many are slow-growing dwarf forms which resemble
some species of club-moss. It too was introduced to
bonsai plants.
Germany from Japan by Philipp von Siebold around
Golden Hinoki Cypress ‘Aurea’ was sent to Eng-
1860.
land from Japan by Robert Fortune in 1860. Origi-
Growth: 3-6-20 (40 in native region). Hardiness: 90%.
nally it was called “Argentea’ but the name was Choice: 2 (cs), 3 (species). Wood: 1, 2, 3 (species).
changed to ‘Aurea’ in 1862. It is a conical tree with

‘Lycopodioides’ ‘Lycopodioides’ ‘Filicoides’

 4
iqit
iy
¥
\

‘Haggerston Grey’ “Naylor’s Blue’ ‘Robinson’s Gold’

 [ENYA Ds GEIR
SS Eis

Leyland Cypress x Cupressocyparis leylandii The golden leylandii ‘Castlewellan’ (often wrongly
called ‘Castlewellan Gold’) was produced in North-
The parents of this intergeneric hybrid, Chamaecyparis
ern Ireland in 1962. Its parentage is slightly different
nootkatensis (p. 55) and Cupressus macrocarpa (p. 67), are
from other green clones, in so far as golden cultivars
American species but the cross does not appear to
of both parents were used to produce it. Although
have occurred in America. The natural ranges of the
young plants may be stunted and ‘bronzed’ by cold
species do not overlap. Leyland Cypress originated,
weather this is a strong-growing tree which is likely
quite by accident, in central Wales on two occasions,
to reach formidable heights.
in 1888 and in 1911. It is a fast-growing plant which
‘Naylor’s Blue’ is another original 1911 plant. It 1s
resembles the Cupressus macrocarpa parent but 1s more
a compact tree with a dark slightly blue-grey appear-
hardy. Genetic instability within the plant has resulted
ance.
in numerous variations. A lucrative bonus for keen
Probably the best variegated form of leylandii is
eyed nurserymen. The green forms are particularly
‘Silver Dust’, raised in America in 1976 as a sport of
large trees, over 36m tall, which produce very durable
‘Leighton Green’. The foliage is evenly marked with
timber. However, clonal forests of dense leylandii are
creamy white. ‘Golconda’, which is a bright yellow
probably unacceptable in the natural environment,
form of ‘Haggerston Grey’, was raised in England in
being hostile to wildlife and ground vegetation.
1977. So far it seems to keep its colour well and is
‘Haggerston Grey’ was one of the first clones to
moderately hardy. In the same year a new Irish
be developed in 1888 although it was not named
golden form, ‘Robinson’s Gold’, was developed. It
until 1964. The open, rather lax, foliage is green with
is a neat conical tree but does not have such bright
a greyish cast. ‘Leighton Green’ a 1911 Welsh plant
yellow foliage as ‘Golconda’ or ‘Castlewellan’.
(also known as clone 11) has more compact glossy Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 5-20-40. Hardiness: 50-60%.
green foliage. It is widely used for evergreen Wood: 2, 3.
hedging.

\
‘Golconda’
‘Castlewellan’
‘Silver Dust’
 cone

West Himalayan )
Cypress

Kashmir
Cypress fr

a) SS alt
HAND
AA
aN
PN
Myi
yal) iy
West Himalayan Cypress Gowen Cypress Kashmir Cypress
\ oung tree
60
 (CNA SSIES

West Himalayan Cypress Cupressus torulosa Kashmir Cypress Cupressus cashmeriana

Although its natural range in Nepal, Tibet and Closely related to the West Himalayan Cypress and
north-west India extends to 3300m, this species 1s presumed to have come from Kashmir, this popular
not particularly hardy in cultivation. In northern conservatory plant has no known wild origin. Its
regions it often looks sick, with brown and yellowish strongly pendulous sea-green foliage is very distinc-
fronds among its naturally drooping foliage. The best tive, particularly when growing under glass and free
specimens are around 20m tall with a columnar out- of any environmental stress. Unfortunately it is capa-
line and conical top. On old trees the dull brown ble of rapidly reaching 20m in height and will out-
bark peels off in vertical strips. Clusters of bluish- erow all but the grandest greenhouses. First
green 1.5m cones ripen in the autumn to bloomed cultivated in 1862, it was described in 1867.
chestnut brown. The species was introduced to the Growth: 4-9-20. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.
west in 1824 but has never become popular in culti-
vation. Chinese Weeping Cypress Cupressus funebris
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 3. There is still taxonomic controversy about this Chi-
nese tree. Some authorities place it in the genus Cha-
Gowen Cypress Cupressus goveniana maecyparis because of its flat scaled foliage and small
This rather sombre narrow dark green tree grows up number of seeds in each 2cm cone. Unlike Chamae-
to 20m in height. It has grey brown rough flaky bark cyparis though the seeds take two years to ripen.
which is mostly hidden by the dense strongly scented Growth is erect but the fronds of foliage hang down,
foliage. The globose glossy brown cones are 1.5cm a feature which is accentuated with age. Young
across. This species was named in 1849 in honour of plants have juvenile foliage in short spiky glaucous-
James Gowen, a notable British rhododendron grey tufts, quite unlike the adult form. This tree, also
grower. Its natural range extends along the coastal known as “Mourning Cypress” was introduced to
mountain ranges of central and northern California. the west in 1894. Although it has a long history of
The variety pygmaea, Mendocino Cypress (see p. 65) cultivation in Chinese religious sites it remains rare in
is smaller, but by no means a dwarf as the name sug- cultivation and will only grow in mild areas.
gests. Its natural range is limited to Mendocino Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
County on the Pacific coast of North America.
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.

form of juvenile
leaves

: leaf detail
Kashmir Cypress Chinese Weeping Cypress
old tree 61
 cone

hy Mexican Cypress

leaf detail

F leat detail
Mexican Cypress
*“Glauca Pendula’
 @YRREESSIES

Mexican Cypress Cupressus lusitanica Piute Cypress Cupressus nevadensis

Also known as “Cedar of Goa” this large tree, often Named as a species in 1919 this desert plant from the
over 20m tall, occurs in central Mexico, Guatemala Piute Mountains in the Sierra Nevada is now consid-
and Honduras. Its complicated history is reflected in ered to be a variety of Cupressus arizonica. The fohage
its unexpected mixture of names. It was thought by is silver-grey with tiny clear or reddish secretions of
some to have originated in Portugal, hence the name resin all over it. Now rare in cultivation, it is fairly
Lusitanica and the reference to Goa, a former Portu- tender and difficult to grow.
guese colony in western India. The introduction Growth: 2-5-15. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 4, 5.
dates are also complex, the first recorded date,
around 1640, was probably only to Portugal. General Sargent Cypress Cupressus sargentit
cultivation elsewhere appears to have been from This medium-sized tree comes from the coastal moun-
1682. The species was eventually described in 1768. tain ranges of Mendocino, Colusa and Santa Barbara
The cultivar ‘Glauca’ has bluish-green foliage. Counties in California. It is closely related to Cupressus
The original clone, introduced in 1910, was said to goveniana (p. 61) and intergrades with Cupressus macnabt-
have originated either in Portugal or in Montserrat in ana. The species name, published in 1909, commemo-
the West Indies. New glaucous seedlings from differ- rates the American dendrologist Charles Sprague
ent origins frequently occur. There is a beautiful Sargent. Narrow-crowned or wide-spreading trees
weeping blue form, ‘Glauca Pendula’, first culti- occur, but the foliage is always glaucous-green and res-
vated by the Hillier Nurseries in 1925. inous. The bark is thick and fibrous with vertical fis-
The variety benthamii, “Bentham Cypress” is a sures.
regional variation from north-east Mexico. It was Growth: 3-6-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1, 3.
named and described in 1867 but has been in cultiva- Wood: 3, 4, 5.
tion since 1838. The outline is narrow and conical
with foliage in flattened lacy fronds.
Growth: 3-6-20. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3.

narrow form
Sargent Cypress
Piute Cypress
63
 young
4g, ,cone

closed cones

Golden’

Santa Cruz
Cypress

Italian Cypress “Green “Swane’s

old tree Pencil’ Golden’
64
 CGYTIRESSES

Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens foliage is grey-green or blue-green on some indi-

viduals and held in thin slender bunches. Cones,
The natural range of Italian Cypress extends from the around 3cm across, are distinctly spiny and often stay
north-east coast of the Mediterranean to Iran in the on the tree in clusters for several years.
east and as far as Tunisia in the south. It has been cul-
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3.
tivated for its fragrant and moth repellent timber and
as an ornamental tree in horticulture all round the
warm temperate world, especially in its narrow form
Morphologically very little separates trees from Cali-
(Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta). In ideal conditions
fornia and from Mexico. This is a 20m tree with
huge trees 45m tall have been recorded. In Cyprus
strong green foliage. It only grows in the Santa Cruz
and Crete specimens of the variety horizontalis grow
Mountains and was named originally in 1948 but its
to over 30m. Introductions were made all over
status was re-examined in 1970 when it was re-
Europe before 1500 and trees now grow in sheltered
classified as a variety of Cupressus goveniana.
localities as far north as Edinburgh. Plants have often
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3.
been collected in Israel and planted in the grounds of
religious establishments world-wide. Tecate Cypress Cupressus forbesii
The cultivar ‘Swane’s Golden’ is a beautiful clear yel- In 1922 this rare tree from the mountains of south-west
low-coloured tree with good vertical form. It was devel- California was named and described. Since, it has been
oped in Sydney, Australia around 1944 and described in re-classified as a variety of Cupressus guadalupensis (1970).
1959. ‘Green Pencil’ which was orginally called
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3.
‘Greenspire’ is one of the best selections of the upright
variety stricta. It was raised by the Hillier Nurseries.
Cuyamaca Cypress
Growth: 3-6-45. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 2, 3.
Cupressus arizonica var. stephensonii
Guadalupe Cypress Cupressus guadalupensis
Named in honour of J. Bert Stephenson from the US
From Mexico, this tender 20m tree was first de- Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, this rare
scribed in 1879. In Mexico it is called Tecate Cypress tree comes from the mountainous areas of southern
but confusingly so is the closely related Cupressus California. Originally thought of as a true species in
forbesii. The outline is more or less oval with strongly 1948 it was reduced to variety status in 1966.
upswept branches and a rounded top. The aromatic Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 2, 3.

Tecate Cypress Cuyamaca Cypress

Mendocino Cypress 65
(see p. 61)
 = = ~ eo ~ o ral O a Q ~ vo a a

cones

old bark

*“Goldcrest’

‘Lutea’ young tree Monterey Cypress

native spreading torm

66
 CY RIRESSES

Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa salinity in the soil, so it is valuable as a wind break
close to the sea. Its main claim to fame, however, 1s
The limited natural distribution of this species is of
that it is one parent of the ubiquitous Leyland
special interest. It occurs only around Monterey on
Cypress (p. 59).
the Pacific coast of California and on Guadalupe
Golden Monterey Cypress ‘Lutea’ is a large tree
Island. Following the retreating ice after the last gla-
with yellow tipped fronds of foliage. Individuals over
ciation it failed to migrate any further northwards
25m in height are known with massive rough pale
because of the geography of these areas. Conse-
grey stems over 70cm thick. It was produced by
quently it is now in a region which is very hot and
Dicksons Nursery at Chester in 1893 and named in
dry, so growth is stunted and slow. When seed is
1896.
taken from these unfortunate bushy plants (illus-
Growth: 3-7-25. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3.
trated) and grown in cool moist areas of the world
large, straight, luxuriant trees over 25m tall are often
produced. There are also two stunted golden forms both called
The first introductions were in 1838. Seed was ‘Horizontalis Aurea’ which originated in Australia
sent to Europe from Russia, then direct imports from around 1873 and were named in 1898. The ‘second
California were made by Karl Hartweg the head gar- form’ (illustrated) can eventually grow quite tall if
dener at Schwetzingen in Germany, who collected not pruned back. In Ireland ‘Donard Gold’ was pro-
plants for the Royal Horticultural Society in Lon- duced before 1940. It is a beautiful greenish-gold
don. In Britain many huge trees were killed by freak plant with upswept fronds of vigorous foliage. The
cold weather in the 1970s. Only specimens growing brightest of all golden foliage, however, occurs on
close to the coast survived. It is potentially a produc- the English cultivar ‘Goldcrest’ described in 1948
tive timber tree although the heavy branches do pro- and produced by Treseder Nurseries of Truro in
duce large defects and spoil the form of some stems. Cornwall.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
As a living tree it withstands salt spray and some

‘Goldcrest’ ‘Donard Gold’

‘Horizontalis Aurea’
67
 Smooth-barked Rough-barked

EEA

aera

OUTST

tn
ie
.

‘Pyramid d lis’
>
*“Conica Rough -barked Cy press

68
 GARE Ses

Smooth-barked Arizona Cypress Rough-barked Cypress Cupressus arizonica

Cupressus glabra Although closely related to Cupressus glabra this rare
From central Arizona in the USA this tough, 18m species in cultivation has a wide natural distribution
tall tree prefers dry conditions. Its waxy blue-green from Texas to New Mexico and Arizona. It is a
foliage is designed to keep transpiration to an abso- mountain side tree with greener foliage, a straight
lute minimum. Although it is able to grow in hot 20m stem and a neat conical outline. In tree collec-
semi-desert conditions it is also able to withstand tions it is often confused with Cupressus glabra and
severe cold. In Europe it will grow as far north as intermediate forms almost certainly exist.
lowland Scotland. The exact date of introduction Growth: 2-6-20. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.
and precise identity are uncertain. In America, since
1966, it has only been given variety status and
Patagonian Cypress Fitzroya cupressoides
regarded as part of the Cupressus arizonica alliance.
The original species designation was given to it in This South American tree was discovered by Euro-
1910 by George Sudworth of the US Forest Service. peans during Charles Darwin’s epic 1834 voyage in
Seeds arriving in Britain from the Arnold Arboretum the Beagle. The genus name commemorates Captain
in the USA as early as 1882 were probably of this FitzRoy of the British Navy. In its natural habitat
species. huge trees were found with stems up to 290cm in
A superior dense foliage type called ‘Pyramidalis’ diameter and heights up to 48m. Some individuals
was selected by the Hillier Nurseries in 1928. There are thought to be 3000 years old. The first live mate-
is also a fine ornamental form “Conica’ which has a rial to reach Europe was collected by Wiliam Lobb
narrow outline and thin lacy grey foliage. Growers in 1849. It is still rare in cultivation and grows slowly
recently have been clipping glaucous forms of Ari- except in high rainfall areas. Snow bends down the
zona Cypress into topiarian pot plants. In this unfor- flexible stems and branches of young trees and many
tunate state they produce abundant sulphur-yellow become permanently deformed. This is a very orna-
male flowers in late winter. mental plant and it may have some potential in com-
Growth: 2-6-18. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3. mercial forestry perhaps as a good, long-lived hardy
Wood: 1, 2, 3. alternative to Lawson Cypress (p. 41).
Growth: 2-8-25. Hardiness: 40%. Choice wines.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.

iA
Ml a
7fon

Patagonian Cypress

69
 } flowers

seedling

# underside

Common Juniper Scottush form

70
 JUNIPERS

Common Juniper Juniperus communis ‘Seil Island’ for example is good west Scottish stock
but it is not officially registered as a cultivar and has
This species has transglobal distribution in the north
no reason to be. ‘Graciosa’ is a Dutch selection
temperate and sub-Arctic zones. It is extremely vari-
made before 1968. It is a shrubby bush with pale
able, due mostly to the particular environment in
ereen foliage.
which it originated. Wild specimens are often pros-
The Swedish Juniper (Juniperus communis f. sue-
trate but when taken into cultivation they resume
cica) is native in Scandinavia. It is an upright 10m tall
normal upward growth. Only the subspecies alpina
tree with dense foliage usually obscuring the whole
and depressa have compact dense foliage which does
stem. The shoot tips extend unevenly or may droop
remain constant when plants are moved to another
slightly. This form, often listed as a cultivar, was first
environment. The foliage of Common Juniper 1s
introduced to horticulture in 1768. The Irish Juni-
entirely juvenile. It consists of silver-backed Icm
per ‘Hibernica’ is a cultivar or more precisely a sin-
sharp spiny leaves set in whorls of three along the
gle clone. It has Irish origins but was actually raised
shoot. The berries are 5-6mm across ripening to
by Loddiges Nursery in 1858. Its growth is strictly
bloomed purplish-black in two or three years.
upright, resulting in a tight narrow column of com-
Ancient specimens several hundred years old are
pact blue-green foliage over 5m tall. Unfortunately
known. Trees will grow on the most hostile acid
old specimens tend to fork and produce several
ground that it is possible to find but they will also
leading shoots. Eventually snow or wind pulls these
thrive equally well on dry chalky soils.
apart to reveal unsightly dead foliage inside the
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 2, 3.
plant. ‘Pyramidalis’ is similar to “Hibernica’ raised
by Hermann Hesse in Germany in 1908 and listed
Juniperus communis forms and cultivars by him as a variety. The antithesis of Insh Juniper 1s
The world conifer database lists around 170 named the cultivar ‘Oblonga Pendula’, an unpredictable
types of Common Juniper. Many of these are poor semi-pendulous tree reminiscent of Juniperus rigida
horticultural specimens which are replicated within (p. 75). It appeared in cultivation in Britain in 1838
the natural wild population. Many bear the names of but is seldom seen now.
nurserymen or locations where they were collected. Growth: 2-4-8 variable. Hardiness; 90-100%. Choice: 1, 3.

‘Oblonga
Pendula’

Swedish Juniper ‘Hibernica’

7
 detail of
juvenile leaves

‘Leeana’

Chinese Juniper
. $ ‘
Keteleeri
a
‘Leeana’
a9
bushy specimen
 JUNIPERS

Chinese Juniper Juniperus chinensis The name ‘Variegata’ now covers a whole range of
old named forms such as ‘Argentea’ and ‘Albovari-
Across its extensive range in China, Mongolia and
egata’. Unfortunately many of the old names
Japan this species occurs in many forms and sizes,
referred to plants of quite different kinds and their
from narrowly conic to flattened and shrubby. The
original identity has been lost. Some had upright
juvenile and adult leaves usually occur together but
ascending shoots, others were slow-growing and
on separate male and female plants. In some indi-
bushy. Only cuttings with some yellow leaves on
viduals only juvenile or only adult foliage can be
them will perpetuate variegation. ‘Aurea’ is an old
found. This plant was first cultivated in the west
cultivar raised in England in 1855 and named in
before 1767 but it has been re-introduced many
1865. It has golden tipped shoots in full light, but
times since then from different locations.
may suffer from sun scorch. ‘Kaizuka’ is a female
Growth: 2-6-18. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
Japanese plant first sent to America around 1920 and
Wood: {lee woke
called the Hollywood Juniper. In addition to its dis-
tinctive spiky foliage it produces violet-blue berries.
Juniperus chinensis cultivars
There is also a variegated form of it in cultivation.
Such a diverse geographic range produces a wide ‘Keteleeri’ is another female selection which pro-
variety of forms which nurseries have been quick to duces a shapely narrow conical tree. It was raised in
exploit. Furthermore because this species 1s dioecious Belgium around 1910. ‘Leeana’ is a male form but it
every new seedling has to be the product of two dif is no longer in cultivation. Finally ‘Obelisk’, which
ferent trees. Once selected, new plants are easy to is one of the best upright Chinese Junipers, has
raise from cuttings. ascending blue-green shoots but seldom exceeds 4m
‘Iowa’ named in 1948 is a female tree grown in height. An ideal tree for a garden or where space 1s
from seed at Iowa State College around 1937. restricted. The original plant was raised in Holland
‘Jacobiana’ was in cultivation before 1887 but it has from seed collected in Japan around 1930. It was
now become confused with more modern selec- named and introduced to the horticultural trade in
tions and the name is often misapplied to almost any 1946.
narrow, dense-leaved blue-green Chinese Juniper. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60-80%. Choice: 1.

‘Kaizuka’
‘Aurea’ ‘Jacobiana’ ‘lowa’
‘Obelisk’
variegated form
 t
J flow 7ETS

Temple Juniper
rey
a4

Syrian Juniper

Mexican

juvenile leaves

\
YA
“is
v

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= =
2S

Nl
>
ee

POA

0p ~

Grecian Juniper

Syrian Junipers
various forms
74
 JUNIPERS

Syrian Juniper Juniperus drupacea including plants that originated towards the northern
limit of the range in Texas. Trees 12m tall are known
The awl-shaped 2cm juvenile needles on this tree
but they are generally much less. The bark has attrac-
have viciously sharp points which will draw blood if
tive long narrow scales. Branches spread horizontally
touched. A good defence against browsing goats in
producing an uneven outline. This species has male
its native south-west Asia and south-east Europe.
and female flowers on the same tree but on separate
The species was described and named in 1791 and
branches.
brought into cultivation in 1854. It is hardy as far
Growth; 2-5-10. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
north as the British Isles. Although wild trees are
often ragged and even stunted, cultivated specimens
Grecian Juniper Juniperus excelsa
are mostly columnar with a single persistent but hid-
den stem. This is a small shapely tree or large shrub. Ancient
Growth: 2-6-18. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. specimens in Greece several hundred years old have
Wood: 1, 2, 3. become very picturesque. The aromatic foliage con-
sists of thin thread-like adult scale leaves. On female
trees the fruits, which take two years to ripen, are
9-12mm round berries that are deep purplish-brown
In Japan this is a sacred tree planted close to religious
with white bloom. The brown bark strips offin long
temples. Its natural range also includes Korea and
vertical ribbons. The species occurs in mountainous
northern China. Although perfectly hardy, the foli-
areas in south-west Europe, Asia Minor and the Cau-
age tends to brown off in winter. Temple Juniper
casus, occasionally as pure forest. It is perfectly hardy
was introduced to the west through the Veitch Nurs-
and was introduced into cultivation in 1806, after
ery in 1861.
being described and named in 1800. An upright form
Growth: 2-85-16. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 1.
‘Stricta’ has only juvenile foliage. In cultivation it is
often confused with Juniperus chinensis ‘Pyramidalis’.
Mexican Juniper Juniperus flaccida
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1, 3.
Also known as the Mexican Weeping Juniper this Wood: 1, 2, 3.
species has pendulous foliage often in long sprays of
adult scale leaves. It is fairly tender in cultivation,

fruit

Grecian Juniper
Temple Juniper
old Mediterranean tree
showing winter bronzing
 inner
surface

Drooping Juniper
var. COXii

astlewellan’

Wallich
Juniper

Drooping Juniper var. coxii Wallich Juniper juvenile leaves is -

76
 HINTS

Drooping Juniper Juniperus recurva Wallich Juniper Juniperus wallichiana

Also known as Himalayan Juniper, this variable 10m This species is still occasionally called Black Juniper
monoecious tree has a broad natural range extending which is the common name for Juniperus indica, a
eastwards to the Pacific coast and including Japan. It shrubby Himalayan bush. Wallich Juniper is a small
was introduced to the west through the Veitch Nurs- tree often with a regular conical outline and ascend-
ery in 1861 although it had been described in 1825. ing branches. The foliage is a mixture of juvenile and
It intergrades with Flaky Juniper (Juniperus squamata) adult leaves. Male and female flowers occur on the
where their natural distribution overlaps. Several cul- same tree. It was introduced in 1849 by Sir Joseph
tivars of recurva have been re-classified as squamata Hooker, director of Kew Gardens in London. The
and some confusingly appear to be hybrids between natural range extends into the Himalayan mountains
the two. but nevertheless it is a tender plant in cultivation.
The variety coxii is probably more familiar in culti- Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
vation than the species. It has a narrow conical out-
line, with a persistent straight stem, curved branches Prickly Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus
and open very lax shoots. The vertically peeling bark ‘Oil of Cade’, used to treat certain skin diseases, 1s
is greyish-orange. It occurs naturally in Burma and produced from the wood ofthis species. Large bushy
south-west China. examples of Prickly Juniper up to 14m tall, occur
An Irish cultivar ‘Castlewellan’ is a taller tree with from the north Mediterranean coast to western Asia.
filiform pendulous foliage described as ‘whip-like’ or The foliage resembles Common Juniper but is more
‘thread-like’. It was described and named in 1965. drooping. Male and female flowers occur on the
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. same tree. The red-brown berries are 10-12mm long
and take two years to ripen. It has been cultivated at
least since 1739 and was described by Linnaeus in
W52:
Growth: 2-7-14. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1, 3.

underside

fruit

Drooping Juniper

Prickly Juniper

77
 Western

(eo) S o seed Juniper

Alligator Juniper
old tree
 JUNIPERS

Alligator Juniper Juniperus deppeana One-seed Juniper /uniperus monosperma

The reddish-brown bark of this tree is divided into Also known as Cherrystone Juniper, this plant from
regular “chequer-board’ squares which resemble the south-east USA and Mexico is tender in cultivation. It
pattern of alligator skin. It is also the brightest is a dense shrub or small tree with grey-green adult
glaucous-green of any juniper, particularly when the foliage.
foliage is young. The conical outline gives way to a Growth: 1-4-8. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
flat or rounded stout specimen 20m tall at maturity.
It grows in the south-west USA and Mexico on dry
Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’
limestone hillsides with Ponderosa Pine (p. 241). This fast-growing narrow evergreen cultivar of the
The first cultivated plants appeared in Europe in Rocky Mountain Juniper was popular with garden-
1904 although the species had been described 64 ers and landscape planners almost from the day it was
years earlier. In 1946 a segregate variety (pachyplilaea) introduced in 1949. Of Dutch origin, it is a hardy
was suggested as the true Alligator Juniper but this substitute for Italian Cypress (p. 65) in cold countries
variety name is now considered to be invalid. and has grey-green foliage.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1. Growth: 5-15-ultimate size not yet achieved. Hardiness: 50%.
Wood: 1, 2, 3. Choice: Li

Flaky Juniper Juniperus squamata Juniperus x media

As a species this Asiatic plant is not well known in This hybrid between Chinese Juniper (p. 73) and _Juni-
cultivation but several of its cultivars are very popular perus sabina (Savin) a variable dwarf species, has resulted
garden plants. ‘Meyeri’ is an old 1914 favourite from in around 85 named cultivars and forms. “Blue and
a Chinese garden named in 1922 in honour of Frank Gold’ is a Dutch selection made in 1972 and named in
Meyer from the US Department of Agriculture. It is 1984. It has pretty blue-grey foliage splashed with
a vigorous ascending but dense shrub with deep cream shoot tips. Several former Juniperus x media culti-
glaucous green foliage. By contrast the variety fargesti vars are now classified as Chinese Junipers. “Blaauw’ is
is a slow-growing plant with drooping shoots cov- one, a vigorous shrubby rather untidy spreading bush
ered in dense apple green awl-shaped leaves. It was with feathery grey-blue adult foliage.
first cultivated outside China in 1908. Growth: 1-2-3. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 1-3-8. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. Western or Sierra Juniper Juniperus occidentalis
Identified in 1839, this rare tree in Europe is from
the mountains of western North America, particu-
larly California. It withstands severe dry conditions.

juvenile
leaves

‘Blaauw’

‘Blue and Gold’

‘Skyrocket’ Western Juniper
 adult leaves

‘Canaertii’

juvenile
leaves

Pencil juvenile ¥f
Cedar leaves
adult leaves *

unripe
fruit

) GIA iN
ea,"
NY
:
ety

‘Pseudocupressus’ Pencil Cedar “Cupressifolia’

old tree
80
 JUNIPERS

Pencil Cedar Juniperus virginiana profusion of blue berries. “Glauca’ is a French culti-
var, a columnar form with silvery-green, mostly
Although somewhat variable this tree is usually
adult, foliage. It was first cultivated and described in
straight-stemmed and neatly conical when young. In
1855. ‘Globosa’ is an 1891 German clone, a dwarf
old age the horizontal branches may extend outwards
rounded compact plant consisting almost entirely of
in a haphazard way. The bark is very colourful and
adult leaves. ‘Burkii’ is a very good ornamental form
shreds into long vertical strips. The deep green foli-
with a straight stem and ascending branches. The
age is mostly the adult scaly type, but strangely very
foliage is silvery blue-green in summer and
old trees tend to produce a preponderance of 10mm
purplish-brown in winter. It was produced in the
prickly juvenile leaves. Male and female flowers
USA around 1932 and originally called ‘Burk Red
appear on the same tree and the fruit, dark blue
Cedar’.
glossy 6mm oval berries, ripen in one year. This spe-
Two Pencil Cedars have been named ‘Cupressi-
cies, as the name suggests, comes from eastern and
folia’ one in 1932 and another in 1946 (illustrated).
central North America, from Canada to Florida and
It has compact ‘whip-cord’ foliage and a dense coni-
westward to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It
cal outline. Finally ‘Pendula’ which is now a group
was introduced into cultivation before 1664 and
name for several similar clones. These have arisen as
named by Linnaeus in 1753.
seedlings and sports since 1852. The name covers
There are a large number of cultivated forms of
several elegant small and medium-sized trees with
Pencil Cedar many of which are blue-grey upright
pendulous branch tips although the main limbs are
trees. ‘Pseudocupressus’ named in 1932, is one of
upright or arched.
the best of these. It was raised in France and has all
Growth: 3-7-25. Hardiness (species): 80-90%. Choice: 1 (cvs),
juvenile foliage. ‘Canaertii’ is a Belgian clone raised 2 (species). Wood: 1, 2, 3 (species).
in 1868. It is a compact bright green tree bearing a

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weet. ye “WH .
= w
* Big e ws
OO

‘Canaertii’ ‘Pendula’
‘Burkii’
 Western
Red Cedar

“Fastigiata’ ‘ Western Red Cedar

 REEDE GiE DIAIRSS

Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata is ‘Fastigiata’, also grown as ‘Stricta’. In time the
upright branches droop under the weight of dense
Cedarwood garden sheds, greenhouses and other
foliage and those which meet the ground often take
outbuildings all come from the wood ofthis rot resis-
root. Eventually a ring of layered trees can be pro-
tant tree. In America even roof tiles (shingles) are tra-
duced round the original plant. All Western Red
ditionally made from it. It is a very large
Cedars are capable of doing this. Rings of trees often
straight-stemmed forest tree up to 60m tall in its
remain after the original has gone.
native western North America. It has a split distribu-
There are several golden foliage forms although in
tion on either side of the Rocky Mountains from
Thuja this is never a radiant colour. The most popu-
south-east Alaska to north-west California and from
lar is ‘Zebrina’ selected in Britain in 1923. It has
south-east British Columbia to Montana. American
pretty zebra stripes of green and pale yellow across
Indians made totem poles and ‘dug-out’ war canoes
the fronds of scale leaves. Eventually it makes a big
from Western Red Cedar. The inner bark is fibrous,
tree over 20m tall and thrives in a whole range of soil
like lime bark, and was used for blankets, clothing,
and site types. ‘Zebrina Extra Gold’ is an improved
rope and even thatching. See p. 261 for cone.
form of it developed in 1987 in Ireland. It is some-
Growth: 7-15-40. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
times found in collections still labelled with the
Woodsal. 3.
invalid name ‘Irish Gold’. Probably the strongest
golden foliage colour Thuja can produce is on the
Thuja plicata cultivars
vigorous cultivar ‘Aurea’ produced in France in
The species was introduced into cultivation in 1853 1868. This too is ultimately a fairly large tree which
by William Lobb, having been discovered in the is seldom seen in cultivation now. The dwarf form
1790s and described in 1824. An early cultivar with a ‘Stoneham Gold’ is much more popular.
columnar outline like an evergreen Lombardy Poplar Growth: 4-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

‘Zebrina’

‘Zebrina’
6
Aurea >
oe ‘es
 ‘Holmstrup Yellov

‘Spiralis’
White Cedar
 ReeDEG EIDE NSS

White Cedar Thuja occidentalis (see also p. 89) smaller golden plant is ‘Holmstrup Yellow’ which is
unlikely to exceed 4m in height. This garden cultivar
Also known as the American Arbor-vitae this hardy
originated in Denmark. It was discovered by Asger
species has a natural range extending from eastern
Jensen and described in 1965.
Canada to New York State. It is a good species on
The much larger cultivar ‘Spiralis’ is an interesting
poor swampy ground, which in cultivation makes it
slender conical tree up to 15m tall. It has short twigs
ideal for damp lowland sites. The shape of the tree is
and compact foliage, producing a spiral effect. The
usually slender with a straight buttressed stem. It only
exact origin of it is uncertain but it is believed to
grows to 15m, half the height of its western counter-
have come from the Atkins Nursery in New Jersey in
part in America. See p. 261 for cone.
1920. It was described in 1923.
Growth: 3-7-15. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3.
The cultivar ‘Fastigiata’ was originally produced
in Germany in 1865. However, it is unlikely that the
Thuja occidentalis cultivars (see also p. 89)
original plant is still in cultivation. In the nineteenth
There are approximately 300 named forms of White century there was considerable debate about what to
Cedar dating back to its early introduction to Europe call it. At one time the same plant had three or four
in 1536 and Britain around 1596. In 1891 ‘Douglasii different names depending upon which authority
Pyramidalis’ was obtained by the Spath Nursery in was consulted. Furthermore the fastigiate form
Germany from the Arnold Arboretum. In outline it comes true from seed so it is impossible to identify
is very like the species but has slightly shorter twigs present day specimens with any certainty.
and less vigour. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60-80%. Choice: 1.
‘Waxen’ also from the Arnold Arboretum in the
same year has greenish-yellow foliage in summer and Chinese Thuja Thuja orientalis see p. 89
drooping foliage. Before 1873 an early golden form
‘Bonita’ is a slow-growing cultivar with yellow foli-
‘Lutea’ was produced at Maxwell’s Nursery in New
age in spring, gradually fading to pale green.
York. It is another slender 10m tree with yellow foli-
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 2.
age in full light, which fades to green in shade. A

‘Bonita’
‘Spiralis’ ‘Fastigiata’
 De
baat

if
9

cone
under *

‘ >
Japanese Arbor-vitae Aurea
 RED CEDARS

Japanese Arbor-vitae Thuja standishii There are several cultivars of Hiba, although the
species is such a good tree that horticultural improve-
This 20-30m tall tree has a straight stem and wide
ment hardly seems justified. ‘Variegata’ is the most
spreading branches which ascend towards the
common, but the amount ofvariegation is often lim-
extremities. The foliage is lax and open always letting
ited and has to be searched for. ‘Aurea’ is a
some light shine through. In northern areas the
yellowish-green form developed in Britain in 1866.
young scale leaves are occasionally scorched by frost.
The back of the foliage has a lovely silver and gold
The name Arbor-vitae, means ‘Tree of Life’ and is
effect to rival the finest and most intricate jewellery.
also applied to many other Thujas. This species, from
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
central Japan, was introduced to the UK Standish
Wood: 2, 3.
Nurseries in 1860.
Growth: 5-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, Korean Thuja Thuja koraiensis
53.
Korean Arbor-vitae is a small tree, often only an
Hiba Thujopsis dolabrata untidy shrub in cultivation. At a glance the foliage
looks very ordinary, like other Thujas but shorter
This close relative of Korean Thuja is the only spe-
than most and somewhat thicker. However, when it
cies in a monotypic genus. It is often called False
is lifted up to reveal the underside it is far from ordi-
Arbor-vitae. The scale leaves are dark glossy green
nary. Each scale is bright silver outlined delicately in
with bright white markings on the underside. In its
pale green. Its native range is north and central Korea
native Japan it is a forest tree up to 30m tall. In culti-
where it was described in 1834. It appears to have
vation it is generally grown in isolation as a specimen
not reached western nurseries until 1917.
so its height is usually somewhat less. In an open Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
Growth: 3-6-12. Hardiness: 50%.
situation it makes a broad pyramid of dense foliage
reaching to the ground. Large bottom branches
appear to layer and then set off upwards again, as
happens with Western Red Cedar.

Korean Thuja

underside
 closed
f cone

Y
‘Filiformis’

Chinese Thuja
“Wareana Lutescens’ “Elegantissima’
88
 REEDE CEDARS

Chinese Thuja Thuja orientalis brownish or bronze in the winter. It was produced
by Rollinson’s Nursery in London around 1862.
This is usually a small tree not exceeding 15m in
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3.
height, often with multiple but fairly straight vertical
stems. The main ascending branches also subdivide
Thuja occidentalis cultivars (see also p. 85)
frequently to form a dense cylindrical evergreen
crown. Reddish-brown bark eventually exfoliates in In 1536 this tough subalpine 12-20m forest tree from
fibrous scales but it is usually hidden from view by Eastern Canada and the adjacent states of the USA
low branches. The dark green scaly leaves are diffi- was introduced to Paris, the first Thuja to reach
cult to distinguish from other Thujas but when Europe. Cedar oil is distilled from the twigs and vita-
crushed they do have a pungent scent, reminiscent of min C-rich tea was once brewed from the foliage.
pine resin and disinfectant. The small 1.5cm cones Although perfectly adapted to its hostile upland or
have about six scales with a peculiar extension on the swampy habitat in America, it has not been successful
end of each one shaped like a rhinoceros horn. The in European plantations, but it is represented in hor-
species is native to China, Japan, Manchuria and ticulture by many diverse cultivars.
Korea. It was brought into cultivation in 1752 and ‘Filiformis’ is a small bushy tree with filamentous
named, by Linnaeus in 1753. foliage which may be erect or bend outwards. It is
There are a large number of cultivars of Chinese easily confused with other plants with similar foliage
Thuja some of which are tender. ‘Flagelliformis’ has including the Chinese Thuja cultivars. This clone
thread-like foliage and was first described in 1837. was produced in Germany and described in 1901.
The original plant was often grown close to temples Another German cultivar is “Wareana Lutescens’
in Japan but it is probably no longer in cultivation. Its the golden version of ‘Wareana’ a small dense 7m
integrity has been eroded by other similar-looking tree named after G. Weare from Coventry. The
filamentous forms including new spontaneous seed- golden plant is compact with pale yellowish-green
lings which appear from time to time. ‘Elegantis- foliage first produced at the Hesse Nursery in 1884.
sima’ is a small columnar tree with golden-yellow These cultivars produce fertile seed so some devia-
foliage. This turns greenish-yellow in summer and tion from the original has been inevitable.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1.

‘Wareana Lutescens’
*Piliformis’
‘Elegantissima’
 74)
(eo)
flowers

underside

Coast Redwood sprouting burt

 De Ee Gay PRES Sa A MITY Taxodiaceae

Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervirens The foliage is of two sorts — scale leaves on the lead-
ing shoots and flat 1-2cm pointed needles in two ranks
The world’s tallest tree is a Coast Redwood, 112m
elsewhere. They are dark green above and greenish-
measured in 1988. It is thought to be 400-500 years
white on the undersides. Burrs form in the bark of
old. The largest number of rings counted on a cut
some individuals. These readily sprout when removed
stump is 2200. This species is able to re-grow from
from the tree and planted. See p. 261 for cone.
basal shoots when an original tree is broken or har-
There are over 25 named varieties of Coast Red-
vested, so root systems may be much older than the
wood. One of the best known is ‘Adpressa’ a
visible part of the tree. The native range is mostly on
French plant described in 1867 but now thought to
coastal alluvial soils from the extreme south-west
be a variant of ‘Albospica’ which only dates back to
corner of Oregon to central California, from sea level
1903 and was raised in Italy. It produces numerous
up to 900m. In this region it is possible for the forest
young creamy-white leafy shoot tips in spring.
trees to supplement their supplies of water by inter-
Although sometimes described as a ‘dwarf it would
cepting Pacific sea fog. Once extensive forests in that
certainly out-grow a small garden.
region are now much reduced by timber cutting.
Another good ornamental form is “Cantab’, a
The warm pinkish-brown wood is of high quality.
modern sport which occurred in the Cambridge
The reddish-brown bark is fibrous and spongy,
University Botanic Gardens in 1977. It has compact
divided up into soft vertical ridges and furrows. It is
foliage, and at first appeared to be diminutive, but
thick and heat resistant. Although not entirely fire-
most specimens have actually grown quite tall. A
proof it does resist forest ground fires sufficiently to
specimen in Kent for example has exceeded 14m
enable many trees to survive. This is a fire climax
(1997):
species which requires the heat offire to initiate cone
Growth: 4-18-40. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
opening and seed dispersal. It could be argued that food: 2, 3.
the US Forest Service, by their efficient fire preven-
tion procedures, are not actually helping conserva-
tion of this particular species.

‘Adpressa’ J
‘Cantab’

91
 3
flowers

jbo
dtte Ve %Wins AG
‘

eae.

pms.

seedling

i
ARE
Lt Wellingtonia

9?
 REDWOODS

Wellingtonia or Sierra Redwood cleansed of disease or predators and furnished with a

nutritious layer of wood ash.
Sequoiadendron giganteum
Growth: 4-20-50. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
This is one of the world’s largest, oldest (over 3200 Wood: 3.
years) and most impressive trees. It is well known for
its soft reddish-brown bark, huge stem thickness and Sequoiadendron giganteum cultivars
great height (up to 76m). Old parkland stems Out of many named varieties two are of special note.
develop great curving buttresses. If not grazed off, ‘Pendulum’ an 1871 French clone is a very curious
massive lower branches sweep down to the ground, form that is both fastigiate and pendulous at the same
layer, and then curve upwards again. Sometimes time. When growing upwards it is ridiculously narrow.
forming a complete ring of new trees. In natural con- So much so that it can not always support itself and
ditions along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, leans or falls, or has to be supported artificially. It then
this does not occur. Passing forest fires and suppres- seems content to produce curtains of very pendulous
sion have removed all traces of low branches leaving side shoots. An arched specimen at the Hillier Arbore-
bare cathedral-like columns supporting minimal tum in Hampshire is nicknamed ‘the carwash’. Follow-
tops. The dense evergreen foliage consists of overlap- ing this unpredictable life-style it can suddenly set offin
ping pointed scales which completely obscure the another direction, sideways or straight up.
shoots. The oval 5-7cm cones have flat ended scales. A more conventional Redwood is ‘Aureovarie-
They accumulate in bunches for several years on the gatumy’ raised in Ireland in 1856. It is a smaller coni-
tree waiting for hot enough conditions to crack them cal version of the species with golden-yellow shoots.
open. In nature forest fires, usually caused by light- At its best as a young tree it tends to develop a dis-
ning strikes, to which redwoods are particularly eased or nutrient-deficient look once the symmetri-
prone, produce this heat. Burning also ensures that cal shape is lost.
the competition is eliminated, the ground cleared,

‘Pendulum’ ‘Aureovariegatum’
Wellingtonia young tree
young tree
93
 eed
[awe
GE
ttitp

autumn

‘Elegans’ Japanese Cedar

bush form

94
 JAPANESE CEDARS

Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica Nursery. There are now several different clones
under this name in the nursery trade.
(see also p. 99)
‘Cristata’ is a peculiar form with fasciated foliage
This big 30-40m valuable forest tree has for many among otherwise normal shoots, giving it a
years been a fruitful source of ornamental cultivated deformed and quite unhealthy look. It may achieve
forms and varieties. In Japan 337 races were listed at 8m in height but is very slow-growing. It was
one stage. The species belongs to a monotypic genus imported from Japan to Germany as ‘Sekka-sugi’ in
occurring only in Japan and southern China. The 1900 and re-named “Cristata’ in 1901.
evergreen foliage is reduced to thin woody, awl- ‘Aurescens’ may be as close as this species comes
shaped, pointed scales up to 1.2cm long, completely to a golden form. It makes a small compact tree
obscuring the shoot. The bark is coppery-red exfoli- which is greenish-yellow darkening in the winter to
ating in fibrous vertical strips. See p. 261 for cone. lime green. It is of Dutch origin, developed by the
Growth: 3-8-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1 (cvs). Blijdenstein Pinetum in 1937 and named in 1949.
Wood: 1, 2, 3. ‘Yoshino’ is an upright form with pale green foli-
age which tends to ‘bronze’ in cold winters. The
Cryptomeria japonica cultivars
outline is columnar with a conical top and relatively
‘Elegans’ is an untidy bush or small tree up to 10m short even branches. It-is of Japanese origin raised in
tall. It has glaucous juvenile foliage which turns the Yokohama Nursery around 1928.
purple-brown in winter. In harsh winters quite ‘Pyramidata’ is a short rather ragged pyramidal
alarmingly because it looks half dead. The leaf scales tree which is usually very narrow. The foliage is
are extended to over 2cm long. They are pointed but similar to the species, glaucous to deep green, but
soft. This cultivar was imported to England from densely packed round the shoot. It was selected in
Japan in 1854 by Thomas Lobb for the Veitch France at the Paillet Nursery near Paris in 1891.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-50%. Choice: 1.

‘Pyramidata’
‘Aurescens’ ‘Yoshino’
 EN
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.
Ve
4

yen
+
y
F.
2

5 ,
*Viminalis “Compacta
old tree
96
 JAPANESE CEDARS

Cryptomeria japonica *Viminalis’ conical top until old age causes it to spread out. The
foliage is in dense clusters consisting of short, hard
(‘Lycopodioides’)
leaf scales that are blue-green. In old age the foliage
The European form ofthis cultivar (illustrated) is still thins out and is suppressed around the base, exposing
called ‘Lycopodioides’ but it should more properly multiple stems and untidy branches (illustrated). It is
be called “Viminalis’ which means ‘with long slen- a French selection raised near Paris in 1877 and
der shoots’. It has extended young growth, like named by Elie Abel Carriére, head gardener at the
lengths of cord 30cm or more long, but the plant is nursery of the Natural History Museum in Paris in
generally bushy and slow-growing. The leaf scales 1878. Confusingly this name was used again in Brit-
are short and tightly packed round the shoots. The ain in 1972 to describe a completely different
cultivar ‘Selaginoides’ raised at the Rovelli Nursery yellow-green bushy form growing at Wakehurst in
in Italy in 1923, but no longer distinguishable, is the Sussex.
same. The cultivar ‘Sekkan’ — the Japanese name means
The Japanese plant called “Lycopodioides’ is quite ‘snowcrowned’ which describes the creamy-white
different. It has tufted compact shoots and short tipped foliage — is of Japanese origin, but was raised in
branches. The leaf scales are densely arranged and America in 1970. As is so often the case with Crypto-
dark green. In Japan this plant is called ‘Ikari-sugi’ meria cultivars this form has been confused in horticul-
or ‘Kusari-sugi’ it was imported to the Mazel Nurs- ture with ‘Sekka-sugi’ which is actually a synonym for
ery in France and named in 1875. Due to the con- ‘Cristata’, quite a different plant with no variegation.
fusing situation with names in Europe the true Growth: 1-2-4 variable. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1.
Japanese ‘Lycopodioides’ (meaning ‘like a wolf's
foot’) is seldom available in the nursery trade.
‘Compacta’, in spite of its name, is a tree up to
15m tall with a cylindrical but open outline and

‘Sekkan’

‘Compacta’ ‘Compacta’
bark
 closed cone

Cryptomeria fortunei

underside

ye
YZ , 3

young cone

2 flower

WY
7%

y
q
yi)
4
Y

/ 4 Japanese Cedar ‘Lobbii’ Cryptomeria fortunei

ram Da)
parkland specimen old tree
 JAPANESE CEDARS

Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica particularly straight. It is only propagated by cuttings

(see also p. 95) so although the genetic base is narrow, all originating
from a single plant, the pedigree is very pure. Crypto-
This species is split between Japanese and Chinese meria japonica var. radicans deserves more attention
varieties. The Chinese form, which should be called from the forest industry in the western world. The
Cryptomeria fortunei, is found across central and potential for producing high quality straight soft-
southern China. It is a neat conical plant in its youth wood timber is good.
gradually opening out with age. Trees over 30m tall ‘Dacrydioides’ has foliage that is not bunched at
with straight stems are known. In many respects, the branch tips. The shoots are somewhat sinuous
red-brown vertically stripping bark for example, it 1s and spreading, but often forming a tangle of foliage.
very similar to the Japanese species. It was introduced It is a bushy plant usually green to the ground
in 1842 by Sir Edward Hume and named (as a variety because of the pendulous branches. In winter the
sinensis) in 1844. See p. 261 for cone. dark green foliage turns brown. This species origi-
‘Lobbii’ is a full-sized tree up to 30m tall, similar nated in Japan and was named by Elie Abel Carriere
to the species except for having ‘bunched’ foliage in Paris in 1867.
especially at the branch ends. It is as common and as ‘Pungens’ was sent to England in 1861 by Robert
magnificent in ornamental collections as the true spe- Fortune, who worked in Japan from 1860 with John
cies. The first plants were sent from Java to England Gould Veitch and Philipp von Siebold. It is a curious
by Thomas Lobb in 1853. dwarf form with compact, hard short-leaved foliage.
‘Ashio-sugi’ is another full-sized forest tree. It 1s The outline is usually conical unless damaged. The
actually a clone of the variety radicans which was deep green foliage does not go brown in winter.
identified in 1941 as a superior type and widely Growth: variable (Lobbii: 3-8-30). Hardiness: 40-60%.
planted in Japanese forests. The stems are slender and Choice: 1,

veoh

(
# cones

Japanese
Cedar open
cone

‘Pungens’
‘Ashio-sugi’
‘Dacrydioides’
99
 fo)
flower

Nea SewWhe: ;
wees
WSR:
tn 2
A

t : we ‘
ys nM \ Kaul ie N
&. f 2 % :
‘cola Beh
ea RASS ‘
eens if Ati,
] a A le St)

seedling
} autumn Dawn Redwood

LOO
 DAWN REDWOOD, SWAMP CYPRESSES

Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides Chinese Swamp Cypress

There is one species remaining in this genus which, Glyptostrobus pensilis
until 1941, was thought to be extinct. Palaeontolo- The exact distribution of this monotypic genus in
gists were able to distinguish fossils of Metasequoia south-east China has been obscured by years of
from those of true Redwoods (Sequoia), by their extensive planting. The one remaining species
opposite and decussate shoots. In 1941 live speci- thrives with its roots close to, or in, water. It is an
mens were discovered in south-west China. Dawn ideal tree for stabilising river banks and providing
Redwood is a large, 40m tall, deciduous conifer with shelter in wetlands where little else will grow. Out-
a narrow conical outline and light ascending side China it is seldom seen in cultivation, its place
branches. The original introduction to the west in usually being taken by Swamp Cypress (p. 103),
1948 was of clonal material raised vegetatively from which is larger, faster-growing and less tender. The
cuttings. As timber trees these were flawed because two are not closely related, Chinese Swamp Cypress,
the stems and lower branch intersections became although deciduous, is allied to Cryptomeria (p. 95).
deeply fluted. In the 1980s new seed imports from Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
Chinese trees without this defect were made. The
potential for Dawn Redwood as a plantation species Taiwania cryptomerioides
appears to be good although it has not been tested on
Potentially this is a huge tree, up to 60m tall in the
a large scale. It also makes an attractive tree, with its
wild, which grows on the island of Taiwan. Enor-
light green feathery foliage in summer and rusty
mous stems like those of Wellingtonia (p. 93), 10m
brown autumn colour. A handful of ornamental
in diameter, have been recorded. The juvenile foli-
clones with compact or lighter-coloured foliage have
age is very similar to Cryptomeria japonica (p. 95) to
been selected in Canada and Holland.
which it is related. Adult foliage is scale-like and
Growth: 3-10-25 (40). Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires
completely obscures the shoot.
space), 3. Wood: 2, 3.
Growth: 2-5-16 (60). Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.

cones

young tree

Taiwania cryptomerioides
Chinese Swamp Cypress

101
 shoot

autumn

ews
=
a

Hrel

winter oa summer

Swamp Cypress
102
 SWAMP CYPRESSES

Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum Felled trees coppice easily, so once they are estab-
lished a sustainable source of timber is assured.
The natural range of this distinctive wetland tree
Growth: 3-8-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
extends from Texas and New Jersey northwards
Wood: 2, 3.
along the main river basins to Tennessee and south-
ern Delaware. It is potentially a 30m tall deciduous Pond Cypress Taxodium ascendens
conifer with soft pale green needles arranged alter-
nately along the shoot. In the autumn these turn This 20m tree occurs along the American coastal
through brick red to golden-brown before falling plain from Louisiana to Virginia and Florida. It is a
late in the season. The surface roots produce vertical close relative of Swamp Cypress but occurs on higher
extensions (knees) above the ground in permanently ground in parts of its range. In some places they grow
wet conditions, and help the oxygen supply when together in or out of standing water. Pond Cypress is
the ground water is stagnant. capable of producing ‘knees’ but it rarely does so. It 1s
The species was introduced to Europe around a deciduous erect narrow-crowned conifer produc-
1640 but it has never had more than a limited role. ing golden brown autumn foliage colour. The com-
Although it thrives in very wet conditions it will mon form in cultivation is ‘Nutans’ (illustrated)
grow perfectly well on drier sites. It is completely meaning nodding: a reference to the drooping shoot
hardy except that terminal buds are never formed tips. In America this tree is called Taxodium distichum
and this can make young trees vulnerable to frost var. nutans. It is not common in cultivation and is
damage. As a timber producer the fluted stems are a frequently mistaken for Swamp Cypress: there are no
reliable ways to distinguish the two. The species and
disadvantage. However, the soft, light, non-resinous
the cultivar appear to have been introduced to
wood is easy to work and durable. In the past it was
Europe in 1789. At that time they were probably
used in America for house building and furniture.
regarded as the same thing.
Growth: 3-7-20. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.

| ) ‘Nutans’

winter Swamp Cypress

autumn
 King William
Summit
Cedar

young
roung {
yore cone
cones

young tree =Summit Cedar King William Pine

old tree, artificially pruned
104
 TASMANIAN CEDARS

Summit Cedar Athrotanis laxifolia was described by David Don, professor of botany in
London in 1839 and introduced to Europe in about
Also known as “Tasmanian Cedar’ this moderately
1857. The bark is fibrous, peeling and reddish-
hardy 15m tree grows in the mountains of western
brown similar to the Redwoods (p. 91). The thick
Tasmania. It occurs in open wooded country with
awl-shaped evergreen leaves are about 1cm long and
other mixed species. In cultivation on a good site it
held out from the shoot. They are spirally arranged
may grow taller with a rounded-conic top and
and have bright white stomatal bands on the inner
straight stem. The bark becomes vertically shredded
surfaces. The cones are 2.5cm across with many
in old age. Awl-shaped, thick, evergreen, incurved
pointed scales. The foliage is reminiscent of Japanese
scale leaves cover the shoots. They are spirally
Gedari(py 25):
arranged and 4-6mm long with free tips. The cones
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1.
are 2cm across with pointed scales. Tiny seeds similar
to those of Wellingtonia (p. 93), each with a pair of Smooth Tasmanian Cedar
rudimentary wings, are freely produced, but are sel-
dom fertile in cold areas. Athrotaxis cupressoides
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5. A tender 12m tall tree from western Tasmania which
is rare in cultivation. It has peculiar foliage which
King William Pine Athrotaxis selaginoides consists of deep green adpressed 3mm: scales tightly
This is a temperate rain forest species from western packed round cord-like shoots. These densely clothe
Tasmania. It occurs with Cider Gum (p. 741) and the short branches, which form a ragged conical out-
line. The cones are globular, 1cm across, woody
other Eucalyptus species at around 1000m elevation
with a short spike on the end of each scale. Although
in mountainous country. Trees vary in height from
described in 1839 and introduced into cultivation in
15-35m. In cultivation it is moderately tender but
1848, this tree has never become universally popular.
will grow in moist areas such as western Ireland. It
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1.

yy
A
J

flower

2
flower

Smooth Tasmanian Cedar

105
 - Dg:
J

flowers Ly

nA

Chinese Fir Japanese Umbrella Pine

106
 CHINESE FIR AND UMBRELLA PINE

Chinese Fir Cunninghamia lanceolata The cultivar ‘Glauca’ described in 1931, produces
silvery-green current shoots which droop to give a
This forest tree, with potential for much wider com-
pleasing weeping effect when the plant is young.
mercial use in western plantations, occurs right across
Growth: 3-7-20 (species). Hardiness: 30-40%.
China. It was first discovered by a European in 1701, Choice: 1 (requires space), 3. Wood: 2, 3.
but not introduced to Europe until 1804 when Wil-
liam Kerr brought material from Canton. In China, Japanese Umbrella Pine
and in cultivation, it makes a medium-sized (10-
Sciadopitys verticillata
20m) tree on a fat, more or less straight stem. The
outline is columnar but bulging out of shape with This is the one surviving plant in a genus which is
great age. The suppressed bare lower branches are otherwise extinct. It has a primeval appearance befit-
retained for many years. Any dead foliage on them ting its precarious status. Fossil evidence suggests a
turns conspicuously orange-brown. The bark is widespread distribution. It occurs in coal measures in
reminiscent of Redwood (p. 91) but harder. The Europe. Now living trees are confined to southern
evergreen leaves are lanceolate, 7cm long and 0.5cm Japan where they remained undiscovered by outsid-
across the base. Although flexible they have a very ers until 1776. One plant was brought to Britain in
sharply spined tip. Most occur in two ranks but tend 1853 by Thomas Lobb. Others followed in the
to curve upwards over the shoot on strong well lit 1860s. It is a rare slow-growing conical specimen
with unique foliage. The 10cm stiff evergreen nee-
branches. The colour is brilliant green, one of the
dles appear to be in pairs that are fused together,
brightest greens of any conifer, enhanced by a glossy
although botanically this is not strictly true: they are
upper surface and two broad white bands below. The
arranged in regularly spaced whorls like the spokes of
female cones are 3-4cm long, ovoid with pointed
an umbrella. The 7cm cones are oval or nearly round
scale tips, green at first maturing to pale brown. Male
like those of Wellingtonia (p. 93).
cones in terminal short-lived clusters occur on sepa- Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 5.
Growth: 2-6-14. Hardiness: 50-60%.
rate trees.

stem detail
closed cone

Japanese Umbrella Pine

107
 King Boris Fir

bs 2) v i 2) 27)

cone of | Kin g Bons Fir

Cilician Fir

Cilician Fir King Boris Fir

cone of Cilician Fir
108
 REN Eee AVL YS- Pinaceae

King Boris Fir Abies x borisii-regis Tienshan Fir Abies sibirica var. semenovii
Some authorities consider this tree to be a natural Siberian Fir (A. sibirica) is a native tree over a huge
hybrid between Abies alba (p. 137) and Abies cepha- diverse part of central and eastern Asia. This hardy
lonica (p. 131), which is the designation accepted here. variety ofit is confined to the Tienshan area. It differs
Others consider it to be a legitimate species in its own only in minute details of foliage. In cultivation it is
right. It occurs in its own distribution area in the cen- rare and its status is uncertain. This is partly because
tral part of the Balkan peninsula. Within this natural the same plant is listed under different names, such as
range it comes true from seed. Superticially it resem- Abies semenovit.
bles Abies alba with deep green glossy 3cm needles and Growth: 1-2-10. Hardiness: 90-100%. Choice: 1.
15cm upright cones. These are cylindrical with
rounded ends and exserted bracts between the scales. Sakhalin Fir Abies sachalinensis
Trees over 25m tall are known. This taxon was first Also closely related to Siberian Fir, this species 1s lim-
cultivated in 1883 and named in honour of the King ited to northern Japan, Sakhalin and the Kurile
of Bulgaria. Islands. Presumably it is a segregate population iso-
Growth: 4-18-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3. lated during the Tertiary Period. It makes a neat tree
Wood: 2, 4. around 15m tall with pale grey scaly bark. The rich
green needles are soft and rather haphazard in direc-
Cilician Fir Abies cilicica tion and length. They have two greenish white sto-
This large 30m tree is rare in its native range and in matal bands on the underside. The cones, which may
cultivation. It comes from southern Turkey, parts of be up to 8cm long, occasionally have exserted bracts.
Syria and the Lebanon — a southern extension of the There are two naturally occurring varieties. Mayriana
range of the closely related Caucasian Fir. The large has thinner bark and exserted cone bracts, and nemo-
upright cones, sometimes over 20cm long, are rensis has smaller cones and short needles.
deciduous but leave conspicuous woody spines fixed Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3.
to the tree when they break up.
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: By

Wood: 2, 4.

underside
var. nemorensis
underside

Tienshan Fir Sakhalin Fir

109
 flower z

a Gr '

OY Ae :

Veitch’s Silver Fir npr Silver Fir

, flowers
 SILVERS FIRS

Veitch’s Silver Fir Abies veitchii remains on the tree for several years. The bark is
olive-brown at first, very smooth with sporadic resin
This extremely hardy fir is from the mountains of
blisters. It becomes pale-coloured and then fissured
central Japan, where it grows in sub-alpine (-40°C)
with age. Although best in a moist climate with rela-
conditions up to 2400m. It is beautifully symmetrical
tively acid soil, this species will tolerate a wide range
and conical when grown in the open and retains a
of conditions including urban situations.
conical top even in plantations. Only the great pro-
Growth: 4-9-25. Hardiness: 80-90%.
ductivity of the main American species has prevented Choice: 1 (requires space), 2, 3. Wood: 2, 4.
this species from having a much wider role in mod-
ern European forestry. It was discovered by the Eng- Shensi Fir Abies chensiensis
lish nurseryman, John Gould Veitch, on Mount
The species chensiensis from northern China is
Fujiyama in 1860-61 but appears to have been sent
extremely rare in cultivation and its status in the wild
to America before Europe in 1876. In 1879 Charles
is uncertain. Most plants encountered now are sub-
Maries, who worked for the Veitch Nursery, sent
species salouenensis, the Salween Fir. Originally from
seed to England. One of the resulting trees was
the mountains of northern Yunnan to Burma and the
planted in 1881 in Kent, and it survived until 1951.
eastern border of India, it is an evergreen tree, sel-
The 2cm flexible needles are dark glossy green
dom exceeding 18m in height. The distinctive nee-
with two broad brilliant white bands on the under-
dles spread out each side of the shoot. They are up to
side. This dramatic white foliage is usually hidden
7.5cm long, longer on the subspecies than the type.
from view until the branch tip is lifted up. The
Cones up to 10cm long turn from blue-purple or
bluish-purple upright cones are 7cm long with
blue-green to light brown on ripening. Although
exerted bracts. Situated on the topmost branches,
quite hardy these trees will only thrive in moist shel-
they mature in one season, turn pale brown and dis-
tered areas.
integrate, showering down a rain of winged seeds Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 4.
Growth: 3-8-18.
and cone scale debris. The central spine of the cone

underside

Salween Fir

War
 underside

Abies fargesii var. sutchuenensis

Min Fir Min Fir cone —
 SILVERS ELRSS

Min Fir Abies recurvata China. Adrien Franchet from the Natural History
Museum in Paris named it as a variety. He was then
This large 40m tree is from western China in the overruled for a time in favour of a species designation
mountainous Min valley. In cultivation it seldom by Ernest Wilson, who was probably familiar with
achieves half this height. It becomes a spreading the plant in China, and Alfred Rehder the dendrolo-
rather untidy tree after early upright growth. The gist at the Arnold Arboretum in the USA. Now it is
dense foliage is glossy green and retained on the simply considered to be a segregate of the Abies farge-
shoots and branches for several years. The needles are sii population.
acutely pointed, 1.5-3.5cm long and recurved or
Growth: 4-7-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choicemenwor
bent backwards (hence the species name) along the Wood: 2, 4.
upper side of the shoot. Deciduous cones ripen and
disintegrate in one season. They are violet to dark Maries’ Fir Abies mariesii
brown, about 7cm long, ovoid oblong with a short Charles Maries, an English plant collector for the
pointed tip. The tips of pointed bracts sometimes Veitch Nursery, introduced this sub-alpine Japanese
project beyond the scales towards the base of the tree to Europe in 1879. It was named in his honour
cone. The species was named by Maxwell Masters an by Maxwell Masters in 1897. It grows in close asso-
English botanist in 1906 and was introduced to Bnit- ciation with Veitch’s Silver Fir in the northern and
ain in 1910. It is not popular in collections although central regions of Honshu, Japan, to around 20-25m
extremely hardy. in height with a straight stem and neat conical out-
Growth: 3-7-20 (40). Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3.
line. The 1-2cm needles are crowded above the
Wood: 2, 4. shoot and parted below it. The upper surfaces are
Abies fargesii var. sutchuenensis glossy-green and there are conspicuous white bands
beneath. Young cones are violet-purple in summer
Although this variety still occurs in named collections, turning blackish-brown at maturity and then disinte-
as Abies sutchuenensis, it is no longer considered to be grating. (See also following page.)
botanically distinct. Even in 1911 when introduced it Growth: 4-8-22. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3.
was thought to be ‘close’ to Abies fargesii (p. 119). It Wood: 2, 4.
occurs slightly to the west of the species in central

underside

Abies fargesii var. sutchuenensis

Maries’ Fir
 \j
J underside Maries’ Fir e
; EX
’
‘ ON
underside NS

fe) — ra
flowers BES
ee

expanding buds

underside

Sacred Fir
 SILVER FIRS

Maries’ Fir (continued from previous page) Sacred Fir was formerly used in Mexican religious
festivals, hence the name.
This species is the Japanese counterpart of Abies
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 4.
amabilis (p. 125) across the Pacific ocean in America.
They both have rusty brown velvety hairs on the
Vejar Fir Abies vejan
shoots.
Closely related to Sacred Fir, this tree comes from
Sacred Fir Abies religiosa north-east Mexico where it grows in mixed forests
This tender species comes from central and southern with Pinus hartwegii and Pinus rudis (p. 257). It 1s a
Mexico and northern Guatemala. It was originally mountain species but tends to always shelter below
named in 1830 and brought into cultivation in 1838. the pine canopy and never extends to the edge of the
In Europe it almost died out before a new consign- tree line. There are variations in the foliage colour
ment of seed was brought to Britain in 1962. In and cone size. Northern plants have blue-green nee-
Mexico it is a 30m tree with a short branched conical dles and larger cones. Some authorities suggest varl-
top. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth for many ety macrocarpa for this form. The plant illustrated 1s
years before cracking in old age. Needles are parted the more typical type. It was named in 1942 by Mar-
above the shoot but bend forwards and outwards. tinez and introduced into cultivation (in Britain) in
Below the shoot they turn downwards. The length 1962. The pointed 2cm needles are evenly packed
may be variable, 2-3.5cm, the stomatal bands can be round the shoot except for a parting on the underside
pale grey or white. Tips are yellowish running to a of weak side shoots. The 6-15cm_barrel-shaped
fine point. In most respects they are superficially like cones are purplish-black, with spots of white
Douglas Fir (p. 201). The cones are barrel-shaped encrusted resin.
Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3.
narrowing towards the tip, around 10cm long and Growth: 3-8-20.
Wood: 2, 4.
blue-black becoming brown at maturity. The long
exserted bracts with reflexed tips are distinctive.

young tree
Vejar Fir
 Forrest’s <n
Silver Fir

Abies forrestii
var. smithii

\ underside

leaf section underside

Abies forrestii var. smithii

Abies fabri subsp. minensis unde
116
 SILVER FIRS

Delavay Fir Abies delavayi (complex) south-east Tibet. It is a small straight tree seldom
reaching 20m in height. The variable 2-4cm needles
This plant named in 1899 and introduced to the west
are pectinate, dark glossy green above and silvery
from its native China, west Yunnan, north Burma and
white on the underside. The violet-black 12cm
northern India in 1918, has been subjected to rigorous
cones have short exserted bracts. George Forrest 1s
taxonomic scrutiny. In the early 1900s it was consid-
credited with its introduction to Britain in 1910.
ered appropriate to regard several closely related spe- Choice: 1 (requires space),
Growth: 4-9-20. Hardiness: 50%.
cies as varieties of Delavay Fir. Subsequently these 3, Wood: 2, 4.
varieties reverted to species status again, or became
varieties of other species. It could be argued now that Faber Fir Abies fabri
the name Abies delavayi is no longer valid. However,
This large 40m tree is from western China. It was
trees bearing this name are still to be found. They are
introduced to Europe in 1901 but remains rare in cul-
variable but medium-sized, with deep green glossy
tivation. It too has been classified in the past as a vari-
needles with rolled down edges round a white under-
ety of Delavay Fir. The bark is distinctly scaly and
side. The 10cm barrel-shaped cones are violet-blue
dark-coloured. The irregular needles are 2-3cm long
ripening to dark brown.
and more or less pectinate, deep glossy-green above
Growth: 4-9-25. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires
and brilliant white beneath. The 6-8cm cones are
space), 3. Wood: 2, 4.
blue-black with exserted and reflexed bracts.
Abies forrestii var. smithit This species is closely related to Forrest’s Silver Fir
and difficult to distinguish with certainty. Abies fabri
Formerly Abies delavayi var. georgei this 25m straight tree
subsp. minensis is almost the same. The shoots are
is distinguished by its reddish hairy twigs. The deep
slightly more pubescent. The needles, in two ranks are
green glossy needles are up to 2cm long and white on
1.5cm above the shoot and 2.5cm to the side. This sub-
the underside. The 9cm cones have exerted bracts.
Choice: 1 (requires space), 3.
species has been classified as Abies faxoniana, Abies fargestt
Growth: 3-7-25. Hardiness: 50%.
(p. 119) and Abies delavayi var. faxoniana. In cultivation
Forrest’s Silver Fir Abies forrestii trees labelled with all these names can still be found.
Growth: 4-15-40. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3.
Originally another variety of Delavay fir this species Wood: 2, 3, 4.
comes from north-west Yunnan, western China and

“y :
. Sy
SN aos <i
mys YE Ah w

Forrest’s Silver Fir Abies fabri subsp. minensis

Abies forrestii var. smithti
U7
 YAO mW
' WINDS
NN S RN A
a —s

wo NY
underside

y
underside
underside

Fak aise .
8 ods
es

Gamble Fir Korean Fir

118
 SILVER FIRS

Gamble Fir Abies gamblei Taiwan Fir Abies kawakamii

One of a series of closely related Himalayan silver Another relative of Korean Fir, this species is from
firs, this species was originally considered to be a high ground in Taiwan. It is a small but generally
variety of Abies pindrow (p. 129). The original plant straight tree, up to 15m tall, with interesting pale
came into cultivation, in 1860, from northern India corky bark. The purple cones are 8cm long and
but it is now thought to be extinct in the wild. It was cylindrical with rounded ends. The species was
named in 1929 but its true taxonomic identity still named in 1909 and introduced to Europe before
seems to be in doubt. The foliage is rich glossy green 1930)
Choice: 1. Wood: 3.
and the 8-12cm cones are violet-blue in the summer. Growth: 2-5-12. Hardiness: 30-40%.

Growth: 4-9-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.

Farges’s Fir Abies fargesit
Korean Fir Abies koreana The silver firs of northern China are a difficult group
This small 10m tree has a straight stem and strikingly to identify and classify. Even within this single spe-
dark-coloured bark. The needles are short, seldom cies there is variation. It has been named and re-
over 1.5cm, with very blunt notched ends giving a named as a species and also as a variety of Abies dela-
‘clipped’ look, deep glossy green above with two vayi (p. 117). It is a strong-growing tree, but only
brilliant silver bands of stomata on the underside. likely to reach 15m in height. The parted and
Seen from below the foliage has a silvery-green notched evergreen needles are dark glossy green with
appearance. The cones are bloomed purple, matur- twin white bands on the underside. The purple
ing to dull brown in the autumn. They are around cones which are around 7cm long turn brown and
6cm long, cylindrical, but with rounded ends. They disintegrate on ripening, a characteristic of all Abies
appear on plants as young as five years which gives species. It was discovered by and named after Pere
the tree considerable garden appeal. However, heavy Farges in 1899 and introduced to the west by Ernest
Wilson in 1901. See also p. 113, Abies fargesti var.
coning does result in the proliferation of bare leafless
sutchuenensis.
branches, which spoils the plant’s appearance in sub-
Growth: 3-7-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
sequent years. Originally from Korea and its neigh-
bouring islands, this species was discovered and
sntroduced around 1905 and finally named in 1920.
Growth: 2-4-10. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

cone
bracts

young underside
Farges’s Fir
Korean Fir ripe
Sere cone ARS
 underside

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Momi Fir Cheng Fir

120
 STV Rae LESS

Momi Fir Abies firma but it is equally likely that hybrids have occurred,
especially between it and the Asiatic group of Silver
This large 30m tree occurs in Japan from Honshu
Furs:
southwards to Kyushu and Shikoku. It is closely
Growth: 4-18-30. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
related to Nikko Fir (p. 123) from part of the same
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
location. The crown is conical but the whorled
branches continue to extend each year until the Cheng Fir Abies chengii
whole tree becomes very broad. The bark is pale
pinkish-grey, especially on young branches. It devel- There is some doubt about the authenticity of this
ops an uneven surface as resin blisters form and then medium-sized (15-20m) straight tree. It is closely
becomes corky and lightly fissured in old age. The related to several other Asiatic firs and may be a
1.5-2.5cm leathery evergreen needles are pectinate hybrid between Abies forrestii and Abies chensiensis
but turn upwards to more or less cover the top of the subspecies salouensis. It was named and described in
shoot. They are yellowish green and lustrous on the 1987 by Keith Rushforth. The type specimen was a
upper side and grey-green, in two distinct stomatal tree at Westonbirt, collected by George Forrest
bands, below. The needle tips are rounded or around 1931 and planted as Abies forrestii. Although
perfectly healthy in 1987, it died soon after. This tree
strongly notched. On young vigorous shoots this
had a dense dark evergreen crown of branches on a
notch is in the form of two individual points, and an
old name for the species, Abies bifida, reflects this persistent single stem. The shoots were mahogany
red, becoming paler in subsequent years. The needles
characteristic. The 12cm cones have bracts only
parted below the shoot and formed a V above it.
slightly exposed towards the base. They ripen to
They ranged from 2.5 to 4cm long, with a distinct
yellowish-brown and disintegrate in the autumn.
This species has been in general cultivation since notch in the tip. The violet-brown cones ripened in
1861 when it was introduced to England by John one season and disintegrated. This species, presumed
to have come from Yunnan in China, is rare in culti-
Gould Veitch. A short-needled form was discovered
‘Tardina’, but this name 1s vation and still likely to be confused with other simi-
in Sussex and called
lar Silver Firs.
invalid. It is possible that variants of Momi Fir exist,
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.

Momi Fir
cone
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Nikko Fir Manchurian Fir
 SIDVERS FIRS

Nikko Fir Abies homolepis produced in the USA in 1909 but the original clone
is no longer in cultivation.
This species belongs to a closely related group of Sil-
Growth: 4-20-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3.
ver Firs from low altitude locations in south-east
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
Asia. Nikko Fir is from southern Japan including
Shikoku and Honshu. It was named in 1842 and
brought into cultivation, in the west, in 1861. The Manchurian Fir Abies holophylla
stem is straight and up to 30m tall supporting mainly Closely related to Nikko Fir, but much smaller, this
horizontal branches in regular whorls. A conical out- species has a maximum height of only 15-20m. The
line gradually develops with maturity into an irregu- outline is columnar, retaining a conical top for many
lar, somewhat open columnar shape. The 2-3cm years. Needles are carried all round the shoot but
deep green needles are pectinate below the pale- tend to turn upwards and forwards on side branches.
coloured shoot but crowd upwards and forwards They are 2-4cm long, with two pale bands on the
above it. Each one has two bright white bands on the underside. Cones, up to 14cm long, are bluish-green
underside. The beautiful violet cones occur all over with a faint grey bloom in the summer, turning
the tree. They are around 10cm long and stand brown before disintegrating at the end ofthe season.
upright, often in clusters or rows along the branch. The species is native to Korea, northern China and
This is an outstanding ornamental specimen tree, not Manchuria. Some strains are extremely hardy. It was
only for its general appearance but also because it named in 1866 and introduced to the west in 1908.
withstands some lime in the soil and is tolerant of Specimens can occasionally be found in arboreta and
urban air pollution. gardens in Europe, but it is uncommon.
The cultivar ‘Tomomi’ was a peculiar form with Growth: 3-7-20. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
short needles and spreading branches. It was Wood: 2, 3, 4.

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Californian Red Fir bark

old American trees

| 24
 SILVER FIRS

Red Fir Abies amabilis Cascade Mountains and through the Sierra Nevada
to central California. It withstands dry summers and
Also called the Pacific Silver Fir in its native north-
bitterly cold winters.
west America, this tree is very large but remarkably
The only other Silver Fir with distinctly curved
slender. It grows to a spire-like point with short
needles is Noble Fir (p. 145). There is a hybrid
branches which develop a downward tendency.
between Noble Fir and this species called Shasta Fir,
David Douglas, the Scottish plant hunter discovered
Abies x shastensis. Some authorities consider it to be a
it and named it amabilis, meaning ‘lovely’, in 1839.
variety of Abies magnifica. It occurs in nature between
The dark green glossy evergreen needles are 2-4cm
Lassen Peak, California, and Crater Lake, Oregon.
long with two bright white bands of stomata on the
Growth: 5-20-40. Hardiness; 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
underside. The big upright cones are up to 15cm
Wood: 2, 4.
long and always found at the very top of the tree.
Growth: 5-20-40. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 3. Fraser’s Fir Abies fraseri
Wood: 2, 4.
Although common in the Great Smoky Mountains,
Californian Red Fir Abies magnifica this tree has a fairly limited range in the USA. It
extends only to south-west Virginia, western North
Perhaps Albert Murray, the American botanist who
Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Discovered by John
named this tree in 1863, regretted that the name
Fraser from Scotland in 1811 and named in 1817, it is
‘Amabilis’ had already been used by Douglas for
extremely hardy and grows to above 2000m in the
another Silver Fir. However, he settled for ‘Magn-
mountains. The needles are very pectinate, spreading
ifica’ for what is a truly magnificent tree. The com- out in two distinct ranks. The undersides are
mon name is a reference to the colour of the bark. silvery-white. The upright cones are 4-6cm long,
The curved needles are pectinate but bend upwards dark purple in summer with yellowish bracts show-
over the shoot. They are 2-3.5cm long and 4-sided ing between each scale. This species is used locally as
with pale lines of stomata. The upright cones, on the a Christmas tree.
top of the tree, are up to 20cm long. This American Growth: 3-7-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
species grows at high elevation (1800-2700m) in the Wood: 2, 4.

underside

Fraser’s Fir

Californian Red Fir cone

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Himalayan Fir Var. bi ve vifolia

| 26
 SIDVERS EIRSS

Himalayan Fir Abies spectabilis following spring. A purple dye was once made from
the cones. In cultivation this tree often suffers dam-
Sometimes known as East Himalayan Fir this ever-
age from late frosts and cold drying winds.
green species 1s from Afghanistan eastwards across the
The variety brevifolia is of uncertain taxonomic
Himalayas to Bhutan. Usually it occurs in forests
status, but it is quite unlike the species. It is a neat,
with Abies pindrow (p. 129) extending 1000m higher
short-branched conical tree with a straight 20-30m
up the mountain sides. It was introduced into culti-
stem. The needles are short, as the variety name sug-
vation in 1822 and named at first Abies webbiana and
gests, and deeply notched at the tip, 2-4cm long,
then in 1824, Abies spectabilis, which means beautiful.
strongly parted below the shoot but with only a nar-
This is a spreading 20m tree with massive side
row groove along the top side. They are grey-green
branches which frequently die or break off only to be
with twin lines of paler stomata on the underside.
replaced by strong epicormic growth from the main
This variety extends higher up into the mountains
stem. Quite a useful diagnostic feature in mixed col-
than the species. Variety status was suggested, for
lections of Silver Firs. The deeply notched needles
what in the strict botanical sense is a segregate of the
are long (6cm) and held flat in two ranks. Outer ones
species, by Alfred Rehder in 1919. It remains rare 1n
tend to curve downwards under the shoot. The
cultivation in spite of being completely hardy.
7-15cm cones are grey-blue, becoming darker at the Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 4-14-20.
end of the season but remaining on the tree until the Wood: 2, 3, 4.

ape
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Himalayan Fir var. brevifolia

127
 Pindrow
Fir

Pindrow Fir Flaky Fir

cone of Pindrow Fir

128
 SILVER FIRS

Pindrow Fir Abies pindrow considered by some authorities to be a legitimate

species, Abies gamblei (p. 119).
Also known as the West Himalayan fir this species
Growth: 4-20-30. Hardiness: 40-50% (species).
grows in mixed forests with Abies spectabilis high up Choice. Wood Ano a4.
in the Himalayas from Afghanistan to western Nepal.
Generally it occurs at lower elevation than spectabilis Flaky Fir Abies squamata
and there is a hybrid population (Abies pindrow var.
A unique feature of this high elevation Chinese Fir is
intermedia) where the two overlap. Pindrow Fir can
its red-brown bark which exfoliates in thin scales
grow to 40m in height in ideal cool moist condi-
from stems and branches over five years old. On a
tions. It has a columnar outline, usually with a coni-
good healthy tree this may hang thickly from large
cal top. Branches tend to be short and fairly light.
branches like peeling birch bark. Old stems become
The evergreen needles are long, up to 6cm, and
less flaky and fade to grey-brown. The stiff needles
widely parted in two layered ranks. They have a dis-
are parted below the shoot but spread and point
tinctly notched tip and two greenish-white bands of
upwards and sideways above it. The uppermost nee-
stomata on the underside. Cones are violet-blue
dles and those towards the shoot tip are only 1cm
without any extending bracts. The largest may Just
long. To the sides they may be up to 2.5cm long.
exceed 14cm long.
The cones are purple in summer becoming brown at
In addition to the variety intermedia, which inher-
maturity. This very hardy species withstands dry
its characteristics of both parents, there is another
conditions in cultivation. However, it grows very
variety Abies pindrow var. brevifolia. It appears that all
slowly in isolation and has only limited ornamental
of the ‘long-needled’ silver firs also have a short-
value.
needled form. Confusingly these are usually called
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50-60%. Ghose
brevifolia. This one occurs in north-west India and is Wood: 3.

Flaky Fir
seed scale

leaf detail

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Algerian Fir Greek Fir

130
 SILVERS ELRSS

Algerian Fir Abies numidica into mountainous country. Although perfectly hardy
it tends to come into leaf early in the spring and may
This important North African counterpart of Spanish
be damaged by frost. Perhaps for this reason it
Fir (p. 133) occurs in north-east Algeria on lime-rich
becomes an untidy tree with several leading shoots
mountain sides. It is a large 25m tree with a straight
and spreading forked branches. The evergreen nee-
persistent stem and conical top until old age or a
dles have pointed translucent tips. They are dark
harsh environment flattens it out. The evergreen
glossy green with pairs of grey stomatal bands on the
needles are parted beneath the shoot but crowded
undersides. The cones are 10-16cm long.
sideways and upwards above it. They vary between |
This species is one of several segregates of Euro-
and 2cm long, the shortest point directly upwards.
pean Silver Fir (p. 137). The variety graeca, Apollo
The 16cm cones (see p. 260) are slender, pale green
Fir, is almost identical to it. Some authorities how-
flushed with a hint of purple, becoming light brown
ever, retain an alternative name apollinis. It grows in
at maturity and then disintegrating. Algerian fir was Parnassus in southern Greece,
the region of Mount
brought into cultivation in France in 1861 and
and has blunt shorter dense needles. The Trojan Fir
named by Elie Abel Carriére, head gardener at the (see p. 135) is also considered to be this variety
Natural History Museum in Paris. The one advan-
although it grows some way off in north-west Tur-
tage this tree has over most other silver firs in cultiva- key. Clearly all of the south-east European Silver Firs
tion is its tolerance of lime in the soil.
are closely related. Their precise classification 1s made
Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 4-14-25. more difficult by the inherent variability within each
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
group, which has led to plenty of confusion over
Greek Fir Abies cephalonica names.
Growth: 5-20-32. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires
The natural range of this huge bulky tree is the island space). Wood: 2, 3, 4,
of Cephalonica to northern Greece. It prefers well-
drained rocky limestone slopes and extends high up

flower Greek Fir

Algerian Fir §
cone, =

Apollo Fir
 stem
detail

underside

stem

Sicilian Fir

Spanish Fir
*“Glauca’
132
 SILVER FIRS

Spanish Fir Abies pinsapo East Siberian Fir Abies nephrolepis

The foliage of this 20m tree is unique among Silver Also known as Khinghan Fir, this 15m tree is Out-
Firs and instantly recognizable. The blunt stiff 1.5cm standingly hardy. It comes from a harsh environment
needles stick out all round the shoot like the spines in Manchuria and northern China. Separate popula-
ona hedgehog. They are deep grey-green giving the tions can also be found in Korea and close to the east
whole tree a rather sombre appearance. The native coast of Russia. Across the Pacific Ocean in North
range is now confined to just three sites in southern America this tree’s close relatives Balsam and Alpine
Spain, but cultivated specimens have been planted all Firs (p. 141 and p. 139) are found, suggesting a single
over Europe. It is hardy as far north as southern Swe- primeval population that was in existence before the
den. The ornamental cultivar ‘Glauca’ raised in sea intervened. Distinguishing features are small
France in 1867 has paler grey-green foliage. It was (7cm) cones and the very narrow needles.
originally a selection from the naturally variable Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 2.
native population.
Growth: 4-9-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires Sicilian Fir Abies nebrodensis
space)., Wood: 2, 3, 4. This close relative of European Silver Fir (p. 137) has
almost been exploited to extinction in its native
Vilmorin’s Fir Abies x vilmorinii northern Sicily. It is a relatively small tree, seldom
This hybrid between Abies pinsapo and Abies cepha- reaching over 14m in height. The finely shredding
needles
lonica (p. 131) was first cultivated in France in 1867 bark is orange-brown. The short, 1.5-2cm,
and eventually named in 1901. The cross occurs are densely packed more or less in two horizontal
spontaneously, either way round, wherever the par- ranks along the shoot. They are dark green above
ent species are planted in close proximity to each and have two light grey stomatal bands on the
other. It develops into a magnificent shapely tree underside. The erect deciduous cones in the very
with glossy deep green foliage, exhibiting the best tops of trees are cylindrical and about 10cm long.
ornamental qualities of the parents. Most trees are now in ex-situ collections where they
Growth: 3-6-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3. have been in cultivation since 1908.
Growth: 5-10-15. Hardiness: 40-50%.
Choice: 1 (requires space). Wood: 3.

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Caucasian Fir closed cone

 SILVER FIRS

Caucasian Fir Abies nordmanniana years it has been increasingly used as a Christmas tree,
its ability to ‘hold’ its needles for a long period in
This hardy verdant form of European Silver Fir, also
warm dry conditions being an advantage.
known as Crimean Fir, comes from the Caucasus
There are several cultivated forms of Caucasian Fir
Mountains and north-east Turkey. It has a huge
although none are superior to the true species.
straight persistent stem, up to 60m tall, and a colum-
‘Aurea’ has yellowish foliage of little merit. It was
nar outline. The dark glossy green foliage is retained
raised in Germany in 1891. The variety equi-trojani,
for longer than any other fir. Up to 14 years is com- the Trojan Fir, which dates back to 1883 is still
monplace, and sometimes trees will hold green nee-
named in collections. It should actually be called
dles for 20. This creates a dense effect that Abies cephalonica var. graeca, the Apollo Fir, which is a
immediately identifies Caucasian Fir from some way regional type of Greek Fir (see p. 131).
off. The individual evergreen needles are about 3cm Growth: 5-20-40. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1 (requires
long and crowded round the shoot, almost covering space). Wood: 2, 3, 4.
the upper side. The greenish-brown 20cm cones,
always at the top of the tree, have exerted reflexed Bornmueller Fir Abies x bornmuelleriana
bracts between the scales. The tree has a long history
This cross, possibly between Caucasian Fir (p. 135)
of forest use in Eastern Europe, but was not intro-
and Greek Fir (p. 131), produces a big tree superfi-
duced to the west until 1848. In Britain, where large
cially not unlike the parents. It appears to grow natu-
imports of seed arrived in 1854, this species has
rally in Turkey but was not recognized as a hybrid
largely been ignored as a forest tree because more
until 1925. There is still some doubt about the true
productive American conifers became available at the
identity and taxonomy. It has 2-3cm needles densely
same time. As an ornamental specimen it found
packed above the shoots. The cones, with reflexed
favour from the start and it is now in almost every
bracts, are up to 15cm long.
arboretum, park and stately garden. Lime-trich soils Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 4-20-30.
do not preclude it, although better growth may be Wood: 2, 3, 4.
expected on moist, slightly acid ground. In recent

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136
 SILVER FIRS

European Silver Fir Abies alba It is a straight tree with a persistent stem and light
branches. These are brittle and soon break off to give
The natural range of this species has been obscured
a clean stem resulting in high quality softwood tim-
by centuries of cultivation for timber. The moun-
ber. The bark is smooth becoming silvery-grey and
tains of central and southern Europe are native
only lightly fissured in old age. The evergreen nee-
strongholds, especially the Vosges, Jura and the Black
dles, up to 3cm long, are spreading and forward
Forest. In the south-east it tends to intergrade with
pointing. They are soft, blunt tipped and deep glossy
Greek Fir (p. 131) and in the east with Caucasian Fir
green, but vary from tree to tree in size and density.
(p. 135). It is not a native tree in the British Isles but
Cones (see p. 260), which often occur in upright
it was the first silver fir to be introduced there,
pairs or clusters, are deciduous, cylindrical and up to
around 1603. It continued to be favoured in Britain
15cm long.
until the mid-nineteenth century, then became sub-
A large number of ornamental forms of European
ordinate to highly productive American imports.
Silver Fir have been produced. None of them are
Increasingly it became preyed on by the aphid Adel-
particularly striking. ‘Pyramidalis’ is a British culti-
ges nordmannianae. Heavy infestations are eventually var raised in 1851. It has distinctive fastigiate
fatal. These occur in close-planted forest conditions branches when young but tends to mimic the ordi-
rather more than where individual specimen trees are nary species later on. Its French rival ‘Columnaris’,
planted in isolation or mixed with completely differ- discovered on Mount Pila i657) appears to
ent species. Despite the insect problem this remains a develop a more spreading top. It is no longer in culti-
popular ornamental plant and specimens up to 50m vation. Trees listed as ‘Columnaris’ now are probably
tall are known with stems almost 2m in diameter. In different selections made more recently.
its native range and in other parts of Europe where Growth: 5-20-40. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, CAN}3, 4.
the climate suits it, disease and predation are not lim- Wood: 1, 2, 3, 4.
iting. Huge pure and mixed forests still exist.

‘Pyramidalis’
leaf variation
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Santa Lucia Fir Abies bracteata Trees in cultivation exhibit extreme provenance dif-
ferences, Some specimens are tall and slender while
In its native range, the Pacific edge of the Santa Lucia
others are quite stunted and short. In the wild Rocky
Mountains in southern California, this tall, 20-30m,
Mountain landscape this is the alpine tree that so
tree is also known as Bristlecone Fir. It is rare in the
often enhances the view, its narrow deep green spires
wild and in cultivation. The original introduction to contrasting with brilliant white snow, blue sky and
Europe was by William Lobb in 1852, although at
grey rock. The upright cones are hairy, which
that time the species name appears to have been Abies
explains the species name lasio, meaning woolly, and
venusta. This is a long-branched cylindrical tree with carpa, fruit.
a conical top and a persistent single stem. The ever- Hardiness: 60-80%. Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 3-7-20.
green pectinate foliage consists of flat 4-6cm long Wood: 3, 4.
needles, which are dark glossy green above and twin
striped brilliant white below. Deciduous cones up to Corkbark Fir Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica
10cm long occur on the top branches like erect can- This segment of the Alpine Fir population comes
dles. Each scale has a bract ending in a long bristle. from Arizona and Colorado. In order to survive the
Unfortunately they are hardly ever seen because they heat there, it grows as high in the mountains as it can.
disintegrate on ripening and flutter down in pieces. The bark, as suggested by the name, is corky and
Growth: 4-20-30. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 2, 3. buff-coloured to pale brown. The foliage, which is
Wood: we oe 4,
particularly striking in cultivation, 1s_ silvery blue-
Alpine Fir Abies lasiocarpa green. The variety was named in 1898 and introduced
as a garden tree in 1903. A more compact form
In North America this species is also known as the ‘Compacta’ was developed in Holland in 1979. It is
Subalpine, or Rocky Mountain Fir. It occurs in two now a favourite ornamental plant where ground and
forms, sometimes designated as varieties, represent- climatic conditions suit it.
ing the north and the south of the huge range. This Growth: 3-7-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. Wood: 4.
extends from south-east Alaska to New Mexico.

Santa Lucia Fir

Alpine Fir
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4
 SILVERS FIRS

Grand Fir Abies grandis of the best trees to grow in Scotland and it remains
the most productive conifer there.
In America and Europe this is one ofthe tallest (90m)
Growth: 8-22-55. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
and most productive Silver Firs. It comes from
Wood: 2 De 4,
southern British Columbia and along the Pacific sea-
board to California. A separate inland population
occurs in the Rocky Mountains, centred on Idaho, Balsam Fir Abies balsamea
and there are others in eastern Oregon. It prefers Balsam is a reference to the liquid resin which occurs
cool mountain and hill slopes where humidity is high profusely in ‘blisters’ under the young bark of this
and the soil is moist. In cultivation, usually as an ini- tree. ‘Canada balsam’ is obtained from it. This is used
tially shade tolerant timber tree, it also thrives best in for mounting microscopic specimens and optical
these wet conditions. Huge 60m straight stems sup- work. Its aromatic properties are valued by aroma
port a narrow crown of whorled branches. The bark therapists. The range of this species covers much of
is olive-brown and thin at first with prominent resin eastern and central Canada. It also extends into the
blisters. Eventually towards the base of large stems it USA to Pennsylvania, Minnesota and parts of Iowa.
becomes fissured but remains fairly smooth and fades Local pockets of it, at high elevation (1200m), can be
to pale grey. The 3-5cm evergreen needles are parted found in Virginia and West Virginia. In North
horizontally to present a flat deep glossy green surface America it is a major producer of low grade timber
towards the sky and a grey-green side to the ground. and paper pulp. The evergreen needles are around
The deciduous cylindrical cones (see p. 260) in the 2em long and more or less parted on the shoot.
tree tops are pale green turning to light brown as the Upward pointing cones, up to 8cm long, are pro-
season advances. They are 5-10cm long with a fairly duced on the top branches. They are deep purplish-
smooth outline. David Douglas discovered Grand Fir grey, but never fall to the ground in one piece so are
on the Columbia River in 1825. He introduced it to seldom seen.
Britain in 1830. By 1883 it was considered to be one Growth: 2-5-12. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 4.

seeds
cone
scales

cone

derside

Balsam Fir

141
 Colorado White Fir bark
Colorado
8, White Fir

ai 2 — a,
L a
O

ics° S 3) H

Low’s Fir bark

Low’s Fir
northern form

>
‘Viol acea

>
Low s Fir

142
 SILVER FIRS

Colorado White Fir Abies concolor Low’s Fir Abies concolor var. lowiana

This sub-alpine species is from southern California, In Britain this variety (although not recognized as
Utah, Colorado and north-west Mexico. In the such at the time) was probably introduced in 1851.
south it grows up to 3300m in order to escape the At first it was confused with Colorado White Fir.
intense heat and dryness. As it is the foliage is sage Variety status was confirmed in 1862 and trees were
grey and specially adapted to minimise transpiration. distributed by Messrs. Low, the English nurserymen.
The bark is light grey, becoming furrowed and corky Potentially it is an important forest tree, having a
towards the base. Cylindrical 8-12cm cones occur at straight stem up to 50m tall (in Scotland). It is less
the top of the tree. They are pale green with a prone to drought and frost crack than Grand and
bloomed purple tint just before they disintegrate in Noble Firs (p. 141 and p. 145). However, care is still
wisely. In Britain,
the autumn. The needles are strongly pectinate and needed to choose provenances

longer than most other silver firs, up to 5cm. William northern forms with dark relatively smooth bark are
Lobb introduced the species to Europe in 1851 but clearly the most productive. Trees from Oregon and
in most forest situations it has been outclassed by the the Sierra Nevada compare well with Grand Fir.
variety lowiana. However, the strikingly grey needles They are hardy and also planted commercially in the
assure its place in ornamental horticulture. USA as far north as Boston.
Choice: 2, 3.
The cultivar ‘Candicans’, which is a selection of Growth: 7-18-50. Hardiness: 70%.
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
the form argentea, has brilliantly silver-grey foliage. It
was produced in 1929 at the Arboretum les Barres in
France. The name ‘Violacea’ was attributed to it in
1875, but similar-coloured seedlings have frequently
occurred since then. The cultivar “Wattezii’ is a
1900 Dutch selection with pale cream new growth
in the spring.
Growth: 3-8-22. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1 (requires
space). Wood: 2, 3, 4.

SPINA WAM
AK
*‘Candicans’
 Yj jj
Nye
Noble Fir underside
f. glauca

,, underside

seedling

Noble Fir ‘hf | Beg

Wf di
@ seeds

f. glauca
 SILVER FIRS

Noble Fir Abies procera autumn when the whole lot disintegrates to shed the
seed. Often the sheer weight of massed cones can
Noble Fir has become an important forest species far break the brittle branches, giving the tree a gaunt-
beyond its natural range, which is restricted to the looking top.
Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington State David Douglas discovered Noble Fir in 1825 on
in the USA. It grows there on mountain sides the south side of the Columbia River. He sent seed
between 600 and 1500m. A huge tree 84m tall has back to his native Scotland soon after. Large consign-
been recorded. In Scotland, where the species was ments were later exported through the Oregon Asso-
only introduced in quantity in the 1850s, trees ciation in the 1850s but many of these had been
already exceed 50m in height. predated by a species of seed wasp. William Lobb
The stem is straight and stout, 1.8m diameter is sent more seed independently to the Veitch Nursery
commonplace, with smooth silver-grey bark which in London. In Britain this species became a signifi-
only fissures lightly in old age. The foliage is deep cant forest tree after 1919. From the start Noble Fir
grey-green, or blue-green in the glaucous form. he also became a popular ornamental park and estate
flexible needles are variously curved to give a flat tree where conditions were right. It requires prodi-
coverage above the shoot and a parting beneath. To gious amounts of rain and poor, moist acid soil. The
achieve this some rows of individuals are twisted into species is totally hardy and always grows straight,
the shape of a letter S, a feature shared only with even in severely exposed places.
Californian Red Fir (p. 125). The undersides have Timber is usually produced in vast quantities, but
two pale green lines of stomata. The female flowers it is soft and weak. There is a tendency for it to crack
on this species are quite spectacular but out of sight spirally up the stem, a problem usually attributed to
in the tree tops. They are bright pink mimiature drought or frost. Whatever the reason, spiral crack-
upright cones, often several in a row along the ing renders it useless when it is milled. Sawn boards
branch. They develop into fat heavy 25cm cones simply fall to bits behind the saw blade. Forms with
(see p. 260) which change through straw-yellow to particularly glaucous foliage, f. glauca, have been
brown. The down-turned tips of papery bracts proj- selected and perpetuated by horticulturists for many
ect from between each scale forming an intricate pat- years.
tern of diagonal crossed lines over the whole surface Growth: 7-18-50. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 3, 4.
of the cone. The beauty of this is totally lost in the

mature
cone

Noble Fir
 Cedar of Lebanon

Cedar of Lebanon

146
 CEDARS

Cedars was measured when the tree was only 230 years old
was 2.86m.
The genus Cedrus, the true cedars, contains only
The layered branches are characteristically level
four species, some authorities suggest fewer, spread
almost to the tip. Soft evergreen needles 2-3cm in
across North Africa and into Asia. Each species con-
length occur singly on current shoots and in whorls
sists of ageographic segregate occupying a particular
on short spur shoots. Like most cedars they vary
sector of the range. Some interaction between these
slightly in length and colour according to the prove-
can make precise identification extremely difficult.
nance of the tree. Some are dark green while others
Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani are much lighter and easily confused with the closely
related Atlas Cedar. The conspicuous upright male
The natural range of this species extends along the
catkins are yellow and appear in the autumn. Females
eastern coast of the Mediterranean and into Asia
are almost hidden at the tips of spurs. The 10cm
Minor. Its strongholds were always Lebanon and
cones (see p. 261) are barrel-shaped but widest below
Syria. Originally a mountain species growing
the half way mark. They are bloomed green at first,
between 1400 and 2000m above sea level, it 1s now
becoming purplish-grey the second year. After three
grown in numerous different habitats and responds
years they start to break up. The first indication of
favourably to lush lowland conditions. It usually
this is when the scales start to bulge and the sleek
makes a spreading tree, often with huge low symmetrical outline 1s lost.
branches, themselves as large as tree trunks, growing
Most of the nineteenth-century cultivars of Cedar
outwards almost horizontally. In cultivation it sel-
of Lebanon were produced in France. Probably the
dom confines itself to a single stem but prefers sev-
best is ‘Glauca’ which dates back to 1855. It is a
eral. They reach upwards like organ pipes to a
compact replica of the species with silvery green foli-
potential height of 40m. Among the few remaining
age. There is also a similar yellow type ‘Aurea’ (1868)
native trees stems over 4.5m in diameter are on
but it is often more green than yellow and rather dis-
record. Such specimens are estimated to be 2500 appointing.
years old. It was introduced in Britain, one of the first Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Growth: 2-8-35.
countries to grow Cedar of Lebanon as an ornament, VWoodsalee2 no:
in 1683. The largest recorded stem diameter, which
 Atlas Cedar bark

Atlas Cedar ‘Aurea’ “Glauca Fastigiata’

old tree
148
 CEDARS

Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica Blue Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica f. glauca
Snow lies for three months of the year where this This spontaneous powdery blue form of Atlas Cedar
hardy tree grows in North Africa. Its natural range 1s occurs within the wild population. It is more com-
the Atlas Mountains, at 1200-2100m, in Morocco monly planted as an ornament than the species. The
and Algeria. This is in part dry limestone; conse- original clone was distributed in 1867 from France,
quently the species is tolerant of chalky soils in culti- and since then many similar individuals have been
vation. The best specimens produce a vertical stem, cultivated. Most of them are morphologically like
or series of stems, reaching to around 40m in height. the species but slightly smaller.
The branches set offat45° but become horizontal as Growth: 2-10-30. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1 (requires
they extend. The evergreen foliage is thick and per- space). Wood: 1, 2, 3.
sistent. It occurs in a range of colours from green to
grey-green. Needles around 2cm long are produced Cedrus atlantica cultivars
singly on current shoots and subsequently in whorls Over 40 named selections of this species are avail-
of 30-45 on spur shoots. Conspicuous erect 5cm able. Many of them are derived from the blue form.
male flowers appear in early autumn while tcm They make excellent hardy evergreen park and gar-
female flowers, which are difficult to find, hide away den trees because of their tolerance of poor soils.
among the needles on spur shoots. Cones are freely ‘Aurea’ is a 1900 Dutch selection — a medium-sized
produced, often in rows along the shoots. They are tree with shorter yellowish needles. ‘Glauca Fastigi-
8cm high by 4cm wide, smooth and barrel-shaped. ata’ is an invalid name given to a narrow-crowned
After three years they disintegrate on the tree to shed American plant in 1972. There are several similar
the winged seeds. This species was discovered in forms of blue Atlas Cedar. ‘Glauca Pendula’ is a
1827 and described by the eminent Italian gardener good blue weeping form grown at Chatenay, France
Guiseppe Manetti in 1844. in 1900.
Growth: 2-10-35. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1 (requires space). Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.

‘Glauca Fastigiata’
young tree

*‘Glauca Pendula’
Blue Atlas Cedar
old tree
149
 Deodar Cedar seedling
‘Verticillata’
twig detail

150
 GEDARS

Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara Traditionally Deodar timber was used in India for
ship building. A nineteenth-century plan to grow it
This Himalayan species marks the eastern limit of
for this purpose in Britain failed because the timber
cedar distribution world-wide. It occurs from west-
grown so far north lacked durability in sea water.
ern Nepal to east Afghanistan between 1200 and
Growth: 3-10-30. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2, 3.
3000m above sea level. Such a wide range ofhabitats Wood: Europe 5, Himalaya 1, 2, 3.
and elevation results in a quite variable species.
Strains from some regions are hardy, others less so.
Most tolerate poor dryish limestone or moderately Cedrus deodara cultivars
acid soils. In the best conditions a substantial timber ‘Argentea’ is a silvery-green-needled form which
tree 35m tall is produced. The outline is smooth keeps its colour fairly well. It was raised in France
because of the soft dense foliage. Trees are conical at and described in 1866. It is an interesting curiosity
first then become gracefully rounded with age. but is no match for the Blue Atlas Cedar in garden
Major side branches level out to roughly horizontal and landscape design. ‘Verticillata’ was produced in
with nodding tips. The flexible needles are blue- France in 1887. As a young plant it has a neat formal
green at first, darkening when the tree reaches about appearance with a single stem and evenly spaced
25 years of age. They are around 4-5cm long, the whorls of horizontal branches. Each branch has a
longest of all cedars, occurring singly on current slightly upswept tip and short curtains of pendulous
shoots then in whorls on older spurs. Each needle side shoots. Unfortunately, as the illustration shows,
ends in a translucent point. This long, soft foliage is a it does not age well. The Golden Deodar ‘Aurea’
good identification feature in the field. The vertical flushes golden-yellow then turns green in the sum-
male catkins are 8cm tall when they ripen in late mer. The original cultivar raised in Britain in 1866 1s
autumn. Tiny female flowers only occur on a limited now often confused with newer selections which
number of trees. The upright stout barrel-shaped closely resemble it.
cones are around 9cm tall and 5-6cm wide. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3.

‘Verticillata’

‘Aurea’
young tree
 Cyprian Cedar

‘Gold Mound’

bill
Cyprian Cedar *Pendula’
‘Robusta’
young tree
 CEDARS

Cedrus deodara cultivars (continued) Cyprian Cedar Cedrus brevifolia

This species is described on p. 151. It varies consid- A tough tree or large shrub, this species is found wild
erably in the wild and has given rise to a large in only two places on the island of Cyprus itself. It
number of cultivated selections. They have the char- grows in mainland Greece on the upper slopes of
acteristically long 5cm needles of Deodar in a range Mount Paphos. The illustration shows the tree at its
of muted colours from cream to blue-green. best. It is more often seen as a stunted and sparse
‘Robusta’ described in 1852 is a British clone similar individual with an open crown of horizontal
in size and appearance to the species but having branches. These may be short or disproportionally
bright blue-green foliage. “Gold Mound’ is a rela- long. Cedars produce two kinds of evergreen nee-
tively new cultivar produced in Canada in 1986. It is dles, they appear singly in the first year on long
a spreading plant usually growing to a broad point shoots and subsequently as tufts on short spur shoots.
with clear yellow foliage. ‘Albospica’ is an old This particular species has thick, stiff slightly curving
Northern Irish selection made in 1899. It is a needles up to 2.5cm on the long shoots and 1-2cm
medium-sized conical tree with pale cream young on the spur shoots. These are in whorls of up to 20.
needles which turn yellow and then green before the On old trees or specimens standing in severely
end of the growing season. ‘Pendula’ is a well exposed conditions the needles are shorter. The
known little weeping tree in collections. It origi- shortest of any cedar. The cones are similar to Cedar
nated in Germany before 1900. Unless trained up a of Lebanon (p. 147) but smaller, often with an
stake in its youth it will simply creep along the irregular point. This species was considered to be a
ground. variety of Lebanon Cedar until it was described sepa-
Although magnificent at maturity, this tree is often rately in 1908 by Joseph Hooker, the retired director
a great disappointment in the garden for perhaps 20 of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
to 30 years. Most specimens are ungainly and shape- Some Lebanon Cedars in cultivation do produce
less at first. very short needles and generally these are more com-
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-40%. monly found than true Cyprian Cedar.
Choice: 1 (except ‘Pendula’). Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wools i, 2, By De

Deodar Cedar

‘Albospica’
 flowers
2 S&S we
flowe ——=
zZ =e
CZ Se: y

old cone
(from above)

European Larch Carpathian Larch

154 parkland tree
 LARCHES

Larch Larix and Carpathian Larch have consistently proved to

be the best types for British conditions. Nevertheless,
There are about ten species of larch distributed
disease resistant origins are the only safe ones to
throughout the cold temperate regions of the north- plant.
ern hemisphere. They are deciduous conifers with
European Larch is not native to the British Isles. It
soft flexible single needles which, after the first year,
appears to have been introduced sometime before
are produced in rosettes on short spur shoots. Exten- 1620. A tree ‘of goodly stature’ was observed grow-
sive natural and artificially planted forests of larch ing in south-east England in 1664. Specimens were
provide supplies of durable, heavy, softwood timber. cautiously tried in Scotland from 1725. By 1788 it
This serves a whole range of purposes, particularly in had become fashionable and extensive forests were
wet conditions. established from then on.
This species, which is the only deciduous conifer
European Larch Larix decidua native in Europe, has soft, thin, grass-green needles.
The native range of this species extends across much They appear very early in the spring, almost before
of Europe, especially the European Alps and Carpa- the end of winter in mild districts. Also at this time
thian Mountains. It is a more or less straight tree, up the flowers begin to show. Males are tufts, lcm
to 45m tall (but generally much less), with a conical across, of cream-coloured stamens, often occurring
top and light horizontal or down-turned branches. in huge numbers and sending out clouds of pollen
The twigs are pendulous, especially low down on old when conditions are nght. The females, all over the
trees. Like all larches this is a light-demanding tree so same tree, are upright miniature cones, with brilliant
the lower branches are soon suppressed and die. pink scales. They develop into cones (see p. 261) in
They become brittle and break off easily. This pro- the course of one season which are ovate, straw-col-
duces a clean looking stem but results in the dead oured, about 3cm long and open to shed the winged
knots in the timber falling out when it is dried. In seeds in the autumn. Several years’ empty cones stay
European forestry four distinct types are recognized, behind on the tree, often until the whole branch dies
Alpine, Sudeten, Polish (subsp. polonica) and selec- and falls off. Unlike Japanese Larch, the cone scales
tions from the Carpathian and Tatra Mountains. are rounded and not reflexed. However, this is not a
Alpine trees should usually be avoided, as they are good aid to identification. The presence of
variable and prone to disease. Polish seed has in the straw-coloured or buff first year shoots is much safer.
Choice: 2, 3.
past come from lowland areas, so failure occurs when Growth: 5-12-30. Hardiness: 80-90%.
it is planted on severe upland sites. Sudeten Larch Wood: 1, 2, 3.
\

~ Se: 3 tec

ee
i, ee
On,oe We
a ) eZ
Fe

dh
i 6
autumn

a aN Uh yan

‘e
we oor
Pay
"a

ar
ee
NN ee

«: bus
eth

Fie

\F ax
S / eh tS
yg
LAN
rWe STP
winter

ZX European Larch

subsp. polonica
OlOn
 2 flowers

3 flowers

‘¢ NWS A
ih

\ A, bo , i

spring growth

aS
WR
Woy)
Ay t

*Pendula’

156
 LARC ISUES

Hybrid Larch Larix « marschlinsii (eurolepis) elevation within it, 1200 to 2800m, gives rise to con-
siderable provenance variation. By good fortune the
The name ‘eurolepis’ 1s retained here because it is so
original introductions to Europe in 1861 by the
familiar to foresters, plant breeders and nurseries
Veitch Nursery happened to be good. Even so, the
though the botanically correct name for this hybrid
species was shunned for over 30 years in favour of
between European andJapanese Larch is now Larix x
European Larch. Not an unjustified reaction, because
marschlinsii. The first recorded tree originated at
young trees tend to produce wood that is inferior.
Dunkeld in Scotland, where the parent species were
Only when a high proportion of heartwood is pres-
planted side by side. An avenue of Japanese Larch
ent in the timber does the quality begin to compare
planted in 1887 produced the first F' seed from
favourably with European Larch. It is a potentially
around 1904. The hybrid was described in 1919.
large tree, 30m in height, and has a fairly straight
There have been numerous other crosses since then,
stem. The branches are strong and spreading towards
using either parent as the mother tree. Back-crosses the base of the tree. The top is conical at first, becom-
have also occurred, resulting in a mixed selection of ing ragged or flattened with age. The foliage 1s sea-
inferior progeny. An authentic hybrid larch is an green, with orange-red shoots which show up in the
ideal forest tree. It carries the attributes of fast growth winter when the needles are off. The autumn colour is
from Japanese Larch and strong durable timber from gold and the subsequent carpet of needles on the
European Larch. In 60 years the best specimens on ground is a valuable source of nutrition for other spe-
record have exceeded 40m in height, with stems cies planted or growing near the larch. The 2-3cm
more than 120cm in diameter. cones (see p. 261), which develop in one season from
Growth: 8-20-35. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3. carmine-pink flowers, are pale brown with reflexed
scales. The cultivar ‘Pendula’ is one of many orna-
Japanese Larch Larix kaempferi mental forms. It first appeared in Germany in 1896,
Although Japanese Larch only occurs in a small but several weeping selections have been made since
region of central Japan, Honshu Island, it has been then.
planted as a forest tree all over the cool temperate Growth: 7-18-30. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 2, 3.

world. Even though the native range is limited, the Wood: 2, 3.

=<
S

parkland specimens
Hybrid Larch
Japanese Larch
in spring
in winter
 3 flower
autumn ——
a SS SSS TS
__ gg (3 =o ok

Tamarack Larch

i
f

Vf]
\\
|

Subalpine Larch Tamarack Larch

 ILANPRCISUS'S

Tamarack Larch Larix laricina Subalpine Larch Larix lyallii

This ‘eastern larch’ of North America, like the West- This is a tree of high mountainsides from British
ern Larch, is also called ‘Hackmatack’. It is an Columbia to Alberta and south to Washington. It
extremely hardy, straight, 20-24m tree, which grows occurs as a pioneer timberline species, demarcating
close to the limit of trees in the sub Arctic, from bare rock and scree slopes from shrubby vegetation
Alaska to Labrador. Further south it extends to New and alpine fir forest. For much of the year in this
Jersey and Maryland, growing on a range ofsoils and situation it remains leafless and in a semi-moribund
site types from sea level to 1200m up mountain sides. state. When brought into cultivation — it was discov-
It is a short-lived but slow-growing pioneer species. ered by David Lyall, a Scottish surgeon, in 1858 — it
Nevertheless, the timber is strong and durable. makes a good conical tree 15m or more tall. The
American Indians once used its thin roots to sew foliage appears at the proper time of year in the
strips of birch bark on to canoes. The stem is usually spring. The needles are 3cm long, 4-angled, stiff,
straight but increasingly truncated towards the north pointed and bright pale green. On second and subse-
of the range. The open branches are light, horizontal quent years’ spur shoots they are numerous and
or pendulous. In severe exposure they may be very crowded together. The whole tree in summer has a
short. Soft blue-green needles appear early in the tufted look about it which can be recognized from
year on trees in cultivation. They are about 3cm long some way off. The yellow autumn colour is attrac-
and 3-sided. Male flowers droop beneath the shoot tive especially when viewed against blue sky. Ellipt-
and rose pink females stand in erect clusters above it. cal cones are produced singly or in small clusters.
Consequently the cones often occur in small Narrow twisted trident bracts extend from between
bunches. They are around 1.5cm long with very few each scale, giving the cone a ragged outline.
Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
scales.
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 80-100%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 3.

NS
YP
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ty
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Aa<PNi
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Arctic form

winter summer

Tamarack Larch
he?)

Hee
 Weeping
Larch

flower

summet winter
t seed

Weeping Larch Western Larch

160
 LANCE'S

Weeping Larch Larix x pendula often in dense forests in the company of Lodgepole
Pine (p. 255). Where fires or natural disasters occur
The exact parentage of this hybrid is uncertain. It is
this is one of the first pioneer species to cover the
presumed by most authorities to be Larix decidua x
resulting bare ground with a carpet of new seedlings.
Larix laricina — a cross between a European and an
The first European to discover Western Larch was
American species. It is a broad-headed wide-
David Douglas in 1826 on the Columbia River. It was
spreading tree with level or down-turned branches
brought into cultivation in 1880 and taken to Kew in
and pendulous shoots. In other respects it is like
London in 1881 by Charles Sprague Sargent from the
European Larch (p. 155). Its origin appears to have
Arnold Arboretum in the USA. The needles are
been in London, in the garden of Peter Collinson at
grey-green, 2.5-4cm long, produced singly on new
Peckham, where the parents must have been grow-
shoots and subsequently in clusters on spur shoots.
ing close to each other, around 1839. The first seed-
They are triangular in cross section and keeled on the
ling appeared in his other garden at Mill Hill in
lower side. Although pointed they are not viciously
north-west London soon after.
sharp. The ovoid cones are 2.5-3.5cm long, they are
It was a common nineteenth century practice to
held in an upright position on the branch and ripen in
train it over an iron framework with cross members
one season. They have distinctive protruding pointed
set just above head height. This produced a mysteri-
bracts between the scales. The bark is reddish brown
ous grotto effect and could eventually cover an area
and scaly: with age it becomes increasingly grey and
some 20m across. Many larches in cultivation with
roughly furrowed. The timber is of excellent quality,
pendulous shoots are wrongly ascribed to this hybrid. close grained, heavy and durable. It is streaked with
Growth: 2-2-3. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1.
warm brown and speckled with small dark brown
knots.
Western Larch Larix occidentalis
Growth: 6-12-24 (in cultivation). Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2,
This big tree, up to 60m tall, occurs in western North 3. Wood: 2, 3.
America between the Cascade and Rocky Mountains
in British Columbia, Oregon and Idaho. Known
locally (like the Tamarack Larch) as ‘Hackmatack’, it is

seeds

undersid

autumn

Western Larch
16]
 var. principis
-rupprechtii

Himalayan be: ; aS
Larch
OOAYK

Dahurian Larch } flowers

162
 LANCE'S)

Dahurian Larch Larix gmelinii cylindrical, 5-11cm long, and pointed at both ends,
with long bracts extending from between each scale.
The range of this hardy species is eastern Siberia and Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
Growth: 2-5-20. Hardiness: 20-40%.
northern China, a climactically testing area where it
may only develop into a cowering bush. In better Larix kaempferi ‘Dervaes’ Japanese Larch cv
conditions it may grow 20m tall. The stem is then This Belgian clone of Japanese Larch (p. 157) was rec-
straight and the top conical. Branches spread widely ognized in 1949. It is a pendulous form, usually grafted
on cultivated specimens. The needles are bright on to a standard stock. The scion material is identical to
green, blunt, 2-3cm long and appear early in the ‘Pendula’ a German cultivar produced in 1896 (p. 157).
year, so frost damage is a serious problem in Europe. Growth: 2-2-3. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
The cones are small, up to 3cm long, with few scales.
The variety japonica (Kurile Larch) from Sakhalin Chinese Larch Larix potaninii
Island has dense foliage and very small cones, 1-2cm In south-west China this is a huge, 50m tall tree
long. The needles are also particularly short and growing, at very high elevations of between 2500 and
prone to spring frost damage. The variety principis- 3000m. It is native in Sichuan and Gansu provinces and
rupprechtii (now regarded as a legitimate species by in adjoining parts of Tibet. Pére David, the French
some authorities) comes from west of Beijing. It has missionary and plant collector, discovered it in 1884. It
bloomed shoots and longer needles (up to 3.5cm, was named in 1893 and introduced into cultivation, in
occasionally longer in cultivation). The cones are Germany, in 1899. Another five years passed before it
2-3.5cm with notched scales. reached America. It remains a rare tree and in cultiva-
Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3. tion somewhat variable. It is possible that the original
Larix griffithiana introduction might have actually been the variety mac-
Himalayan Larch
rocarpa. Some individuals have dense foliage, others do
Sir Joseph Hooker, director of the Royal Botamic not. The 2-3cm keeled needles are bright green, high-
Gardens, Kew, introduced this elegant 20m tree from lighted by silvery stomatal bands on the underside. The
west Nepal in 1848. Its natural range extends from distinctive oval cones are 3-5cm long with exserted
Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan to south-east Tibet. William bracts between each scale. The cone changes from red-
Griffith discovered it 10 years earlier and it was even- brown to violet and finally grey-brown when npe.
tually named in his honour in 1854, as Larix griffithii. Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
The cone distinguishes this from other larches. It is
Var.

cone

Chinese
Larch

{i
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We

Himalayan Larch flowers

163
 side shoot leaves

5 ag
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Golden Larch ‘dragon’s eye’ autumn

164 winter
 Ie WS @ aliens

Golden Larch Pseudolarix amabilis ereen with white bloom on them, developing into
unique artichoke-shaped cones with tough project-
This deciduous conifer is a close relative of the true
ing fleshy triangular scales. They ripen to golden-
larches. It has the same needle arrangement, spiral on
brown and disintegrate in the autumn to release the
first year shoots and in rosettes subsequently. In its
seeds.
native southern China trees 30-40m tall occur, but in
This species was introduced into cultivation by
cultivation it is more likely to be small, sometimes lit-
Robert Fortune in 1852 after one ofhis trips to China
tle more than a large bush —a definite advantage when looking for tea plants. It is difficult to establish and the
the tree is intended to be seen at close quarters, as this first consignments of Chinese seed may have failed to
species must if it is to be fully appreciated. The main grow. However, by 1860 there were live plants at
feature, the autumn colour, produces what 1s known Kew and in America. Acid soil is essential for this
as the ‘dragon’s eye’ effect. During the summer the slow-growing but reasonably hardy tree.
soft needles are light green with blue-green backs. In Growth: 1-3-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
the autumn they turn yellow and golden-brown pro-
gressively from the needle tip to its base. This occurs Siberian Larch Larix russica
simultaneously over the whole plant. The rosettes of This 30m tall tree is from a vast area in north-east
needles on spur shoots are very regular and fairly flat Russia and western Siberia, it is extremely tough and
when viewed from above. The following year’s bud is hardy. In outline it varies with its situation. Most
already formed in the centre. The “dragon’s eye’ is a specimens start conical with upswept branches;
rosette of 15-30 needles with the pale bud in the cen- towards the Arctic they stay slender but further south
tre, light-green around it, yellow beyond that and a they spread out and the lower branches become
fringe of golden-brown round the whole lot. This horizontal or even slightly pendulous. The soft, 2.5
intriguing effect is repeated all over the tree. The to 4cm needles, dark-green above and grey-green on
flowers are produced in spring. Males are small yellow the underside, appear early in the spring, but drop
clusters ofcatkins made up of stamens; they form on a early in the autumn. The cones are smooth, around
leafless spur shoot. The females are pale yellowish- 4cm long and leathery.
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3.

cone

cone
scale

Siberian Larch
Golden Larch
165
summer
 Morinda Spruce 2» flower

“Vel5G
20st
5

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ajix
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Morind a Spruce S chrenk Spru ce

166
 SIPRUICIE'S

Spruces Picea shoots and are given separate variety status, var. nep-
alensis.
Mostly straight single-stemmed trees, often growing
Growth: 5-18-30. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1 (requires
to considerable heights in dense forests. The shoots
space). Wood: 3.
are characteristically rough, covered in sharp woody
pegs, retained for many years after the stout, pointed Schrenk Spruce Picea schrenkiana
evergreen needles have been shed.
A rare Chinese tree closely related to Morinda
Morinda Spruce Picea smithiana Spruce, this species comes from the border between
Russia and China, a harsh cold region. The resinous
This Himalayan spruce, like Brewer Spruce in
foliage is less pendulous than Morinda Spruce and
America, is a snow-shedding adaptation with pendu- the needles are shorter (2-3.5cm). The cones are
lous foliage. Unlike Brewer Spruce it has long (4cm) about 9cm long, dark purplish-brown and often
needles which are pale green. Occurring from encrusted with resin. Stems are usually straight and
Kashmir to Nepal and west to Afghanistan, mostly up to 30m tall. Occasional trees are on record that
between 2100 and 3600mn, it was introduced into
have reached 40m. It occurs in pure dense forests
cultivation in 1818 at Hopetoun house in Scotland. exclusively of this species. Some authorities consider
After some debate and name changes it was finally it to be related to the Siberian Spruce (p. 171) and
described in 1884, over 60 years later. consequently Norway Spruce (p. 175).
In cultivation it suffers from spring frost damage. In cultivation it is not an easy species to identify. It
Although perfectly hardy, it begins to grow early in often develops poor form due to its susceptibility to
the year when planted on a lowland site, and is then late spring frost damage. It was described by Frie-
hit by inevitable late frosts. Young trees are very drich von Fischer and Carl von Meyer of St Peters-
decorative with their long branch tresses and coni- burg Botanic Garden in 1842. Although introduced
cal shape, but they do not age well: crowns spread, to European horticulture in 1877 it has never
stems bend and foliage thins out. In Britain many become popular.
specimens die after 60 years or so. The best trees Growth: 3-10-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
achieve 40m.
Needles are produced all round the flexible shoots.
The leathery cones are 10-20cm long, cylindrical and
glossy. Plants collected in west Nepal have hairy

+ flowers
Schrenk Spruce
167
 f | underside
ia i]

id
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flowers

Sikkim Spruce

RANE
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Sikkim Spruce
Japanese Bush Spruce var. senanensis
168
 SRRIWIGES

Sikkim Spruce Picea spinulosa mountains, and was described and separated from the
species in 1969.
This rare and graceful tree comes from Sikkim and
Growth: 4-15-20. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 3, 4.
Bhutan. It is a Himalayan species with a fragmented
distribution. Inherent variability means that speci-
mens are not all identical. One form is probably
related to an obscure type of Likiang Spruce. In cul- There is confusion about the taxonomy of this hardy
tivation it makes a 20-25m tree with a conical out- variety. Some authorities regard it as a subspecies and
line until it becomes rounded in old age. Some others as a true species, Picea mexicana. It 1s from a
individuals have lax foliage reminiscent of Morinda limited area in north-east Mexico, where it was dis-
Spruce (p. 167) and rather heavy pendulous 7-8cm covered in 1962. It is a rare tree with glaucous-green,
cones. sharply pointed 3cm needles. The soft pendulous
Growth: 4-15-22. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3. cones are around 6cm long. Usually it has a conical
outline ona single stem 20m tall, or up to 30m in the
Japanese Bush Spruce Picea maximowiczii wild, (see Picea engelmannii p. 189).
Growth; 3-10-20. Hardiness: 10-30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3.
Also called Maximowicz Spruce after Carl Johann
Ivanovitch Maximowicz, curator of St Petersburg
Wilson Spruce Picea wilsonii
Botanic Garden, this tree can easily be mistaken for
Norway Spruce (p. 175). The foliage in particular is Many of the specimens grown from Wilson’s original
very similar. In cultivation it tends to cone heavily seed collected in the Hubei province of China and
and the cones are small, 3-5cm long. It is native introduced into cultivation in 1901, are still alive
around Mount Fujiyama in Honshu and was (1999). This is a tough, hardy, fairly slow-growing
described in 1880 but remains rare. tree with dense spreading branches and a straight 10-
The variety senanensis has longer needles, up to 15m stem. The needles resemble those of Norway
1.5cm long, and larger cones. It comes from the Spruce (p. 175), but the shoots are distinctly white on
same region of Honshu but from different the underside. The 7cm pendulous cones are leathery
and cylindrical, but rounded at each end.
Growth: 3-7-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3.

Wilson Spruce
leaf detail
5 169
flowers
 +
flower

Tigertail Spruce Siberian Spruce

170
 SPRACErsS

Siberian Spruce Picea obovata the sharpest spine tips of any spruce: they will draw
blood at the slightest touch. The 7-12cm cones are
This sub-Arctic tree was described by Carl von
leathery, pendulous and sessile.
Ledebur in 1833 and brought into cultivation in
Growth: 6-12-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
1852. It occurs from north-west Europe across
northern Asia to the northern extremities of China —
an eastern extension of the range of Norway Spruce
Hybrid American Spruce Picea x lutzii
(p. 175), to which it is closely related. Some authori- First noticed in Alaska in 1950, this hybrid is a natu-
ties regard it as a subspecies of Norway Spruce, Picea ral cross between White Spruce (p. 185) and Sitka
abies subsp. obovata. It can grow to 35m tall with a Spruce (p. 191). It has potential as a forest tree, so
straight stem, flaky grey-brown bark and slightly additional artificial hybridization has also been tried.
pendulous branches. The needles are mostly in two Botanically it has intermediate characteristics
ranks, dull green and pointed. Most are less than 2cm between the parents. The hybrid produces fertile F*
long. Leathery, pendulous, 6-10cm cones are purple seed. Since 1962 this has been imported to various
at first. This species freely crosses with Norway countries from Iceland. However, vegetative propa-
Spruce to produce Finnish Spruce (Picea x fennica) in gation of original trees seems likely to be more reli-
Scandinavia and Finland. Like many Arctic species, able. The advantage of the cross appears to be an
Siberian Spruce often suffers from spring frost damage injection of White Spruce hardiness into Sitka
when moved to a mild district. It is quick to begin Spruce, a proven timber producer.
growth in response to increasing day length and starts Growth: 5-12-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4 (experimental
to grow before the risk of cold weather is over. forest tree). Wood: 2, 3, 4.
Growth: 5-18-30. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2.
Candelabra Spruce Picea montigena
Tigertail Spruce Picea polita Although recognized as a species in 1906, this is more
This conical tree from central and southern Japan likely to be a variety of Likiang Spruce (p. 193). It is a
inhabits volcanic sites. It was described in 1855 and spreading, 30m, conical tree from western Sichuan.
introduced by J. G. Veitch in 1861. At its best it is The 1-1.5cm needles are 4-sided with blunt tips.
The pendulous cones are 7-10cm long, glossy and
25m tall with a straight stem and exfoliating bark.
The branch tips are pendulous like tiger tails. The leathery.
rigid, vertically flattened, glossy-green needles have Growth: 4-12-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 3.

y \"
4 4 +7
1

KN
underside *
Candelabra Spruce
Hybrid American Spruce
171
 Northern
Sargent

underside

é)
oY Dragon Spruce
lear section 8 I Northern Sargent Spruce

2
 SIPIRWKCIES

Dragon Spruce Picea asperata Masters in 1906, and brought into cultivation by
Ernest Wilson in 1910.
In the wild state, and to some extent in cultivation,
Growth: 4-10-18. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
this is a variable species. Its natural range extends
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
through north-west China. This is the Chinese
equivalent to Norway Spruce (p. 175), which it Northern Sargent Spruce Picea brachytyla
superficially resembles. A conic outline eventually
develops into a spreading open-branched, more or Once, vast 40m tall forests of this species extended
less straight-stemmed tree around 20m tall. The bark from central and western China to eastern India. It is
is purplish-brown and scaly; it retains curled flakes a hardy species inhabiting high mountainous sites
for a long time before shedding them. In the open between 2000 and 4000m. A spreading open conical
the bark is bleached grey in the sun. The branches are tree with a straight stem, in cultivation it will only
approximately horizontal with upturned ends. The reach half the height of the original forest trees from
rough (asperata means rough) shoots are lax and which it came. The bark is smooth but finely scaly,
droop from the lower limbs. The needles are grey- resinous and pale pinkish-grey at first, becoming
ereen, around 2cm long, and sharply pointed on darker and roughly cracked in old age. The distinc-
some individuals. Other forms are much less pointed tive shoot is pure white on the underside in the first
and the amount of grey varies from silvery to almost year, with silver-backed 1.5cm flat needles. The spe-
cies was introduced in 1901 but remains rare in
nothing. Like Norway Spruce the needles are
4-sided. The female flowers are bright red and in one cultivation.
The southern form var. complanata from western
summer develop into leathery pale brown pendulous
China also appears in several different forms in culti-
12cm cones.
vation. It is similar to Northern Sargent Spruce
Several named varieties were introduced with this
except that the cones are larger, to 16cm long, and
species at the beginning of the twentieth century.
the needles are an even brighter silvery-grey on the
Their validity is questionable as the whole lot will
underside. The pendulous shoots, fairly slow rate of
inter-breed in cultivation, and also cross within the
growth and neat conical shape make this a good, but
Norway Spruce group. Dragon Spruce was discov-
rare, ornamental tree.
ered in China in 1903. It was named by Maxwell
Growth: 4-15-22. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 2, 3, 4.

var. complanata
leaves

var. complanata
type leaves Northern Sargent Spruce
bark 173
stem
detail

Mag Pr a
j Dy x . MV ove

on
‘

open
North Swedish forest form
Norway Spruce type cone

parkland specimen
174
 SRW s

Norway Spruce Picea abies selection. ‘Cupressina’ is a medium-sized tree with

up-swept branches. A German clone was described in
Most of Europe, but not the British Isles, is home to
1908 but there are now others.
this common species. It occurs from the Pyrenees to
Illustrated on the next page: “Viminalis’ is a 1741
the Balkans, across Scandinavia, the Baltic and west-
Swedish selection found growing wild near Stock-
ern Russia. Further east it intergrades with Siberian
holm. It is a tall open branched individual with pen-
Spruce (p. 171). It was introduced to Britain around
dulous side shoots. ‘Pendula Major’ is one of the
1500. It is one of the most widely used softwood
few completely weeping cultivars to remain distinct
timber and pulpwood trees in Europe, marketed
ever since it was described in 1868. “Tuberculata’ is
under such names as Baltic Whitewood and White
a curious Dutch cultivar with swellings at the base of
Deal. It grows best in cool moist regions where late
old branches. ‘Argentea’, was originally a German
spring frost is unlikely. With such a broad natural dis-
1891 clone but is now confused with numerous
tribution this tree can be any shape from tall and
similar sports. A tree rather like it, “Finedonensis’, 1s
slender to broad and spreading. Sub-arctic trees are
still identifiable. It has creamy-yellow young shoots
small but further south specimens 50m tall are
but by mid-summer they revert to green. “Laxa’ is a
known. In forest conditions it is shade tolerant and
short needled clone selected at the Royal Botanic
stands for years in close proximity. Tops become
Gardens Kew in 1972. ‘Cincinnata’ 1s a strange Ger-
relatively small and lower branches are shaded out.
man weeping tree with particularly long curving
See p. 261 for cone.
needles it was described in 1897. ‘Cranstonii’ is a
There are many named forms (over 350 listed in the
peculiar, often quite vigorous, shrubby tree, first cul-
World Conifer Data Pool 1993) — some are illustrated
tivated in 1855. It is reluctant to produce side shoots
here and on the next page. The cultivar name ‘Pyra-
so the branches produce a snake-like effect. “Will’s
midata’ was listed in 1836 but later expanded to take
Zwerg’ is a 1956 German selection. A small conical
in all similar upright forms. ‘Pendula’ was introduced
dense-needled slow-growing form, seldom exceed-
even earlier, in 1836, and it too now consists of several
ing 2m in height.
different clones. The original is considered by some
Growth: 2-18-40. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1 (cvs), 3.
authorities to be the same as ‘Inversa’ an 1855 Belgian Wood: 1, 2, 3, 4 (species).

‘Pyramidata’ ‘Pendula’
 ‘Pendula
Major’

*‘Tuberculata’

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Oriental Spruce “Gracilis’ Serbian Spruce

178
 SRERIUIGES

Oriental Spruce Picea orientalis 1903. It grows more slowly and is more compact
than the species.
North-east Asia Minor, Anatolia and the Caucasus
Growth: 2-10-40. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3.
Mountains are home to this 40m straight-stemmed
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
forest tree. It can easily be identified among other
spruces by its very short 8mm deep glossy green Serbian Spruce Picea omorika
needles. Black Spruce (p. 187) also has short nee- This endangered species is confined to a small area in
dles, but they are grey-green. In addition to its the Drina River valley in the Balkans. It is a last rem-
obvious potential as a forest timber producer, this nant of flat needled spruce which was common in
species is tolerant of some lime in the soil and dry- Europe in pre-glacial times. In the harsh icy environ-
ness beyond the limits of most other spruces. Its ment ofits last refuge it has developed a natural snow
outline is columnar with a conical or rounded top. shedding outline. The short downward-pointing
The dense foliage has a neat appearance and branches and very narrow shape ensures that the tree is
branches seldom break off except in very old age. seldom damaged even in the most severe weather. Also
The slender pendulous violet-brown cones are 9cm this is perhaps the most lime tolerant of all the spruces.
long and remain on the tree for longer than many For this reason, and its extreme hardiness, it has fre-
spruces. The species was introduced to Europe quently been used on a limited scale as a plantation tree.
around 1837 and described in 1847. In cultivation it It is good in this role, but is less rewarding financially
appears unable to reach anything like the age of than hardwood species, such as beech, which can grow
wild trees, some of which are reputed to be over on similar ground. As an ornamental it succeeds
390 years. Nevertheless it is extensively planted in because it is totally hardy and tolerant of industrial pol-
parks and gardens as an ornamental specimen. It lution. It will grow on almost any site, wet or dry. As
withstands air pollution in urban situations. well as cold in winter, summer temperatures over 30°C
There are over 50 named varieties in cultivation are endured without damage. Trees 30-40m tall are
(1993). ‘Aurea’ is an 1873 German selection with known with a maximum branch spread of only 5m. It
bright yellow foliage which lasts all year. A very dense is also sold as an alternative Christmas tree.
foliage type, ‘Gracilis’, was selected in Belgium in Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3.
Wood: 2, 3, 4.

flowers

flowers

underside
Serbian Spruce
 2 flowers

WAY S ~ flowers
| te,

underside

Hondo Spruce
 SPREW EES

Hondo Spruce Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis with dark green foliage. The upper stem and
branches have reddish-brown bark like Norway
The Jezo Spruce (Picea jezoensis) from Japan and the
Spruce (p. 175). The 1.2cm needles are also like
Pacific coast of Asia is a close relative of Sitka Spruce
(p. 191). It is a fine straight 25-30m forest tree. The Norway Spruce with which it will hybridize. It was
population from Honshu (once called Hondo) is discovered and named after Mitsua Koyama in 1911
regarded as a separate variety, var. hondoensis. It is a and introduced to Europe by Ernest Wilson in 1914.
larger tree, up to 45m tall. The outline is slightly He also found the same species cultivated in a garden
ragged but the stem is generally straight. The shoots in Korea. Interestingly this species is often confused
are reddish, unlike the species, which has pale brown with Korean Spruce (Picea koraiensis, p. 239).
shoots. Flat 1.2cm needles, with grey stomatal bands Growth: 2-8-18. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3.
on the underside, point forward all round young Wood: 2, 3.
shoots and occur in two ranks on weak side shoots.
The cones are 5-7cm long, leathery and pendulous. Taiwan Spruce Picea morrisonicola
The first true Hondo Spruce seed was introduced to This spruce occurs in the mountainous parts of Tai-
Britain in 1871. It was found to be less frost tender wan. It is moderately tender in temperate collections
than earlier introductions of Jezo Spruce from Man- away from there. Superficially there is some resem-
churia and Siberia. At Vivod arboretum in Wales an blance to Wilson Spruce (p. 169) in so far as the
outstanding timber tree has resulted from an artificial shoots are pale-coloured. They are, however, far less
cross between this variety and Sitka Spruce (p. 191). stout. The slender pointed needles are between 0.8
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 4. and 1.4cm long. They point forward and cover the
top of the shoot but are parted below except on the
Koyama Spruce Picea koyamai most vigorous extremities. The pendulous leathery
This tree has a limited range around Mount Yatsuga cones are around 6-8cm long.
in central Japan, where it is now an endangered spe- Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3.
cies. In cultivation it makes a 10-20m conical tree Wood: 2, 3.

new
leaves %

Taiwan Spruce
Koyama Spruce
181
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 SEESUIGHS

Alcock’s Spruce Picea bicolor foliage resembles Hondo Spruce (p. 181) except in
needle cross section. Unlike Hondo Spruce, Alcock’s
This tree from central Japan (Honshu) was discov-
has needles which can be ‘rolled’ between the finger
ered and collected by John Gould Veitch in 1861. and thumb. The virtually stalkless cones are about
He named it in honour of his travelling companion
10cm long, purple at first becoming pinkish-brown.
Rutherford Alcock, the British Consul at the time.
They are pendulous and after opening to shed the
Together they explored the sacred mountain
winged seed, clearly show reflexed scale tips.
Fujryama where they also discovered Veitch’s Silver
Growth: 2-8-25, Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
Fir (p. 111). They appear to have been the first Euro-
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
peans to obtain permission to visit the area. Plants
were grown at the Veitch family nurseries (as Picea Picea shirasawae
alcoquiana) and quickly distributed to collections Formerly considered to be a variety of Alcock’s
round the world. Nevertheless Alcock’s Spruce is still
Spruce (var. acicularis) this rare tree comes from cen-
not common in cultivation. It is perfectly hardy and
tral Japan. Its natural range is confined to Mount Yat-
tolerates a range ofsoil types but it has little to offer as
suga in Honshu where it grows in company with
an ornamental specimen. A well grown tree generally
Koyama’s Spruce. Some authorities actually consider
has a straight vertical stem up to 25m tall and spread-
this species to have originated as a hybrid between
ing branches. The outline is conical for some years
and then the symmetry is lost as some limbs grow to Koyama’s and Alcock’s. It has dense thick glaucous-
excess and others break off. The shoots are pale green needles which curve over the shoot. The stem
cream or buff on the shaded side and orange-brown is straight but height seldom exceeds 14m. The upper
on top. Bi-coloured needles give the tree its species bark is flaky like Dragon Spruce (p. 173) but it thick-
name. They are 1-2cm long, 4-sided, and mostly for- ens up and becomes rugged with age. The cone
ward pointing. The upper faces are deep glossy green scales are rounded and smooth and not reflexed at the
and the lower ones are blue-green. On old or shaded tip.
branches they become parted below the shoot, oth- Growth: 3-10-14. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 3.
erwise they are packed tightly along its length. The Wood: 2, 3, 4.

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Alberta White Spruce Red Spruce

184
 SPRUCE

White Spruce Picea glauca forest conditions. In the south it grows between
1300 and 1900m where the air is cool and moisture 1s
This is found across the whole of North America,
abundant. In America and in the timber industry
mostly in Canada. It is extremely hardy and extends
generally it is called Eastern Spruce or Yellow
northwards to the Arctic tree line. Growth is gener-
Spruce. The name ‘red’ is said to refer to the cones
ally slow and cultivated specimens in warmer cli-
but this description does leave a lot to the imagina-
mates suffer from spring frost damage. (See p. 261 for
tion. They are 3-4cm long, cylindrical, and have
cone).
rather stiff papery brown scales. After shedding the
The variety illustrated is the Alberta White
seed they quickly fall off the tree. The glossy ever-
Spruce, Picea glauca var. albertiana, found in Alberta
green 1.2-1.5cm needles are slender and twisted
and Montana, mostly in the Rocky Mountains. It is
round until they cover the upper side of the shoot.
an upright tree with a straight stem and glaucous-
They are 4-angled with white stomatal bands on the
green needles. The branches spread more widely
inner surfaces. When they fall, after 3-5 years, they
than in the species and the 2cm needles are longer. It
leave a sharp wooden peg on the twig. The small
was introduced by Henry Elwes in 1906 and
(1cm) flowers are crimson at first.
described in 1919, but remains rare in collections.
Where this species overlaps the range of Black
The clone of this variety, named ‘Conica’, is exten-
Spruce (p. 187) intermediate forms occur and seed
sively planted in gardens. It is a neat, slow-growing
from these has produced rogue plants with shorter
pyramid of short tightly packed shoots. grey needles, suggesting some connection with Black
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3, 4.
Spruce. Clearly, hybrids and back crosses occur natu-
rally. Good Red Spruce has a variable outline
Red Spruce Picea rubens depending upon where it grows, but the stem is usu-
This widespread tree in eastern North America ally straight. The best trees reach 25m in height.
grows on wet acid soils in mountainous areas. Its Although introduced to Europe before 1755 it is still
natural range extends southwards from Ontario and uncommon: not particularly ornamental and
Nova Scotia along the Appalachian Mountains and although completely hardy, it can not compare com-
then to Tennessee and Georgia. Stands of it are pre- mercially with existing forest species such as Sitka
served in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spruce (py 191):
It is a shade-tolerant species that thrives in dense Growth: 2-15-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3, 4.

cone scale
closed cone Red Spruce
185
 Hybrid Spruce

SWS
Jon;
CEA Zi pp HE) Zz

cone scale

Brewer Spruce Hybrid Spruce

186
 SPRIO Gs

Brewer Spruce Picea breweriana produced but the resulting F° plants are variable. The
needles on the original hybrid are soft and flexible,
Designed by natural selection to minimise snow
up to 2.5cm long, curving upwards over the shoot.
damage, the branches of this hardy species are flexi-
Although cultivated since 1938 this plant remains
ble, with long pendulous shoot tips. The outline is
rare. Its potential as an alternative forest tree has not
conical and on old trees the stem becomes buttressed
yet been fully tested.
and strengthened towards the base. In cultivation
Growth: 3-15-30 (45). Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4 (expert-
specimens seldom exceed 20m in height but in the
mental forest tree). Wood: 2, 3, 4.
wild 40m has been recorded. The natural range 1s
limited to high ground (1000-2200m) on mountain- Black Spruce Picea mariana
sides in mixed coniferous woodland in south-west
This Arctic/alpine tree is best known for its short
Oregon and north-west California. The soft needles
are evergreen and spread all round the shoot. They branches and very short, tightly packed needles
are up to 2.5cm long, flat and pointed. The overall which are only 6-12mm long. It may achieve 18m in
effect is of sombre dark green layered curtains. After height on a prime site but is a prostrate shrub at high
3-5 years the needles fall leaving their sharp basal elevation and in the sub Arctic. It is at home in cold
‘pegs’ on the slender branches. The pendulous cones acid peat bogs, wet clay or gravelly soils. The natural
are 6-10cm long but quite narrow until they open up range covers much of Canada and part of the USA
to shed the winged seed. This tree was discovered in around the Great Lakes. It extends almost to the Arc-
the Siskiyou Mountains by William Henry Brewer, tic Circle, as far as the northerly limit for trees of any
professor of agriculture at Yale University. It was sort. This neat little tree was described in 1888 but
brought into cultivation at a much earlier date, in
subsequently described in 1855.
1700. The fine blue-grey needles and numerous
Growth: 2-8-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.
small (3-4cm) pendulous cones are extremely deco-
rative features. However, like many Arctic species it
Hybrid Spruce Picea x hurstii
does not always thrive in mild conditions and is
This hybrid between Englemann Spruce (p. 189) and prone to aphid attack.
Colorado Spruce (p. 189) is of unknown origin. It is Growth: 2-4-15. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 2. Wood: 2, 3.
intermediate between the parents but has the poten-
tial to grow to 45m in height. Fertile seed is

underside |

3 flowers
Black Spruce
187
 | Ez.
@
7 “2

im i

HY 4

4
i
i

a Ff
underside
/

SAA
SLE,
r

=
fa

ee

if SS
Ui

=
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AY
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—

Colorado Spruce ‘Glauca >

188 ‘Koster’
 SIRI GiEs

Blue Engelmann Spruce Idaho southwards to parts of Arizona and New Mex-
ico. Although it is confined to the southern United
Picea engelmannii ‘Glauca’ States it grows at high elevation (1800-3300m) and is
The blue form of this species is common in cultivation extremely hardy. It makes a large straight tree, nor-
but the ordinary green-needled species is hardly ever mally up to 30m tall but exceptional specimens 45m
seen. In its wild state this species produces straight- have been known.
stemmed narrow conical trees 24-30m tall. It is native The cultivar ‘Koster’ produced in Holland and
in a long north-south region from British Columbia named in 1901 is perhaps the best known garden
south-east to New Mexico, mainly confined to cool form. Sold under several names including “Pungens
moist high ground in the Rocky Mountains. The Koster’ and Koster’s Blue Spruce, it is a medium-sized
evergreen needles, up to 2.5cm long, are spread all conical tree with silvery-blue needles. Young trees are
round the shoot. Each one is 4-sided, flexible and best because the lower branches on old specimens
sharp pointed. They tend to be grey-green but in the eventually loose their vigour and rapidly become
cultivar ‘“Glauca’ they are particularly glaucous, with defoliated if shaded. The form glauca is a natural vari-
white stomatal bands on the inside faces. The pendu- ant of Colorado Spruce. Some specimens of it are
lous papery cones are 4-6cm long and often produced intensely glaucous but most are just grey-green. Culti-
in large numbers at the top of the tree. The species vation of large numbers recently for the Christmas
name commemorates George Engelmann, a German tree market has high-lighted the huge amount of
doctor and botanist from St Louis. variation within the form. The cultivar ‘Endtz’ is
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3. another Dutch clone described in 1933. It is very
similar to an average grey-blue f. glauca. A rival to
Colorado Spruce Picea pungens ‘Koster’ for dramatic colour since 1912 is “Moer-
Also known in its native America as Blue Spruce, heim’, cultivated and named in Holland. It is more
because of its glaucous tendencies, this species has compact than ‘Koster’ and still one of the best blue-
produced some vivid blue-needled ornamental forms needled conifers for ornamental use.
in cultivation. The true species has a fairly scattered Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 1 (cvs decorative).
natural range from southern Wyoming and eastern Wood: 2, 3 (species).

Blue Engelmann
‘Koster’
Colorado Spruce ‘Glauca’ Spruce 189
 SAAR
\

opening
cone

leaf details

young
cone

roe
heady y

kee bY cone scale

LO

Mee
ye a
LN

Sitka Spruce

190
 SPRIWGES

Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis wall of tough, sharply abrasive brown twigs. The
bark is thin and flaky, variable in colour between
This remarkable forest tree has probably been the
purplish-grey brown and silvery-brown. In old age it
most successful and productive woody plant culti-
becomes rough and fissured, often swelling the base
vated in the twentieth century. Upland forestry, par-
of the tree until it is reminiscent of a huge bottle.
ticularly in the British Isles, has been transformed by
The 1.5-2.5cm needles are flat, glaucous-green when
it. Originally it came from a long north-south range
healthy, and have a vicious point. When shaded or in
running down the Pacific coast of North America,
poor health they are dull green or yellowish, shorter
from Kodiak Island in Alaska to California. Within
and less sharply pointed. Cones (see p. 261) are pen-
this natural range it grows from sea level to 900m.
dulous and usually confined to the tree tops. They
Huge trees, up to 60m tall, the world’s largest spruce,
start bright pink and change to pale green, straw yel-
occur in pure stands or mixed forest with Western
low and finally pale brown as they mature. The crin-
Hemlock (p. 195). In the hot dry south it hugs the
kled scales are thin like parchment. Sitka spruce is
coast and relies on Pacific sea fog to provide enough
hardy to below -20°C, withstands salt spray and
moisture to survive. It was discovered by Archibald
some salinity in the soil, but does not like atmos-
Menzies in Washington State in 1792 and intro-
pheric pollution or low phosphate levels. Spring
duced to Europe in 1831 by David Douglas. Plants
frosts can cause shoot death, especially on young
from the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia,
northern trees planted out of context. Unhealthy
where the largest and best trees grow, are ideal for
plants are susceptible to predation by aphids and bee-
British forestry. In cool moist regions on poor min-
tles. The long fibre length timber is ideal for paper
eral or peaty soils it makes a fast-growing straight
making. Straight-grained clean lengths are strong and
tree. In dense plantations the lower branches become lightweight. Formerly used for aircraft frames.
suppressed and soon defoliate. However, they are
Growth: 7-20-60. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
reluctant to fall off and develop into an impenetrable Wood: 1, 2, 3, 4.

cone scale

young tree
Sitka Spruce

19]
 ® flower

L i iang Spruce
new leaves

B) flowers

mie underside
‘
f)
j

|
underside

Liki an of
S a -“ =}=1o7 ve

actual size

Likiang Spruce
5
19
 SPIRES

Likiang Spruce Picea likiangensis pointed 1.5cm needles have blue-grey lines of sto-
mata on the underside.
This obscure group of Chinese spruces has been subject
Growth: 3-10-20 (30). Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1 (requires
to taxonomic debate ever since they were collected by
space). Wood: 2, 3.
Emest Wilson and Harry Smith in the early 1900s. First
given species names, later the whole group became Purple-cone Spruce Picea purpurea
varieties of Likiang Spruce. Now — with the exception
of Candelabra Spruce (p. 171) — they are species again. This hardy 30m tree is quite different in general
Strangely the most distinct tree of all, ‘Yunnan Form’, appearance to Likiang Spruce. It has a dense crown
has no official name allocated to it at all since var. yun- of deep green foliage reminiscent of Norway Spruce.
nanensis has been dropped. Shoots sweep upwards towards the conical top. The
Picea likiangensis is a variable tree up to 30m tall 1.2cm needles are sharply pointed or rounded. As a
from north-west Yunnan, Sichuan and south-east
species it was first described in 1906. The 1923 vari-
Tibet. It has been extensively cultivated as an orna- ety designation likiangensis var. purpurea has now been
mental in Europe and America since 1900. Most of discredited.
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
the trees in European collections are the “Yunnan
Wood: 2, 3, 4.
Form’ which has wide spreading branches and a
moderately straight vertical stem. The main attrac-
Balfour Spruce Picea balfouriana
tion is the brilliantly-coloured spring flowers
(although they are not strictly flowers in the botani- This species resembles Purple-cone Spruce. The nee-
cal sense). Male and female are bright crimson. The dles are slightly longer (1.5cm) and greyish-green in
females then develop into 13cm cones, turning colour. Branches are rather more spreading but this is
through shades of bloomed purple-red as they do. influenced to a large extent by the immediate envi-
They bend from the vertical to become pendulous ronment. The native range is a very diverse region
when fully expanded. Fortunately they occur all over between south-west Sichuan and eastern Tibet. Seed
the tree and can easily be seen from the ground. The was first collected by Ernest Wilson and the tree was
described by him and Alfred Rehder in 1914.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.

actual
size ‘Yunnan Form

Balfour Spruce
193
 Western Hemlock

Western Hemlock

194 Carolina Hemlock

 HEMLOCKS

Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla flexible. Young nursery plants ofthis species must be
raised away from intense light. In Britain a common
This tree has a huge native range extending from
practice was to grow them only in the damp misty
Alaska along the Pacific coast and the slopes of the
west of the country. See p. 261 for cone.
Rocky Mountains to north California. It is a high
Western Hemlock has not produced many culti-
quality timber producer, particularly in Oregon and
vated forms. The peculiar selection “Laursen’s Col-
Washington. Straight stems 70m tall can still be
umn’ was discovered at the Hillier Nursery by Mr
found there today. Plantation grown trees tend to
Asger Laursen in 1968.
have fluted stems and exaggerated buttresses which
Growth: 5-15-45. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 4.
reduce productivity. When grown for pulp it yields
cellulose material of high quality, suitable for the
Carolina Hemlock Tsuga caroliniana
manufacture of rayon and cellophane. This is an
exceptionally shade-tolerant species, so individuals This rare tree in cultivation is from a limited area in
thrive in close proximity. Branches in this situation the eastern United States, south-west Virginia,
are small and soon suppressed so the resulting timber north-east Tennessee and just into the Carolinas. It is
is not spoiled by having large knots in it. slow-growing, to around 18m, with a conical out-
Western Hemlock was discovered by David line. The needles are 1-2cm long and point in all
Douglas in 1828. It was described by Lewis and directions on the shoot, unlike Western Hemlock
Clark in 1832, but not brought to Europe until 1852. which has needles more or less in two ranks. As the
At one point the species name was changed to alberti- natural range of Carolina Hemlock joins that of East-
ana at the request of Queen Victoria because she had ern Hemlock (p. 197) there is some confusion about
such a high regard for it. It is a relative of the spruces, its identity. It was not discovered as a distinct species
having single flat evergreen needles, each one borne until 1850, and was finally described and named by
on a small wooden peg. The foliage is soft and there Georg Englemann from St. Louis in 1881.
are no sharp points; even the shoots are fine and Growth: 2-6-18. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 4.

young
cone

underside

‘Laursen’s Column’
Carolina Hemlock
195
 PY Eastern Hemlock

N
Ve

Fu
flower “x

Cc k sed

cone

‘Se
(He ,
OS SRE

Eastern Hemlock ‘Sargentii’

196
 HEMLOCKS

Eastern Hemlock Tuga canadensis American cultivar “Taxifolia’ which resembles yew
(p. 23). The Golden Eastern Hemlock, originally
Although in the wild state this is a straight tree, in
called ‘Aurea’ now comes in many different forms.
cultivation it often produces multiple crooked stems.
Growth: 3-15-25, Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1 (cvs).
It has particularly drooping shoot tips and lax foliage.
Wood: 2, 3, 4 (America)
The flat soft evergreen needles are round-tipped and
1-1.5cm long. Most of them occur in two ranks, pre-
Mountain Hemlock Tsuga mertensiana
senting their deep glossy green side to the sky and
their glaucous underside downwards. Trees have This lovely tree comes in various shapes and sizes
chestnut-brown bark which develops close vertical almost all of them picturesque. The range is from a
fissures with age. This hardy species occurs in North lean slender alpine tree with short down-swept
America from Nova Scotia to southern Ontario and branches, to a conical or rounded dense bushy plant.
southwards to northern Alabama and Minnesota. In the A common factor is the grey-green rosemary-like
south it grows on high ground up to 1500m. foliage. Short crowded evergreen needles of variable
This species has provided a large number ofhorti- lengths (0.5-2cm) occur together on the same shoot.
cultural forms since its introduction by Peter Collin- The trees natural range is southern Alaska along the
son in 1736. Many are pendulous in the extreme. Pacific coast then southwards and high up (over
‘Pendula’ was first raised in Germany in 1891 but the 3000m) in the Rocky Mountains to California.
actual plant is now unknown. Specimens in cultiva- Growth: 3-8-25. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1 (requires space,
tion now tend to be called ‘“Sargentii’, or as previ- variable). Wood: 2.
ously ‘Sargentii Pendula’. There are clearly many
slightly different pendulous types, some making trees Hybrid American Hemlock Tuga ~ jeffreyi
around 6m tall and others barely leaving the ground. This tree was first raised artificially in Britain in 1919
An early compact rounded form that still survives in but was subsequently discovered growing wild in
cultivation is ‘Fremdii’ found in Holland, but raised America where the range of the parents Western
in the USA in 1932. Cultivars with variable needle Hemlock and Mountain Hemlock meet. It is a yel-
lengths are called ‘Macrophylla’ (1930), the clones lowish to grey-green needled plant resembling
with long needles, and ‘Microphylla’, first isolated in Mountain Hemlock, but less attractive in cultivation.
1864, with short needles. Several different types now Growth: 3-7-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2.
share this name. Another needle variant is the

Py young tree
Mountain Hemlock ) Sher
Hybrid American Hemlock 197
 ;\
SSN

2, N\
N

22
OF

N
|
i}
haw ‘a
: Wy Eastern
YQ - Himalayan
4
underside Hemlock
~ underside ‘ underside

Himalayan Hemlock
} flowers \y
a
\ © flower

Northern f > 4 p i y Northern Japanese

Japanese “UR, Yfpy A) Hemlock
Hemlock }

Northern Japanese Hemlock

198
 HEMLOCKS

Himalayan Hemlock Tsuiga dumosa comes from northern Japan, from Honshu to Hok-
kaido, and is extremely hardy. Although introduced
This is a huge tree up to 50m tall in its native range
as early as 1861 it remains rare in cultivation,
between north-west India and China. It occurs up to
Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 4.
3300m in Bhutan. In cultivation it is generally disap-
pointing, small and untidy. This is probably due to Southern Japanese Hemlock Tsuga sieboldii
the provenance of the original plant, which may
This rare plant, introduced from the southern islands
have been forgotten. Since its introduction in 1838
of Japan in 1861, may reach 20m in height. How-
trees have been confused with Chinese Hemlock.
ever, it seldom confines itselfto a single stem 1n culti-
The needles are pointed and up to 3cm long with sil-
vation and may become twisted and very untidy.
very grey undersides.
The outline is broadly conic becoming quite open
Growth: 3-15-25 (50). Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 4.
and irregular. The drooping shoots have a double
Eastern Himalayan Hemlock rank of 1.5-2cm flat notched needles. They are deep
glossy green above and grey below but less bright
Tsuga yunnanensis
than Tsuga diversifolia.
Although this plant occurs in collections and minor Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 4.
distinctions may be found, it is now considered to be
part of Tsuga chinensis. Some specimens may have a Chinese Hemlock Tsuga chinensis
lot in common with cultivated Tsuga dumosa. Although still uncommon as a cultivated tree this
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice; 3. Wood: 2, 4. species is less rare now that Tsuga yunnanensis is
included within the same name. Its native range
Northern Japanese Hemlock
includes the mountains along the course of the
Tsuga diversifolia Yangtse River in China. The outline is more or less
If it were not evergreen and coniferous this tree conical on one or several vertical stems up to 15m
could easily be mistaken by its outline for a small long. The needles are parted below the shoot and
broadleaved species. Its top is bushy and domed on a tend to flatten out above it. They are blunt ended
short stem. The height seldom reaches 15m. The and sometimes notched, with pale, though not very
short blunt needles are mostly in two ranks except for distinct, grey-green bands on the underside. The
the occasional stray that points forward above the margins may be minutely toothed. For a Tsuga the
rest. In general the whole tree resembles a small ver- whole tree has a rather pale appearance.
sion of a cultivated Eastern Hemlock (p. 197). It Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 4.

flower

4 flower

open cone

Chinese Hemlock
underside
Southern Japanese Hemlock 199
 |i}

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WeANYANN
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seedling weed parkland tree forest tree ' tA ') j .
Douglas Fir cone bract

200
 DOUGLAS FIRS

Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii other conifers including the other species in the Pseu-
dotsuga genus.
Also known in the timber trade world-wide as Ore-
The cultivar ‘Stairii’ was first described in 1871. It
gon Pine, this great forest tree has a huge north-
is a smaller tree with cream-coloured needles in the
south range in Western North America. The species
spring changing to pale green in summer. The name
is split into two varieties. This, var. menziesii, is the
commemorates the Earl of Stair on whose estate,
green or coastal Douglas fir which occurs from cen-
Castle Kennedy in Scotland, this spontaneous sport
tral British Columbia down the Pacific side of the
was first noticed.
Rocky Mountains to California. Blue Douglas Fir
Growth: 7-20-55 (species). Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 3.
var. glauca is described on p. 203. Douglas Fir grows
Wood: 1, 2, 3.
on freely draining rocky or sandy non-calcareous
ground to an altitude of 1800m in the south. In high Japanese Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga japonica
rainfall areas the best trees exceed 50m with straight
stems. The tops are conical until excessive height This very hardy but rare tree in cultivation is from
exposes them to the wind which breaks them up. two small regions of south-east Japan, the islands of
The evergreen needles are soft and flexible, up to Honshu and Shikoku. It is smaller than the American
3cm long, flattened and mostly spreading all round tree with shorter distinctly white banded needles but
the shoot. The leathery 5-9cm cones (see p. 261) generally less luxuriant foliage. Genetically it 1s
hang downwards as they expand. Between each closely related to Bigcone Douglas Fir (p. 203).
rounded scale there is a prominent exserted trident Douglas Firs probably all originated in the same area
bract. The cones ripen, shed seed and fall to the of the World but during its evolution this species
ground in a single season of about six months. This became separated from the rest. It drifted away on
the western tectonic plate when the Pacific Ocean
species was discovered by Archidald Menzies at
Nootka Sound in British Columbia in 1792 and split Asia and America apart. The tree illustrated is
growing on an unsuitable site, lacking moisture and
introduced to Europe by David Douglas 35 years
acid soil.
later. It has a different chromosome number to most
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

\ underside
‘Stairil’ underside
Japanese Douglas Fir

201
 “S
YG] J

4
ig af ee = . sai
pywt) ea.
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‘ it REP sack eea i
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Bigcone Douglas Fir

Blue Douglas Fir
202
 DD OUGIFASs TIRES

Bigcone Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga macrocarpa slightly smaller than green Douglas fir with extended
or reflexed bracts. In cultivation, for forestry or orna-
This species grows outside the range of ordinary
ment, this variety is more lime tolerant but also more
Douglas Fir in the mountains of southern California.
prone to leaf-cast, a serious and widespread fungal
It occurs in mixed woodlands and pure forests on dry
disease.
rocky slopes up to 2400m above sea level. The
Growth: 6-15-25. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
branches are wide-spreading, but height varies
between 12m and 24m depending upon the local
Fraser River Douglas Fir
environment. The thick corky bark is moderately
fire resistant, and a surprising number of trees survive Pseudotsuga menziesii f. caesia
forest fires. Bigcone Douglas Fir differs from the The northern extension of the variety glauca into
more familiar species by having much larger cones British Columbia was redefined in 1950 by Joao
(9-15cm long). These are similar to the common Franco, a Portuguese taxonomiust, as f. caesia. It has
species except the trident bract only just shows blue-green foliage, slightly longer flattened needles
beyond the rounded scales. The needles are longer, and erect cone scales.
3-5cm, exceptionally up to 8cm, with a sharpish Growth: 5-12-25. Hardiness: 60-80%. Choice: 3.
point. Most of them are set in two ranks and not all
round the shoot, they are blue or grey-green. Pseudotsuga menziesii cultivars
Growth: 3-15-24. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3. By 1993 over 120 cultivated forms of Douglas Fir
Wood: 2, 3
had been recognized. Many ofthese have arisen from
‘witches brooms’ and have stunted growth. Some of
Blue Douglas Fir
the blue needled varieties are very attractive. All
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca Douglas Firs are evergreen. “Brevifolia’ is a British
Away from the Pacific coast from Montana to New 1930s selection with truncated foliage and bright
Mexico Douglas Fir is represented by a regional vari- red-brown buds during the winter. ‘Fretsii’ is a 1905
ant with conspicuously glaucous foliage. Also known Dutch plant raised at Boskoop. It has thick tangled
as Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir it tends to be nar- creeping shoots with short grey-green needles.
row, conical and up to 25m tall. The cones are Growth: 1-2-4 (variable). Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.

ASM
Wh,
a.
YG,
L

ij | ,

underside

Fraser River Douglas Fir

Blue Douglas Fir ‘Brevifolia’ ‘Fretsii’

203
 Stone Pine

ae x ‘ — =
“se Fez : .

BD Yigidreahi
J yy Pine

/ \
a)

cone scale faaay i cone bract

'
Stone Pine bud q

204
 PINES

Stone Pine Pinus pinea fives, are 7-9cm long. The cones (see p. 261) are
quite unlike those of most other conifers. They do
The familiar sight of these domed evergreen trees
not open on the tree to shed the wingless seeds. After
along the north coast of the Mediterranean has given
2-3 years the whole cone, a truncated 7cm cylinder,
them their alternative name of Umbrella Pine. For
falls to the ground and is eventually broken up, usu-
centuries Stone Pines have been planted for their
ally by animals. Many cultivated forms of Pinus cem-
edible seeds (Stone is a reference to the seed).
bra have been developed, ‘Aureovariegata’ (1868) has
Roman invaders brought stone pine cones to Britain
patchy golden yellow foliage on a narrow upright
almost 2000 years ago. Artificial planting has been so
tree. The variety chlorocarpa (1899) is a yellow coned
extensive that the exact natural distribution is now
variant. This name was also used in 1964 for another
uncertain. The stout cones 8-15cm long take three
form now called Pinus pumila ‘“Compacta’.
years to ripen. Needles, in pairs, are around 12cm
Growth: 5-12-25. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
long, slightly twisted and armed with a sharp tip. The
short (3-4cm) juvenile leaves, which occur singly like
Heldreich Pine Pinus heldreichii
Douglas Fir (p. 201), occur on young plants for five or
six years. These are sold as Christmas ornaments. Described in 1863 and in cultivation since 1891 this
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space). species is native in the Balkans, northern Italy and
Wood: 3. Greece. Trees there are believed to be 1000 years
old. The stem is straight, the top conical, up to 20cm
Arolla Pine Pinus cembra tall and the bark is pale grey at first then flaky and
developing yellowish-grey patches reminiscent of a
Also called Swiss Stone Pine, this species occurs in
plane tree. The stiff needles are 6-9cm long with
the central European Alps, north-east Russia and
blunt ends. Ovoid cones around 8cm long are
northern Asia. It is a slow-growing pyramidal tree up
bluish-purple for almost two years, ripening to
to 25m tall. In old age the top spreads unevenly. The
rusty-brown.
bark is smooth dark grey at first becoming deeply fis-
Growth: 5-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
sured between flat red-brown plates. The needles, in

Arolla Pine 2 flower } flowers

205
 bud

Bristlecone \\
Foxtail Pine
Pine

Limber Pine

SSS IL} Y
SF. f y iat
LAL
Lif Mf

} f

1 AYALA

open cone 4

Foxtail Pine
206
 PINES

Foxtail Pine Pinus balfouriana detachable wing. Two varieties have been identified,
the Colorado Bristlecone Pine and the Intermoun-
This small tree, 5-15m tall, inhabits a limited area in
tain Bristlecone Pine, var longaeva, which is found
northern California. Dry rocky hillsides up to 3500m
from Utah, Nevada and eastern California. Remnants
in the Klamath Mountains. It shares this inhospitable
of the native populations of this variety are conserved
place with Whitebark Pine, Pinus albicaulis (p. 223).
in various Forest Parks. Some authorities consider this
Foxtail Pine has very short needles, less than 3cm,
to be a species in its own right.
mostly arranged in fives, which crowd the shoot and
Growth: 1-4-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
often curve inwards like the hair on a foxes tail. The
cylindrical cones have spine tipped scales, they are Limber Pine Pinus flexilis
9-13cm long. The seeds, which are distinctly mot-
Although superficially similar to a Foxtail Pine this 1s a
tled have a persistent wing. The bark is light grey and
relative of the white pines. It has a long north south
smooth at first becoming deeply furrowed and
range from south-east British Columbia and Alberta
reddish-brown.
to New Mexico in the foothills of the Rocky Moun-
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.
tains where it grows to elevations of 3600m. It
Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata hybridizes freely with the Southern Limber Pine,
Pinus refleca and South-western White Pine, Pinus
World famous for its great age, over 4600 annual rings strobiformis (p. 237). Specimens in cultivation may
have been counted, this hardy tree occurs in eastern show characteristics of these species. It is a small tree
California, Colorado and New Mexico. It is unable to 5-15m tall, up to 25m in cultivation, with short tough
achieve great height in the severe conditions where it branches. The twigs are so flexible that they can be
grows naturally. Specimens range from only 3-12m. tied into a knot. This is reflected in the species name.
In cultivation it will exceed this in a relatively short The needles, in fives, are crowded along the shoots.
time. This is another Foxtail Pine with short, 3cm, They are often short, 3-4cm, but may make 9cm on
blunt-ended needles in fives, curving in towards the some trees. The cones, which are 15cm long, some-
shoot. They produce numerous tiny white resin flecks times more, contain almost wingless edible seeds. The
from ruptured resin canals situated just below the sur- bark is light grey becoming dark brown and roughly
face. The ovoid 6-10cm cone has a distinctive divided into deep furrows and squarish plates.
bristle-like spine on the end of each scale, hence the Growth: 3-1-20. Hardiness: 40-70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 3.
name. The seeds are mottled fawn and brown with a

var. longaeva
Bristlecone Pine
207
American form
 cnn

4 flowers

A
shi

BANA |
th

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— ~ 7 Th _ = _

Chinese 7 SSS
White Pine 2 : ‘

ol PR

Wie

Chinese White Pine Chinese Red Pine

208
 RUNES

Chinese White Pine Pinus armandii Chinese Red Pine Pinus tabuliformis
In cultivation this is a neat upright tree while it is This is a rare tree in cultivation, it is a native species in
young with a fairly straight stem and whorled hori- northern China. Although not usually large, specimens
zontal branches. After maturity it becomes unevenly 30m tall are known. It becomes wide spreading and, as
extended and more open. Trees usually do not exceed illustrated, often leans or falls over but continues to
20m in height, but specimens up to 40m have been erow in a bushy form. The needles, in pairs or some-
recorded. This is a variable species from a huge natural times threes, are 10-15cm long crowding all round the
range which includes Burma, south-east Tibet and shoot. More or less oval woody cones up to 9cm long,
western China. Further east a variety (var. mastersiana) but frequently much less, have spikes on the tip of each
occurs in Taiwan. At the eastern end of the range scale. Most provenances of this tree are very hardy. It
there is a clear affinity with Korean Pine (p. 239) and was first described in 1867 but has been the subject of
Arolla Pine (p. 205). The lax needles, in fives, are 10- taxonomic revision and argument since then. Several
15cm long. They point forward in the first year then former varieties have now been designated as species in
droop below the shoot. Some bundles bend sharply or their own right. Pinus yunnanensis, the Yunnan Pine,
become kinked towards the base which accentuates for example, which grows to 30m in height but is more
this floppy posture. The cones, on a stout 3cm stalk, tender. The needles are in threes, and the 8cm ovoid-
are around 14cm long with thick incurved scales conic cones do not have spines.
except at the base. They usually occur in clusters of Growth: 2-6-12 (30). Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2.
two or three and develop obliquely to fit in with each
Gaoshan Pine Pinus densata
other. The seeds have virtually no wing, they fall out
of the cone before it fully opens, and take their slim Formerly classified as a variety of Chinese Red Pine
chance of survival directly under the parent tree. They this species occurs in central China and is rare in culti-
are over 1cm long and edible. This species was discov- vation. Confusingly it has needles in twos and in
ered by the French missionary the Abbé Armand threes, often on the same shoot. The oblique ovoid
David in 1873 and named in his honour by Adrien cone has a down curved spike on the tip ofeach scale.
Franchet. It was introduced into cultivation by This group of Chinese Pines are extremely difficult to
another French missionary Pére Farges in 1895. tell apart out of context, particularly as they come
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space). from such a wide range of different environments.
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

3 flowers

Gaoshan Pine

0
flower

iLY
—=
—a
\\ MY\!
i {
\ RLY
elt VAS : 1. “ph ’
VT ae Pg Cee
OS ie

young shoot
 Western White Pine
bark

Sugar Pine open cone

210
 PINES

Sugar Pine Pinus lambertiana Western White Pine Pinus monticola

Regarded as the ‘King of the pines’ by American Closely related to Sugar Pine but less spectacular, this
lumbermen, this tree is truly magnificent. One speci- important timber tree extends from British Colum-
men called the Champion in 1997 was 73m tall and bia to California. It grows on both sides of the
3m across the stem. It occurs in cool moist places, Rocky Mountains up to 2900m in the south. It is a
usually in mixed woodlands, from west Oregon to narrow, rather open conical tree with horizontal
Baja California. The stem is usually straight and often branches and upward curving shoots. Stems are gen-
branch free for a good height. Young bark is thin, erally straight at first with smooth bark as illustrated,
smooth and grey but it becomes rough and fissured but in old age this becomes deeply fissured between
in old age. The evergreen needles point forward for angular plates. The evergreen needles are 7-10cm
the first year, spread out in the second and fall after 3. long in bunches of five, remaining on the tree for
They are 5-10cm long, in bundles of 5, rigid, but about four years. Cones up to 25cm long, with thin
slender and sharply pointed. The cones are spectacu- un-spined scales, hang down on long stalks.
lar, 30-50cm long, hanging down from the branch This is an important timber tree in America. In
ends. The seeds with their long aerodynamic wings addition to structural softwood its straight even grain
were once eaten by American Indians. They also rel- makes it ideal for matches. White pine blister rust, a
ished the edible sweet resinous sap which exudes fatal disease spread round the world from Asia, is a
from cut or partly burned heartwood. Hence the serious problem in America and also where this tree
name Sugar Pine. is used in forestry plantations and ornamental collec-
The species was discovered by David Douglas in tions in other countries.
1826 and named in honour of A.B. Lambert, secre- Growth: 4-18-40. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4. Wood: 2, 3.
tary of the Royal Horticultural Society in London.
Like all white pines, Sugar Pine is susceptible to
white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) a fungus
that spends part ofits life cycle on currant bushes.
Growth: 4-18-40. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3.

~
aR
SSS
Se

young §
cone | Western
1} White
Pine

Western White Pine

 Japanese White Pine > Lacebark Pine
212 ‘Saphir’ bark
 PINES

Japanese White Pine Pinus parviflora selection made in 1982 with short bluish foliage, and
‘Tempelhof is similar but stronger-growing. It was
This is a complex Japanese species which causes con-
originally from a specimen tree found in the Dutch
siderable argument among botanists. Its classification
Gimborn Arboretum in 1969. It has become very
and nomenclature are by no means straightforward.
popular with gardeners recently.
Furthermore a huge number of ‘Bonsai’ trees have
Growth: 3-10-20 (species). Hardiness: 50%.
been created from it and given new invalid cultivar
Choice: 1 (requires space). Wood: 2, 3 (species).
names. The species, in the broad sense, was first
described in 1844. It is a hardy straight-stemmed tree
up to 20m tall, with tiered spreading foliage. The Lacebark Pine Pinus bungeana
curved glaucous-green needles emerge in spring Originally from northern China this tree has unique
from bright pale orange buds. They are in fives and bark among pines, reminiscent of a plane tree or
up to 6cm long. The cones are small, only 6cm long, Eucalyptus, having patches of bloomed grey, brown
with very few scales. Originally from Honshu, Kyu- and olive-green when large enough to exfoliate. The
shu and Shikoku, it has been cultivated for so long species has been a temple garden favourite in China
that its wild distribution is now confused. Most arbo- and Korea for centuries. Specimens may grow to
retum trees world-wide are probably of garden origin. 20m, but are generally much lower and inclined to
The cultivars of Japanese White Pine are often be bushy. The needles, in threes, are 6-8cm long.
muddled by the use of a host of different graft under- The oval cones, around 5cm long, are viciously
stocks. These can cause a variety of apparently dif- spiny. Although very hardy, it is quite difficult to
ferent results from a single scion. ‘Glauca’, establish and the ‘lace bark’ pattern takes many years
described in 1909, is a low silver-needled tree of to develop.
ereat beauty. ‘Saphir’ is a slow-growing Dutch Growth: 2-8-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1 (bark feature).

Lacebark Pine }a flowers

a
 Maritime Pine Macedonian Pine
(storm damaged tree)
 PINES

Maritime Pine Pinus pinaster Macedonian Pine Pinus peuce

This species is native in southern Europe and North This is a tough columnar tree which is native to the
Africa. Close to the sea it is often a wild, twisting, Balkans, Bulgaria and northern Greece. It generally
even prostrate tree but still capable of growing to an produces a good straight stem and specimens
impressive size. In sheltered locations and where it approaching 30m in height are common. Rarely for
has been cultivated for forestry, particularly in France a pine it will grow well in the cold wet acid peaty
and Portugal, straight stems and heights to 35m have conditions usually reserved for spruce in the forestry
been achieved. The Portuguese subspecies atlantica is industry. The foliage is distinctly dense, deep green
a particularly good fairly hardy timber producer that and retained well down the tree in semi-shade, even
deserves wider use in forestry. Even in Britain stems in plantations. The thin needles, in fives, are around
over 120cm in diameter are known. 8cm long and are retained on the branches for at least
The bark can sometimes be more brightly- four years. The drooping cones are leathery, cylin-
coloured than the example illustrated, with pink and drical and 10-15cm long. Young stems are smooth,
light reddish-brown and purple-brown in squarish resinous and grey-green reminiscent of silver fir.
smooth plates between deep fissures. The needles, in Unlike most pines in the ‘white pine’ group they are
pairs, are stiff, straight or gently curved, and up to not brittle and do not break easily. They are also
25cm long. The hard woody cones, often in clusters, resistant to the disease white pine blister rust. When
are oblique-conic, up to 18cm long, and often it was discovered in 1839 by August Heinrich Grise-
retained on the branches for several years. Cones on bach, professor of botany at Gottingen, he spelt the
trees planted among dunes may become highly pol- name ‘peuke’, which is an indication of how it
ished by the blowing sand. Seeds germinate readily should be pronounced. He described the species in
but young seedlings quickly develop a long tap root, 1844, and it was brought into cultivation in 1863 by
making them difficult to transplant. This species has the Greek botanist Theodoros Orphanides.
been cultivated in western Europe at least since the Growth: 5-15-25. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
sixteenth century. It was described by the English
botanist William Aiton in 1789. As well as providing
shelter and timber, it has always been an important
source of resin in western France.
Growth: 6-15-30. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2, 3.
Woods. 3.
5 flowers

2 flowers
 Bei needle detail

} flowers \

Mexican White Pine

oy

ugh y PRGA

$ GSSVN
WAS
s

ny LF
UNG ua
f i Vy Sey AN =)

SUyh
{nyhaag/

Mexican White Pine

young tree
 PUNTERS

Mexican White Pine Pinus ayacahuite Pinus ayacahuite var. veitchii

The true species ayacahuite is native to southern This variety of Mexican White Pine from central
Mexico and Guatemala and is doubtfully hardy out- Mexico is the tree most often seen in temperate col-
side this climatic band. Within its native range trees lections and plantations. Many planted specimens
can occasionally reach 45m in height. Specimens that credited with the species name ayacahuite should
are seen in cooler temperate areas have usually come probably be listed as this variety. It is one of the par-
from upland sites or the most northerly sector of the ents of Holford’s Pine (p. 247). Benedikt Roezl, an
population. The lax 14-20cm needles, in bunches of Austrian botanist working in Central America, origi-
five, point forwards along the shoot and droop below nally classified it as a species, Pinus veitchii. Herbert
it in a characteristic way. The flexible pendulous Airy Shaw working at Kew Gardens much later con-
cones are cylindrical, up to 40cm long and 12cm firmed its variety status in 1909. The cones are large
wide. They are relatively soft and leathery, quite and contain seeds over 12mm long but with shorter
unlike woody pine cones. The seed is 9mm long wings. The needles may extend to around 20cm long
with an efficient 3cm wing that allows it to travel with the same lax tendency as the species. The shape
some distance in a favourable wind. This tree has of the tree, a heavy, more or less straight stem and
been in cultivation since 1838. It was named and spreading top, is similar, but ultimate size is generally
described by Christian Ehrenberg, professor of bot- less. Keith Rushforth in 1987 suggested that this
any in Berlin, and by Diederich von Schlechtendal taxon might be better treated as a subspecies of Pinus
from Halle-Saale. strobiformis (p. 237), but even strobiformis has in the
An artificial hybrid between this species and the past been considered to be a variety of ayacahuite. A
closely related but geographically remote Macedo- confused situation prevails still within this closely
nian Pine (Pinus peuce) also exists. This is a rare tree related group.
not in general cultivation. It has intermediate mor- Growth; 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 4.
phological characteristics and is probably considera- Wood: 2, 3.
bly more hardy than Pinus ayacahuite.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 4.
Wood: 2, 3.

Wr
SS
ea eS

type cone

bo ~—I
 3 flowers

a
S

Dy

oN
oO

v
n

old ba
rk

Zs x sch
Pinus werin
ti

5 schwe
Pinus rinii

Weymouth Pine

218
 PINES

Eastern White Pine or Weymouth Pine Numerous ornamental forms of Weymouth Pine
have been cultivated, some of which appear to be
Pinus strobus
resistant to blister rust. ‘Contorta’ developed in 1932
In its native eastern North America this is a large and at Rochester NY, is a curious plant with twisted
important timber tree. The wood formally had branches and needles. An older cultivar ‘Fastigiata’
numerous uses including ship masts. Straight stems is a German plant created in 1884. It is an erect
30m long are known. The original Eastern White columnar clone said to be particularly resistant to
Pine forests contained trees 75m tall. In Britain it is rust. ‘Radiata’ is one of many semi-dwarf forms. It
called Weymouth Pine. There are conflicting argu- originated in England in 1923 and usually grows
ments about why this should be. Lord Weymouth at wider than it is tall.
Longleat was an advocate of the species in the early Growth: 6-15-30 (species). Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 4.
1700s, but in 1605 it had been brought to Britain Wood: 2, 3.
from Maine by Captain George Weymouth RN. At
first conical, then round-topped, it grows very well Pinus x schwerinii
in the close company of other trees. The 6-13cm This artificial Pinus strobus x Pinus wallichiana hybrid
needles are in bunches of 5. The narrow, leathery, exhibits a range of intermediate characteristics
pendant cones (see p. 261) are 10-20cm long, often between the parents. The foliage illustrated 1s close to
spotted with white resin. Unfortunately the enthusi- Pinus strobus. The first plant was raised by Count von
astic use of this valuable forest tree in Europe in the Schwerin in Berlin in 1931. It was described and
nineteenth century encouraged the spread of white named in his honour byJost Fitschen, a schoolmaster
pine blister rust, a fatal disease from Asia. This has from Hamburg, in 1931. The hybrid is likely to
destroyed any plantation potential the tree might occur whenever the parent species is planted within
have once had. The disease spreads by way of an alter- wind-blown pollen range of each other. A point to
native host, Ribes species (currants). Nowhere that bear in mind if collecting any seed in an arboretum
provides suitable growing conditions for the pine is far and expecting authentic progeny.
enough away from a currant bush to be safe. Growth; 2-8-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 4.

>= s if/ b me

\
—-2
“a
SS
—
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— WS
_——— OX ~ Ay <2 RISLa
KV}
\\
NS

‘Contorta’

‘Fastigiata’

MS)
 O
re flowers 2 flower
Blue Pine

AON Blue Pine

Blue Pine b ark

Blue Pine

DD) 0)
 PINES

Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana occasionally found in collections. See also Pinus x
schwerinii and Pinus x holfordiana (p. 247) for example.
(formerly Bhutan Pine)
Growth: 4-12-40. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
The Blue, or western Himalayan Pine, once known
as Pinus excelsa and for a time as Pinus griffithii, occurs Siberian Stone Pine Pinus sibirica
in Asia from Afghanistan to Nepal. The old name
This very tough resilient relative of the Arolla Pine
Bhutan Pine now describes Pinus bhutanica, a recently
(p. 205) occurs in moist areas from the Ural Moun-
described close relative. It seems possible that trees in
tains eastwards across Siberia and into northern
ornamental collections may have actually originated
China. It is a shrub in the most severe conditions but
from either species. In the most favourable condi-
may develop into a large tree where the climate and
tions, dryish sheltered valleys, Blue Pine may reach
soils are more favourable. It has been in cultivation
around 40m in height on a straight slender stem.
since 1803 but remains rare. The branches are gener-
Elsewhere, particularly in the high (4000m) Himala-
ally short with tightly packed tufts of needles. These
yan foothills it is more diminutive. The soft wood
are in fives, with grey inner surfaces which only
and foliage breaks easily causing serious deformities.
show up when the needles twist. They are between 6
However, when young this is an elegant conical
and 10cm long depending on climatic conditions.
plant with long (12-18cm), lax glaucous-green nee-
The disproportionately large oval cones, up to 12cm
dles in fives, which droop from the upwardly curving
long, contain edible seeds.
branches. Even in cultivation it tends to become
Growth; 2-8-20. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3.
ragged and untidy in old age, especially when planted
in a cold or exposed place. The pendulous cylindrical
Pinus hwangshanensis
cones are leathery and spotted with dry resin. The
largest may reach 30cm long. A recently introduced tender pine from China. Pos-
Artificial hybrids involving Blue Pine have been sibly a segregate population of Taiwan Black Pine,
developed to test potential growth, timber produc- Pinus taiwanensis (p. 225).
tion and disease resistance. Some of these are Growth: 1-5-2 Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 4.

Blue Pine
cone

} flowers

Siberian
Stone Pine

Pinus hwangshanensis
 closed
cone

Whitebark
Pine young
cones

} flowers

Mexican
Pinyon Pine

Mexican Pinyon Pine

DEE):
 PINES

Whitebark Pine Pinus albicaulis rodents and birds. People too enjoy the seeds called
‘pinyon nuts’ which are sold commercially in Mex-
This extremely hardy North American shrub or small
ico and exported round the world.
tree grows along the line of the Rocky Mountains
Growth: 2-4-7. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 3.
from central British Columbia and Alberta through
Wyoming to California. It climbs to over 1000m in
Single-leaf Pinyon Pine Pinus monophylla
the north and 3600m in the south. In dry rocky inhos-
pitable places it only grows to around 6m in height, Formerly classified as a variety ofPinus cembroides, this
but may reach 15m. The twisted stem and branches is another shrubby stunted plant with edible wingless
support a spreading dome of foliage. The bark is seeds. It is tender but survives on dry mountainsides
grey-white, thin and smooth at first, becoming darker in the ‘Great Basin region’, Idaho, Utah, southern
and rough in old age. The flexible strong twigs and California and northern Mexico. It has almost
short, 4-7cm, needles in fives, can withstand the rav- unique needles, for a pine, occurring singly. Occa-
ages of the wind. The cones are non-opening, 4-8cm sionally pairs can be found. They are stout and more
long and stalkless. Clark’s Nutcracker, a crow-like or less straight. The 5-7cm ovate stalkless cones shed
American native bird, expertly picks the wingless seed edible seeds that are sold locally. They have a dry
from the rotting fallen cones, no doubt distributing a mealy taste.
few to grow on in the process. Growth: 2-7-14. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 3.
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3.
Colorado Pinyon Pine Pinus edulis
Mexican Pinyon Pine Pinus cembroides Another former variety of Pinus cembroides, this com-
Another shrubby tree of hot dry rocky places, this pact 4-10m tree or sprawling shrub occupies local
species occurs in limited areas of Texas, Arizona and pockets of dry hillside in Utah, Arizona, Wyoming
southwards into Mexico. The bark, on twisting and northern Mexico. The contorted branches have
stems and branches, is light grey at first becoming smooth grey-brown bark which becomes rough and
grey-brown and rough with age. Needles in threes, deeply furrowed. The short needles, in twos, are
2-6cm long, are tightly packed along the shoots. The only around 3cm long. The ovate resinous 4-5cm
resinous 2-5cm roundish cones open on the tree to
cones shed their wingless seeds. These are oily, nutri-
release the wingless seeds which are relished by tious and good to eat.
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3.

Sr:

Pee
PS
Se
Colorado Pinyon Pine
open cone
pes
 pri
Pe Reels | ! 4
Bich ch Bal ee, dite
fs TS a (Af), ayy
: fein : LHS
(ly cy |
eS

if |
Japanese Red Pine

224
 PINES

Japanese Red Pine Pinus densiflora green needles are curiously marked with yellow, giv-
ing — when viewed from above — a banded effect
Throughout Japan, Korea, northern China and along
which explains the name. This effect can also be seen
the Pacific coast of Russia this hardy species is the
in the autumn colour of the Golden Larch (p. 165).
equivalent of Scots Pine (p. 227). It is narrow and
There is a pendulous form of Dragon’s-eye Pine in
conic when young, spreading out in old age to a flat
which the ‘eyes’ are easier to see. Finally “Umbracu-
or domed top. In ideal conditions it may reach 30m,
lifera’ which is a small slow-growing tree shaped
but it is generally much less, even becoming stunted
somewhat like an umbrella. Its ultimate height is
and bushy in climatically extreme conditions. The
only about 4m and its width is a little more. The nee-
needles, in twos, are 8-12cm long, slender and
dles are short, and the cones are tiny versions of the
slightly curved or twisted. The small, woody,
parent species.
short-stalked cones are about 4cm long, ovoid and
Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1 (cvs), 3.
slightly oblique especially when they occur in clus-
Wood: 2, 3.
ters. Japanese Red Pine has been in cultivation since
1842 but because it has little merit as a decorative Taiwan Black Pine Pinus taiwanensis
tree, 1t remains rare in collections. However, a large
number of ornamental varieties have been produced This tender species can only be grown in the most
from it, particularly in Japan. Akamatzu, which is the sheltered and mild places in the temperate zone. It is
Japanese name for the species, appears in the names therefore seldom seen in cultivation. In the sub-
of many selections but horticulturally it is invalid. tropical valleys of Taiwan it may grow up to 35m
Three cultivars, all described in 1890 by the professor tall, with a conical outline and tiered horizontal
of botany in Munich Heinrich Mayr, are important. branches. The stiff but twisted needles, in pairs, are
‘Aurea’ has rather acid yellow needles. The colour is 8-10cm long. The 6cm cones are ovoid. Bunzo
strongest in a_ harsh winter. ‘Oculus-draconis’ Hayata, the Japanese botanist who wrote the flora of
(Dragon’s-eye Pine) is an interesting plant. The Formosa (Taiwan) described this species in 1911.
Growth: 2-10-15. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.

‘Umbraculifera’ Taiwan Black Pine

 Scots Pine

seedling

Scots
es be
Pine
yy »
var. lapponica
;

young tree
296
 PINES

Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris A tall narrow-crowned form occurs in Sweden,

and indeed most other sub Arctic regions. This is an
This is a totally hardy native tree in much of Europe
environmental adaptation designed to cope with
and northern Asia, extending north almost to the
snowfall and wind resistance. The short branches
Arctic circle and south to Spain and Turkey.
hold little snow and soon shed it. Resistance to wind
Regional variations occur within this huge and
is minimal. Many such trees have grown slowly and
widespread population. However, other than dwarf
stand, or have stood, in close company with others
ornamental forms, trees are constant in a persistent
for a very long time. The variety (technically a sub-
single stem, up to 36m tall, and conical tops until old
species) lapponica is such a tree. It was described by
age causes them to cease upward growth and flatten
the Swedish botanist Robert Fries in 1888. Another
out. The slightly peeling bark is distinctly orange-
slender form from the Baltic Coast is var. rigensis,
brown when young, becoming rugged, grey and fis-
described by John Loudon the Scottish dendrologist
sured with age. The evergreen slightly twisted nee-
in 1838.
dles are dark grey-green, occurring in pairs, and
Growth; 3-12-36. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3.
around 9cm long, more on young plants, less on old
Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.
trees. The woody, slightly oblique cones (see p. 260)
are produced in abundance. They are about 5cm Pinus sylvestris var. engadinensis
long and fall in the summer after shedding the
winged seed. The range of this species was even This is a very local type of Scots Pine found in the
greater in the pre-boreal period, 9500 years ago. Engadine Alps in Switzerland and the Tyrol. It is a
Subsequently it migrated northwards into harsher tough tree, often with a curved stem and very short
conditions but was replaced in the south by broad- needles. It was first described in 1862, but its variety
leaved forest. It will thrive on dry sandy sites, fertile
status is questionable. Trees of this sort can be found
agricultural land and will even tolerate wet acid con- wherever the range of the species is climatically
ditions. severe.
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.

detail
2 flowers

> flowers

ripening cone

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris var. engadinensis

wy
 v

>4

Mongolian
Scots Pine

# ry
@ # summer

Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’

autumn/winter
 PINES

Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris subsp. scotica Mongolian Scots Pine

The subspecies from which Scots Pine takes its name Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica
is indigenous in Scotland. Since 1978 considerable This variety is from the eastern limit of the species
efforts have been made by the British Forestry Com- range. Its status is questionable. There is some doubt
mission to ensure that trees for new planting are from whether it is a Scots Pine or whether it is a Mongo-
authentic local sources. About 12,000 hectares ofthe lian form of Chinese Pine, Pinus tabulaeformis. It was
once extensive ‘Forest of Caledonia’, a name used by first described by the Russian botanist Dimitri Litvi-
the Roman historian Tacitus, remain intact. The best nov in 1905. It is a medium-sized tree with stout
of the extant trees may be 400 years old. The genetic twisted needles in pairs around 10cm long. The
integrity and diversity of Scots Pine seed gathered conelets may persist for several years before develop-
from the original Caledonian forest is good. There ing into seed-bearing ovoid symmetrical or slightly
has never been a need, or will, to import alien seed oblique 8cm cones.
from outside the region. Young trees of the subspe- Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
cies are straight and conical for many years with
clearly defined annual whorls of branches. Ancient
Pinus sylvestris cultivars
specimens develop a full rounded head of branches as
the illustration shows. Often, though, ground fires Ornamental Scots Pine ‘Fastigiata’ is a slender
and ‘shading out’ will have led to the removal of columnar form. It was described by the French gar-
most lower branches, resulting in clean exposed dener Elie Carriére in 1856, but originated in Brit-
stems. The needles are generally shorter than the spe- ain. F. aurea is a yellow-needled tree at its best in
cies, although they do vary in this respect. Most are winter. It was first described in 1876 but several dif-
distinctly glaucous, stiff and slightly twisted. The ferent clones exist. There are also examples of varie-
cones too are smaller than the species, often less than gated trees, but they are not spectacular. ‘Variegata’ is
5cm long. They may be slightly oblique or uniformly an 1855 French selection, ‘Argentea’ (1990) is from
ovate. Trompenburg Arboretum but it appears to be
Choice: 3.
exactly the same as ‘Inverleith’ an earlier Scottish
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 90%.
Woods 1,2, 3, 2:
selection made in 1979.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: -%. Choice: 1.

Pinus sylvestris subsp. scotica

old bark variation
=) (oa

Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’ Pinus sylvestris

spring ‘Fastigiata’
 Calabrian Pine

fae ia iE)
eee! cone

Aleppo Pine bark formation

cone formation

Aleppo Pine Calabrian Pine

 PINES

Aleppo Pine Pinus halepensis elsewhere. It is hardy as far north as the sub-Arctic. It
is variable in form but can develop into a straight-
This is a tree which may grow to 20m tall, but is usu-
stemmed specimen 20m tall where conditions are
ally much less as it adapts to wind and heat in south-
favourable. The bark is dark grey-brown (black
ern Europe. It thrives on dry sites and will root deeply
when wet), ultimately cracking into small squarish
into sand dunes. Planting has obscured its original
plates. The paired needles are hard and short, 6cm
natural distribution. Old trees become characteristi-
long, and they cling to the shoot in exposed condi-
cally rugged and gnarled. The needles, in pairs, rarely
tions. Cones (see p. 260) are woody, one-sided, 6cm
threes, are slender and around 11cm long. They may
long, and occur in clusters or complete whorls. Each
be gently curved or markedly twisted. The woody
cone scale bears a sharp pointed hook at the tip. Pinus
cones are 10cm long. The species was first described
uncinata var. rotundata is a natural shrubby form
by Philip Miller, Director of what was to become the
often confused with Pinus mugo.
Chelsea Physic Garden in 1768. Choice: 2.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50-60%.
Growth; 2-6-12. Hardiness: 10-30%. Chotce: 2, 3.
Wood: 3.
Wood: 3, 5.
Dwarf Mountain Pine Pinus mugo
Calabrian Pine Pinus brutia
Barely making a tree at all — 3m is exceptional — this
Once treated as a variety of Pinus halepensis, which it species is common throughout alpine central Europe
closely resembles, this tree is now considered to be a and, through commercial shelter planting, much fur-
species in its own right. It replaces halepensis around ther north. It was once widely used by the British
the eastern Mediterranean. The foliage is sparse on Forestry Commission to shelter upland plantations.
young specimens but thickens up on maturity. Nee- Its role now is largely in horticulture, where numer-
dles, in pairs, are 10-16cm long. The 10cm cones are ous ornamental selections have been made. The
stalkless and not reflexed. tough, dense 4-7cm needles in pairs, hug vertical
Growth: 3-10-18. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 4.
shoots which dissipate the strength of the wind with
Wood: 3, 5.
their flexibility. The sharply-spined cones are sym-
Mountain Pine Pinus uncinata metrical, around 5cm long, and occur in clusters.
Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 2.
This native of the European Alps and Spanish
mountains has been widely planted for shelter

Mountain Pine

cone scale

Dwarf Mountain Pine Mountain Pine

Se
Crimean Pine

uu a oO O me)

Crimean Pine Corsican Pine

 PINES

Crimean Pine Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana subspecies has a reliable tendency to produce a single
straight stem. This may be 50m tall and supporting a
As the name suggests this black pine is found in the
narrow conic head of branches. An ideal forest tree,
Crimea. It also occurs naturally in Turkey, the Bal-
and a producer of very high quality timber in a
kans and the Carpathian Mountains. It is a geo-
remarkably short time. In dense forest the deeply
graphical race of black pine which extends might
ridged bark remains dark, almost black when wet. In
across southern and central Europe. This subspecies
the open scaly plates of light grey, pink and orange
was widely known in the past as var. caramanica. The
develop. The needles, in pairs and slightly twisted,
top of the tree is typically spreading and rounded
are usually around 12cm long. The woody 8cm
usually supported by a series of huge vertical stems.
oblique cones are copiously produced and carpet the
Specimens 40m tall are frequent. The needles, in
ground when they fall in late summer.
pairs, are around 16cm long, forward pointing, stiff
This small segment of the black pine population
and sharply pointed. This is a rough individual best
occurs on the island of Corsica and also in southern
planted as a forestry tree, and its excessive size and
Italy from Calabria to Sicily. It is an alpine species
alarmingly rapid growth limit its uses.
growing mostly between 1100 and 1600m. In for-
Growth: 3-20-40. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
estry plantations it likes sandy sites and withstands
marine exposure very well. The deep root system
Corsican Pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio draws in moisture from a wide area so periods of
drought are tolerated. In cold northern districts the
In forestry circles this subspecies is still generally
fungal disease Gremmeniella (Brunchorstia) can cause
known as var. maritima. The two epithets, laricio and
stunted growth and death. The foliage is full of vola-
maritima, seem to have alternated several times since
tile oils, so the danger of forest fires in hot dry condi-
the tree was introduced by Philip Miller in 1759.
tions is also serious.
The botanical and morphological minutiae of black Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-18-45. Hardiness: 50-60%.
pines across their range do not vary much, but this Wood: 2, 3.

73
Corsican Pine
 Austrian Pine

} flowers

{®} closed
Ww cone
4,

2 flowers
(emerging \
needles
removed)

tall form : ‘
Austrian Pine
 PINES

Austrian Pine Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Introduction dates, to America in 1759 and Britain
in 1835, are uncertain because so many early intro-
Austrian Pine is geographically in the centre of the
ductions have turned out to be Corsican Pine. Aus-
black pine range which extends across central and
trian Pine is represented in many nineteenth and
southern Europe from the Atlantic to western Asia.
early twentieth century arboreta by a branchy, even
None of the subspecies within this huge population
multi-stemmed type with huge ascending limbs,
stand out as botanically different. They have, how-
reminiscent of great organ pipes.
ever, adapted to the environmental conditions which
Growth: 3-16-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
prevail in each region. Austrian Pine grows in lower
Austria and western Hungary, through the Balkans, Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannit
Pyrenean Pine
Greece and parts of Italy. It merges with other black
The most western of black pines, Pyrenean Pine,
pine subspecies and introgression occurs, resulting in
intermediate hybrids and back-crosses. The tall form grows in southern France through the Pyrenees and
illustrated suggests an affinity with Corsican Pine in into central and eastern Spain. It may also be identi-
cal to the subspecies growing in Algeria and
Italy.
The foliage within Austrian Pine varies from tree Morocco. It is a smaller tree generally, seldom over
20m tall. The stem starts off straight but usually
to tree even where hybridization is not suspected.
becomes forked and deformed in response to envi-
Provenances from the highest elevations (1600m)
ronmental pressures. Branches spread outwards in
tend to produce shorter stiff needles and flexible
old age and foliage tends to droop at the lower
branches better able to withstand severe exposure.
extremities. The blunt tipped grey-green pairs of
The typical form, on a good site, may grow to 40m
needles are longer, up to 15cm, and more flexible
with a wide spreading top. The leaves are almost
than other black pine subspecies. Several ornamental
straight, about 12cm long, stiff and sharply pointed.
cultivars have been developed from this form, nota-
The 5-8cm woody slightly oblique cones (see p. 260)
bly the dwarf plant ‘Nana’.
have ridged scale tips. Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 30-40%.
Wood: 2, 3.

N
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Py
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Pyrenean Pine
 ~

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cones
relative to
Big -cone Pine leaves
tall form
236
 PINES

Big-cone Pine Pinus coulteri to P. patula but lacks the pendulous foliage. Trees up to
30m tall are known but that is more than would nor-
This is one of the American trees which provides the
mally be expected. The needles, in bunches of three,
ubiquitous building trade product ‘pitch pine’. Flat
are around 10cm long. The glossy light-brown 12cm
sawn boards are used for every conceivable purpose in
cones remain on the tree in clusters for several years.
the construction industry. The stem is straight, the
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4.
branches sparse and stout, and the foliage tends to
bunch towards the extremities. In its native south- South-western White Pine Pinus strobiformis
west North America, usually at elevations between
A rare medium-sized straight tree with a conical head
300 and 2000m on dry rocky slopes, height growth is
of level branches. The slender evergreen needles,
restricted to less than 20m. In ornamental collections
around 7cm long, are in bunches of 5. The bark is
greater heights (30m) have been recorded. The stiff,
smooth pale grey at first becoming dark grey-brown
sharply pointed evergreen needles, in threes, are usu-
with rough vertical ridges and furrows. Cylindrical
ally over 20cm long. They crowd together on thick
curved cones are produced on short stalks. This is an
terminal shoots. The huge ovoid woody cones, which
upland species occurring naturally in parts of Texas,
may be up to 30cm long and weigh over 2kg, point Arizona and northern Mexico.
downwards in heavy clusters or singly. They usually Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
Growth: 3-10-20.
remain on the tree for some years after the reflexed
scales have opened. The seeds are edible, they once Nelson Pinyon Pine Pinus nelsonii
provided a valuable supplement to the native Ameri- This somewhat shrubby species, often with multiple
can Indian’s diet. The Irish botanist Thomas Coulter straight stems, occurs locally in north-east Mexico.
discovered big-cone pine in 1831. It was described The 8cm needles are particularly interesting. They
and brought into cultivation in 1836. are in bunches of three but held tightly together by a
Growth: 4-18-25. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1 (requires persistent basal sheath. The 12cm cones tend to stick
space), 3. Wood: 2, 3.
out horizontally from the branch and then curve
Gregg Pine Pinus gregii downwards. Fertile seeds develop a bright red end.
Although in cultivation since 1904 specimen trees
This is a rare tree restricted in its native range to cold are rare and seldom thrive.
upland areas in northern Mexico. It 1s closely related Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4.

leaf
detail

South-western White Pine

Gregg Pine
 ripening
cones

Japanese Black Pine

 PINES

Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii Korean Pine Pinus koraiensis

This untidy ‘branchy’ tree is a coastal species in Japan Another relative of the Arolla Pine (p. 205), this
and South Korea where it is native. When it does alpine species has edible seeds around 1.5cm long. It
produce a single straight stem it invariably leans, is a tough hardy tree native to north-east Asia and
sometimes quite alarmingly. It grows to 25m tall and Japan. Its size and shape varies according to the envi-
in exceptional circumstances may top 40m. Very ronment where it is growing, although often quite
often, though this state of affairs, is reversed since small, exceptional specimens 50m tall have been
Japanese Black Pine is a favourite subject for Bonsai. reported. Such trees provide fine quality timber and
Numerous variants of the species have been selected edible nuts. The foliage is like Arolla Pine, the nee-
for this trade. Unfortunately, since 1890, some of dles, in fives are blunt-ended and up to 12cm long.
them have been given invalid names. These include The large more or less oval and pointed woody cones
‘Kuromatsu’ or just ‘Matsu’, which is the Japanese are 9-16cm long. Of the many cultivated types “Vari-
name for the species. egata’, described in 1890, is interesting. It has wholly
The needles, in pairs 8-15cm long, are bunched pale yellow, patchy yellow and green or yellow
_ together but shoots often have short sections that are fringed needles. It was produced in Japan in 1887.
bare and exposed. These are where past clusters of Growth: 2-10-18. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 3.
male flowers have been. The cones are ovoid, up to
Chilgoza Pine Pinus gerardiana
7cm long, with a small spine on each prominent scale
tip. Occasionally an individual tree will be found that Dry valleys and mountain sides in the Himalayas are
produces cones profusely. Single tight clusters of home to this small round-headed tree. It will occa-
over 50 cones may occur, sometimes pulling down sionally grow to around 15-20m. The bark exfoliates
branches with their weight. in patches in the way Lace-bark Pine (p. 213) does,
Growth: 3-14-25. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1 (bonsai), but it is less spectacular. The foliage is dense: needles
Bae Wood: 2, 3: 6-10cm long in bunches of three crowd together
along shoots. The large woody oval cones may be up
to 20cm long and 11cm wide. This species is very
rare in ornamental collections even though it has
been known in horticulture since 1832.
Growth: 2-10-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1. Wood: 2, 3.

. PU
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Korean Pine
Korean Pine
 © flowers
a sou
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Open co
seed

Ponderosa Pines Ponderosa Pine

forest trees parkland tree
240
 PINIESS

Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa some of which are cultivated as ornamentals. Some
have been re-classified as relatives of P. engelmannii.
Also known as the Western Yellow or Blackjack
In the south ofits range the species is replaced by
Pine this lofty tree (up to 40m tall) is probably the
the variety arizonica, described in 1909 by Herbert
most widely distributed pine in its native central and
Airy Shaw at Kew Gardens. This tree is now consid-
western North America. Its range extends from Brit-
ered to be a species in its own right (Pinus arizonica).
ish Columbia and North Dakota to Texas and Mex-
It is distinct because its needles are in bunches of 5,
ico. Forests occur from sea level up to 2500m.
not 3. The natural range is southern Arizona, mostly
Typically the stiff evergreen needles, in bunches of
in hot dry conditions.
three, are 10-20cm long. The hard woody cones
Growth: 4-20-35. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3.
may be 10cm or more long and virtually stalkless.
Wood:1, 2, 3.
The seeds, which are edible, are relished by squirrels
and chipmunks, and their unfound winter hoards aid Apache Pine Pinus engelmannii
the tree’s natural dispersal. The species was discov-
This medium-sized, generally straight-stemmed tree
ered (by non-native Americans) in 1804 by Lewis
seldom exceeds 20m. It has wide spreading branches.
and Clark, and described by David Douglas in 1826.
The magnificent evergreen needles, which usually
He sent seed to Britain where the first plants
occur in bunches of three, but occasionally four or
appeared in 1827. In America this is an important
five, are 20-30cm long. Their exceptional length
timber tree. The name recalls the ponderous (heavy)
causes them to droop on side shoots. Rocky moun-
wood. In Europe it has not been able to compete
tain sides in Apache country, southern Arizona, New
commercially with European black pine for a signifi-
Mexico State and northern Mexico, is where this
cant place in forestry. Such a widely distributed spe-
tree grows naturally. It is seldom seen in cultivation
cies has many regional and environmental forms,
elsewhere, for ornament or commercial forestry.
Growth: 3-15-20. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.

4 yi)
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Apache Pine

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Jeffrey Pine Mexican Weeping Pine

242
 PINES

Jeffrey Pine Pinus jeffreyi Mexican Weeping Pine Pinus patula

Also known in America as Western Yellow Pine, this This is a tender tree only able to thrive in warm tem-
long-lived tree has an extensive range from south- perate or sub-tropical conditions. Within the most
west Oregon to California. It prefers high cool favourable parts of its Mexican range it becomes a
mountain sides and dry rocky valleys. The best trees productive timber producer 30-50m tall. Elsewhere
are found, often in pure stands, between 1500 and it is short and stunted in comparison. The stem 1s
1900m. It was named after the Scottish botanist John often twisted and multiple stems, usually caused by
Jeffrey, who discovered it and sent seed back to Brit- past frost damage, are common. Vertically rolled up
ain in 1852. At the time it was considered to be a flakes of orange-brown peeling bark persist on
variety of Ponderosa Pine (p. 241) which, confus- branches and young stems. The long level branches
ingly, 1s also called Western Yellow Pine. Strangely, with drooping tips give the tree a billowing rounded
in Britain authentic Jeffery Pine does not grow well. appearance. The long slender needles (15-30cm)
So it 1s possible that any thriving specimens in orna- droop from the extremities. Although normally in
mental collections might be wrongly identified forms threes, sometimes bundles of four or even five occur.
of Pinus ponderosa. The cones are oblique and stalkless, 6-10cm long,
The bark and twigs are aromatic. The stem is with a fine prickle on each scale tip. The species was
straight and flawless making it a perfect timber pro- described in 1831 but has never become common on
ducer (in America). The grey-green needles, in account of its poor survival rate.
threes 13-25cm long, are stiff, slightly twisted and Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4.
relatively short lived. Big woody cones 15-30cm
long with a reflexed prickle on each scale contain
numerous seeds. It is quick to establish itself on dev-
astated ground and fire sites. In parts of its natural
range ancient trees 600 years old have been reported.
Growth: 2-15-25. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3.

Cedi
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J}
i

Mexican Weeping Pine

243
 Shortleaf
Pine

rs
ALLER

Shortleaf
Pine

Shortleaf Pine Pinus echinata x rigida

244
 PINES

Shortleaf Pine Pinus echinata size. Typically the hybrid (Pinus echinata x rigida) is
vigorous with thick foliage. It is well adapted to poor
This American tree is the most widely distributed of
gravelly sites and even swampy ground.
the southern yellow pines, covering an area from
Growth: 3-15-20. Hardiness: 20-40%. Choice: 3.
New York to Florida and west to Texas. It is a native
Wood: 3.
species in 21 American states. In favourable condi-
tions it reaches 30m with a conical then rounded top. Washoe Pine Pinus washoensis
The slender shoots bear flexible 10cm needles in
pairs (sometimes threes). Internodal whiskery shoots
Named as recently as 1945 after the Washoe Indians,
often occur even on the stem down to ground level, who shared its native habitat, this slow-growing 18m
a helpful initial aid to identification in mixed pine tree is tough and hardy. It occurs in west Nevada and
collections. The 3-8cm cones are short-stalked with north-east California, but at immensely high eleva-
a spine on the tip of each scale: the name echinata tions (2000-2500m). Although Indians once hunted
meaning ‘hedgehog-like’. The seeds are often in extensive forests of this species it is now rare and
released by the heat of forest fires. They rapidly ger- local. It was only discovered and described in 1938.
minate and cover the ground. The needles, in bunches of three, are 10-15cm long.
Shortleaf pine will cross naturally with Pitch Pine Stalkless woody cones around 8cm long have a sharp
(Pinus rigida, p. 251) where their natural ranges over- hooked prickle on the tip of each scale. They are
lap in Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. reluctant to fall from the tree after shedding seed, but
This meeting of two of the most important timber eventually break away, often leaving a ring of basal
producers in the world is potentially valuable. Pitch scales behind.
Growth: 2-10-18. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
Pine has high quality, and Shortleaf Pine has greater

Washoe Pine
Pinus echinata rigida
 flowers

detail

ty
maturing
cone

Bosnian Pine Holford’s Pine

246
 PINES

Bosnian Pine Pinus heldreichii var. leucodermis Holford’s Pine Pinus x holfordiana
This species takes its name from its country of origin. This hybrid between a Mexican White Pine (var.
It also occurs naturally in the rest of the Balkans and veitchii, p. 217) and Blue Pine (p. 221) arose artifi-
on lime-rich soils in Italy, Bulgaria and Greece. It is cially, but quite unintentionally, at Westonbirt Arbo-
closely related to Heldreich Pine (p. 205) and indeed retum in about 1904. The parent trees were planted
the black pines (pp. 233-235). In cultivation they are in a small grove of conifers some 15m apart in 1852.
easily confused. Bosnian Pine is a very symmetrical Robert Holford, after whom the tree is named, col-
tree in its youth, but it develops a more uneven out- lected seed from the Mexican tree around 1904. The
line with age. Although the shoots are pale grey, resulting progeny were clearly unlike either parent.
even bloomed for a time, the foliage generally has a These were planted out in groups in the collection
dark appearance. In plantations trees grow straight and distributed to other establishments. The hybrid
with a single stem up to 30m tall. The 8cm needles, was officially recognized in 1933 and described by
in twos, are stiff, sharply pointed and packed densely Albert Bruce Jackson the English conifer authority.
round the shoot. Sometimes gaps occur in the foliage The original plants have grown rapidly up to about
along young shoots where clusters of male flowers 20m tall, but the stems and branches are rather
have been. The cones (see p. 261) are blue for one coarse. The foliage is variable but more like Mexican
year, as they mature the following season they turn White Pine than Blue Pine. The 14-18cm needles,
purplish-brown and light brown. They are ovoid- in fives, are slender, curved and lax. The pale brown
conic, 5-8cm long with hooked spines. This tree was resin-spotted cones are variable but always leathery
described in 1868 by Franz Antoine, director of the and pendulous. Some may exceed 25cm long with a
Imperial Gardens in Vienna. 4cm stalk. Fertile seed is produced but second gen-
Growth: 3-15-25. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3. eration seedlings are extremely variable.
Wood: 2, 3. Growth: 3-16-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.

old cones

SS
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Holford’s Pine
247
248
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Jack Pine
Open
Jack Pine

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Scrub Pine

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 PUSHES

Jack Pine Pinus banksiana naturally in the south-eastern United States from
New York to Alabama and the Mississippi Basin.
This is a functional rather than ornamental tree. It
The form is variable but never impressive. The bark
occurs in several forms, including the narrow sub-
becomes roughly ridged and eventually shaggy. Nee-
Arctic forest type illustrated and down to scrubby
dles, 4-7cm long in twos, are flattened and twisted.
bushes cut back by the wind. The broad natural and
The cones are symmetrical, narrow-ovate,
range extends from Nova Scotia to the Yukon and
spined; they point straight out from the shoot or may
south to New Hampshire. It grows further north
be inclined slightly backwards.
than any other conifer in Arctic Canada. This is a
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
pioneer species quickly seeding into dry sandy soils
devastated by climatic disasters. It is also a ‘fire Cli- Durango Pine Pinus durangensis
max’ species keeping its cones closed on the tree
This rare tree has only been in cultivation since 1962.
until scorched by a forest fire. The resinous foliage
It was described in 1942. The natural range is within
adds ferocity to fires; the buds in particular are rich in
limited areas of Mexico. It is related to the more
volatile resins. The stout evergreen needles are in
widespread but still rare Arizona Pine (Pinus arizonica
twos, flattened, twisted and spread out. They are sel-
p. 241). The possibility of hybrids in cultivation can
dom over 4cm long. The oblique woody cones (see
not be ruled out. Plants tested near Plymouth in 1962
p. 260) are around 5cm long. Unusually for pine they
could not be separated from Arizona Pine with cer-
point forwards along the shoot. tainty. These particular trees were unable to survive in
Growth: 3-12-15. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4. southern England. In Mexico this is a tree 20-40m tall
Scrub Pine Pinus virginiana with needles, in fives, between 10 and 20cm long.
They are slender and flexible terminating in a point.
Almost as hardy as the closely related Jack Pine this The cones are ovoid-conic, 8-10cm long, and spiny.
species occupies the same pioneer niche but on Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
lower ground and much further south. It occurs

Zi
\\
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—
——
_
———

\
Scrub Pine
249
 ‘blue’
form

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ae
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2
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Bishop Pine
Pitch Pine bark
 PINES

Bishop Pine Pinus muricata it withstands salt spray and roots deeply into sandy
soils and dunes. Bishop Pine timber is rough and
This vigorous, but often coarse-branched tree, producing
knotty, but other more valuable timber
occurs in a small number of locations along the the shelter
species can benefit tremendously from
Pacific coast of California; also on Santa Cruz and
Bishop Pine provides when planted on the wind-
Santa Rosa Islands, although the status of the latter is
ward side of plantations.
in question. Forms of muricata also occur in Baja
Growth: 6-15-20. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3.
California and Cedros Island in Mexico. In the wild
it is a tree usually under 16m tall, but in cultivation it
Pitch Pine Pinus rigida
will grow very much larger. It is a pioneer species,
quick to colonize disturbed or burnt ground. The This hardy American pine tree ranges from southern
needles occur in pairs with a persistent basal sheath. Maine to New York State, then south to Georgia.
They are around 14cm long and often twisted. The Fringes of the population occur over the US border
oblique, woody and viciously spined cones are 9cm in southern Canada. It is tolerant of awide range of
long. They remain unopened on the tree until site types from the coastal plains to 1300m mountain
heated by fire or extremely hot weather. The foliage sides. Consequently the form ofthe tree is extremely
is of two colour types: southern forms have bright variable. Now used for wood production, Pitch Pine
green needles, and northern trees have foliage that is was formerly an important source of resin from
visually glaucous green. This ‘blue’ form is consid- which turpentine and pitch were made. Even on
erably more hardy than the ‘green’ form. It can be good ground trees seldom exceed 18m in height.
grown in lowland conditions in Europe as far north The stout evergreen needles are around 10cm long in
as Scotland, whereas the green form barely survives bunches of three, they are usually twisted. The ovate
north of the southern coast of Ireland and south-west woody, and sharply pointed cones are 4-6cm long.
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
England. This is an ideal species for coastal planting,

closed cone

open cones
} flowers 2 flowers
 flowers

aPD
eg
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Np iy, en

Monterey Pine young Monterey Pine

 PINES

Monterey Pine Pinus radiata recent years this species has become very important
as a timber producer, especially in Australia, New
The natural post-glacial movement of this species to
Zealand, South Africa and parts of South America. In
cooler northern latitudes was curtailed by its geo-
Europe it is planted in the south and mild central
eraphical position. It became confined to isolated
areas and it is able to withstand the maritime climate
localities along the Californian coast and Guadalupe
very well.
Island. Further northerly movement especially from
Growth: 7-22-35. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2, 3.
Monterey is obstructed by the Pacific Ocean on one Wood: 1, 2, 3.
side and mountainous desert on the other. Wild
specimens are stunted and baked by excessively hot Red Pine Pinus resinosa
dry conditions. When moved artificially to a more
temperate climate the species thrives. Growth over Red Pine is closely related to Scots Pine in Europe. It
is a common North American species native
1m per year may be expected for 30 years and trees
40m tall are frequent. In old age the top billows out between south-east Manitoba and Nova Scotia and
in a huge cloud of bright green. The needles, in southwards to West Virginia. Like Scots Pine the
threes, are up to 12cm long. The big woody 14cm young bark is reddish-brown becoming rough and
cones are almost as wide as they are long. An imme- fissured with maturity. The foliage, which resembles
Corsican Pine, 1s sparse. Needles, in twos, are brittle
diate feature of this tree is the way it holds heavy
and easily broken by the wind. Liquid, resinous sap
clusters of cones strung out along its branches for
exudes from these breakages, sometimes covering the
many years. Eventually whole branches may break
whole tree, making it sticky and strongly aromatic.
under the immense weight. Monterey Pine was dis-
They are up to 15cm long, slender, and more or less
covered by David Douglas in 1831. Seed was taken
straight. The ovate cones are 4-6cm long, spineless
to Chiswick, London the following year. Consign-
and glossy when first ripe.
ments continued to arrive in England until 1851. In Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 90%. Wood: De 2h,

snapped needle

2 flowers

Red Pine
 Shore Pine

2 flowers

J flowers

S flow ers

SNOW damaged
lower branc hes

youn oO
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Shore Pine var. latifolia Vv

ar. bolanderi
 PINES

Shore Pine Pinus contorta variety bolanderi, the Mendicino Shore Pine, 1s a
local shrubby form from Baja California.
This species occurs in western North America as
Growth: 5-15-16 (species). Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.
three distinct geographic races. The differences are in
tree form rather than botanical detail. Shore Pine,
Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta var. latifolia
more correctly Pinus contorta var. contorta, is from the
Pacific coast of Alaska, western Canada and the So called because its stems were used by American
United States south to northern California, never Indians to support their lodges, this variety covers a
extending naturally to more than 160km from the wide range of variable mountainous terrain. Some
sea. It thrives on dunes and marine edge environ- forms formerly growing at high elevations have
ments. It is a pioneer species coning at around five washed down rivers (presumably as seed) to new
years of age and quickly re-seeding devastated and lowland estuarine habitats. Some authorities define
burned areas. Growth is rapid but the tree’s energy 1s two varieties. The Rocky Mountain form, var. lati-
directed towards heavy branchwood or multiple folia, extends from south-east Alaska along the
curving stems, not a massive single trunk. Height Rocky mountains to Baja California. The Sierra
growth seldom exceeds 10m. The specimen illus- Lodgepole Pine, (var. murrayana) occupies a parallel
trated is an exceptionally large tree at Westonbirt. range to the east of the Rockies, along the Cascade
The needles, in pairs, are bright green and usually Mountains and the Sierra Nevada to central Califor-
7cm or more long. They twist slightly and have hard nia up to 3500m in the south. The foliage 1s similar
pointed tips. The small woody cones are 4-5cm long, to Shore Pine, but the needles are generally shorter,
oblique-ovate, stalkless and sharply spined on the considerably shorter on high altitude trees, and more
scale tips. Individuals and small clusters point back- ofa dull green, or in some instances yellowish-green.
wards along the branches. See p. 261 for cone. Slender trees grow up to 25m
tall. This is a good timber tree but it is less productive
In forestry Shore Pine has been used to shelter
than several other coniferous species in the same area,
plantations of timber trees on very poor acid peaty
e. g. Ponderosa Pine (p. 241) and Sitka Spruce (p.
sites. It requires minimal nutrition and is hardy, par-
190
ticularly trees from the northern end of the range. A Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 3.
Growth: 3-12-20.

var. murrayana
 ih yt .

. \ WAR
SS

Montezuma Pine Hartweg Pine

 PINES

Montezuma Pine Pinus montezumae Hartweg Pine Pinus hartwegit

From central Mexico southwards to Guatemala this Closely related to Montezuma Pine, this species
beautiful rounded 20m tree is named in honour of grows in pine forests on high volcanic slopes in Mex-
Montezuma the last ruler of the Aztec empire until ico, Guatemala and north-west El Salvador. It was
1520. Since its introduction to Europe in 1839 it has collected and sent to London in 1836 by Theodor
been planted widely as a curiosity, but harsh weather Hartweg. Most specimens in cultivation are stiff and
conditions usually kill it off at an early age. The bark shapeless with 10-15cm needles in bundles of 3-5,
is reddish-brown on young stems, gradually cracking pointing forwards along the shoot. The dark brown
into scaly plates and weathering to dark grey. The woody cones are 7-17cm long. Often when they fall
15-25cm needles, mostly in bundles of5, point for- a few basal scales are left behind on the tree.
wards along the shoot but their length and weight Growth: 3-14-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
cause them to flop downwards and fan out grace-
Endlicher Pine Pinus rudis
fully. Cones, which take two years to mature, are
12-15cm long by 3-4cm wide with glossy brown Many of the early so called Montezuma Pines in cul-
woody scales. The species is rare because it is tender tivation are this species. It is a less decorative tree
and also because many specimens in cultivation are often with a bare lower stem and irregular outline.
actually Pinus rudis or Pinus hartwegii which were The 15-25cm needles, in fives, are not so lax and
often mistaken for Montezuma Pine. For a long time darker green. It is more hardy because it comes from
they were wrongly thought to be varieties of1t.Both high cool mountainous sites in central and northern
come from high elevations in Mexico and seem to Mexico. Few specimens exceed 15m in height,
survive quite well in cultivation. although growth is usually quite fast. The earliest
Growth: 5-15-20. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1 (requires space). trees appeared in Europe in 1855. The last original
Wood: 3. specimen known in England, at the Westonbirt
Arboretum, died in 1963. New material has been
imported to Europe since then.
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.

ii4

i’

stem detail

Hartweg Pine
 a ononvo - Ay
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fA4 new growth

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 IPILINH ENS

Digger Pine Pinus sabiniana along the branches. Seeds inside them may remain
viable for 30 years. Some cones remain on the tree
Often this 12-20m tall tree is an ugly specimen in
for such a long time that the developing stem or
cultivation with twisted branches and a forked stem.
branch wood thickens and gradually overwhelms
It is a native species in California, along the coast and
them. Knobcone pine reaches 24m in the most
through the centre of the state. In the Sierra Nevada
favourable conditions, but on poor dry sites 9m is
it thrives on dry rocky ridges and hill sides to above
more likely. Plants survive at over 1200m in the
1000m. The name 1s a reference to the Digger Indi-
south of the range. The grey-green needles in bun-
ans, a collective term for all Californian Indians, who
dles of three are between 10 and 15cm long. Young
used to dig up the fibrous roots of this pine and also
trees have up-swept branches but they spread out and
eat the seeds. The slender 20-30cm evergreen nee-
arch downwards with ascending tips in old age. The
dles are in bundles of three which form pendulous
first trees in cultivation in Europe arrived from
clusters all over the tree. Ovate cones, 15-26cm long
America around 1847.
and slightly one sided, have curved or straight spines Choice: 3. Wood: 3.
Growth: 2-14-24. Hardiness: 50%.
on the scales. They point downwards and remain on
the tree after shedding their seed, which 1s thick- Cooper Pine Pinus cooper
skinned and large with a deciduous wing. David
Douglas the Scottish plant collector introduced Dig- Found in low rainfall areas of north-west Mexico,
ger pine to Europe in 1832. this fairly hardy pine was introduced to Europe as
Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 3. VW ‘ood: 3h, recently as 1960. In its natural environment it is a
round-headed tree, often with a clear stem and
Knobcone Pine Pinus attenuata drooping branch tips. The needles are packed in tight
bundles of 5, occasionally 4, or sometimes 3, on the
Limited to a few areas in Oregon, California and same tree at the same time. Cones are 5-9cm long,
parts of Mexico, this is one of the ‘closed cone pines’. ovoid and slightly one sided, with a sharp reflexed
It requires great heat to liberate any seed, and usually prickle at the end of each seed-bearing scale.
it must be the intensity of a forest fire. The woody Growth: 3-12-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 4.
8-15cm reflexed ovate cones are clustered in rings

fa
bud
Cooper Pine
GONTFERS CONES

outer

Noble Fir Algerian Fir Silver Fir

p. 145 p. 131 p. 137

Jack Pine =
, =
a —
ee
p 249 =

Austrian Pine
p 209 Scots Pine Mountain Pine Grand Fir
260 pe 227. p. 231
p. 141
 CONIFER CONES

Sitka Spruce

Douglas Fir
p. 201

Western Red wil

Western European Japanese Larch Cedar WA
Hemlock Larch p57 p. 83 4
pelos i Pay

White Cedar \yy)

p. 85 ‘
=
at
Lawson Cypress
p. 41
Norway Spruce
jas Me
Le
; only
B : SZ
p- 95

Coast Redwood
oped Cedar of Lebanon
p. 147

Arolla Pine Weymouth Pine

Lodgepole Pine Bosnian Pine p. 205 p. 219
p. 255 p. 247 261
leaf
from
sucker

W/
BRE

Grey Poplar
White Poplar
262
 WILLOW FAMILY ~ Salicaceae

Grey Poplar Populus x canescens The rare cultivar ‘Macrophylla’ (p. 283), Picart’s
This hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen (p. 265) pene a ayee aed ere i joneeheos) Ey
is widely distributed throughout Europe and western svhichl stows! rapidly nee ‘ persistent sally saint
Asia, including the south of Russia. It is a variable tree prem fo around Go uo ea
intermediate between the parents, but as it is fertile it rout eee BAER Aes Eo
also occurs as F* back crosses. The best specimens may iced uN ee
reach 35m in height and these can be reproduced White Poplar Populus alba
clonally, although propagation can only be successful ee yee.
Native to central and southern Europe then extend-
using semi-ripe cuttings under glass. The most strik- ing to western Siberia and round the Mediterranean,
ing feature ofthis hybrid is the foliage. The leaves are this tree is both ornamental and commercially
deep grey-green on the upper side and _ felted important. The foliage differs from Grey Poplar in
greenish-white beneath. Shoots and leaf stalks are that it is much whiter and more woolly. The leaves
also covered with grey woolly tomentum at first. are mostly five-lobed, markedly so on young
Individuals that are closer to Aspen are less grey. The growth. It is a good tree for coastal areas but often
leaves are extremely variable in shape. Not only do leans or falls away from the direction of prevailing
they change from the juvenile ‘maple’ outline to a gales. It suckers freely which provides additional
more rounded less lobed adult form, they are also ground cover when used as a shelter-belt. In the
influenced to some degree by parental dominance. autumn the leaves turn bright yellow for a brief time,
,
Stems are creamy-grey with rough dark brown civing a unique yellow-and-white effect.
: au. ao
patches developing as the tree matures. They Suckers The cultivar ‘Pyramidalis’ or Bolle’s Poplar is an
freely so thickets are common and many ofthese lean interesting tree. It is an upright form which ongi-
‘collectively’ away from the prevailing wind. This nated in Uzbekskaya in southern Russia in the 1870s,
hybrid is often unstable because it has a very heavy it has the potential to out-grow the species but it 1s
top in summer and minimal roots. Just a single lateral not entirely disease resistant. “Richardii’ is a 1918
root for a time ifit is in a line of suckers. In late win- Dutch selection with superb white-backed golden
ter male trees produce a Sgood display of 10cm pen- :
leaves in summer.
dulous crimson catkins. Growth: 4-15-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2, 4 (invasive suckers).
Wood: 3, 4 (species).

‘Macrophylla’ bark

~~
Ss
a

SRS
amar
oat

ee
Forg

Pee
o4
©

‘Pyramidalis’ ‘Richardit’
263
winter
 i)
.)
flowers

fruitin
‘
o
$e

(
ker |

Ge
ra) a =| 5)

o.
c
underside

Aspen Weeping Aspen o

youn oO bark

264
 PORIBARSS

Aspen Populus tremula process and the male catkins are quickly shed.
Females produce minute seeds in a mass of seed fluff
The range of this species extends from the British
as soon as the spring weather warms up. The fluff
Isles to North Africa, eastwards to Central Asia and
transports the seed away on the wind and then heavy
Siberia. In order not to confuse it with American
rain is urgently required to push it into contact with
Aspen (Populus tremuloides) it is sometimes called
damp ground. Germination begins within hours if
European Aspen. It is a suckering tree 15-25m in
conditions are right. Closely related species occur in
height, usually with numerous stems of various sizes.
the Himalayas, China and also in North America
A tree near Chepstow, in Wales, has over 1000 stems
from Canada to northern Mexico.
and covers an area of around 1 hectare. The root-
American Aspen is famous for its golden quivering
stock age of such a plant must be hundreds, if not
autumn foliage colour and silvery-white birch-like
thousands, of years. The deciduous foliage is of two
stems. It is the most abundant broadleaved tree in
kinds. On new seedlings and fresh sucker growth
North America. Beavers like to use it for their dams.
juvenile leaves are ovate with a curved pointed tip.
Growth: 4-15-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3, 4.
Adult leaves, up to 7cm across, are round with a
wavy edge. The stalks, also some 7cm long, are com-
pressed laterally so the leaf becomes unstable in the Weeping Aspen Populus tremula ‘Pendula’
shghtest wind and flutters in a characteristic way, This strange little tree enjoys sporadic periods of
hence the traditional name ‘Quaking Aspen’. Trees popularity as an urban landscape plant. It is quite
are either male or female, which also applies to unlike normal Aspen mainly because the foliage is all
whole woodland populations if they have originated juvenile and it does not flutter in the breeze. It is a
from sucker growth over a long period. Flowers male clone so it does produce purplish-grey catkins
appear in late winter, male and female catkins are in late winter before the leaves appear.
about 4cm long. Pollination, by wind, is a hurried Growth: 4-8-10. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.

. l
E
F |

ee
||
LA _ BS
Fruiting
? flowers
a

underside

iq rs
American Aspen
265
 Japanese
Balsam Poplar

underside

underside

underside

Japanese Balsam Poplar

Chinese Aspen
266
 POPLARS

Japanese Balsam Poplar logs in just 11 years. Since 1966 this clone has been
used in Holland where it is particularly resistant to
Populus maximowiczti
leaf cast.
One of the largest trees in south-east Asia this 30m, Growth: 6-25-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 4.
straight, very productive plant provides most of the
raw material for the match industry. It is also very Populus purdomit
decorative. The leathery 6-14cm leaves are deep Originally from north-west China this rare tree is
green above and pale on the underside. Unlike most related to Populus cathayana (p. 269). The ovate
poplars they give a good but brief display of golden- pointed leaves are 10-13cm long with long stalks.
yellow autumn foliage colour. Female trees bear They are rounded or sub-cordate at the base and
interesting 20-25cm long strings of seed capsules in have prominent veins giving the leathery appearance.
the summer which do not shed seed until the The species was introduced to America in 1914.
autumn. This species was introduced to western Growth: 6-25-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
Europe, from Russia, in 1913. It is frost tender and Wood: 2, 3, 4.
most provenances appear to be susceptible to bacte-
rial canker. Programmes of hybridization with other Chinese Aspen Populus adenopoda
species have produced vigorous progeny since the From central and western China this species grows to
1920s. One in particular, ‘Androscoggin’ growing in 25m in height. It is rare in cultivation although it was
Somerset, reached 30m in only 12 years. introduced (to America) in 1907. The foliage is vari-
Growth: 5-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 4. Wood: 3, 4. able, particularly between long and short shoots. On
vigorous growth the leaves may be up to 15cm long.
Populus ‘Oxford’
Growth: 4-15-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3, 4 (invasive suckers).
Originally grown for the Oxford Paper Company of Wood: 2, 3, 4.
Maine, USA, in the 1920s, this is a hybrid between
Populus x candicans (p. 271) and Populus x berolinensis
Populus yunnanensis
(p. 277). This complex cross brought together four This Balsam Poplar from southern China has deep
individual taxa, two species, a variety of another spe- green 15cm leaves with bright red veins and petioles.
cies and Lombardy Poplar. The resulting trees intro- In Europe it tends to be short lived and prone to frost
duced to Britain in 1937 produced veneer quality damage. It was introduced before 1905.
Growth: 6-20-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 3, 4.

Populus yunnanensis

Chinese Aspen
267
 Populus szechuanica
var. tibetica

Populus szechuanica var. tibetica

268
 RORIIARSS

Populus szechuanica var. tibetica Populus simonit

This species is capable of growing to a large size, 40m This south-east Asian tree seldom exceeds 12m in
tall, but in cultivation it is slightly tender and often height in cultivation but may reach 30m in the wild.
stunted by frost. The species came from west China It is early into leaf and therefore subject to frost dam-
and was introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1908. About age when planted away from its natural habitat. Popu-
four years earlier the variety fibetica was introduced lus simonii is light branched, wind-firm and hardy,
from the same area. It is more vigorous with large red although it only produces a slender crown it is used
veined silvery-backed leaves which are similar to extensively in China as a shelter-belt species. After
Populus yunnanensis (p. 267). Young branches are being introduced to France in 1862, it was often
purplish brown at first so the whole ornamental planted in upland regions. The species itselfissuscep-
effect of young trees or cut back coppice in cultiva- tible to bacterial canker but its more frequently
tion is magnificent. planted ornamental cultivars ‘Fastigiata’ and “Pen-
Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 50-60%, Choice: 4. dula’ (illustrated) are usually disease free.
Wood: 3, 4. Growth: 4-8-10. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4.
Wood: 3, 4 (species).
Populus wilsonii
Populus cathayana
Ernest Wilson’s own poplar was introduced from
China, Manchuria and
China by him in 1907 and named in his honour by In its native north-west
Camillo Karl Schneider the prominent German den- Korea, this is a large, vigorous 30m tree with strongly
drologist and garden designer. It is a 25m tree which ascending upper branches. Leaves at the top of the
keeps a symmetrical shape until maturity. The sticky tree may be over 20cm long, those on lower short
buds give way to large leaves up to 18cm long and shoots are only 6-10cm. They are narrow-ovate,
15cm broad. Fruits on female trees are in pendulous with a rounded or subcordate base, bright green on
strings up to 15cm long. In this and many other the upper side and distinctly pale-coloured below,
respects Populus wilsonii is similar to Populus lasiocarpa with 5-7 curved parallel veins. Glutinous winter
(py 27A): buds smell of balsam. In Europe it is subject to bacte-
Growth: 6-20-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3, 4. rial canker. The species was described by Alfred
Rehder and introduced around 1908 by Ernest
Wilson.
Growth: 3-8-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3, 4.

Populus wilsonit Populus cathayana

Populus simonii ‘Pendula’
269
 2 o 77) s I Ss

a s 5 Sl

Peres
A
ie
3
0
EsLZ6
non

Western Balsam Poplar

Gilead
 POPLARS

Western Balsam Poplar Populus trichocarpa ‘Balsam Spire’ (see p. 282), has been extensively
used as a forest tree in Britain and Europe.
Also known as ‘Cottonwood’ in its west North
Growth: 6-18-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4 (invasive).
American range, this tree is a vital component of the Wood: 3, 4.
world’s forest industry, both in its own right and as a
component of many highly productive hybrids. Balm of Gilead Populus » candicans
Specimens 35m tall with stems up to 1m in diameter This 15-20m tree has a narrow top and straight stem. Its
occur frequently and in a relatively short time. In the origins are obscure, it may be a form of Balsam Poplar
open the outline may be ragged but in plantations the or more likely a hybrid between it and Populus deltoides
tops are narrow and the stems perfectly straight. The var. missouriensis. Unfortunately it is decimated in culti-
foliage has a lovely balsam smell especially after rain. vation by bacterial canker. The well known variegated
Provenances of this species particularly from the cultivar ‘Aurora’ (p. 283) is a striking ornamental plant
Mount St Helen’s area are free of disease. Named developing white, yellow, pink and green foliage in
clones such as ‘Fritzi Pauley’ (p. 282) and ‘Scott summer. It too suffers from bacterial canker which soon
Pauley’ have been developed in America and Europe renders whole limbs dysfunctional.
for their resistance to bacterial canker and leaf cast. Growth: 7-20-25. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.
Growth: 8-25-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3, 4 (invasive).
Wood: 1, 3, 4. Chinese Necklace Poplar Populus lasiocarpa
Balsam Poplar Populus balsamifera This curious tree grows rapidly to 15 or 20m in
height. It produces huge 35 x 25cm heart shaped
Only in recent years has the colourful American slightly leathery leaves. Male catkins are yellow and
Indian name for this species “Tacamahacca’ been 20-25cm long often extending from a female section,
replaced by balsamifera. It is a large 30m erect tree which is a rare occurrence in poplars. The fruit con-
with upright branches. The big sticky balsamic buds sists of strings of green capsules ‘beads’ until they
give offa delicious clean scent just before the leaves burst in mid-summer to release copious amounts of
appear in spring. It suckers strongly from surface white fluff and tiny seeds.
roots especially if damaged or cut down. A hybrid Growth: 8-16-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 4.
clone between this and the previous species, named

cy,
bud

underside

2 flowers

Balsam Poplar
Chinese Necklace Poplar
 underside

underside

ees
Populus x canadensis “Lloydii

Populus x generosa ‘Beaupre’

PED
 POPDARSS

Populus x generosa Lance-leaf Cottonwood Populus acuminata

This entirely artificial cross was first made at Kew This small Balsam Poplar comes from the eastern side
Gardens in London in 1912. The Dutch name, of the Rocky Mountains from Alberta, through the
which is still used in the commercial poplar growing USA to New Mexico where Populus angustifolia, the
industry, is ‘Interamericana’. This describes the ori- Narrowleaf Cottonwood, and Populus deltoides var.
gin of the hybrid which is Populus deltoides x Populus occidentalis, the Plains Cottonwood, overlap. It toler-
trichocarpa from eastern and western North America ates dry stony ground but is seldom productive. It
respectively. A cross between completely different was introduced to Britain in 1916 but has never been
species, a balsam and a black poplar. One of the popular either as an ornamental specimen or for
resulting extremely vigorous clones ‘Rap’, produced commercial timber. Some authorities list it as a
annual shoots up to 4m long and had the potential to hybrid between Populus angustifolia and Populus sar-
produce veneer logs in 11 years. Unfortunately it gentii var. texana, but this seems unlikely in a tree
became susceptible to bacterial canker and was with- with such an extensive range.
drawn from cultivation. New clones have since been Growth: 6-10-12. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4.
developed in Belgium, with names such as “Beaupré’
and ‘Boelare’, which are almost as productive and Populus x canadensis “Lloydiv’
appear to be canker resistant. They are already trans- This hybrid between Populus deltoides and Populus
forming the appearance and productivity of poplar nigra subsp. betulifolia (p. 275), is a female clone
plantations everywhere. which is easily confused with the Black Poplar par-
Growth: 10-25-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3. ent. It is no longer grown as a commercial timber
Wood: 3, 4. tree and its present status 1s uncertain.
Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 3, 4.

Lance-leaf Cottonwood Populus ~ canadensis “Lloydii’

Populus x generosa
young tree 273
 fruiting
flowers

ivy on
stem

fruiting
flowers

Black Poplar Populus nigra ‘Vereecken’

274
 RO@ORIGARSS

Black Poplar Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia In eastern and central Europe the subsp. nigra

The ‘Atlantic’ form of European Black Poplar is replaces betulifolia. It is a similar-looking tree but is
native in western France, the Low Countries and the
distinct in some important botanical details, for
example it has completely glabrous shoots.
British Isles. In most areas it is a rare endangered tree.
There are several ornamental forms of Black Pop-
Its traditional uses, heavy timbers for barns and fire
lar (see also p. 277), the little known ‘Variegata’ has
resistant floor boards, have become obsolete. Its form
mottled and blotched leaves. It is not a particularly
is less straight and true than modern hybrids and it 1s
robust clone. The variety thevestina is a fastigiate type
less productive. More insidiously it has been adulter-
now regarded as part of another species Populus
ated by genetic pollution. No seed of this subspecies
afghanica.
can now be relied upon to be true to type. Hybridi-
Growth: 6-20-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
zation with compatible commercial hybrids 1s almost Wood: 1 (burrs), 2, 3.
inevitable. Pollen has been judged to be capable of
travelling up to 15 kilometres and very few native
Black Poplars are beyond the range of a compatible Populus nigra ‘Vereecken’
hybrid. This male clone of Black Poplar was cultivated in
In Britain at least 90% of the mature population are Holland before 1959 but probably arose in Belgium.
male trees because females have traditionally been In the 1960s and 1970s it was the fastest-growing
discouraged due to the seed fluff nuisance they cause. Black Poplar available to the timber industry. Final
Many specimens in Britain thought to be female are crop size (60cm diameter stems) was routinely
actually hybrids between this subspecies and other achieved in 32 years on lowland alluvial sites. Mod-
cultivated poplars, for example Populus x canadensis ern hybrids have now exceeded this remarkable pro-
‘Lloydii’ (p. 273). Several fastigiate Black Poplars are ductivity. See also p. 282.
genetically close to betulifolia and have similar foliage Growth: 8-20-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 2, 3.
characteristics.

Black Poplar subsp. betulifolia

}A flowering
Tear

275
 ~~BE

—° : ae)Ss] x me}cal
Poplar

i
>
we)
|
f

A
flowers

>
Populus nigra ‘Plantierensis ‘Italica
> «
Italica Foemina
>
‘Elegans
5

276
 R@PUARSS

Lombardy Poplar Populus nigra ‘Italica’ Populus nigra ‘Plantierensis’

This familiar fastigiate tree is believed to have origi- This fastigiate male tree arose at Metz in north-east
nated as a variety of Black Poplar (p. 275) in northern France at the end of the nineteenth century. It 1s
Italy at the end of the seventeenth century. It was thought to be a hybrid between Lombardy Poplar
first cultivated in Britain in 1758, where it is regarded and Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia (p. 275). It has the
as a cultivar, because almost the entire population 1s typical hairy young growth of betulifolia. The foliage
clonal and male. Other variants have also been given is usually more dense than Lombardy Poplar. Similar
individual cultivar names. Trees over 40m in height to this is Populus nigra subsp. afghanica (not illustrated)
are known, although crown diameter seldom which is found all over eastern Europe and Asia
exceeds 5m. Minor: it is distinctive in its narrow shape and
‘Italica Foemina’ is a female form of Lombardy silver-grey stem. The ubiquitous presence of this
Poplar. It is instantly recognizable, especially in win- subspecies in south-east Europe casts some doubt on
ter, by its more open shape and often broad top. the origins of many fastigiate poplars in cultivation.
Also, in winter its orange-ochre glossy twigs show up Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2.
very well in some lights. Some authorities regard this
clone as a hybrid but there is no definite proofof this. Berlin Poplar Populus x berolinensis
‘Elegans’ is another very slender clone of Lombardy In 1865 Lombardy Poplar crossed with Populus lauri-
Poplar but the name is probably invalid. “Lombardy folia, the central Asian Balsam Poplar to produce this
Gold’ is a yellow-leaved form which is often difficult productive but slender female hybrid. The same cross
to establish but is a good plant when it gets going. occurred later on, in 1750, in France, which resulted
Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2. in a male clone that was extensively used in Europe
and North America for windbreaks. It withstands hot
dry conditions in summer and also severe winter
cold. Unfortunately in recent years it has become
susceptible to leaf cast and has now become rare.
Growth: 8-22-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1, 4.

Berlin Poplar

‘Lombardy Gold’
Di
 Black Italian Popla r &
fe

3 flower

ae

*‘Serotina Aurea’

‘Serotina Aurea > bark S flower

Black Italian Poplar Populus x canadensis
‘Serotina Aurea’
278
 PORUARSS

Black Italian Poplar Populus x canadensis ‘Serotina Aurea’

Populus x canadensis ‘Serotina’ In ornamental situations this great golden ‘cloud’ ofa
This was the earliest commercial poplar resulting tree dominates the summer landscape wherever it
from a cross between the European and American occurs. It has the kind of impact Copper Beech has
Black Poplars. It occurred, probably spontaneously, in another part of the arborial spectrum. The original
in France in the early part of the eighteenth century. plant arose at Kalmthout in northern Belgium in
At first it was wrongly called Swiss Poplar and then 1871. It is frequently planted in urban situations but
the spreading and thirsty roots can be a problem. The
Canadian Poplar. Even Black Italian Poplar is a mis-
leading name because it has no connection whatever foliage is clear yellow for most of the summer.
with Italy. Although it has now been superseded by Heights around 30m are known and the crown
more productive clones, it became an important tim- spread can exceed 20m.
Growth: 6-15-25, Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 2.
ber and pulp producing tree. Stems 30m tall and up
to 1.8m in diameter were regularly produced. The
Populus x canadensis “Regenerata’
best way to identify this otherwise typical black pop-
lar is to note its colour and ‘flushing’ date in the Female poplars, like this one, are not usually very
spring. The leaves, which are the last to appear on popular because of the nuisance caused to people and
poplars (serotina means late), are deep bronze when some soft fruit crops by the seed fluff, which can
they emerge (flush). travel many kilometres in early summer. However,
Numerous named clones of ‘Serotina’ have been this productive tree did find favour for a time in the
bred in Belgium, Italy and France to meet various shelter-belt and timber industry. A cross between
commercial requirements. Some were given lyrical ‘Serotina’ and the American female Black Poplar
names like ‘Serotina de Champagne’ and the upright ‘Marilandica’, it arose in Arcueil near Paris in 1814.
form ‘Serotina de Selys’ (p. 283), recalling their ongins. See also p. 282.
Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3. Growth: 8-22-35. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Growth: 8-22-35. Hardiness: 50%.
Wood: 1, 3, 4.

spring
~ summer

Populus x canadensis ‘Regenerata

a) >’
fruiting & flowers
DS
 Prince Eugene’s Poplar bark

Prince Eugene aS

‘Ma riland 1Ca

spring leaf

Prince Eugene’s Poplar P

opulus » canadensis ‘Maril andica
>’
 POPLARS

Prince Eugene’s Poplar Populus x canadensis ‘Robusta’

Populus x canadensis ‘Eugenev Although generally regarded as a cultivar, there are
This clone arose spontaneously in Plantiéres-les-Metz, several different clones of ‘Robusta’. The original
north-east France, in 1832. It was imported into Brit- was another product of Plantiéres-les-Metz in France
ain in 1888 where it became an important forest tree. appearing in cultivation around 1890. It has been
Its parentage involves Lombardy Poplar, and probably grown all over Europe and at one time accounted for
Populus x canadensis ‘Marilandica’ as the mother tree. half of all the commercial poplars planted: the first
The straight stem and narrow crown of fairly light plantations in Britain were at Ryston Hall in Norfolk
branches make this an ideal wind-firm timber pro- in 1928. The unfolding bronze foliage is the first of
ducer. It also tolerates drier sites than most other pop- any hybrid poplar to emerge. By early summer it
lars. Trees up to 40m in height are known. Although turns deep green, and becomes characteristically
dense.
resistant to bacterial canker, this hybrid may be pre-
Growth: 7-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
maturely defoliated by a fungus in some areas.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.
Growth: 8-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood:s1, 2; 3- Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides
Populus x canadensis ‘Marilandica’ Also known as American Black Poplar, this is one of
the original parents of the ubiquitous hybrid Populus
A female clone which has been extensively used in
x canadensis. It is 30m tall in its native eastern and
tree breeding, this poplar is tolerant of fairly dry alka- from Quebec to Texas. It
central North America,
line soils. Its origin is uncertain but ‘Serotina’ appears
was brought into cultivation before 1750. Although
to be the pollen parent, back-crossed with a Black
its hybrid progeny are known world-wide, the spe-
Poplar. The cultivar name suggests an American
cies itself is rare in cultivation. Some named clones
connection but this is disputed. It is slightly suscepti-
are grown in Italy, Germany and France.
ble to bacterial canker and although frequently Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 4.
Growth: 6-18-25.
planted in Holland and England in the past, it is Wood: 1, 2, 3.
hardly used at all now. In its day it reached 37m in
height with a stem 173cm in diameter but it 1s now
heading for extinction.
Growth: 8-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4.
Weod: 1, 2, 3.

young tree Eastern Cottonwood

in spring

281
 PXOIPIE/NIRR (CAO ADIN ZANIRE'S)

‘Vereecken’
old tree

(see p. 275)

‘Balsam Spire’
{see p 271)

aft
9:
rat

“Balsam Spire’
young tree
“Regenerata’
(see p 279)

ites ‘Fritzi Pauley’

(see p. 271)

282
 POPLAR CULTIVARS

Populus x canadensis
‘Florence Biondi’
Grey Poplar A 1925 American hybrid

‘Macrophylla’
(see p. 263)

‘Serotina de Selys’
Populus x candicans
(see p. 279) F
‘Aurora’ 283
(see p. O70)
 aceneeyantetene MeN
teas!
fruit ( enlarged)

underside
und erside

underside

Almond-leaved Willow
= =
a]
a)ZA2 =2

o ~ 3 ===°
G J, ° - 2
 WILLOWS

Bay Willow Salix pentandra Violet Willow Salix daphnoides

Although widely distributed throughout Europe this Although grown as a cultivated garden plant over a
species prefers cool northern latitudes. It is absent, as wide area, this is in the wild an upland species, thriv-
a native species, from the Mediterranean region and ing particularly in peaty ground and on mountain
even southern Britain and Ireland. Trees up to 12m slopes and valleys. The plum-coloured young shoots
tall occur but this species tends to be rather bushy. are covered at first with white dusty bloom which
The foliage is deep glossy green on ‘varnished’ rubs off as the twigs and leaves blow about in the
shoots. Leaves have glandular teeth which exude yel- wind. It is a native species in parts of central Europe
low slightly aromatic gum. The name, given to it by from the Baltic to the Balkans.
John Ray in 1690, reflects the similarity of the leaves Growth: 6-15-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1.
to the Bay tree (Laurus nobilis).
Growth: 4-12-18. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Goat Willow Salix caprea
This rounded tree up to 10m tall grows in woodland
Almond-leaved Willow Salix triandra and on dryish ground often well away from open
A 12m, spreading, bright green deciduous tree, water. It is a broad-leaved tree unlike most of the
native in Europe and eastern Asia. It has a long his- narrow-leaved wetland willows. Unable to propa-
tory of cultivation for ‘heavy grade’ basket manufac- gate itself naturally from cuttings, it relies on its out-
ture. In a single year rods 3m long and 2cm thick at standing ability to produce copious quantities of
the base can be grown from selected clones. As a tree minute seeds. These travel on the wind among ‘seed
this willow has unusual exfoliating bark. fluff for huge distances and colonize any available
Growth: 6-12-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3, 5. freshly disturbed ground. Ideal climate conditions for
seeding goat willow consist ofagale to distribute the
Grey Sallow Salix cinerea fluff and a rain storm to press the seeds on to the sur-
face of the ground. Germination begins virtually at
This European pioneer wetland species comes 1n two once.
forms. The mainland eastern subspecies cinerea and Most Goat Willows encountered today are hybrids
the Atlantic subspecies oleifolia. The latter tends to between this species and other sallows. The peculiar
have smaller leaves with rust-coloured hairs on the garden plant ‘Kilmarnock’ is a weeping form usually
back. As male and female trees are distinct, the seed-
grafted on to a standard stock. It is a male clone giv-
lings are always variable. Where the ranges of the
ing a fine display of silky upright catkins in early
subspecies overlap, intermediate types occur.
spring.
Growth: 4-5-7. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-4-4 (cv), 6-10-10 (species). Hardiness: 80%.
Choice: 1 (cv).

‘Kilmarnock’
Goat Willow
(enlarged)
285
 Crack \
Willow }

summer

Golden Weeping
7) Willow

de

rt

~- —
>
si
.

fruiting catkin

> . aw > i a
ti eee -
| ea Sy
LAS AN’
VB . SESS
v=
~ At i mo$aNG 2 Ky FF hie
Rauey: (7 Reig 8 Ai , ie"
UAC Ae } =” ) oh Pee “ey eC te aS
=~ N | a) ; ‘
Way

Golden Weeping Willow Crack Willow

pollarded
286 ie
 WILLOWS

Golden Weeping Willow Crack Willow Salix fragilis

Salix x sepulcralis “Chrysocoma’ In Europe and northern Asia this species is one of
A fast-growing pendulous tree which has bright yel- the largest willow trees, often rapidly growing to
low twigs and young leaves, which subsequently turn 20-25m in height and producing a stem over 1.5m
green. A hybrid between White Willow (p. 291) and in diameter. There are several different forms of
the fairly tender Chinese species Salix babylonica (see crack willow depending on the region in which
also p. 289) produced this well-known weeping they are growing. Huge identical populations
form in 1888. It rapidly replaced a similar clone, *Sal-
develop along river valleys. This species has per-
amonii’, produced from the same cross in 1864. In
fected the technique of vegetative propagation. The
recent years in Europe it has suffered severe attacks of brittle shoots ‘crack’ offat a joint when they are dis-
leaf-cast and canker. Disease has become so prevalent turbed, especially by winter gales. Pieces of debris
in some urban areas that the tree is no longer worth which fall into water or on to wet mud instantly
planting. There is no other willow with golden root when the temperature is right. These rapidly
grow into new trees, compensating to some extent
twigs, but there are several other disease-resistant
for the lack of longevity inherent in the species.
weeping willows, notably the Salix x pendulina (baby-
Clonal reproduction is perfected to such an extent
lonica x fragilis) cultivars ‘Blanda’ and the much larger
that whole single sex populations never resort to
‘Elegantissima’, both with glossy brown stems. These
seed production. Some authorities regard some
are both often wrongly called Salix babylonica in the
segregates of Crack Willow as hybrids with White
nursery trade.
Willow (p. 291) and also Almond-leaved Willow
The advantage ofplanting ‘Elegantissima’ is its dis-
(p. 285). In its natural habitats it frequently crosses
ease resistance; the disadvantages are its potentially
with White Willow to form the hybrid Salix x
large size (20m, with a 1m diameter stem) and its
rubens, which has itself become stable and pro-
wide-spreading, moisture-seeking roots. The twig
duced extensive populations of large trees. The
fragility of Crack Willow does not seem to occur in
clone ‘Basfordiana’ is a popular red winter twig
this cultivar. The leaves are exactly like those of form from Belgium.
Crack Willow. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3.
Growth: 6-20-25.
Growth: 6-18-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 4.

rooting
twig

Crack Willow
287
 1.
*Tortuosa’ branch system

~y Common
a

ere

Wenro~
a

Fee
| © flower
detail

$ flower
detail

“Tortuosa’ Common Osier

288
 WILLOWS

Salix babylonica cultivars wherever agriculture required strong baskets. There

are over 100 named clones and probably many more
The Chinese species babylonica is only hardy in mild
favoured types without names in the basket-making
districts. However, many of its hybrids and cultivars
industry.
will tolerate much colder conditions. The Ringleaf
Growth: 5-6-7. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 5.
Willow ‘Crispa’ is a strange, rather sickly plant that
produces straight slender shoots and normal-sized
Hoary Willow Salix elaeagnos
babylonica leaves, but these immediately spiral as if
rolled round a finger and remain in that position. This close relative of the Common Osier comes
The Corkscrew Willow, “Tortuosa’, formerly from southern Europe and western Asia. It was culti-
known as matsudana ‘“Tortuosa’, has contorted vated in 1820 as a light basket willow and as an orna-
branches, twigs and leaves. It grows vigorously to form mental garden plant. The foliage is very fine like
a tangled tree up to 10m in height and almost as wide. rosemary. A former species name for it was
There is an increasingly popular red-twigged form rosmarinifolia.
Salix x sepulcralis ‘Erythroflexuosa’, a cross between Growth: 3-4-5. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
‘Tortuosa’ and a red-twigged White Willow. It
originated mysteriously in Argentina. Caspian Willow Salix acutifolia
Growth: 4-10-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1 (cvs). First cultivated in 1798 this small Russian tree, origi-
nally called violacea, is closely related to the Violet Wil-
Common Osier Salix viminalis low. It has purplish-red spreading first year shoots
This shrubby bush or small tree produces long cur- covered in white bloom. These are slender and in
rent seasons shoots but only remains vigorous if it is spring support silvery 3cm upright catkins. On male
repeatedly cut back. For centuries it has been culti- trees they become golden-yellow with pollen. The
15m long, slender, lanceolate leaves droop from mature
vated for medium to heavy basket rods. Growth in a
branches in a distinctive way. The equivalent in Amer-
single season is generally around 1.5m. Throughout
ica is Salix irrorata, introduced to Europe in 1898.
its natural range, Europe, north-east Asia and the
Growth: 7-8-10. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1 (as coppice).
Himalayas, it has been moved around and planted

leaf detail

* 3 flower

Caspian Willow
Hoary Willow
3 flowers

289
 Cricket Bat \ 2
Willow

flowers

; d Coral-bark
White Willow Mh Willow
White Willow winter pollarded White Willow bark

290,
 WILLOWS

White Willow Salix alba grown vegetatively so the original plant lives on to
this day. There are a small number ofdifferent clones
There are many races of White Willow distributed
throughout Europe and western Asia. Most of them
also in cultivation which may be appropriate in dif-
ferent locations.
are moderate to large trees with distinctive silvery-
Growth: 8-15-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.
green foliage. They require moist ground if they are
to thrive. The short-lived minute wind-blown seeds Silver Willow Salix alba var. sericea
must fall on to wet mud or gravel to germinate, so
natural populations are confined to freshwater habi- Bright silver foliage forms of White Willow have
tats, river sides or lake margins. The young lanceolate been selected for ornamental use for many years.
leaves are silky-hairy on both surfaces. Later in the Several differently named clones, such as forma argen-
year fine hairs are retained on the underside only. tea, have been developed, but the tendency now is to
The flexible twigs often droop when trees reach lump them all together under the variety name sert-
maturity. The species was introduced to America in cea. There is no finer tree in early summer when the
the eighteenth century and has become naturalized wind exposes the silver-backed leaves.
in some areas there. Growth: 6-14-18. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Growth: 6-20-25. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2, 3.
Coral-bark Willow Salix alba ‘Britzensis’
Wood: 3.
The young shoots of White Willow vary naturally
Cricket Bat Willow Salix alba var. caerulea
from clone to clone. Usually they are glossy olive-
Sometime around the year 1700 a single tree was brown but occasionally yellow, orange and even
selected in Norfolk which was considered to be the shades of waxy red can be found. Several red clones
ultimate plant for the production ofcricket bats. This have been brought into cultivation and named. “Bn-
specialized process still begins with a rapidly grown tzensis’ is an upright tree which is usually coppiced
stem thick enough to be cleft into 8 bat blades. The every 2nd or 3rd year. It produces a haze of striking
face of each blade has to be along the radius of the red winter shoots. It was of German origin, raised
log. Usually three or four blade lengths can be cut from seed at Britz.
from a single tree. Cricket Bat Willows are always Growth: 4-12-15. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1 (as coppice).

Coral-bark
Willow

Silver Willow
Cricket Bat Willow

BO
 Caucasian Wing Nut

winge
rachis
detail

Caucasian Wing Nut Chinese Wing Nut bark

29?
 WALNUT FAMILY - Juglandaceae

Caucasian Wing Nut Pterocarya fraxinifolia Chinese Wing Nut Prerocarya stenoptera
This member of the walnut family is a fast-growing Native to wet woodlands in China, this species was
30m tree from the east Caucasus and northern Iran. It first introduced to the west in 1860. It is a large vig-
was introduced into cultivation in France in 1782 by orous tree with deeply fissured grey-brown bark.
the French botanist André Michaux. With the turbu- The pinnate leaves often have serrate wings on each
lent Anglo-French relationships of the time it did not side of the rachis, and the terminal leaflet is often
reach Britain until 1810, and even that date shows missing. The remaining 7-21 un-toothed leaflets
considerable botanical indifference to politics and war. vary considerably in size. The fruits, in clusters, are
In its natural range it is a tree of damp woodlands. In on 30cm pendulous strings. The wings on the nuts
cultivation it is best known for its habit of producing are narrow and usually held erect.
numerous sucker shoots which, given some freedom, Growth: 6-25-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 5.
soon develop into a thicket of new trees. The pinnate
leaves are up to 60cm long with around 19-21 oblong Japanese Wing Nut Prerocarya rhoifolia
pointed leaflets. The largest of these may be 15cm In its native Japan this is a tree of wet ground, usually
long. Pairs of semi-orbicular wings on the nuts are a on mountain-sides. The first cultivated plants were
distinctive feature of this tree in summer hanging produced in the west in 1888. The finely toothed
among the foliage in 50cm strings. In winter Prerocarya elliptic leaflets, 11-21 on each 30cm pinnate leaf,
can be identified by its naked buds often flanked by colour well to shades of bright yellow in the autumn.
small pale brown scaly leaves. The flowers, males on second year wood and females
Growth: 6-25-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 5. on current shoots, are 6-8cm long. Females develop
into 20-30cm strings of winged nuts. The name
Hybrid Wing Nut Prerocarya x rehderiana Pterocarya is from the Greek ‘Pteron’ meaning wing
Produced in the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, USA, and ‘Karya’ meaning nut.
in 1879, this suckering fast-growing 25m tree is Growth: 6-20-25. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
more or less intermediate between its parents (Cau- Wood: 2, 5.
casian and Chinese Wing Nuts). The pinnate leaves
have a slightly winged rachis and 11-21 dark green
leaflets.
Growth: 8-20-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2, 5.

mature fruit
(enlarged)
Japanese Wing Nut
Chinese Wing Nut
293
 ‘Laciniata’
Common
Walnut

underside

i ‘4

ial

Black Walnut

294
 WALNUTS

Common Walnut Juglans regia with decorative wavy grain. Even the roots produce
good material for ornamental work and veneers.
Walnuts all have a distinguishing feature that sepa-
Once properly seasoned, which may take six years,
rates them from other pinnate-leaved trees: if the
walnut wood will not warp or swell.
shoot is cut in half along its length, the pith can be Walnut, has
The cultivar ‘Laciniata’, Cut-leaved
seen to be divided into compartments which resem-
deeply toothed and indented leaflets and pendulous
ble the rungs of a ladder.
branch ends. Originally it was described and named
The natural distribution of Common Walnut has
as a separate species. The One-leaved Walnut
been confused by centuries of cultivation, firstly for
‘Monophylla’ is a peculiar form with simple or only
nuts and then for the decorative wood. Its western
tri-foliate leaves.
limit is reckoned to be Greece. From there it
Growth: 3-10-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.
extended eastwards within the warm temperate zone
as far as China and Japan. The Romans also imported Black Walnut Juglans nigra
trees from Greece to much of their Empire over
2000 years ago. The original stocks have been From eastern and central North America this 30-
improved, for example in Britain by the great 40m forest tree produces deep chocolate-brown
monastic houses, and good fruiting cultivars still pre- wood of very high quality. The best trees were origi-
vail near some of them. The familiar nut is contained nally from North Carolina and Tennessee. The long,
in a 5cm globular green husk which is both aromatic evenly spaced-out pinnate leaves tend to be inclined
and staining while still green. This is a tree for warm downwards. In the autumn they turn to golden yel-
dryish soils, it hates cold wet clays. Frost and cold low for 2-3 weeks before falling. The strongly aro-
weather are also damaging. Good trees can exceed matic fruits are encased in a 3cm green husk. Forests
30m in height. When grown for timber they are best of this tree once covered tracts of fertile land in
America. It was introduced to Britain by John
started off in a group so they are almost branch free
Tradescant before 1656.
and drawn up straight towards the light. However,
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1 (rquires space).
there has always been a market for crooked material
Wood: 1.

Common Walnut
 Butternut

Arizona Walnut

Japanese ee ii
1 Wal var. cordiformis hy :

296
ee
|
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aon

(
§} Manchurian Walnut
 WALNUTS

Butternut Juglans cinerea Japanese Walnut Juglans ailanthifolia

The species name cinerea is a reference to the grey fis- The sticky 5cm seed husk of this Japanese tree is poi-
sured bark, when compared to Black Walnut which sonous. In former times it was used in Japan to catch
shares this tree’s natural range in east and central fish. The pinnate leaves have larger (15cm) and wider
North America. The best specimens are around 30m leaflets than most other walnuts giving the tree a
tall but they are never as good as Black Walnut. The more ‘solid’ appearance from some distance away. It
pinnate leaves consist of 11-19 oblong-lanceolate thrives best in sheltered wet areas preferably close to
6-12cm leaflets. Thick shelled nuts each with four water. The variety cordiformis differs only slightly
prominent ridges are encased in an oblong pointed from the species. The leaflets and the seeds are nar-
viscid-pubescent green husk around 6cm long. rower.
Growth; 3-10-30. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 3. Growth: 3-8-18. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 1.
Wood: 1.
Manchurian Walnut Juglans mandshurica
Arizona Walnut Juglans elaeopyron The broad range of this species, from north-east
Since 1894 this ornamental walnut has been widely Russia through northern China to Korea, makes it a
cultivated, especially for its golden-yellow autumn variable but rugged hardy tree. The largest specimens
foliage colour. Its origin is complex because the spe- may be 20m tall with a broad head of spreading
cies is probably a small segregate of a much wider branches. The leaves on some provenances are large,
population. In its native south-western deserts of up to 60cm long, with 9-17 leaflets from 7-18cm
North America it is still listed as Juglans major, which long. The fruits are encased in an ovoid pointed husk
is considered to be a variety of Juglans microcarpa by around 5cm long. The 4cm nut is reinforced with 8
some authorities. It is a small to medium-sized tree sharp edged woody ridges. Although it was intro-
with a rounded outline and delicate pinnate leaves. duced to the west in 1859 this remains a rare tree in
The leaflets are narrow and distinctly toothed. cultivation. It is sometimes confused with Chinese
Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1. Walnut (Juglans cathayensis) which is much larger in
all its parts.
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.

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Arizona Walnut
autumn

297
 Shellbark

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Hickory

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298
 HICKORIES

Shellbark Hickory Carya laciniosa North America. The silvery-grey bark is smooth and
then slightly fissured at maturity.
The name ‘hickory’ comes from ‘pawcohiccora’ the
Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
American Indian word for the oil produced from
tooo il, 2. 3h, Dy
crushed nut kernels. The natural range of this species
is wet land in the Mississippi Basin to Oklahoma and Pecan Carya illinoinensis
northwards as far as Ontario. It is also be found along
This is the source of the pecan nut. Good fruiting
the Alabama River and into Louisiana. Nowhere 1s it
trees have been selected since around 1760 and
abundant and 40m straight-stemmed trees are now
grown in orchards. It is naturally a riverside tree
rare. The distinctive bark is shaggy with hard curling
thriving in moist fertile soils throughout the southern
vertical flakes up to 1m long which are retained for
and central United States, especially along the Missis-
years. Laciniosa means ‘with flaps’ which describes it
sippi, Missouri and Arkansas Rivers. The heavy
exactly. This tree has the largest leaves of any Carya,
wood is brittle and less valuable than most hickories
over 60cm long, and the largest nuts, 5-6cm long.
but it still makes acceptable flooring, veneers and
The valuable timber is heavy, very hard and flexible.
good firewood. Trees 30m are known, with more or
Dark brown heartwood contrasts with cream-col-
less straight stems and spreading branches. The foli-
oured sapwood, making it both decorative and func- age in the autumn is bright yellow.
tional. The autumn foliage colour is golden-yellow. Choice: 3. Wood: 3.
Growth: 6-18-30. Hardiness: 50-60%.
Growth: 6-18-30. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1, 2, 3. Pignut Carya glabra
Mockernut Carya tomentosa In the nineteenth century this tree was put to the
most humble uses by North American settlers. Its
Of all the hickories the timber of this one is most nuts were fed to pigs and the wood was finely split to
highly prized. It once provided functional handles manufacture traditional broom heads. This species
for every kind of tool and agricultural implement, has a broad range in the eastern United States. It
giving reliable strength and elasticity. Today it also extends into drier country than many other hicko-
has a place in furniture manufacturing and sports ries. The tough heavy wood is flexible enough for
equipment. Waste makes excellent ‘aromatic’ fire- tool handles, wagons and agricultural equipment.
wood or wood chips for smoking hams or finishing The bark is smooth until shallow interlocking verti-
barbecued food. Its broad natural range is eastern cal fissures develop in old age.
Growth: 6-20-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 4.
Wood: 1, 2, 3.

yp) Wed
Wien.
Wh j

Mockernut Pignut
Shellbark Hickory
young tree young tree 299
old tree
 A
Oo flowers

=) 2)—oO na Ss) o

Shagbark Hickory

new leaves

Bitternut old bark

Bitternut

300
 HIGKORIES

Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata Bitternut Carya cordiformis

Perhaps the best known of the rough-barked hicko- As the name suggests the seeds of this tree are very
ries, this species has been grown in temperate tree col- bitter and compressed. The alternative name ‘pignut’
lections world-wide. The distinctive bark has very describes about all they are fit for. The husks round
hard fixed curling flakes which through time project a the nuts, which are 3-5cm long, have four equally
long way out from the tree but never seem to fall off. spaced stiff wings extending from the apex to around
Originally from Quebec to Maine and southwards to the middle. The tree grows on dry or swampy
Georgia, south-east Texas and north-east Mexico, ground in eastern North America from Florida to the
Shagbark Hickory was brought into cultivation in Canadian border and southern Quebec to eastern
1629. It is one of the best nut-producing trees in the Texas. The 15-25cm leaves are pinnate with 5-9
United States. The nuts are 4-6cm long with a sweet sharply toothed leaflets. They colour well to
kernel. The pinnate leaves, with 5 or occasionally 7 golden-yellow in the autumn. Stems, up to 28m tall,
leaflets, are yellowish-green in summer. They are have thick vertically ridged grey-brown bark. The
often over 30cm long depending on the shelter round species was introduced to horticulture in 1766 but it
the tree and the moisture in the soil under it. In has little value as an ornamental tree and is seldom
autumn the foliage turns to bright cadmium yellow planted. In America it is a common timber tree. Much
for two or three weeks. The flowers, which in all of it has grown as coppice from cut-over forest. The
hickories begin to develop before the leaves fully timber is strong and flexible. It is used where strength
open, are green and small. Males are drooping 12cm and elasticity is essential, notably for tool handles.
catkins while the females, in clusters of 2-5, are almost Wood grown as coppice appears to be even stronger
hidden at the shoot tips. In cooler countries the flow- than original trees. Early settlers finding the nuts inedi-
ers suffer damage from spring frost and nuts are seldom ble, crushed them to produce lamp oil. This oil was also
produced. In cultivation trees over 21m are known. thought to give relief from rheumatic pain.
In 1906 a tree in the original American hickory forest Growth: 4-15-28. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3.
measured 23.7m to the first branch and its total height Vvaowke il, 2, 3.
was estimated to have been 70m.
Growth: 3-14-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
Wood: lis De Bi

Shagbark Hickory 3()1

Bitternut
 winged
seed

Betula albo-sinensis
var. septentrionalis

; type
‘Grayswood @&

‘Geayswood Bull’ Monarch Birch |

young tree

302
 IBTRS@Gist IVTVY S- Betulaceae

Erman’s Birch Betula ermanii Monarch Birch Betula maximowicziana

The range of this hardy tree extends from Japan to The Pacific coast of Japan, from the Kurile Islands to
Siberia from sea level to the tree-line. In some situa- Honshu and Hokkaido, is home to this big magnifi-
tions it is an opportunist pioneer and in others it is a cent tree. It occurs in mixed forests and is frequently
long-lived forest tree. In cultivation its diverse natu- planted as an ornamental specimen. In any collection
ral range has resulted in considerable variation, par- of birches, provided the site 1s fertile and moist, Mon-
ticularly in tree size and bark colour. Furthermore arch Birch always stands out from the rest. It rapidly
several different species hybridize with it to create grows to 20-25m in height with a smooth fat stem up
numerous beautiful but unidentifiable specimens. to 1m thick. The bark is not spectacular but it is
There are also distinct varieties such as japonica, and a unmistakably birch with horizontal bands of grey and
superb white-barked cultivar called ‘Grayswood dull white. The foliage is bold with leaves 10-15cm
Hill?’ which is often listed (wrongly) in collections as long which colour to bright yellow in the autumn.
Betula costata. Growth: 5-18-25. Hardiness; 40%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wood: ih 4,
Growth: 4-12-18. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1, 4.
Blue Birch Betula x caerulea
Betula albo-sinensis var. septentrionalis This hybrid between Grey Birch (p. 309) and Moun-
The best examples of this variety of Chinese Red tain Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) was
Birch have smooth orange-grey bark, which 1s formerly called Betula caerulea-grandis by William
bloomed with a thin layer of white wax. It is shed in Blanchard, an American botanist. It is still occasion-
large sheets to reveal a burnished coppery layer ally found under this name. In America where the
underneath. Botanically it would appear to be inter- ranges of the parents overlap it occurs naturally. Cul-
mediate between the species and Erman’s Birch. tivated specimens are prized for their blue-green foli-
They are closely allied. Chinese Red Birch and the age and papery white and pale orange bark. The first
variety septentrionalis were both introduced to the introduction to Europe was in 1905.
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 4.
west by Ernest Wilson in 1901 and 1908.
Growth: 4-15-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
304
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 BIRCHES

Himalayan Birch Betula utilis Japanese Cherry Birch Betula grossa

This deciduous 15-20m tree has a broad range The stem of this tree is reminiscent of wild cherry,
across the Himalayas, often reaching high into the with horizontal stripes of grey-brown bark exfoliat-
foothills close to the tree line. Consequently it 1s ing in thin papery curls. It grows naturally in mixed
extremely variable when brought into cultivation. woodland on hill and mountain sides in Honshu,
The horizontally peeling papery bark is usually Shikoku and Kyushu. There is some affinity between
brown but occasional specimens are pink, copper- it and the American species Betula lenta, including the
coloured and even white. The variety jacquemontii aromatic foliage. Although rare in cultivation it has
(illustrated on p. 306) is a white barked form, but it been available in the west since 1896.
is often produced from seed and then the colour is Growth: 5-10-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
not constant. It grows in northern India and parts of Wood: 1, 4.
Nepal. Plants of this variety first arrived in the west
in 1880, some 30 years after the species. Japanese Dic hagetsia ice iar aaa!
Grafted white bark forms of Betula utilis have been The variety japonica and not the species is the tree in gen-
pioneered by the Hillier Nursery. Grafted plants of eral cultivation. They are very similar but come from
variety jacquemontii were distributed by them under different areas. The species, from mainland Asia, inter-
the name ‘Silver Shadow’. Perhaps the best known grades with Silver Birch (p. 311). Japanese Birch, from
Hillier plant though is ‘Jermyns’ which was selected Japan, is a 15-20m tree with white and brown peeling
bark also like Silver Birch. The 4-7cm leaves are less
from a batch of jacquemontii seedling received from
Belgium. It retains its smooth creamy white bark on deeply toothed and glaucous-green on the underside.
Growth: 5-10-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
large stems up to 50cm in diameter. Another fine
Wood: 1, 4.
white form is ‘Grayswood Ghost’, like ‘Silver
Shadow’ it seems to glow in the half light of early Asian Black Birch Betula davurica
morning and late evening. There has been a plethora This tree from northern China, Manchuria and Korea,
of new named selections of white-stemmed birches was introduced in 1882, and has distinct rough silvery-
in recent years each claiming to be the best. They grey bark. It is very hardy, withstanding cold but intoler-
‘Moonbeam’, ‘Inverleith’, ‘Silver Queen’
include ant of exceptionally warm conditions. In favourable parts
and ‘Doorenbos’. of its range trees up to 30m tall have been recorded, but
Growth: 5-12-20. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
half this is more likely in most other places.
Wood: 1, 4. (species) Choice: 1.
Growth: 5-10-20. Hardiness: 50-70%.
Wood: 1, 4.

Japanese Birch
305
 7-9 veins
10-14 veins es “Cs
gv

autumn

Betula utilis
var. jacquemontii
autumn

Betula utilis ‘Transcaucasian

var. jacquemontii Birch
306
 BIRCHES

Betula utilis var. prattii Transcaucasian Birch Betula medwediewiti

Of the many forms of Himalayan Birch (p. 305) this Grown chiefly for its glorious yellow autumn colour
is one of the most striking. It was brought into culti- and big, 8-12cm leaves, this small tree was intro-
vation from west China in 1908. The bark is bright duced in 1897. It has distinct more or less upright
orange on the best specimens but may vary between stout twigs and branches, and big sticky buds. As
pale grey to orange-brown. The deep green lustrous with many other trees from the Caucasus region,
leaves have silky hairs on the midrib and veins on the everything about this plant is big and vigorous.
underside. Growth: 4-10-14. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 5-12-20. Hardiness; 50-60%. Choice: 1. Wood: il. 4,

Dwarf Birch Betula nana Manchurian Birch Betula platyphylla

This very tough sub-Alpine shrub has dense twiggy Less well known in cultivation than the variety japon-
branches and small (5-15mm) round leaves, each ica (p. 305) this species is a substantial tree in its native
with a short petiole. It occurs world-wide through Manchuria and Korea. Heights over 20m are known.
northern Asia, Europe, Greenland and west to The bark is greyish-white and the shoots are glandu-
Alaska. In cultivation since 1789, it grows slightly lar and sticky. The leaves are deltoid-ovate and
larger but will not tolerate hot sun. 4-6cm long. These too are covered in raised glandu-
Growth: 1-1-2. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 4. lar dots. This species was thought at first to be a sub-
species ofSilver Birch (p. 311). Then it was named as
Betula utilis var. jacquemonti
a species Betula mandshurica for a time and some
This variety is described on p. 305. Closely related to authorities argue quite convincingly that it should
var. jacquemontii is ‘Fetisowii’ from Central Asia. have remained so. Its actual date of introduction to
Plants in cultivation all appear to be seedlings of wild, horticulture is unknown.
mostly Chinese, origin but they are remarkably similar ‘Whitespire’ is a cultivar of Betula platyphylla var.
in appearance. A slender, flexible, thin-branched tree, japonica (p. 305), the Japanese White Birch. lt asva
with peeling white bark usually developing on quite strikingly narrow tree when young but the branches
young specimens. Some authorities suggest hybrid spread outwards as it matures. The stem and foliage
origin but uncertain parentage. The name is some- resemble the species.
times spelt ‘Fetishowi1’. Growth: 5-12-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 5-10-unknown. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1. Wood: 4 (species).

Manchurian Birch

‘Whitespire’
 fruit

fruit & scale

River Birch |

= a young
es =e bark

a old

Sa ee AS bark

Yellow Birch Cherry Birch

Yellow Birch Cherry Birch

autumn
308
 BIRCHES

River Birch Betula nigra Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis

In its native eastern North America this tree extends Although named Betula lutea in 1812 and changed to
further south than any other birch. It inhabits low- alleghaniensis as long ago as 1904 the old invalid name
lying swampy ground and river banks and has been lutea still persists on labels in some collections. In its
extensively used for erosion control. The natural native North America this is one of the most valuable
range extends from New Hampshire to northern hardwood lumber trees. It grows to 30m in height
Florida and west to east Texas and Iowa. In America with stems up to 80cm in diameter. The bark is hori-
it makes a tree 15-24m tall with pinkish-brown bark zontally marked silvery-grey to pale yellowish-
exfoliating in a mass of curled papery scales then brown, an interesting feature in cultivation. The
becoming thick, dark brown and fissured. As orna- twigs are aromatic especially when gently crushed.
mental specimens, trees are often cut back to ground The long yellow male catkins in spring are another
level from time to time to encourage multiple stems desirable feature. In the autumn the foliage turns
which show off the distinctive young peeling bark to golden-brown. The variety fallax was first described
good effect. It was originally sent to Europe by Peter in 1966 but it is obscure and virtually unknown in
Collinson in 1736. cultivation.
Growth: 4-12-24. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1. Growth: 5-18-30. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1, 3, 4.
Wood: 3, 4.
Cherry Birch Betula lenta
Grey Birch Betula populifolia
Arguably this is one of the finest birches for orna-
The species name refers to the similarity of the foli- mental and forest use. It has light aromatic foliage
age to a poplar leaf. In America this is a native species which smells of wintergreen if crushed. It grows to a
from Cape Breton Island to southern Ontario and good size, 15-24m tall, on a slender stem and has
southwards to eastern Virginia. In the wild state it is superb golden autumn colour. The dark brown bark
usually a small bushy tree not more than 9m tall. It on mature trees resembles American Black Cherry. It
rapidly reinstates derelict ground and fire sites to is a native species from southern Quebec and south-
woodland by prolific seeding but is short-lived and east Ontario to northern Alabama. In former times
gives way to other species which easily establish oil of wintergreen was distilled from the wood.
themselves under its light shade. In cultivation it is an Growth: 4-15-24. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2.
elegant but tough little tree with fluttering foliage Wood: 1, 3, 4.
and good yellow autumn colour. It was introduced
to Europe in 1750.
Growth: 4-8-10. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.

oy “ata,
--

Yellow Birch River Birch Grey Birch

forest tree
309
 2 flower

* flowers
Silver Birch

H . ‘Purpurea’

¢ >
Dalecarlica

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Silver Birch ‘Dalecarlica “Youngii
old tree
310
 BIRCHES

Silver Birch Betula pendula Betula pendula cultivars

Silver Birch (see also p. 313) is common throughout ‘Purpurea’ is a good ornamental tree with purplish-
the whole of Europe, Asia Minor and Russia. It is brown leaves that are subtle in colour rather than
widely planted in North America giving it garish. It tends to grow slowly, because the leaves are
transglobal distribution throughout the northern not green and photosynthesis is restricted, but in
temperate and sub-arctic world. There is consider- other respects it is like the species. The first plants
able variation within the species, which has been appeared in cultivation in 1872.
eagerly utilized by the nursery trade ever since the ‘Dalecarlica’, the Swedish Birch, is a narrow tall
eighteenth century. tree with pendulous shoots and deeply cut leaves. It
This graceful tree is familiar to almost everyone, is often confused with ‘Laciniata’ which is more pen-
with its light airy foliage and distinctive white and dulous but has less deeply cut leaves. Swedish Birch
pink peeling bark. The young branches are glossy was originally found in Sweden in 1767. Similar
mahogany brown and the slender shoots are rough cut-leaved individuals still turn up in the wild and in
and warty. The golden-yellow autumn foliage col- cultivation from time to time.
our is brilliant on a sunny day against a blue sky. The ultimate weeping birch is “Youngii’, Young's
There are numerous traditional and present day Weeping Birch, which takes the pendulous charac-
uses for birch. The creamy-brown wood is of high teristic to almost grotesque limits. Top grafted trees
quality for internal joinery, although it is not durable look ridiculous when the stem is straight and all the
out of doors. The sap can be used to make a fine branches grow directly downwards from the top of
potent wine and also birch beer. In the environment it. Properly trained trees can produce a dome, or
Silver Birch is food and shelter to numerous inverte- series of domes, of foliage on crooked stems with
brates and as a pioneer species it extends woodland hanging curtains of twigs which are quite pleasing in
into otherwise barren or treeless areas. It thrives best the landscape. Specimens over 60 years of age look
on sandy soils where the seedlings can germinate eas- best. This cultivar was introduced in the late 1860s.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 80-100%. Choice: 1.
ily, but it will tolerate a wide range of sites and it is
completely hardy. Light is essential for healthy
growth, shaded trees soon dying out.
Growth: 5-18-25. Hardiness: 90-100%. Choice: 2.
Wood: 1, 3, 4.

autumn leaves

Silver Birch
‘Birkalensis’

*“Tristis’

‘ 5 . > ‘ * . aan young5 tree

Birkalensis Obelisk ‘Fastigiata’
5)
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 BURGESS

Betula pendula cultivars (continued) than one clone is in cultivation and pendu-
lous-twigged trees are common in the wild. It was
‘Birkalensis’ is an elegant tree found originally in
common practice to call any tree with pendulous
Finland and brought into cultivation in 1877. Its
twigs, forma tristis. These generally come true from
form is narrow and semi-pendulous with a white and
seed but the effect may not be obvious in young
dark grey peeling stem and deeply double toothed
plants.
leaves. It is seldom seen now because similar-looking
‘Obelisk’ is an upright form of Silver Birch with a
seedlings have obscured the identity of the original
very narrow outline and good scattering of ‘silver’
cultivar to such an extent that it is probably no longer
bark on the stem. ‘Fastigiata’ is more or less the
in cultivation.
same but generally becomes slightly wider in the
‘Gracilis’ is one of several ‘cut-leaved birches’ in
crown. It was first cultivated in 1870. As a propor-
cultivation. It is a small tree seldom over 10m tall,
tion of seedlings from it also show upward tenden-
with pendulous branches, clustered twigs and deeply
cies, the exact identity of the original cultivar is often
cut leaves. Often it is difficult to distinguish from
questionable. It seems a contradiction to call this cul-
‘Laciniata’ which in turn is frequently mistaken for tivar Betula pendula ‘Fastigiata’. Although the crown
‘Dalecarlica’. Although the taxonomy of cut-leaved is relatively narrow and the main branches are
birches has become confused the trees are very dis- upswept, the extremities eventually become
tinct and highly ornamental. pendulous.
‘Tristis’, Weeping Silver Birch, is a tall tree with ‘Viscosa’ is a small bushy tree with very sticky
thin spreading branches and arching pendulous young foliage and twigs. The leaves are small,
shoots. The leaves are exactly like the species and 2-3.5cm long, and crowded together. It was first cul-
they colour well, to golden yellow, in the autumn. tivated in 1912 and is also distributed under the name
There appears to be conflicting evidence about the ‘Dentata Viscosa’ a reference to the deeply toothed
origin ofthis cultivar, including two widely different leaves.
dates of introduction, 1867 and 1904. Possibly more Growth: variable. Hardiness: 80-100%. Choice: 1.

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Paper Birch
White Birch

314
 BIRCHES

White Birch Betula pubescens considered to be a species in its own right. It came
from western China and south-east Tibet in 1908.
Most wet moorlands and sub-arctic wastelands
Another of Ernest Wilson’s collections. The bark is
throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Russia are
white and chalky and the foliage is glossy blue-green.
inhabited by this ubiquitous species. Its form varies
In the autumn this turns golden yellow.
from a stunted shrub in the north to a tree over 20m Choice: 1.
Growth: 4-10-15. Hardiness: 40-50%.
tall in more favoured areas. In outline it is similar to
Silver Birch (p. 311) but the twigs are silky hairy and Paper Birch Betula papyrifera
not rough to the touch. The bark on young trees is
often dull brown and grey but the branches are cop- Also known in North America as Canoe Birch,
because Indian canoes were made from it, this tree is
per-coloured and quite glossy. Male catkins are pen-
dulous and up to 6cm long while females are erect on a native species from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic
short spur shoots. When ripe these disintegrate coast in Canada and the northern United States.
Modern, less noble, uses for the wood now include
showering tiny winged seeds and scale debris over a
wide area. Often shedding is delayed and seeds can broom handles, toothpicks and lollipop sticks. It is
also a major source of pulpwood. The species was
frequently be found on the surface of winter snow.
introduced to Europe in 1750 and since then orna-
White Birch hardly ever hybridizes with Common
mental forms have often been cultivated. Best
Birch, being genetically distinct, but it will cross with
known is the variety commutata which has broad
several Asiatic birches. This often causes serious taxo-
heart-shaped leaves and white bark. The variety
nomic and identification headaches for botanists and
humilis, now properly called Betula neoalaskana,
arboretum curators.
Choice: 2. Wood: 3, 4. The Yukon White Birch, has attractive red-brown
Growth: 5-15-20. Hardiness: 90%.
peeling bark. In much of its native Alaska it is hardly
more than a bush. In cultivation, where it appeared
Betula szechuanica
in 1904, it becomes a sturdy cold tolerant small tree
Originally thought to be a variety of Betula platy- with glorious golden-brown autumn foliage.
phylla (p. 307), this very ornamental tree 1s now Growth: 5-15-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 4.

Betula neoalaskana
autumn

var. commutata
winter Bas
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Common Alder

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Common Alder ‘Imperialis >

old tree in winter, formerly coppiced

316
 PAID IETRES

Common Alder Alnus glutinosa atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. This is a
pioneer species: its role in life is to colonize derelict
The natural range ofthis wetland species includes the
land by seeding to establish shrub and tree cover, and
whole of Europe, Russia including Siberia, western
then be shaded out by more enduring species. Its life
Asia and North Africa. It has traditional uses which
is naturally short and it can only thrive in full light.
zo back to the dawn of history. This is a tree of
However, some make large trees 25m tall, with stems
watery places and the wood was used for every con-
Im thick. Coppice, which is constantly being rejuve-
ceivable purpose to do with water management.
nated by cutting, can exist for hundreds ofyears if it
Pumps, troughs and even small boats were made
is not neglected.
from it. In heavy waterside engineering it provided
Growth: 5-18-25, Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.
baulks of timber for piles and sluices. Alder faggots YOO Mh, By Sittin De
were even buried in lines end-to-end to provide land
drainage. In contrast to all this, dry alder wood makes Alnus glutinosa cultivars
superb charcoal which in its day was favoured for the
There are several ornamental cultivars of Common
manufacture of gunpowder. Perhaps the most wide-
Alder. They are valuable in horticulture because of
spread use for the wood though was for clog making.
Alder clogs mainly for industrial workers were their ability to thrive in wet conditions. The leaves
show various amounts of deep toothing. ‘Quercifo-
water- and grease-resistant, they absorbed impact
very well and lasted a long time. Furthermore they lia’ has indented rounded teeth reminiscent of an oak
were light and comfortable to wear. In Britain “clog- leaf. ‘Laciniata’ has more deeply cut leaves with
gers”, who cut the blanks by hand out in the wood,
pointed lobes. It was produced originally in France in
moved from coppice to coppice on a 10-12 year 1819. The ultimate “cut-leaf”’ effect occurs on the
leaves of the 1859 cultivar ‘Imperialis’, lobes extend
cycle. A good example of a totally sustainable supply
almost to the midrib and the points are long and nar-
of raw material for an important industrial process.
row. The lacy effect is pretty when the trees are
As a living plant this alder is beneficial to all of the
planted by a river or lake.
other species which grow nearby. It can root into
Three more cultivars are shown overleaf.
and break up wet compacted soil where free oxygen
is limited and by a symbiotic relationship with a
bacteria-like organism on the roots it can convert

Common Alder
young jada

‘Imperialis’ ‘Laciniata’
Sy
 ‘Pyram idalis’

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hirsuta
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7

5
‘Pyramidalis
Alnus japonica

318
 IID BIRES

Alnus glutinosa cultivars (continued) Alnus hirsuta

Common Alder has thrown up a myriad of tree This species is similar to Grey Alder, a pioneer wet-
shapes and foliage types from time to time. Several land species which extends the range of Grey Alder
of these have been selected for ornamental use. The eastwards into north-east Asia and Japan. It was
upright tree ‘Pyramidalis’, formerly called ‘Fastig- introduced to the west in 1879 by Charles Maries,
iata’ is frequently used in parks and large gardens in plant collector for the Veitch Nursery.
damp places. There are several clones of it and the Growth: 4-14-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 5.
original selection is probably no longer identifiable.
The golden form ‘Aurea’ is very distinct. It was Sitka Alder Alnus sinuata
raised in 1860 and has soft yellow foliage which The huge range of this tundra and subalpine shrubby
fades to light green by the end of summer. Another tree is from the Arctic Ocean through Alaska and
variant is ‘Incisa’ which has cut leaves but the lobes down the west side of North America to California.
are rounded. There are several clones of ‘Incisa’ in In the south it is restricted to high mountain sites. It
the nursery trade and the cultivar is usually reduced was introduced to Europe by Charles Sprague Sar-
to “group” status. gent, director of the Arnold Arboretum in 1903. In
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. cultivation it suffers badly from excessive heat and
drought. As an upland ‘nurse’ species for plantations
Alnus japonica of forest trees it is ideal, soon forming thickets of

From north-east Asia and Japan this 25m tree has vegetation which provide shelter above ground and
unusual narrow-elliptic leaves around 12cm long. It fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Research is also
was introduced to the west before 1880 but remains under way to explore the possibility of producing
rare in tree collections. Closely related to it is formo- new cold-resistant hybrid alders using Sitka Alder as
sana which is very rare and no longer in cultivation. one parent. Like the other pioneer alders this species
Growth: 4-15-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 5. grows easily and quickly from seed, which inciden-
tally floats on water, and it is responsive to regular
coppicing. The counterpart of it in Europe is Alnus
viridis.
Growth: 4-10-12. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 4, 5.

Alnus formosana

Sitka Alder

INS
 developing
flowers

new cone

Italian Alder

old cone

Caucasian

Italian Alder
Caucasian Alder
 ALDERS

Italian Alder Alnus cordata Green Alder Alnus viridis

Of the 35 species of alder world-wide Italian Alder is This is a variable mostly shrubby species from alpine
the least dependent upon permanent standing water in locations in south-east and central Europe. It was
close proximity to its roots. It is native to Corsica, introduced to Britain in 1820 but was seldom
southern Italy and parts of Albania where it grows in planted. Recently it has been tried as a soil improver
dry woodlands up to 900m. It also occurs in lowland and shelter species on harsh upland forestry sites. The
areas if conditions are right. Trees over 30m tall are Ascomycete fungus Frankia produces nodules on
known with stems around 1m thick. Although the alder roots which are able to fix atmospheric nitro-
timber is not of high quality it is good for low grade gen in the soil. This nourishes the host plant and
joinery, charcoal and pulp. Early growth may be fast, eventually other species growing nearby.
over 1m each year. The deciduous glossy green foli- Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 2.
age, like a vigorous pear tree, makes this a particularly
handsome tree. The species was introduced to horti- Alnus x spaethii
culture outside its local range in 1820. This is an artificial hybrid made between Japanese
Growth: 8-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3, 4. and Caucasian Alders in 1908 purely for ornamental
purposes. It has the rapid growth of the Caucasian
Caucasian Alder Alnus subcordata parent combined with hybrid vigour and the nar-
From along the Caspian Sea coast, the Caucasus and rowish leaves of Japanese Alder, which emerge
Iran, this species grows in mixed damp woodland or coppery-purple. The late winter male catkins are
as a pioneer species on bare devastated ground fol- highly decorative.
lowing floods or land-slips. It is closely related to Growth: 8-18-20. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Italian Alder, but generally makes a smaller tree. The
leaves may be up to 16cm long but they are dull Alnus maximowtczii
green. Caucasian Alder was introduced to Britain From Japan and the adjacent mainland of south-east
around 1838 and France in 1861 but very few speci- Asia this alder is small in size but it has thick shoots,
mens were ever planted. There is renewed interest in large leaves and stout yellow catkins. It is closely
selected vigorous provenances of it for wood pro- related to Alnus sinuata (p. 319) from across the
duction. In its native region there is some introgres- Pacific Ocean in Alaska. Plants were introduced to
sion with Common Alder (p. 317). the west in 1914.
Growth: 8-14-20. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2, 3, 4. Growth: 2-8-10. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

cone

Alnus maximowiczii Alnus x spaethii

Green Alder
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Grey Alder Alnus incana Red Alder Alnus rubra

The grey pubescent shoots and leaf undersides give The whole length of the North American west coast
this aggressive hardy pioneer species its name. It 1s is home to this hardy pioneer species. Gravel work-
native to mainland Europe, Russia and the Caucasus. ings, road lines, land slip sites and devastated areas,
It grows closer to the Arctic tundra in the north ofits especially after flooding, are all colonized immedi-
range than Common alder. Its counterpart in North ately by this tree if there is a seed source nearby.
America is Alnus incana subsp. rugosa. Trees almost Provenances from the Cascade Mountains in particu-
30m tall are known but growth is usually restricted to lar have been imported to Europe. They have poten-
low thickets. In cultivation it has been known to tial as forest trees and as site-improvers for other
grow incredibly fast, for example 9m in nine years timber producing species. Complete tree cover to
after planting. Suckers are common and cut or natu- ‘thicket’ stage can be achieved in plantations only
rally broken stems recover by coppicing freely. It is five years old.
an ideal pioneer species to plant on reformed derelict Growth; 8-18-20. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 2.

land or capped rubbish tips. VW ood: he 2. Be 4, 5,

There are several interesting cultivars of Grey

Alder including ‘Laciniata’ which has deeply dis- Alnus nepalensis
sected leaves. ‘Angustissima’ has leaves reduced to From the eastern Himalayas and western China, this
just a strip of green along the midrib and the main 18m tree has elliptic-lanceolate leaves up to 18cm
veins. The cultivar ‘Aurea’ has good yellow foliage long. It was described by David Don in the nine-
especially in the spring. Its catkins are deep pink for teenth century but is extremely rare in cultivation.
about three weeks before the leaves emerge. Growth: 5-9-18. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
‘Ramulis Coccineis’ is a selection of the same thing.
The Dutch clone ‘Pendula’ is a superb strongly Alnus cremastogyne
weeping tree which at present is under used in land- Potentially huge, 40m in height, this tree is from
scaping. It is a picturesque water-side feature plant. western China. It was introduced to the west in 1908
Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 2. Wood: 5.
Growth: 5-18-22. but is very rare in cultivation. The elliptic finely
toothed leaves are 6-14cm long. The solitary stro-
biles are on 6cm slender stalks.
Growth: 4-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
Woodie oro:

cone scale

Red Alder Alnus cremastogyne

Alnus nepalensis
$28
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Common Hornbeam

29A
 HORNBEAM FAMILY ~ Betulaceae (syn. Carpinaceae)

Common Hornbeam Carpinus betulus cultivation for its hard heavy wood in former times.
It was traditionally used for ox yokes and heavy
There are over 30 species of hornbeam recognized
beams. The wood is so hard that it was unpopular
world-wide, distributed throughout all of the north
among woodmen using sharp edged hand tools. As
temperate regions. There is little variation between
firewood it has a calorific value almost equal to coal.
species and many are difficult to distinguish when
In order to keep on harvesting poles of manageable
grown in cultivation. The Common Hornbeam is a
size trees were often pollarded. Branches 10-15cm in
typical type, slightly larger than most at around 20-
diameter were relatively easy to cut with a heavy axe,
25m in height and width. The deciduous leaves are
and they re-grew in about 20 years. This already sus-
up to 12cm long with 10-14 straight parallel veins
tainable management system was improved further
and unevenly fine toothed margins. This tree can be
by keeping stems at wide spacing and grazing domes-
instantly distinguished from broadly similar-looking
tic animals on the pasture below. Hornbeam is resis-
beech by the presence of teeth on the leaves. In the
tant to bark damage when it is chewed by animals,
autumn the foliage, including numerous clusters of including rabbits and squirrels, even when the outer
seed wings, turns to golden yellow with a grand exposed cambium
surface is completely removed,
finale of brilliant orange. Male and female flowers are
often heals over completely.
separate but on the same tree. Females develop into Regeneration of hornbeam is a slow process. Most
small nuts, in drooping clusters, each with a trident
seed is taken by animals and birds. Mice and voles
wing, the central lobe being longer than the other
find it an acceptable size to take away or eat on the
two. Individual trees may live for several hundred
spot. Seeds that do reach the soil may take one to
years, particularly if they are pollarded. Stems can
three years to germinate, thus providing further
exceed 1m in diameter and frequently develop a
opportunities for predation. Once germinated early
slightly oval cross section. The bark is smooth, thin growth of young seedlings is slow and suppression by
and silvery-grey throughout the life of the plant.
weeds is often fatal in the first year. This is an excel-
Old trees often become heavily fluted like Zelkova lent hedging plant. Like beech, clipped hedges will
(p. 415). retain dead pale brown leaves for much of the win-
The natural range of Common Hornbeam extends
fer:
right across central Europe including south-east Eng- Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
land and southern Sweden to Asia Minor. It has Wood: 1, 2, 5.
become naturalized over a wide area following

underside

Common Hornbeam
autumn
 ‘Quercifolia’

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Weeping ‘Quercifolia’ *
Hornbeam
ee

Carpinus betulus
‘Incisa’

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Weeping Hornbeam Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’

ela WA
 HORNBEAMS

‘Pyramidalis’. A form selected in Holland, “Frans

Weeping Hornbeam
Fontaine’, appears to remain narrow for much
Carpinus betulus ‘Pendula’ longer. It is widely distributed as an urban street tree.
This cultivar is an ideal weeping tree for garden land- Although the narrow potentially weak branch forks
scaping where water may not be present. It does not are a possible disadvantage in town planting, the
rely on a pond or lake-side situation to thrive. twigs are thin and light and the wood is strong, so
Although nursery catalogues often list it as a slow branches seldom fall. There is also a slower growing
erowing or dwarf tree, it can easily reach 10m in fastigiate form of hornbeam called ‘Columnaris’,
height and much the same in width. Young trees on first cultivated in 1891.
a good site will exceed 4m in 10-15 years but , unlike Growth: 5-12-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
weeping willows, strongly weeping shoots do not
develop at an early age. The summer shade cast by a Carpinus betulus “Incisa’
weeping hornbeam can not be surpassed. Further-
Various clones with deeply toothed leaves have often
more the foliage is seldom infested by insects which
occurred in cultivation since the first recorded plant
habitually rain down debris and honeydew. In the in 1789. They are not strictly ‘cut-leaved’ as beech
autunin the leaves turn to orange-brown before fal- are
and alder might be, but they have leaves which
ling. twisted and finely serrated around a series of exagger-
Growth: 5-10-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
ated teeth. These are sometimes drawn to a fine
point and sometimes rounded. ‘Quercifolia’, the
Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ Oak-leaved Hornbeam, is no longer recognized as a
The upright form of hornbeam is a valuable town separate cultivar but is included in the ‘Incisa group’.
park and street tree. For 20-30 years it remains nar- These make full-sized trees around 15m tall, usually
row with upright branches and a persistent stem. with a broad head of branches. Most specimens insist
Later in life it slowly broadens, eventually resembling on reverting to normal foliage which is difficult to
the species but with uniformly dense foliage. This control when the trees are large.
cultivar was introduced in 1883, probably as Growth: 5-14-22. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’

old tree

‘Columnaris’
 Carpinus
tschonoskii

Carpinus x schuschuensis Carpinus tschonoskii Carpinus polyneura

young tree
 HORNBEAMS

Carpinus x schuschuensis Carpinus polyneura

The natural range of this Caucasian hybrid also This name was allocated to two fairly indistinct trees
includes northern Iran. It is a cross between Com- by different authorities in the late nineteenth cen-
mon Hornbeam (p. 325) and Oriental Hornbeam tury. The leaf illustrated is from the plant at present
(p. 331). The leaves are usually smaller than Com- in the nursery trade in Britain, which is probably an
mon Hornbeam but otherwise it is difficult to dis- earlier Chinese introduction of Carpinus turczaninowit
tinguish from either parent. It has arisen from (p. 331). It is a graceful shrub or small rounded tree.
natural introgression between the species. Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.
Viood mime 2s: American Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana
Known in America as Blue Beech or Water Beech,
Carpinus henryana where the wood of this tree is used for tool handles
In its native China this is a 15m tall tree, but in culti- and other small items for which a strong hard mate-
vation it is usually much less. The 5-6cm leaves are rial is needed. The name beech, wrongly applied to
smaller than Common Hornbeam and more lanceo- this member ofthe birch family, was given to Ameri-
late, with 12-16 pairs ofparallel veins. Ernest Wilson can Hornbeam because of its similar-looking
introduced it to the west in 1907. smooth, thin grey bark. In its native eastern North
Growth: 4-12-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5. America this is usually a small rounded tree, often
with several stems. Heights over 8m are seldom seen
Carpinus tschonoskii but trees this wide are frequent. The leaves are
and Korea, this tree 8-10cm long with double-toothed margins and 8-12
From Japan, north-east China
straight parallel veins. This is a tree of moist wood-
also closely resembles Common Hornbeam. It is
lands, especially stream and lake sides. Within its
probably only a regional variant which occurs under
huge north-south distribution, from Ontario to Flor-
various names across the world. It was introduced to
ida, it encounters a wide range of different environ-
the west in 1901 but remains obscure or unidenti-
mental conditions which influence its size and shape.
fied.
Choice: 2.
It was introduced to Europe in 1812 by Frederick
Growth: 3-9-12. Hardiness: 50%.
Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.
Pursh, a German botanist who lived in America.
Growth: 4-12-14. Hardiness: 40-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 1, 5.

underside fruit

American Hornbeam
329
 European
Hop Hornbeam

Oriental
Hornbeam

fruit

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European Hop Hornbeam Carpinus fangiana Carpinus fargesiana

630
 HORNBEAMS

European Hop Hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia Carpinus fangiana

Closely related to the hornbeams and still part of the This remarkable Chinese hornbeam has relatively
Birch family, this deciduous 20m tree comes from large leaves up to 30cm long with 24-34 pairs of par-
southern Europe and Asia Minor. It was first culti- allel veins. The female catkins may be in 50cm strings
vated as an ornamental specimen tree in 1724. The followed by equally long clusters of winged fruits.
5-10cm leaves are doubly toothed, ovate to oblong The bracts, or wings, bend round to protect the
seeds. Trees 18m are known but there are very few
with an acuminate tip. Each one has 12-15 pairs of
of them in cultivation.
parallel veins. The distinctive fruits are in tight
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 5.
3-5cm drooping clusters with overlapping papery
scales reminiscent of a hop (Humulus). Young trees Carpinus fargesiana
are broadly conical, then many of them spread out in
This 6m shrubby tree has ovate-lanceolate leaves up
middle age until they are wider than they are high.
to 7cm long, It originated in western China but 1s
Growth: 5-16-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
very rare in cultivation. It should not be confused
Wood: 1, 5.
with the Japanese tree originally named Carpinus far-
gesii which is now Carpinus laxiflora var. macrostachya.
Oriental Hornbeam =Carpinus orientalis Choice: 4.
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%.
A tree or large shrub, up to 16m tall, with dense foli-
age and branches. The leaves are 2-6cm long with Carpinus cordata
distinct irregular teeth. The fruits are held in broad This small south-east Asian tree has scaly fissured
bracts which tend to overlap in a similar way to the bark and large leaves up to 12cm long with 15-20
Hop Hornbeam. The species was introduced in 1735 pairs of veins. The leaf base is strongly cordate
but has remained rare in cultivation. (heart-shaped). It was introduced to the west in
Growth: 5-12-16. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 5. 1879.
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Carpinus turczaninowit
Japanese Hornbeam Carpinus japonica
From Korea, northern China and Japan this rare tree,
The narrow elliptic leaves of this 15m tall Japanese tree
seldom more than 10m tall is broadly similar to Ori-
are quite distinctive. They are 5-10cm long with 20-24
ental Hornbeam. It has 5cm serrate leaves and tight
pairs of veins. The seed bracts overlap one another, like
clusters of seeds. The variety ovalifolia has slightly
the Hop Hornbeam, in drooping 6cm clusters. It was
larger and distinctly toothed leaves. These are bright first introduced to the west in 1879.
red when they first appear. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1, 5.
Growth: 4-12-15.
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.

Carpinus cordata Japanese Hornbeam

 3
flowers

cultivated fruit
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: Turkish Hazel
Turkish Hazel
young tree
 ieee Le IVITIY we Corylaceac

Hazel Corylus avellana Filbert Corylus maxima

Usually this is a multi-stemmed shrubby plant, seldom Hazel bushes cultivated especially for fruit belong to
over 7m tall, but 15m trees are known. It is native in this genus. There are many named fruiting varieties.
much of Europe, western Asia and parts of North Africa. In addition there is an ornamental cultivar called
As a component of ancient forest it prefers moist lowland ‘Purpurea’ which is quite outstanding (if you like
soils and is often found growing in the shade of deciduous purple foliage). It rivals any other species of tree in
trees, especially oak. The bark is smooth, glossy-brown this colour range and even produces purple-tinted
and peeling slightly. On old stems, which seldom exceed nuts.
18cm in thickness, it is rough, grey and scaly. The Growth: 5-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
rough-textured 10cm leaves are more or less round with
double teeth, sometimes with a suggestion of shallow Turkish Hazel Corylus colurna
pointed lobes. Male flowers are showy late winter catkins, This large conical tree, up to 25m tall, is both orna-
but females, on the same plant, are minute jewel-like pink mental and productive. Its pinkish-brown hardwood
extensions to ordinary looking buds. The fruits, famuliar timber is of fine quality and good for cabinet making.
hazel nuts, are ovoid and half enclosed in a ragged-edged Even the decorative root can be used for inlay work
calyx. The name Corylus from the Greek ‘horys’ meaning and veneers. The original range is south-east Europe
helmet, refers to this. and Asia Minor, but it has been cultivated over a
The cultivar ‘Aurea’ has yellowish-green foliage and much wider area since before 1580. As an ornamen-
cultivated as an ornamental garden plant since 1864. tal specimen it is a tidy tree, usually with a straight
‘Contorta’ (Corkscrew Hazel), discovered in England stem. The late winter male catkins are decorative and
in 1863, has grotesquely twisted twigs and deformed the summer foliage is a strong green. The nuts occur
leaves. ‘Heterophylla’, which still appears under several in clusters, each one around 1cm across.
Choice: 1, 2, 3.
alternative descriptive names, has well developed teeth Growth: 5-18-25. Hardiness: 50%.
Wood: 1, 5.
and lobes on otherwise normal hazel leaves. “Pendula’
is an old 1867 plant with weeping shoots.
Growth: 7-12-15. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 3 (species).

ade
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if
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Turkish Hazel
‘Pendula’
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underside

autumn

Rauli Roble Beech

Ca cea
 Pinar ANibY = Pasaceae

Rauli Nothofagus nervosa twisted branches reach up to about 30m. The scal-
loped oval 4-7cm leaves have 8-11 straight veins.
Formerly known as Nothofagus procera, this 1s a forest
Roble Beech is native in Chile and Argentina
tree from central Chile and western Argentina. It was
including cold southern districts. In cultivation it 1s
introduced to Britain in 1913 and has gradually
more hardy than Rauli but less elegant. It was intro-
become accepted as a valuable timber producer, pro-
duced, possibly by William Lobb, in 1849 and again
vided frost-hardy strains are chosen. Rapid growth in
by Henry Elwes in 1902.
plantations to around 20-25m in height may be
Growth: 6-16-28, Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2, 3.
expected on moist, slightly acid rocky hillsides. Wivoroyel 2, hy Sy.
The smooth bark is like beech. After several
years long shallow vertical fissures develop. Oval-leaved Southern Beech
Ascending twigs have alternate zig-zag buds like
Nothofagus betuloides
beech. Each of these is about 1cm long, sharply
pointed and red-brown in colour. The 8-10cm This hardy evergreen forest species grows in south-
deciduous leaves resemble hornbeam. They have ern South America down to Tierra del Fuego. It was
14-18-pairs of straight impressed veins. The male introduced into cultivation in 1830. The dense
flowers are small and produced singly. Females, on 2-3cm dark shining green leaves make this a very
the same tree, are in threes in tiny glandular tufts in ornamental small tree. Multiple twisted stems are
the leaf axils. Through the summer these become often produced. The shoots are resinous and sticky. In
spiky green fruits consisting of three nuts in a husk. spring the tiny male flowers have bright red anthers
Two triangular ones either side of a flattened one and just before the exhausted evergreen leaves fall they
forming a diamond shape in cross section. The tree turn bright yellow.
produces very good autumn foliage colour. This species is often confused in cultivation with
Growth: 8-18-25. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 2, 3. the closely related Nothofagus dombeyi, introduced in
VWioodalae >. . 1916. Dombeyi is ultimately a larger shapely tree with
slightly larger leaves. It is also more likely to have a
Roble Beech Nothofagus obliqua single main stem.
Roble in Spanish means oak and this tree has much Growth: 4-10-18. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 2, 3.
in common with several deciduous oaks. The timber Wood: 3, 5.
is hard and durable, the stem is rugged and the

fruit
Roble Beech

Oval-leaved Southern Beech

SS)OOOi
 eal ORO

ae

of
O
o

autumn

seedling = S35
6 < <& v e o) <= Ry Sse, “ wy = ‘Dawyck’
aeis
=~
2 =
Sas-—
&
eee
336
 BEE Gia

Common Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’

The natural range of Common or European Beech Sometime before 1850 this upright tree appeared on
includes most of Europe northwards to southern the Dawyck Estate in southern Scotland. It is a tall,
England, Denmark and just into Russia. In the south 25m narrow tree reminiscent of Lombardy Poplar
it extends from the Pyrenees to Turkey. It has been (p. 277). The foliage is bright green and held in
planted extensively far beyond this region. It is a dense upward pointing sprays. In winter the red-
shade-tolerant deciduous forest tree which will grow brown buds and young shoots give the tree a dis-
at close spacing and casts dense shade in summer. tinctive warm purplish-brown colour, which distin-
Few plants, except fungi, will survive under it. Per- guishes it from Lombardy Poplar.
haps the most distinctive feature of beech is the Growth: 5-15-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
smooth thin silvery-grey bark typically on a straight
stem supporting a broad head of branches. Trees up
Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’
to 35m tall are frequent and a specimen 46m high,
and another with a 231cm diameter stem have been Although strongly pendulous, with all the shoots
recorded. Although non-durable, the wood ofbeech apparently pointing straight downwards, this tree
has many domestic uses, notably for furniture. Alien manages to grow to huge dimensions. Specimens
animals in Europe, including rabbits and grey squir- 20m tall are not unusual, some have a single stem and
rels, cause severe damage to young and middle aged others develop a cluster of low branches or secondary
trees by chewing the bark. stems. Given space and time some individuals will
In former times pigs and deer were allowed to feed layer their branch tips and develop a ring of mature
on fallen beech nuts (mast). In France nuts were also stems round the original tree. First cultivated in
used to fatten poultry, especially turkeys, giving the 1836, it makes a highly ornamental specimen for gar-
meat a particular flavour. They are bad for horses in deners with enough space to grow it.
Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
large amounts. Oil from pressed ripe nuts was used Growth: 4-10-20.
for cooking and for oil lamps.
A large number of forms and cultivars have been Fagus sylvatica ‘Zlatia’ is described on p. 345.
propagated: some of the more widespread are cov-
ered here and on the following pages.
Growth: 4-10-35. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 1, 4.

Fagus sylvatica ‘Zlatia’

Fagus sylvatica “Pendula’ spring
Ooi
 ‘Rohan Gold’

‘Rohan
Pyramid’

“Tortuosa’
 BEECHES

Fagus sylvatica Rohan cultivars reverting twigs, which should be quickly cut off, it
grows outwards and downwards until it reaches the
The original purple form of Fern-leaved Beech
ground. The original selection was of a very dark-
‘Rohanw’ (p. 343) was produced around 1894. It
leaved form so the tree is quite unmistakable and
produces fertile nuts so seedlings are often produced
makes a strong landscape statement.
from it. By using controlled pollination entirely new
Growth: 3-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
plants can be raised. ‘Rohan Pyramid’ is just such a
plant. It has cut leaves, although the degree to which
they are incised is variable, and a columnar outline. Fagus sylvatica aberrant cultivars
The parentage probably involved a tree from the ‘Tortuosa’ is a tangled spreading tree which 1s reluc-
‘Dawyck’ group (p. 337). ‘Rohan Gold’ was raised tant to grow upwards but cannot be accurately
in Holland in 1970 using a similar technique. “Roh- described as pendulous either. It was cultivated in
anii’ was crossed with the Golden Beech (p. 345) to
1861 by grafting some deformed growth from a sport
give a fern-leaved golden beech. It does not keep its or ‘Witch’s broom’, on to a standard stock. Unlike
golden colour all summer, but is a delight in the the shoots the green deciduous foliage is not usually
spring. contorted. ‘Cristata’, the Cockscomb Beech, 1s a
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
slow-growing tree raised in 1811, probably in the
same way as ‘Tortuosa’. Its leaves are distorted (see
Weeping Purple Beech
p. 344), usually pale green and packed tightly
Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ together on short shoots. “Cochleata’ is another
This small domed pendulous tree was created in bushy slow-growing plant raised in 1842. It has
1865 by grafting a prostrate purple scion on to a quite deeply toothed leaves.
stock at least 2m high. Except for occasional Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

‘Cristata’
Weeping Purple Beech
339
 Cut-leaved Beech

Gy =) : =) Sy) 3 l= ‘c ° ° = -
>

Fagus sylvatica
‘Rem illyensis
>

>
Fa gus sylvatica “Remillyensis “Albovariegata
>

340
 BEECHES

Cut-leaved Beech Fagus sylvatica Fagus sylvatica variable foliage cultivars

‘Heterophylla group’ The cultivar ‘Tricolor’ has leaves that are splashed
With the exception of ‘Aspleniifolia’, which is always with white on a green background with a pink mar-
gin. ‘Purpurea Tricolor’ is the purple form of the
erafted, cut-leaved green beeches should now all be
same thing, formerly called ‘Roseomarginata’ and
placed in this group. It includes the old cultivars
produced in 1888. ‘Albovariegata’ is an old 1770
‘Incisa’ and ‘Laciniata’ and the numerous cut-leaved
selection with green leaves streaked with white and
seedlings they produce. It is impossible to separate
yellow. Shaded leaves tend to revert to green. It was
them morphologically. The advantage of growing a
formerly called ‘Argenteovariegata’, a reference to
‘Heterophylla group’ tree is its inability to revert.
the silvery-white variegation. “Luteovariegata’ is
This is because it is on its own roots. The main disad-
very similar except the colour is deeper yellow and it
vantage is that most specimens have leaves which are
is sharply defined around the margins of the leaves.
less deeply cut than ‘Aspleniifolia’, (p. 343).
Grafted trees often revert to ordinary green foliage
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
and this quickly outgrows the variegation. Huge old
Fagus sylvatica ‘Remillyensis’ beech trees, originally of this cultivar, are sometimes
seen with just one or two variegated branches
This pendulous tree with twisted branches is usually remaining. Further investigation will generally reveal
grafted at or above head height, is a good smaller a faint graft line near the base of the stem. The inter-
alternative to ‘Pendula’, the Weeping Beech. ‘Pe- esting and rare cultivar “‘Quercifolia’ is a small
ndula’ (p. 337) itself has the potential to grow to a shade-tolerant tree with green leaves which are
very large size and quickly runs out of space in a deeply indented. These resemble an ornamental
restricted garden situation. ‘Remillyensis’ has oak’s and at a glance the tree can easily be confused
reached 15m in height but seems unlikely to grow with some species of oak. This is not a spectacular
much larger. It has a dense green billowing top with plant and must be regarded as a curiosity rather than
tresses of lax branch tips. an ornamental tree.
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

pe \'
ta Ea \
es N \

Pe = ‘

‘Quercifolia’ ‘Luteovariegata’
341
 ‘Ansorgei’

‘Spaethiana’

Fern-leaved
Beech

Fern-leaved Beech : ne
Rohanii
 BEECHES

Purple Beech Fagus sylvatica good looking straight tree. There are several named
selections. The cut-leaved feature is taken to its limits
Purpurea group
in ‘Ansorgei’ which has purple foliage reduced
Purple, or Copper, Beeches raised from seed fall into almost to the midrib with just a fringe of leaf on
this group. Ordinary seeding beech trees may pro- either side. It originated in 1891 but is not popular as
duce 1 in 1000 plants with coppery leaves. Most are a decorative specimen. Young grafted trees often
pale and suffused with green, others turn out muddy produce one or two long untidy gangling shoots
brown. Occasionally a deep rich purple-leaved plant with dark skeletal leaves which look as if they have
is produced. Existing Copper Beech trees seed freely been eaten by caterpillars.
and produce a far greater proportion of copper-col-
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
oured seedlings but these can seldom be relied upon
to retain good colour, especially if planted in shady
situations.
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Since it was first cultivated in 1804 this has remained
Fagus sylvatica purple-leaved cultivars the best cut-leaved beech. The leaves (as illustrated)
Almost black leaves are produced on the grafted cul- vary between deeply cut and almost reduced to
tivar ‘Spaethiana’ but it does not seem to be fashion- nothing. The effect is of misty green foliage spread
able at present and has become rare in cultivation. over a billowing round-topped tree often up to 20m
The best and most readily available Copper Beech tall. This cultivar is always grafted close to ground
now is ‘Riversii’ produced in 1880. In addition to level and its identity can often be confirmed by find-
having rich dark colouring the leaves are larger than ing the graft union. A disadvantage is that occasional
common beech. Even in partial shade they keep their branches, on old established trees in particular, revert
colour. Young shoots bear wine-red foliage which to plain leaves originating from the rootstock. It is
can be perpetuated by summer pruning or encour- often impossible to remove these because the
aged on a hedge by trimming. ‘Dawyck Purple’ has extremities of the crown can not be reached and
similar foliage but on a narrow columnar tree. more drastic tree surgery would spoil the shape ofthe
The cultivar ‘Rohanii’ is a cut-leaved form of tree.
Copper Beech. It is slow growing but produces a Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).

‘Dawyck Purple’

young tree
‘Riversii’

ee)ao Oo
 *‘Miltonensis’

Fagus sylvatica
‘Prince George of Crete’

‘Cristata’

Rotundifolia *Zilatia

344
 BEECHES

Fagus sylvatica ‘Prince George of Crete’ p. 337), but fades to pale green through the summer.
It is said to have appeared in Serbia (zlatia meaning
The largest beech leaves of all, up to 17cm long,
gold), and was brought into cultivation in 1890.
occur on the 1898 selection of Common Beech
Some authorities place it in Fagus moesiaca, an inter-
named in honour of Prince George of Crete. It actu-
mediate species between Common and Oriental
ally appears to be a cultivar of Fagus sylvatica forma
Beech. ‘Dawyck Gold’ is an upright yellow-leaved
latifolia, recognized as a distinct east European type cultivar produced in Holland in 1969 by crossing
some 34 years earlier. It is possible that in the eastern ‘Zlatia’ with ‘Dawyck’. It becomes very tall and the
part of the range of Common Beech there is intro- slender fastigiate branches eventually tend to lean or
gression with Oriental Beech (p. 347), which usually break out of the column when it is old. In complete
has larger leaves than the European tree. ‘Aurea Pendula’, is a slender tree with
contrast,
Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.
thin, down-turned branches supporting curtains of
golden-yellow foliage. Although in full light this
Fagus sylvatica green cultivars cultivar produces some of the best yellow leaf col-
‘Miltonensis’ is one of the many intermediates our, it suffers from sun scorch in hot summers and
between ‘Tortuosa’ (p. 339) and ‘Pendula’ (p. 337). turns green in the shade.
It was formerly regarded as a variety (miltonensis). Growth: variable. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
The leaves resemble Common Beech but the
branches tend to twist and droop. Another similar Fagus sylvatica small-leaved cultivars
cultivar, probably with the same antecedents, 1s ‘Rotundifolia’ is a semi-fastigiate tree with small,
‘Grandidentata’ but it has distinctive indented leaves 3cm, almost round leaves. It was first cultivated in
like those of ‘Cochleata’ (p. 339). 1872 and remains fairly popular, although the superb
Choice: 1.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. selection made from it at the Hillier Nursery in 1960
called ‘Cockleshell’ is more widely planted. It is an
Fagus sylvatica golden cultivars upright plant with bright green, even smaller, round
There are yellow-leaved beech trees in cultivation leaves.
of every shape and size, most are potentially large. The cultivar ‘Cristata’ is described on p. 339.
‘Zlatia’, the Golden Beech, is a big 20m tree which Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
produces golden foliage in the spring (illustrated on

‘Aurea Pendula’

*‘Cockleshell’

‘Dawyck Gold’
young tree
 Oriental Beech

autumn

mths Engler
in Deke
TiS, ATS Ae Beech | Fagus taurica
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SRNL
ERAT Seca Q eR gig AP
SON
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|
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SS~s A
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Oriental Beech Engler Beech

346
 BEECHES

Oriental Beech Fagus orientalis these introductions did not become popular and
were probably tender. Later introductions of more
This species extends the natural range ofbeech east-
hardy strains fared better.
wards from Europe into the Caucasus, where it
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 70-80%, Choice: 2.
grows up to 1800m, and Asia Minor, Bulgaria and Wood: 1, 5.
Persia. It is said to have more leaf veins, 7-10, but this
feature is not constant or reliable for identification. Siebold’s Beech Fagus crenata
On a good site this tree is larger in every respect than In its native Japan this beech grows from sea level to
European Beech. It was introduced to horticulture 1200m. On good ground it grows to 30m high, usu-
before 1880 but at that time its precise identification ally in mixed broadleaved and conifer woodland.
appears to have been unclear. Fagus taurica is an Even in Japan it is not highly regarded as a timber
intermediate between this and European Beech; its tree. It was introduced to Europe in 1892 but is sel-
status is uncertain and some authorities regard it as a dom planted.
hybrid. Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 2.
Growth: 4-16-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1, 5. Wood: 1, 5.

Engler Beech Fagus engleriana Japanese Beech Fagus japonica

Also known as Chinese Beech this species has sea- Although able to grow to 25m, this hardy species 1s
green foliage anda small, 10-15m, rounded outline. It usually seen in cultivation as a large shrub. It has a
occurs in mixed woodlands in central China and was tendency to produce multiple stems which lean out-
introduced to the west in 1907 by Ernest Wilson. wards from the base. Japanese Beech, which 1s also an
Growth: 4-12-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. alternative name for Fagus crenata, was introduced to
America and Europe in 1905 but it remains rare and
American Beech Fagus grandifolia confined to specialist collections.
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.
American Beech covers a huge range from Nova-
Scotia to Florida and Texas. There are considerable Fagus lucida
provenance differences resulting from this wide dis-
From western China this small 10m tree was intro-
tribution. Unlike many beeches it can easily spread
duced to the west in 1905. As the species name sug-
through root suckers, so it regenerates itself freely if
gests it has bright glossy green 5-8cm leaves.
cut down or severely damaged. It was introduced to Although completely hardy, it remains rare.
Europe in 1766 initially from southern locations but Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-5-10.

Japanese
fruit
Beech
Siebold’s Fagus lucida
Beech
American
Beech
 Sweet Chestnut

} flowers

2 flower.
ya

=
Sweet G hestnut
summer winter

348
 SWEET CHESTNUT

Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa oak when used out of doors in contact with the soil.
Large timbers have a tendency to ‘shake’ (crack)
This south European tree is grown for its fruit and
when they are sawn. Research indicates that on most
timber over a huge area, after being carried around
sites trees over 50cm in diameter are most liable to
the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Originally it
shake. If poles, including coppice material, are har-
came from the Mediterranean coastal regions and
vested before that critical size is reached they are usu-
eastwards to Asia Minor and the Caucasus, and
ally sound.
closely allied south-east Asian species extended this
Growth: 5-20-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
natural range to China and Japan. Sweet Chestnut is Wood: il, Ds She
a big, heavily-branched tree with vertically-ridged
rough grey bark. The ridges may spiral round the
There are two notable ornamental forms of Sweet
tree trunk in either direction or simply point straight
Chestnut. The cultivar ‘Albomarginata’ has leaves
upwards. Trees dating back to the twelfth century
similar to the species but with a creamy white edge
are known, some with stems over 4m in diameter.
which to a greater or lesser extent extends into the
The deciduous 20cm elliptic leaves have about 20 tend to
leaf between the veins, but old specimens
pairs of straight parallel veins each terminating in a
revert and then strong green growth soon obliterates
‘saw’ tooth. The flowers are bisexual catkins, female
any variegated foliage. The Cut-leaved Sweet Chest-
at the base and male towards the tip. The prominent
nut is listed under various names, ‘Heterophylla’ is
male section, around 15-20cm long, matures in
probably correct, although ‘Laciniata’ and “Asplemif-
mid-summer. It is dull creamy-white with a strong,
olia’ are still used. The foliage varies considerably
slightly unpleasant smell. After shedding pollen it falls
even between branches on the same tree. Some
away leaving small clusters of developing females
leaves are deeply incised while others only have
which produce full-sized chestnuts in less than four
exaggerated teeth. Cut leaves are not a persistent fea-
months. Some trees are wholly male or female.
ture and trees tend to revert back to normal Sweet
Chestnut timber has always been used as a cheap
Chestnut.
substitute for oak. It is, however, more durable than

Sweet Chestnut bark

‘Heterophylla’
‘Albomarginata’

349
 , new
\ \ leaves
\i }

2S. 50 Willow Oak

summer wintel

350
 OAKS

Willow Oak Quercus phellos less retain the Willow Oak shape except that some
have occasional haphazardly arranged lobes. In the
The ovate-lanceolate 10cm x 2cm deciduous un-
autumn they may colour bright yellow or in a mild
lobed leaves are quite unlike ordinary Common
year stay green and hang on well into the winter.
Oak. They resemble a long-leaved willow except for
This hybrid occurs in the wild in America and has
the entire wavy margins. Each leafis pale green with
been in cultivation since around 1894.
fine greyish pubescence on the underside. This is a
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
swamp margin species in eastern North America
Invowule il, 2. By By
although it does also tolerate dry sandy soils. Its love
of moisture makes it a good street tree. The roots Ludwig’s Oak Quercus x Iudoviciana
thrive in the damp conditions under paving and tar-
mac. It is widely used as an urban tree in America but A tiny segment of American Red Oak which grows
tends to out-grow available space and often becomes in small areas of Louisiana, south-east Virginia and
north-west Florida, has crossed with Willow Oak to
a nuisance. European landscapers seldom use it,
although it has been available in Europe since 1723. produce this pretty hybrid. The Red Oak parent is
The little acorns are almost round and held in shal- now called Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia. Ludwig's
low flat cups. They mature in two years and are Oak is another wetland tree in the wild and a good
city tree in cultivation. It was introduced to Europe
eagerly consumed by squirrels.
in 1880 but has never become popular. The leaves
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: Le wr an os
vaguely resemble Red Oak with a lustrous green
upper surface and sharply pointed lobes. In the
Quercus x schochiana autumn they turn to bright golden-brown and scar-
let. This hybrid, Willow Oak and all its other hybrid
This rare cross between Willow Oak and Pin Oak (p. forms, thrive best on moist acid soils.
361) results in a rounded medium-sized tree. The Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
leaves have the glossy finish of Pin Oak but more or Wood: 3, 5.

Ludwig’s Oak
 |Quercus aliena
Quercus aliena
var. acuteserrata
var. grosseserrata

Mongolian Oak
(not to scale)

)
!
Sawtooth Oak | unders
Daimio Oak Chinese Cork Oak
 OAKS

Mongolian Oak Quercus mongolica with thick pale-coloured corky bark. The deciduous
foliage often stays on until late in the year. The
This small to medium-sized deciduous tree from
acorns are almost obscured by the cup, which has
south-east Asia has thick vigorous shoots and large
free reflexed scale tips. Robert Fortune first brought
25cm leaves. Rare in cultivation, it is usually repre-
this species from China in 1861, but there have been
sented by the variety grosseserrata from Japan, which several subsequent introductions.
has more irregular leaves with forward-pointing Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.
Growth: 3-8-18. Hardiness: 50%.
tapered teeth. Introduced to the west by Charles
Sprague Sargent in 1893. Sawtooth Oak Quercus acutissima
Growth: 4-10-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3. A relative of Turkey Oak (p. 369), this tree from
Woods te2e3. 5. south-east Asia was introduced in 1862. It has
Quercus aliena Chestnut-like leaves with bristle-tipped teeth.
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3.
Closely related to the American Chestnut Oak (p. 393),
this species grows to around 20m with rich lustrous Bamboo-leaved Oak Quercus myrsinifolia
ereen foliage. The 20cm leaves have parallel veins and This lovely little evergreen oak is a good alternative to
distinct pointed teeth. The undersides are closely felted Bamboo where space is limited. It is picturesque in a
and pale-coloured. Native to Japan, Korea and China neat oriental way. The original cultivated plant was
and introduced to the west in 1908. The variety acute- introduced to the west by Robert Fortune in 1854.
serrata, which is the type usually represented in collec- Growth: 2-8-18. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
tions, has more pointed bristle-tipped teeth.
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Quercus lanuginosa
Wood: 2, 3, 5. The status ofthis oak is uncertain. It is extremely rare
Daimio Oak Quercus dentata and is no longer in cultivation. It was described by
Jean de Lamarck (1744-1829) but the same species
Of all the ‘Chestnut Oaks’ this 20m spreading bran- name was also given to a form of Sessile Oak.
chy species has leaves least like Chestnut. However,
they are very large, 25-30cm long, and held on Quercus ithaburensis
strong stout shoots. Still rare in cultivation, 1t was A small obscure tree from south-west Asia, probably
introduced from south-east Asia in 1830. an eastern extension of the ‘Valonia Oak’ (Quercus
Growth: 4-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 2, 3. macrolepis) from further west in Asia. The angular,
lobed, bristle-tipped deciduous leaves are often
Chinese Cork Oak Quercus variabilis
narrow-waisted.
Although the leaves of this species are very like Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 20-40%. Choice: 1.
Sweet Chestnut this is not a ‘Chestnut Oak’, it is
closely related to Sessile Oak (p. 381). A large tree

underside

Quercus
lanuginosa

new leaf underside

Quercus ithaburensis

Bamboo-leaved Oak
 und erside

underside

Quercus x
heterophylla

Ch inkap in Oak

new leaves
Spanish Oak

354
 OAKS

Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii Post Oak Quercus stellata

Gotthilf Muhlenberg (1753-1815) a minister and Posts and railway sleepers were made from the strong
botanist living in Pennsylvania first described this durable wood of this tree by settlers in America. It is
species, although ‘Chinquapin’ is the much older native in the United States from the Atlantic coast,
American Indian name for it, and also for Chestnut south of Massachusetts, west to Texas and Iowa. The
(Castanea). It makes a substantial tree up to 24m tall,
species is divided into regional varieties on the south-
ern edges ofits range. The 2.5cm acorns are half en-
usually growing on rocky limestone ground. Its
closed in a deep cup and the rough leaves are covered
natural range includes a large area of the United with stiff stellate hairs. Post Oak was introduced to
States south of the Great Lakes almost to the Gulf of Europe in 1800 but is rare in cultivation.
Mexico. It was introduced to Europe in 1822. Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness; 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.
Growth: 3-10-24. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.
Quercus x falcata var. triloba
Quercus x heterophylla
This trident-leaved form of Spanish Oak (p. 357) is of
This cross between Red Oak (p. 363) and Willow uncertain botanical status. Three-lobed leaves are com-
Oak (p. 351), occurs naturally with the parents in mon within normal populations of Quercus falcata and
America. It was described from a specimen growing there seems little justification for the variety designation.
on John Bartram’s property on the Schuylkill River Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
near Philadelphia in 1812 by Francois Michaux. Jean vaode il, 2, By 2
de Lamarck also described a species Quercus hetero- Quercus x bushii
phylla which he called Bartram’s Oak. These two
This uncommon hybrid between Quercus marilandica
obscure plants are either the same thing or usually
and Quercus velutina occurs in a limited range around
regarded as such in cultivation.
Oklahoma, Mississippi and the Alabama River.
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 3, 5.
Growth: 2-7-15.
Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata Water Oak Quercus nigra
The species name refers to the lyre-shaped leaf, and the From the southern United States of America this wet-
common name to the acorns being almost enclosed by land tree can reach 30m in height with stems almost
a large round cup. It is a wetland tree from the south- 1m thick. Apart from being wedge-shaped towards
east United States. Introduced in 1786. the base the 5-12cm leaves are totally unpredictable,
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. some ovate and entire, others with occasional lobes.
Wood: ft; oe 3, Si The almost round acorns are 1.5cm long and wide in a
flat saucer-shaped cup. Water Oak, or “Possum Oak’
was introduced to Europe in 1723.
Growth: 4-10-30. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.

autumn

Quercus x falcata
var. triloba
 Northern
Pin Oak

‘> |e:
oe
iE
3 Beg
hay

at itum. n

“
a.Pp a
:
rs
- Gee

4
i

ed

Blackjack
Oak

Ist year

2nd year
California Black Oak

Shumard Oak {j

356
 OAKS

Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii status in 1824 but this has been challenged by bota-
nists several times since. See also p. 363.
Benjamin Franklin Shumard, the State geologist of
Growth: 5-10-25. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 2, 3.
Texas, was commemorated in the name of this
Wood: 3, 5.
south-west North American tree in 1860. It comes in
two forms, one of which, variety texana the “Texas Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica
Oak’, is restricted to an area in and around the State of
This south-east North American species has very dis-
Texas. In cultivation Shumard Oak is generally a small
tinctive leaves which are roughly triangular and up to
to medium-sized tree with typical Red Oak leaves
16cm long and 10cm wide at the top. It is a dry upland
subdivided into pointed lobes. Autumn foliage turns a
and prairie edge species which was described in 1704
superb shade of glowing deep red. and introduced to cultivation in Europe in 1739.
Growth: 4-10-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3, 5. Growth: 3-8-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3, 5.
Northern Pin Oak Quercus ellipsoidalis California Black Oak Quercus kelloggit
The species name ellipsoidalis is a reference to the The physician and botanical artist Albert Kellogg 1s
shape of the mature acorns which are elliptical or commemorated in the name of this west North
almost round and held in a deep cup. The range of American tree. It grows to 24m in height with a stem
this oak in North America is concentrated around almost 1m thick. This is never a dominant tree in
the Great Lakes from Ontario to Ohio and north- America but rather a component of deciduous or
ern Missouri. It is a northern segregate of Pin Oak mixed conifer forest, particularly with Ponderosa Pine
(p. 361) but seldom exceeds 20m in height. Trees (p. 241). It was introduced to Europe in 1873 and is a
first appeared in Europe after 1902. brilliant golden-brown autumn colour feature.
Growth: 4-10-25. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3. Growth: 4-10-24. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: Sip oy
Wood: 3, 5.

Spanish Oak Quercus falcata Laurel Oak Quercus laurifolia

Also more descriptively called ‘Cherrybark Oak’ or Semi-evergreen leaves like Laurel (Laurus nobilis p.
‘Bottomland Red Oak’, this species is a southern 439) distinguish this 18-24m tree from other oaks in
form of American Red Oak (p. 363). The variety its native south-eastern United States of America. It
pagodifolia has the most decorative foliage with prefers moist but well drained bottomlands and river
leaves shaped like a pagoda. It was given variety banks. Cultivated plants arrived in Europe in 1786.
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.

new leaves

leaf
old leaves variation Laurel Oak

Se)a1S
| ~

Spanish Oak
‘Magnifica c)

‘Nobilis’

Black Oak

Shingle Oak

\y

IE
dfnUIA

Black Oak
wintel
Black Oak bark
 OAKS

Black Oak Quercus velutina west to Iowa and south Michigan. It grows in com-
pany with Black Oak and Post Oak (p. 355). The
Two features mark this tree out in a mixed collection
8-15cm leaves are entire with wavy edges. Nearly
of oaks. It has the most shiny upper surfaces to the
round 1.5cm acorns are held in flat cups. They take
deciduous leaves of any oak. Even when lying on the
two years to ripen. Shingle Oak was introduced to
ground in late winter the dead leaves remain bril-
Europe by John Fraser in 1786.
liantly glossy and dark brown. The other, less obvi-
Growth: 4-8-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
ous, feature is bright yellowish-orange inner bark. Wood: 2, 3, 5.
This was formerly used as a yellow dye. In America it
is sometimes called Yellow Oak or Quercitron Oak. Lea’s Hybrid Oak Quercus x leana
This is typically a tree of upland rocky sites in mixed
or pure woodlands. Its natural distribution extends The hybrid between Black Oak and Shingle Oak is a
from southern Ontario and south-west Maine to big vigorous tree which occurs with the parents in
the wild. It has good features from both of them,
Florida and Texas.
It is a medium-sized to large tree up to 24m tall including high quality hard timber and decorative
qualities. The leaves are almost as glossy as Black
with 10-20cm leaves. These have variable numbers
Oak, and they too stay shiny after they have been on
of very angular lobes each terminating with a fine
the ground for most of the winter. They are 10-
bristle. The acorns are up to 2cm long, half enclosed
15cm long, sometimes with angular bristle-tipped
in a deep cup. Black Oak was introduced to Europe
lobes but sometimes short toothed or more or less
in 1800 but remains rare in cultivation. There are
entire. The dark-coloured bark is smooth for many
various cultivars with leaves of many shapes and sizes,
years, eventually becoming vertically cracked and
including ‘Nobilis’ and “Magnifica’.
rough.
Growth: 4-10-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3.
The hybrid population consists of many different
Wood: 3, 5.
forms, some of which are probably back crosses with
Quercus imbricaria either Black or Shingle Oaks. It appears to have been
Shingle Oak
first cultivated in Europe in 1850.
Roof tiles (shingles) are made from cleft sections of Growth: 4-8-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
this wood in central North America. It is a native Wood: 2, 3, 5.
species from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and

leaf variations

Lea’s Hybrid Oak

Shingle Oak
as)
 Pin Oak

Scarlet
Oak

Pin Oak Scarlet Oak

360
 OAKS

Pin Oak Quercus palustris Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea

Few oaks can withstand flooding and wet ground as This well known American Red Oak is a superb tree
well as this species. It inhabits poorly drained and flat for autumn colour, especially the cultivar ‘Splen-
land throughout the eastern-central United States of dens’. As the name suggests, the leaves turn scarlet
America. Long-stemmed trees over 30m tall are before they fall in the autumn. It makes a big billow-
common and nineteenth-century records show even ing tree up to 25m tall with long bare main branches
larger specimens, 63m tall and 146cm in diameter, and an open top. The smooth dark grey bark eventu-
from the lower Ohio River region. The ‘pins’ in the ally roughens and becomes fissured on the stems of
name are short sharp spur shoots, especially on young old trees. The inner bark is bright orange-red. Like
trees, which show up very well in winter when the Red Oak (p. 363) the leaves are divided into angular
deciduous leaves are off. The bark is smooth and dark lobes, each with several sharp bristle-tipped points.
grey becoming pale like Red Oak (p. 363) for many Some leaves are deeply cut almost to the midrib,
years. It eventually becomes lightly fissured. The resembling Pin Oak. The upper surface is glossy,
smooth leaves are deeply cut, with between 3-4 pairs more so than Red Oak, which is a useful identifica-
of angular lobes each of which has several bristle- tion feature. The 2-3cm acorns are half enclosed in a
tipped points. They are glossy green in summer then deep cup and take two years to mature.
turn rich brown or fiery-red in the autumn. The This tree grows on a whole range of poor soils. It
acorns are 1.2cm long and almost round, held in thin prefers sandy ridges and hillsides and is often found in
flat cups. mixed forests. The natural range extends from Maine
Pin Oak is a shallow rooting species because in its to Georgia and west to north-east Mississippi and
natural habitat it has adapted to adequate soil oxygen Indiana. It was sent to Europe in 1691 but — due to
being limited to near the surface. This tree is easy to widespread confusion in the botanical world con-
transplant even when quite large. It is ideal for city cerning American Red Oaks — not described and
landscaping where space permits, because conditions named until 1770.
Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1 (requires
under tarmac and paving closely resemble oxygen- Growth: 5-10-25.
space), 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3, 5.
starved marshy ground. The species was described in
1770 and sent to Europe soon after. It did not arrive
in Britain until 1800.
Growth: 4-10-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1 (requires
space), 2, 3. Wood: 2, 3, 5.

Ist year .

2nd year

autumn

young tree in autumn

Scarlet Oak
361
‘Splendens’
 new leaves

Red Oak ‘Aurea’

spring
 OAKS

Red Oak Quercus rubra falcata var pagodifolia, the “Bottomland Red Oak’ or
‘Spanish Oak (p.1.997):
From Nova Scotia to Georgia this fast-growing
Red Oak is often planted in America as a park or
hardy tree is both a timber producer and an orna-
shade tree. It is rather large for most street planting.
mental specimen. In North America vast natural Red
In Europe, where it arrived in 1724, it thrives very
Oak forests containing 45m tall trees have been cut
well usually as a parkland specimen depending to
over by European settlers, had sufficient time to
some extent on the provenance. There are also lim-
regenerate, and been cut over again. It is an upright
ited plantations for timber. Growth and productivity
tree usually with a single straight stem and a huge bil-
are very rapid in favourable conditions but the
lowing top. The bark is silver-grey and smooth like
untreated heavy wood is not particularly durable out
Beech. The leaves are large, up to 22cm long, with
of doors. It is pinkish-brown with some silvery figure
3-6 pairs of pointed angular sub-divided lobes on
on the radius. The sapwood is creamy-brown and
each side, each point terminating with a fine bristle relatively soft.
tip. Upper surfaces are slightly lustrous but not as
The cultivar ‘Aurea’ is usually a smaller tree with
shiny as the similar-looking Scarlet Oak (p. 361).
butter-yellow foliage in the spring. As the summer
The solitary or paired ripening acorns, after two
progresses it gradually turns green and by early
years, are egg-shaped and up to 2.5cm long, held in autumn is indistinguishable from the species. Strong
broad flat cups. Taxonomists have been rather sunlight can spoil the early foliage and frost may also
unhelpful with this species which was given its pres- be damaging. First cultivated in Holland in 1878,
ent scientific name in 1753, then re-named rubra there appears to be more than one clone distributed
maxima in 1785 and borealis in 1817. In 1904 Quercus under this cultivar name.
rubra var. borealis was put forward but this only Growth: 5-10-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
remained until 1916. Botanists have also split the invoouls il, 2, 3, D
southern forms away from the rest in 1824 as Quercus

y iA Gy ,

Red Oak
‘Aurea’ autumn
late spring
 Chestnut-leaved
Oak

Cambridge Oak

R ak
* Ale)

Chestnut-leaved Oak Quercus castaneifolia x macranthera

364
 OAKS

but its origin is uncertain. The early specimens at

Kew and Cambridge were then grafted on to Com-
Although closely related to Turkey Oak (p. 369), this
mon Oak, but the tree at Bath in western England
tree actually resembles the Chestnut Oaks of Amer-
which is about the same age appears to be on its own
ica and indeed Chestnut (Castanea) itself. It comes
roots. Its foliage is grey-green and persists on the tree
from the Caucasus Region and Iran where good
through all but the most severe winters. Leaves
specimens reach 25m in height with a rounded out-
around 13cm long have shallow irregular lobes with
line. It was introduced into cultivation in 1846 but
occasional mucronate teeth. The acorns are stalked
remains uncommon. Main stems often have a ten-
like those of Common Oak. This tree is probably an
dency to fork low down and to keep on forking as
artificial or accidental hybrid, which may have
they extend. The bark is smooth for around 30-40
occurred first in the Genoa Botanic Garden in Italy.
years then it fissures into small rough plates. Leaves
Growth: 3-7-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
up to 15cm long are oblong with 6-12 pairs of paral-
lel veins and coarse forward-pointing teeth. The Quercus castaneifolia x macranthera
acorns are 2-3cm long and half enclosed in a cup
which has recurved scales. The range of this species This is thought to be a hybrid between trees in two
extends into North Africa as subspecies incana which different and usually incompatible sections within
is similar but has broader leaves. the genus Quercus, although their geographic distri-
Growth: 3-8-25. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3. bution does overlap where it was found. However,
Wood: So es
this is a vigorous plant with downy shoots and obo-
vate leaves up to 20cm long with 8-12 pairs of paral-
Cambridge Oak Quercus warburgii lel veins and rounded forward pointing shallow
teeth. Acorns were collected for the Hillier Nurseries
The first tree named Cambridge Oak arose in the
by Roy Lancaster in Iran around 1980 from Quercus
University Botanic Garden in Cambridge before
castaneifolia.
1869. It is a fine semi-evergreen tree up to 20m tall
Growth: 4-8-. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

Cambridge Oak
365
 underside

Cork Oak

|Quercus x hispanica
‘Ambrozyana >

Macedonian

Lebanon Oak

Fulham Oak
French type

ar pinnata

st} oped bark

Cork Oak

366
 OAKS

Quercus x hispanica ‘Ambrozyana’ than the species. Strangely it also tends to flower all
summer. Most ornamental trees cultivated in colder
This hybrid between Turkey Oak (p. 369) and Cork
northern regions belong to this variety.
Oak arose in the arboretum of Count Ambrozy at
Growth: 3-8-22. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
Mlynany in the former Czechoslovakia before 1909. Wood: 4 (cork).
Although similar to Turkey Oak in most other
respects it has semi-evergreen leaves. They are dark Lebanon Oak Quercus libani
lustrous green above and pale grey on the underside.
Once established the tree is tolerant of exposure and This close relative of Turkey Oak grows in Syria and
is quite hardy in northern Europe. adjacent areas of Asia Minor. The lanceolate leaves
Growth: 3-7-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
have distinct bristle-tipped teeth. It is a small tree in
cultivation, where it was introduced before 1855.
The variety pinnata has ragged, deeply indented
Fulham Oak Quercus x hispanica ‘Fulhamensis’
leaves.
This cultivar is described on p. 371. These leaves Growth: 3-7-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 5.
(illustrated) are of the French, Trianon Garden, Paris,
type described in 1783. Macedonian Oak Quercus trojana

Cork Oak Quercus suber Young trees have a narrow pyramidal outline: with
age they spread out stiffly but never become very
From southern Europe and North Africa Cork Oak large. The semi-evergreen foliage is dull grey-green.
has been extensively cultivated for centuries. Cork is Each leaf is ovate-oblong with 9-12 pairs of parallel
harvested by removing a layer of thick soft bark from veins, terminating in a short triangular tooth. They
the stem from time to time. This can be done care- are 3-7cm long with a short stalk. The acorns are
fully without killing the tree. In many southern 2-3cm long in deep cups with free-tipped scales.
wine-growing regions of Europe, especially Spain This species is closely related to Lebanon Oak but
and Portugal, Cork Oaks and vines were often the leaves are smaller and more grey. Its natural
grown side by side to meet the requirements of the range, the Balkans and south-east Italy, is a north
wines and spirits industry. Sadly, synthetic “cork” westerly extension of the distribution of Lebanon
may make the traditional use of real cork a thing of Oak. It was first cultivated in England in 1890,
the past. The Atlantic race of Cork Oak, var. occiden- where it appears to be quite hardy.
talis, is more hardy and less persistently evergreen Growth; 3-5-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.

underside

Macedonian Oak
367
 leaves

leaf from
voung tree

Turkey Oak
368
 OAKS

Turkey Oak Quercus cerris before that. Fortunately it does not seem to hybridize
with Common and Sessile Oak otherwise the whole
Vigorous straight stems and great size give the
European high quality oak timber stock would have
impression that Turkey Oak is a good timber tree.
been adulterated long ago.
On many sites, however, it is not. The wood 1s often
As an ornamental tree this species is fast-growing
shaken and cracked by the time it reaches the saw-
and attractive on a grand scale. For avenues it rapidly
mill. Trees over 40m tall are known with stems over
makes a bold statement and produces a line of sub-
2m thick. The silvery-grey bark is roughly cracked
stantial trees in one human generation. Environmen-
and broken into small hard squarish plates. Decidu-
tally it is probably less valuable than Common Oak
ous leaves are variably shaped with deep or shallow
and it is host to an early stage of Andricus quercuscalicts,
lobes. The upper surface is lustrous dark green,
a damaging seed wasp which subsequently moves on
which on some individuals looks as if the foliage
to Common Oak, causing deformation of the acorn
could be evergreen. The 3-4cm long acorns, which
cup and subsequent abortion of the acorn.
take two years to mature, are held in cups that are
There are several subspecies and cultivars of Tur-
thickly covered with long whiskery and twisted
key Oak. Across south-west Europe the variety aus-
Seales...
triaca is prevalent. It has distinctly grey-backed leaves.
The natural range of Turkey Oak is not well
Forma laciniata has deeply indented leaves and a sub-
defined because it has been planted for centuries over
species tournefortii occurs in the extreme east. The
a wide area. It is also very hardy and easily becomes
cultivar ‘Variegata’ has some deep green leaves bor-
naturalized in new locations. Native trees and woods
dered with pale yellow, others with yellow tips and
occur across central southern Europe from south-east some only lightly flecked with colour.
France to the Czech Republic, Rumania and Tur- Growth: 4-16-40. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3.
key. It is on record as ‘in cultivation’ by 1735 but Wood: 3, 5.
clearly it was moved around and planted locally long

Turkey Oak
369
‘Variegata’
 Lucombe
Oak

A
new t
reves
‘
‘ NWA

underside

Lucombe Oak
Fulham Oak bark
wintel
 OAKS

Lucombe Oak said that Mr. Lucombe in Exeter had his first tree cut
into planks for his own coffin. The timber is hard and
Quercus x hispanica “‘Lucombeana’
heavy and shows a beautiful figure on the radius.
There is a complex group of hybrids between Tur- Growth: 4-16-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires
key Oak (p. 369) and Cork Oak (p. 367). Most of SPdtG) mean 00d aalyn sno) 2).
them have artificial, or accidental, origins and spon-
taneous crosses also occur. Lucombe Oak in its origi- Fulham Oak
nal eighteenth-century form was a straight forward Quercus x hispanica ‘Fulhamensis’
hybrid found growing close to a Cork Oak at Exeter
Quite distinct from all the Exeter trees is ‘Fulhamensis’,
in 1765. It is a big semi-evergreen tree, like Turkey
the Fulham Oak, produced from the same parents but
Oak but with somewhat softer bark. It was grown by
at Osborne’s Nursery in London around 1760. It is
the Lucombe Nursery in Exeter by grafting on to
completely evergreen and only sheds its leaves in late
Turkey Oak root stock. Several thousand of these
spring. The stem, which has thick ridged soft corky
clonal plants were distributed and some of them still
bark, is usually short, supporting massive spreading
survive. In 1792 three distinct forms were available
branches and a deep green, almost black, head of foli-
and two others arose in 1830. This tree can produce
age. Today original Lucombe and Fulham Oaks are
fertile seed so numerous seedlings have arisen subse-
becoming increasingly rare because so many F’ seed-
quently. They represent a whole range of types with
lings are available on their own roots. These produce an
characteristics ranged between the parents, from
unpredictable range of tree sizes and foliage types. It 1s
completely evergreen to completely deciduous.
often impossible to know what a new tree will ulti-
Notable among the recognized named forms is
mately be like when a sapling is planted. Unfortunately
‘Crispa’, one of the original 1792 seedlings with a
few nurseries grow plants vegetatively now, and in tme
short stem, spreading branches and distinctive crisp
the originals may become extinct. See also p. 367.
leaves often much reduced towards the centre. It 1s Choice: 1 (requires space).
Growth: 5-10-25. Hardiness: 50%.
WoodaiZns 2.

Fulham Oak
 Turner’s
Oak

| — subsp.
" rotundifolia
am 7
hl

subsp.

rotundifolia
leaf variations

Coast
Live Oak

re
iPe.
¥

eae
vert

Holm Oak
Holm Oak bark
 OAKS

Holm Oak Quercus ilex especially towards the western end of the range.
Conversely, trees which naturally produce narrow
Often forked and with multiple heavy branches, this
leaves are called subspecies angustifolia.
medium-sized rounded evergreen tree has a natural
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
range from Spain along the Mediterranean fringe and
Wood: 3, 5.
eastwards to West Pakistan. Specimens 27m tall are
on record but most individuals are a lot less. Trees Turner’s Oak Quercus x turner
especially from Corsica and Italy have been grown
Produced artificially by crossing Holm Oak with
elsewhere in mild districts in northern Europe since
Common Oak in the 1780s at Turner’s Nursery in
the late 1500s. They thrive and regenerate along
many coasts as far north as England. Holm Oak toler- Essex, this much neglected tree has huge potential in
ates alkaline soils, strong winds and low rainfall. The urban situations. It looks like everyone’s idea of an
waxy foliage has a low transpiration rate and it also oak tree, if rather small, but when winter comes the
resists salt burn. In many areas trees grow perfectly leaves do not fall off. This provides a perpetual
eye-level screen and a good degree of shelter.
well immediately behind the high tide mark and
Growth: 3-9-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3, 5.
among sand dunes. They also thrive in city condi-
tions where they are particularly useful for winter
Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia
screening. A proportion of the leaves normally drop
in spring as a new generation begins to emerge. From California, Mendocino County to northern
Sometimes in very cold conditions trees completely Baja, this is the most characteristic oak tree of the
defoliate in late winter and do not produce new Pacific seaboard. It is evergreen and bushy with a
leaves for at least six months. domed top and crooked branches. Some gnarled
The fastigiate form of Holm Oak ‘Fordii’ has specimens are thought to exceed 250 years of age.
smaller leaves and a slender outline. It was raised at Like Holm Oak this species will grow directly above
Exeter around 1843. the high tide line. It was introduced to Europe in
The round-leaved form, subspecies rotundifolia, 1849 but remains rare in cultivation.
occurs naturally within the wild population Growth: 2-8-18. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 3, 5.

Coast Live Oak

Turner’s Oak
 Mirbeck Oak

Downy Oak
leaf variations

Mirbeck Oak
 OAKS

Mirbeck Oak Quercus canariensis is a consequence of climate change or a past brush

with Mirbeck Oak genes.
Also known as Algerian Oak, this superb tree comes
Growth: 4-8-28. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 2, 3.
from North Africa, southern Portugal and parts of
Wood: 3, 5.
Spain. Although its origins are in southerly latitudes,
it survives very well in northern Europe, where it Downy Oak Quercus pubescens
was first introduced in 1845. In the landscape this is a
Downy Oak, which 1s closely related to Sessile Oak
majestic oak tree with fresh green 10-15cm leaves,
(p. 381), is a difficult species to define. It is tempting,
each with around 10 pairs of evenly spaced rounded
but botanically irresponsible, to lump all the hairy-
lobes. The leaves do not fall in the autumn, but
leaved trees that are vaguely like Sessile Oak into this
mostly stay on the tree, keeping their bright green
species. However, confusing hybrids between the
colour until the following spring. Few broadleaved
two occur within the natural range, from northern
trees give such a good display of summer foliage in Spain to the Caucasus, and positive identification of
mid-winter. The rough bark is dark grey-brown the resulting intermediate forms is virtually impossi-
with deep vertical furrows and horizontally broken ble. Generally the tree is only medium-sized, around
ridges. As it is in almost perpetual shade it is seldom 15m tall at best, with a ragged open outline. The
heavily colonized and obscured by epiphytes, espe- leaves are infinitely variable in shape but always
cially lichens. The flowers and new season’s leaves densely hairy, especially on the underside. The
emerge pinkish-green in the spring. Acorns ripen in acorns, produced in one season, are stalkless. The
one year. They are around 2.5cm long, held in deep subspecies palensis comes from the Pyrenees, its
cups which are downy on the outside. In cultivation leaves are smaller, under 7cm long and some of the
most seed is adulterated by closely related Common scales around the acorn cup have distinctive free tips.
Oak pollen, giving an interesting but usually less Trees from Greece and Turkey are now described as
decorative array of semi-evergreen progeny. In a separate species called Quercus brachyphylla; and
future it may be difficult to say whether Common some trees in Italy producing edible acorns are now
described as Quercus virgiliana.
Oak trees retaining their foliage for longer than usual
Growth; 2-6-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood mine ao or

underside i Downy Oak

4
S>)~~ on
 Leka peer
pm

Hunga rian Oak

Py renean Oak
oe5sc SC
= CO
Se Wry a
Ses
<
- 6 of #0 5
OnLei
Ss gs es
& Y cj
376
 OAKS

Hungarian Oak Quercus frainetto Pyrenean Oak Quercus pyrenaica

The deciduous leaves of Hungarian Oak are unique With a native range from France, Spain and Portugal
among oaks. Each one has an intricate pattern of to Morocco this woodland tree extends the distribu-
lobes and deeply rounded teeth; they are broadest tion of closely related species such as Hungarian and
above the centre and can be as much as 20cm long Caucasian Oak (p. 379) westward to the Atlantic. It
and 12cm wide. The dark green upper surface is lus- can grow to 20-25m in height with a domed but
trous with minute stellate hairs, making it rough to open outline and drooping lower branches. The
touch. The underside is grey-green and downy, variable leaves are around 15cm long with wedge
remaining distinctly pale-coloured even when the shaped rounded lobes. The undersides are densely
leaves have died and fallen to the ground. Tall trees hairy and pale grey-green. The male catkins are
without low branches can be identified by the persis- attractive in early summer. This species, or to be
tent dead leaves around the base of the stem. This 1s a more exact the pendulous form of it, was introduced
big tree, up to 35m tall, with a mature stem over 1m into cultivation in 1822. The cultivar ‘Pendula’ has
thick on a good site. However, grown outside the strongly weeping shoots and narrower leaves which
natural range, the timber is often shaken and cracked are often arched, slightly obscuring the downy
when it reaches the sawmill. underside. In the past plants were often top-grafted
Hungarian Oak is native to much of south-east on to long 3-4m Common Oak stocks. Many of
Europe. It was brought into cultivation in 1838. In these specimens are now spoiled by Common Oak
many respects the tree resembles Sessile Oak, to regrowth, particularly at the top of the stem. Once
which it is closely related, but the foliage is more established, ‘Pendula’ often produces a normal
ornate. A common form in cultivation in Britain and upright head of top branches and only droops at the
Western Europe is ‘Hungarian Crown’ originally bottom. The usual plant in cultivation resembles
produced by the Hillier Nurseries. Quercus pubescens (p. 375) and Sessile Oak (p. 381) so
Growth: 4-10-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires its taxonomic status could be open to question.
space), 3. Wood: 3, 5. Growth: 3-8-22. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 3, 5.

Hungarian Oak
Pyrenean Oak
winter
‘Pendula’ BH
 Caucasian Oak

Caucasian Oak
G olden Oak of Cy prus

378
 OAKS

Caucasian Oak Quercus macranthera Quercus ‘Macon’

Of all the deciduous Old World oaks this is perhaps A modern vigorous Dutch hybrid between Cauca-
one ofthe finest. It grows up to 30m tall in ideal con- sian Oak and Hungarian Oak. It is like a very good
ditions, moist broadleaved forest, and has a rounded specimen of Caucasian Oak except for the more
outline and up-swept branches. The lush foliage, ornate sub-divided lobes on the leaves.
resembling that of Quercus canariensis (p. 375), con- Growth: 4-10-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
sists of big dark green leaves as much as 14cm long
and 9cm wide. They are broadest towards the top Armenian Oak Quercus pontica
end with 6-10 pairs of forward-pointing rounded Cultivated specimens of this very rare tree resemble
lobes. Smaller, more irregular leaves can also be small 8-10m tall broad-leaved chestnuts (Castanea).
found on some specimens. This is sometimes due to They have stout shoots and large deep green parallel
introgression with other species, notably Sessile Oak, veined leaves, as much as 25cm long and 5-15cm
to which the species is related. The young shoots are wide on vigorous specimens. The stalkless 3-4cm
stout and thickly pubescent, and the chestnut brown acorns, which are rarely seen in cultivation, are in
terminal winter buds are unusually large, up to 1.5cm clusters of two or three maturing in one season. It is
long. The stalkless acorns are around 2.5cm long and native to northern Turkey, Armenia and adjacent
held in deep cups. Acorns on a leaf-stalk, as illustrated, areas of Russia. Its status in the wild is largely
are an unusual occurrence but many strong-growing unknown but it is almost certainly vulnerable. Speci-
plants occasionally produce such abnormalities. Some mens in cultivation seldom set seed at all and when
cherries, for example, have leafy bracts among the they do it is often hybridized with Common Oak.
flower petals. This oak is from the Caucasus and Plants have been available since 1885.
around the Caspian Sea coast. It was introduced into Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
cultivation in 1873 but has never become common.
Growth: 3-9-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Quercus ‘Pondaim’
Woods 1, 2,3; 2. This artificial hybrid between Armenian Oak and Quer-
cus dentata from south-east Asia was created in Holland
Golden Oak of Cyprus Quercus alnifolia
around 1960. In general appearance it is like Armenian
A small, unremarkable evergreen oak around 7m tall Oak with sharply pointed teeth on the leaves.
at maturity, which on closer inspection reveals bright Growth: 2-6-. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
golden felted backs to the leaves. The rarely seen
acorns are tapered towards the base. Introduced from
Cyprus in 1815.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 4.

Quercus ‘Pondaim’
Quercus ‘Macon’
Armenian Oak 379
 ey

ee
Sessile Oak

Sessile Oak

Sessile Oak

380 leaf variations

 OAKS

Sessile Oak Quercus petraea way the wood imparts a particular flavour to wines
and spirits. It is also used for construction work, ship
Sessile Oak is a valuable native timber tree across
building and fine furniture.
Europe from the British Isles to Asia Minor, inhabit-
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3.
ing upland, rocky, cool moist areas in preference to [vaoyoyel> i, VP ae Bi
lush fertile lowland sites. It is closely related to Com-
mon Oak and frequently grows alongside it. Quite
often it is difficult to distinguish them from each Quercus petraea cultivars
other, particularly as intermediate forms are com- The cultivar ‘Mespilifolia’ is also a big tree, but it has
mon. True hybrids are seldom found. The best iden- forsaken lobes for crinkled, more or less entire leaves
tification feature of Sessile Oak is its stalkless acorns. up to 20cm long. They are gently tapered at both
Also, the leaves usually have longer stalks, 1-3cm ends and mostly stalked. Much thinner 15cm leaves
long, but this is not always so. Wedge-shaped occur on ‘Insecata’, formerly known as ‘Laciniata’,
(cuneate) leaf bases and upswept branches are less which may have individual leaves reduced to just a
reliable identification features. Stems are often thread around a midrib vein. The foliage of this cul-
straight and fairly persistent: they reach maturity tivar does vary and occasionally normal Sessile Oak
from about 80cm in diameter but may go on to leaves appear on it. This is an unhealthy slow-
exceed 3m. By the time trees reach that size they erowing curiosity which gives every appearance of
could be 800 or more years old. Heights over 40m having been severely attacked by caterpillars.
are known but in stormy exposed upland situations ‘Columna’ is a fastigiate tree, especially when young,
10-15m may be the upward limit. Sessile Oak timber which has narrow leaves like ‘Mespilifolia’. It may be
is strong and durable. The heartwood resists penetra- worth growing as a curiosity but as a landscape fea-
tion by liquids. This, and straight close grain, makes ture there are many superior alternatives.
it ideal for barrel and cask making. When used in this

‘Columna’

‘Mespilifolia’
381
 flower
detail

flower
detail

wie; f

underside

Common Oak
382
 OAKS

Common Oak Quercus robur Traditionally in Britain oak provided people with
four essential products: bark for tanning leather,
This great familiar tree has a broad natural range
acorns for fattening pigs, small wood for fuel or char-
extending across Europe and Asia Minor from Scan-
coal and massive timbers for constructional work
dinavia and Ireland to the Caucasus. It comes in
and, especially, ship building. Sadly none of these
many forms but is mostly a rugged branchy 20-30m
seem essential to us any more, but as tropical hard-
tree with hard grey fissured bark. The deciduous
wood resources become depleted oak may once
short-stalked leaves are variably lobed with entire
again regain its place as a timber producer. In nature
margins and a pair of emarginate auricles at the base.
this species supports, feeds and shelters a vast range of
Acorns, which ripen in one season, are held singly,
organisms. It is also a good wind-break, particularly
or up to 3, in cups on a slender stalk. Vigorous buds
by the sea where it tolerates some salinity in the soil.
are five sided in cross-section.
Growth: 3-15-25. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3.
Common Oak is usually a lowland species grow- Wicodimibeeymcnmo)
ing on a range of soils from clay to gravel, but not
peat. Damp slightly acid sites suit it best but good Quercus robur cultivars
drainage is essential. The timber quality varies
according to the ground on which the trees grow, There are several upright cultivars of Common Oak.
but ideal conditions appear to be so complex as to Forma fastigiata, the Cypress Oak, has fastigiate
defy exact description. Longevity also appears to be branches, short side shoots and dense vigorous foli-
age. After about 50 years and 15m of height growth
site-dependent. The most ancient trees, up to LOOO
most specimens sustain some sort of damage from wind
years old, are found on acid sands and gravels but
or snow and loose their symmetrical shape, but they
curiously these sites are renowned for causing longi-
continue to grow steadfastly upwards. Several named
tudinal cracks and ‘star’ shakes (radial cracks) in the
slender cultivars are listed. ‘Hungaria’ is possibly the
timber as it matures. Perhaps some mature trees have
narrowest of them all, reminiscent of a small Lombardy
become ‘ancient’ because they were simply not
poplar. Wider, but still with fastigiate branches 1s
worth felling for their wood.
‘Raba’. There is also a more open slow-growing form,
‘Tortuosa’, which has twisted shoot tips.

~=-
>_<

—~

‘Hungaria’ *“Raba’
forma fastigiata
 ‘Argenteovariegata’
leaf variations

= S ~~S = “”n x — Ss ai3 =)o 8S

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boy 2) =GSoO iso]

‘Atropurpurea
> ‘Filicifolia >

384
 OAKS

Quercus x rosacea in cultivation. ‘Atropurpurea’ is quite different, the

leaves and shoots are wine-red at first maturing to
There is often fierce debate, particularly among for-
purplish-green later in the year. Not a spectacular
esters, about the status of this hybrid between Com-
tree, although it may reach 18m in height. Fertile
mon and Sessile Oak. Some say that most oaks
acorns are produced but most, if not all, seedlings
resembling these species are hybrids, but genetic
have predominantly green foliage.
experiments suggest that a true hybrid is quite a rare
At the other end of the spectrum ‘Concordia’, the
occurrence. The problem lies in the fact that both
Golden Oak, has yellow leaves all through the grow-
Common Oak and Sessile Oak produce a whole
ing season. Raised in Belgium in 1843 it is popular in
range of variants. Profound morphological differ-
cultivation but tends to be a sickly plant. Specimens
ences occur, especially in leaf shape, sometimes on
grafted on to Common Oak rootstocks may suffer
the same tree. There is also regional variation within badly from basal growth which soon overwhelms
populations. Studies of Common Oak trees over 500
them.
years of age in England show that several distinct Cut-leaved Common Oaks come in several shapes
regional leaf types exist depending upon which and sizes. The 1854 German cultivar ‘Filicifolia’,
ancient forest the trees were part of. Any specimens
which may really be a hybrid with Sessile Oak, has
labelled Quercus x rosacea in collections should be
lobes deeply divided almost to the midrib. Specimens
regarded with some caution unless their genetic
are not large and they grow very slowly.
make-up has been investigated. ‘Strypemonde’ is a curious plant. The leaves are
Growth: 3-15-25. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3.
all to some extent reduced, many extremely so, but
they can not be strictly described as ‘cut-leaved’. The
Quercus robur cultivars (continued)
whole plant usually looks as if it has been devastated
The variegated cultivar ‘Argenteovariegata’ has by locusts. When growing in full light the leaves are
fairly standard Common Oak leaves mottled and mottled yellow which adds to the tree’s already
splashed with silver. The dark red shoots are also unhealthy appearance.
marked with white. It is becoming very uncommon Growth: variable. Hardiness: -%. Choice: 1 (some cvs).

RP
a 7

s;
b.

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>; Be.
be.’
re

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=

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X%

‘Concordia’
‘Strypemonde’
leaf variations
385
 *Cristata’

Quercus pedunculiflora

“F<
astigiata
1Sts oat: Grangel
pt
‘ 1°
: Granbyana 7
winter

386
 OAKS

Quercus robur cultivars (continued) ‘Fastigiata Grangei’ is a variant of forma fastigiata

(p. 383) that is difficult to distinguish in its early
Common Oak cultivars fall into two broad categories:
years, after which it more or less reverts to a Com-
foliage aberrations often associated with variegation,
mon Oak shape at maturity. ‘Granbyana’ is a very
and variants in tree shape. Colours such as purple or
rare plant which tends to be pyramidal rather than
gold in foliage are generally weak features. Very
fastigiate. More popular in cultivation is the similar-
upright forms (p. 383) are often spoiled by ravages of
looking form ‘Koster’.
the climate and end up with a series of untidy vertical
The Dutch cultivar ‘Holophylla’, formerly called
spikes. Pendulous plants that have to be grafted on to a The
‘Salicifolia’, is quite unlike Common Oak.
long rootstock tend to become incongruous as the
leaves are ovate-oblong or lanceolate and more or
stem expands and the top fails to keep up.
less unlobed. They tend to be bunched together at
‘Cristata’ is a very peculiar tree with dense
the shoot tips.
bunches of tightly packed, deformed leaves. These
Growth: variable. Hardiness: -%. Choices i:
appear to be stalkless upper halves of normal flat
leaves rather than strictly contorted foliage. It arose as
a sport on a tree in the ancient forest of Savernake Quercus pedunculiflora
before 1917 but has never been common in cultiva- This rare tree is from south-eastern Europe and Asia
tion. Diminutive acorns are produced and when they Minor. It has leaves broadly similar to Common Oak
ripen properly they are said to come true to type. but pubescent on the underside and more glaucous
‘Pendula’ the ‘Weeping Oak’ is a small tree entirely above. It was named Quercus haas by the Austrian
dependent upon the size of stock on which it is grafted. botanist Karl Kotschy and first cultivated in 1870.
Without a tall rootstock it would only creep around Another oak was also called ‘Haas’ by a German
close to the ground. The foliage is like Common Oak, botanist Theodor Wenzig, but they have so much in
but probably less vigorous. It has been in cultivation common, they are probably the same thing.
since 1733 and there are many different clones. Growth: 4-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
Wook: i, 2, 3, 3

‘Pendula’
‘Holophylla’

387
 8)t flowers fg ¥

new leaves

autumn
FEZ OS

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Burr Oak

Burr Oak
winter

388
 OAKS

White Oak Quercus alba Burr Oak Quercus macrocarpa

In its native North America this is one of the most The outstanding feature ofthis tree is its huge acorns.
important commercial timber trees. In America it is They are up to 5cm long and wide, broadly elliptical,
also called ‘Stave Oak’ because the close grained and held in a big deep cup which may easily obscure
impervious wood is good for making watertight bar- half the nut. An alternative American name
rel staves. Ships were also made from it by the early ‘Mossycup Oak’ is a reference to the acorn cup
European settlers. The natural distribution extends scales, which are hairy and form a grey fringe around
from Ontario to south-west Maine and then a huge the rim. The leaves too can be very large on a
range south to Texas and the Gulf States but exclud- favourable site, up to 25cm long and 13cm wide.
ing most of Florida. In this varied territory their pre- Each one has 5-7 lobes on the lower part and deep
ferred habitat is moist but well drained lowland soils teeth towards the rounded tip.
and hillsides up to 1600m in the south. White Oak This North American species has a broad range
leaves can be extremely variable even on the same through southern Canada then southwards through
tree. It will hybridize with several compatible species the United States in an inverted triangle terminating
sO variants are common and identification out of in central Texas. Towards the south and west it is a
context is difficult. If there is a ‘standard’ leaf it 1s shrubby prairie edge pioneer species. In better cool
15cm long and 8cm wide with 4-9 lobes. Upper sur- moist conditions it can grow to 20m in height usu-
faces are glabrous and bright green when fully ally with crooked branches and an open rounded
extended. Undersides are greyish and also become top. The wood is heavy and durable sometimes with
more or less hairless at maturity. The bright red and dark brown heartwood. In Europe, where it was
brown autumn colour is dark or light depending on introduced in 1811, it tends to be a smallish tree,
which way up the leaves fall. Ovate acorns, 1-3cm larger leaves but very few
sometimes with even
long, are held in shallow almost stalkless cups. White acorns.
Oak, probably the variety latifolia, the common Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
northern form, was introduced to Europe in 1724.
Wood: 2, 3, 5.
This is why most old trees in Europe do not have the
deeply divided leaves so often seen on trees of other
forms in the United States.
Growth: 4-10-25. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.

autumn
White Oak

389
 |
:
:

|
|
White Oak |

Valley Oak

Swamp
White Oak

SeTe

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nn
DL
tee
[n
hdd

Valley Oak Swamp White Oak

390
 OAKS

Valley Oak Quercus lobata Those which are left may be at risk from damage by
water abstraction and air pollution.
This Californian species of White Oak has exagger-
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3.
ated lobes on the leaves, hence the Latin name, and
Wood al2, 35:
srows in moist valleys and foothills throughout Cali-
fornia. Shasta Lake and southern San Joaquin are Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor
important regions for it, but the most impressive
From eastern North America this relative of the
trees are in the Coast Ranges, for example in Men-
Chestnut-leaved Oak grows in mixed woodlands
docino County. Specimens up to 600 years old are
that are often subject to flooding. Its natural range
on record. Such ancient trees are able to resist wind,
runs from Quebec and Maine to Virginia in the
drought and even fire because of the thick rugged
south and west to Missouri following river valleys
heat resistant bark. This is the largest of the Califor-
and stretching across wetlands. It is a fairly narrow
nian Oaks, easily reaching 30m in height with stems
but rounded tree with drooping lower branches.
1.2m in diameter. The deciduous leaves, up to 10cm
Most mature specimens are between 16-20m tall.
long, are deep green with paler felted undersides.
Stems struggle to reach 80cm in diameter. The 10cm
The acorns, which are up to 6cm long, are slender
leaves are obovate, broadest towards the tip, with 5-8
and pointed. They are edible and said to be sweet.
pairs of shallow rounded lobes. They are deep lus-
Local wildlife and domestic animals certainly relish
trous green above and softly downy grey-green on
them. Californian Indians also ground a kind of flour
the underside. Before falling in the autumn they turn
from them. In 1796 George Vancouver compared
red and chestnut brown above and pink below. The
Valley Oaks in California to Common Oaks in an
acorns are up to 3cm long in deep scaly cups. The
English stately park. In 1874 the species was intro-
species name, given to the tree in 1801 by Karl
duced to Europe where it tends to grow slowly. is a reference to the two-coloured
Willdenow,
Most of the best trees in California have now been leaves.
lost to agricultural clearance and urban expansion. Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3, 5.

underside

Swamp White Oak

spning

vil
 - Chestnut Oak

autumn

Chestnut Oak Swamp Chestnut Oak

wintel
392
 OAKS

Chestnut Oak Quercus prinus deciduous leaves are up to 23cm long with 10-14
rounded teeth. The acorns, up to 3cm long, are held
In its native North America the bark of this species
in rather stout cups which give the impression of
was once used for tanning leather. It is the best of all
being a size too large for the seed.
American oaks for the purpose. The timber, called
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
‘White oak’ in the trade, is also highly valued. The Wicodim lee eo. 400)
actual range of Chestnut Oak extends from southern
Ontario to Maine and south-westward across the Oregon White Oak Quercus garryana
United States to Michigan and Mississippi. It is an
upland tree most at home on dry acid rocky soils up to In western North America this is the most important
1500m. It has been in cultivation since 1688 but remains commercial producer of oak timber. It resembles the
rare in Europe. Trees up to 24m tall with spreading eastern White Oak, hence the name. The close-
branches have big 15-20cm deciduous leaves, very like grained wood is ideal for structural work, shipbuild-
ing and furniture. The sweet acorns are fed to
those of Chestnut (Castanea p. 349). The 2-3cm acorns
domestic livestock. They are up to 3cm long and
which ripen in one year are held in deep cups.
each one is held in a small thin short-stalked cup.
Growth: 3-12-24. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3.
Woodall, 2.3, )4,0):
The deciduous leaves are deep green and glossy on
the upper side. In a good autumn they turn red. This
Swamp Chestnut Oak Quercus michauxit is a tree of mountain slopes and rocky valleys, usually
in deciduous forest. Its long north-south range, from
This wetland counterpart of Chestnut Oak is a native British Columbia to central California, means that a
tree from the valleys and flood plains of eastern variety of tree types and sizes occur. Provenances
North America, from New Jersey to Florida and from Washington and Oregon produce the best
westwards to Illinois and eastern Texas. It was intro- specimen trees, up to 30m tall.
duced to Europe in 1737, where it prefers moist acid Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3.
soils. An alternative American name is Basket Oak, vowels i, 2, dy D-
because baskets for carrying cotton were made from
finely split wood. It is also called Cow Oak because
the sweet edible acorns were fed to cattle. The

Oregon White Oak

393
 European
White Elm

fruit
ee ee rh
al

fruit

young tree infected with

English Elm
Dutch Elm Disease
394
 BRVEE ANIL. - Ulmaceae

English Elm Ulmus minor var. vulgaris Scolytus bark beetles, and then directly through ad-
joining communal root systems. Commercial trans-
The origin of this variety, formerly Ulmus procera, 1s
portation of logs has now spread the disease
not entirely certain, but it is not English. Populations
throughout the world. However, past epidemics of
in northern Spain do appear to be native, though, and
similar pathogens in elms failed to eliminate the ge-
possibly the ‘English Elm’ in England came from
nus completely.
there. People have carried useful plants with them on
There are several ornamental cultivars of English
their migrations since before Neolithic times. In this
Elm. ‘Viminalis’ is a slow-growing picturesque tree
way English Elm which provided cattle fodder, shelter
with semi-pendulous branches and small leaves. The
and heavy timber reached England and other locations
golden form of it ‘Viminalis Aurea’ has yellow
beyond its natural distribution. Archaeological evi-
leaves in spring which turn green by late summer.
dence suggests that elm wood was even carried to ‘Silvery Gem’ has yellow-margined leaves which re-
many improbable places where the tree certainly main coloured all through the season. Persistent yel-
would not grow, for example to ancient Egypt. low leaves also occur on the Dutch cultivar “Louis
In Britain English Elm is one of the oldest living van Houtte’.
links with the past. It was used by Bronze age farmers Growth: 4-16-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
and, because it seldom produces viable seed, propa- Wood: 1, 2 (species).
gation since then has been vegetative, mostly
through naturally spreading root suckers. Root sys- European White Elm Ulmus laevis
tems under hedges around settlements may still con-
Through central Europe to western Asia this is a
sist of clonal material that was planted over 3000
common elm species. It is a large tree up to 35m tall
years ago. By repeatedly harvesting the timber and
with stems 1.5m across. The outline and foliage are
cutting hedges, farmers inadvertently rejuvenated the
reminiscent of Wych Elm (p. 399). The flowers and
elm so that it never reached biological old age and
fruits are distinct because they are long-stalked and
died out.
flutter in the slightest breeze, giving rise to the alter-
In the second half of the twentieth century English
native name ‘Fluttering Elm’. It has been in cultiva-
Elm has been affected by ‘Dutch Elm Disease’ a mi-
tion for a very long time but is difficult to identify
croscopic fungus (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) which
except when flowers and fruit are present.
blocks vessels in the metabolic system ofthe tree. It is Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 4.
Growth: 4-18-35.
transmitted from tree to tree by two species of flying Wood: 1, 2.

‘Silvery Gem’

‘Viminalis Aurea’
‘Viminalis’
‘Louis van Houtte’

395
 corky
twig

Rock Elm

396
 ELMS

American Elm Ulmus americana The almost round flat fruits consist of amembranous
wing with a single seed held in the centre. At first, in
Also known as White Elm or Soft Elm, the American
1753, it was named as part of Ulmus americana, then
commercial names for its wood in America, this
widespread tree occurs from Saskatchewan to Cape in 1793, it was properly identified as a species and in-
Breton Island, south to Florida and then west to cen- troduced to Europe in 1830.
tral Texas. Before 1930 it was abundant everywhere Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3.
in the countryside and also in urban planting Wood: 2, 3, 4.

schemes.
Then Dutch Elm Disease appeared on the east Rock Elm Ulmus thomasii
coast and the American Elm was decimated. Trees Named after David Thomas, a civil engineer and
30m tall with stems 1.2m thick were once common- horticulturist in the United States in 1902, this tree is
place. Reproduction is by seed, which has a charac- famous for its tough wood. Huge amounts of timber
teristic 1.2cm oval wing with a deep notch in the end were exported to England in the nineteenth century
and in-curved points. Introduced to Europe in 1752, for shipbuilding and agricultural implements. The
it was never widely planted and very few specimens natural range of the species forms a wide crescent
have survived Dutch Elm Disease. round the southern side of the Great Lakes.
An impressive tree, it usually has a straight stem up
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4.
Wood i, 2,3, 5. to 1m thick and 15-30m tall. The branches tend to
be short and droop at the extremities. The leaves, 5-
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra 9cm long, are ovate with distinct teeth, a short point
The slippery part of this tree is the inner bark which and an oblique base. They are leathery and shiny on
has medicinal properties and has been used effec- the upper surface but downy and pale green on the
tively as a poultice. It is fragrant and sticky and underside. The twigs have corky wings like young
claimed to be edible. The natural range ofthis species Field Maple (p. 625). Seeds, up to 2cm long, are en-
is slightly less extensive than American Elm. closed within a flat drooping lemon-shaped wing.
It makes an open-branched 20m tree with decidu- Plants were introduced, as Ulmus racemosa, to Europe
ous elliptical long-pointed neatly toothed leaves. S75.
They are unequal at the base and held on a very short Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4.
stalk. The bark is dark brown and eventually ndged. Wood: 1, 2, 3.

American Elm
Slippery Elm
winter 397
winter
 Weeping
~ Wych Elm
_

ah APs
}

aN!

mi
t
Sh yale

RRS Ah:
Serene
Prose
>

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Ai

flower detail

Wych Elm

398
 ELMS

Wych Elm Ulimus glabra notch in the top. Wych Elm bark is grey and smooth
for many years eventually becoming fissured and
Over much ofits natural European range this is a tree
scaly.
of mountain sides, hence a former name Ulmus mon-
The wood had numerous traditional uses based
tana. It is a native species in Europe as far north as
upon its great strength, tight twisted grain, durability
Scotland, southern Scandinavia including Finland,
and ability to withstand many years under water. It
and into Russia. To the south it is found in Switzer-
was prized for boat building and wheel stocks. Even
land and the Carpathian Mountains. In Scotland it is
water pipes were made from hollowed out poles, a
called ‘Scotch Elm’ but the Gaelic name for it is
painstaking process carried out with rather primitive
‘Leam’. ‘Leamanonius Lacus’ meaning ‘the lake of
hand tools. Strips of the inner bark made strong
the elms’ is Loch Lomond, out of which flows the
cordage and woven chair seats. Like English Elm the
River Leven. The town of Leven in Fife also owes its
foliage was used for feeding and bedding domestic
name to the Wych Elm. In Ireland the vernacular
animals. Although this species can be grown from
name for it is ‘Leamhan Sleibhe’.
cuttings it is usually propagated from seed. This has
This is potentially a huge sinuous tree, often with a
to be carefully timed because the seed ripens in
short stem and wide-spreading, rather gaunt
mid-summer and goes into dormancy within a mat-
branches. Heights up to 40m are known but on ex-
ter of days.
posed rocky crags and high up stony valleys it may
Growth: 4-16-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.
struggle to rise above any surrounding shelter. Flow-
Wood 1, Zi)
ers appear on short spur shoots in late winter before
the leaves. They may be bisexual or single sex but all Weeping Wych Elm
together on the same tree. The 5-6 maroon anthers
Ulmus glabra ‘Horizontalis’
on male flowers give the tree an early flush of colour
when they are plentiful. Big, 10-16cm, long rough Also known as pendula, but not ‘Camperdowni’
leaves taper towards the unequal base and come to an (p. 401), this cultivar originated around 1816. It is
abrupt point, sometimes with subsidiary points flank- a flat spreading plant which only makes a standard
ing it on one or both sides. The margins are promi- tree when it is grafted on to a tall rootstock. It was
nently toothed with double or even triple points on discovered in a batch of seedlings at a nursery in
each tooth. Clusters of 2mm fruits consist of aseed in Perth, Scotland.
the centre of a round, flat, membranous wing with a Growth: 3-4-4. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4.

Weeping Wych Elm

399
 ‘“Camperdownii’

~~.

“Lutescens’

underside
: e , ¢
na Mess th
ey gs,
staid
Ba Sei

‘BE 7 > 2.9

ixoniensis
“Lutescens’

400
 ELMS

Ulmus glabra cultivars The Exeter Elm, ‘Exoniensis’, was discovered

Wych Elm has produced some interesting ornamen- near Exeter in 1826 and immediately cultivated
tal types in 150 years of cultivation. Most of the vari- vegetatively at the nursery of W. Ford in that city.
This is an upright variety, although it can not be
ants are to do with tree shape. One ‘Crispa’ has
described as strictly fastigiate. The leaves are pecu-
deformed leaves and another ‘Lutescens’ has yellow
foliage. liarly twisted but not deformed or excessively con-
torted. Upper surfaces are deep green and rough to
The dwarf Wych Elm ‘Nana’ is a neat compact
the touch with ‘feathered’ teeth and an abrupt point.
bush seldom as much as 5m tall but often wider. Its
Leaf fall is often late because of the large number of
precise origin is uncertain and few nurseries still
leaves that have folded themselves round the shoot
grow it. The tree at Kew Gardens (illustrated) has
for support and resist the autumn winds. It is ulti-
grown little since it was described in 1884 as having
mately a big tree up to 17m tall which appears, in
probably originated from a ‘witch’s broom’ (a
England, to be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. An
deformed dwarf shoot), and in 1906 by Elwes and
1875 tree at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucester-
Henry, as “a slow-growing hemispherical bush,
shire survived for many years after all the other elms
which has not increased appreciably in size for many
around it had been killed. Unfortunately it subse-
years.
quently died from Honey Fungus.
The Camperdown Elm, ‘Camperdownii’, is a
The Golden Wych Elm ‘Lutescens’ is seldom
famous tree with well documented origins. Cam-
seen in cultivation now, perhaps because its pale
perdown House near Dundee, in Scotland is where
yellowish-green colour is surpassed by alternative
the original tree appeared in 1850. Like ‘Horizont-
deeper yellow foliage plants. It has much larger
alis’ (p. 399), which appeared in cultivation before
leaves than the Golden English Elm ‘Louis van
it in 1816, it needs to be grafted on to a standard
Houtte’ (p. 395). Growth is rapid and trees often
stock, usually about 1.5m tall. Wych Elm and Eng-
exceed 20m in height. Named in 1903 as a variety,
lish Elm are suitable stocks, although the latter tends
the original tree was know as the Gallows Elm,
to sucker after a while. It has large leaves and most
because it was located close to the gallows in York.
specimens produce a neat rounded outline with
This is probably the same tree as the Golden-leaved
arched branches and weeping shoots down to the
Elm raised by Calmpthout Nursery in Belgium,
ground. Even where Dutch Elm Disease is rife this
named by them Ulmus americana aurea.
cultivar often escapes unscathed.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4.

‘Camperdownii’

401]
 = 3 | ‘S =| 8pac)3) I oe

Dutch Elm

Huntingdon Elm
winter
5
40,
 ELMS

Huntingdon Elm Ulmus x hollandica ‘Vegeta’ by some authorities, the cultivar ‘Major’ is a conven-
ient reference to the particular type that was usually
In 1750 seed from elm trees growing at Hinching-
planted in England. This provides a horticultural dis-
brook Park, Huntingdon, produced what has
tinction between Dutch Elm and Huntingdon Elm,
become one of the most successful urban trees of all.
or indeed the Belgian Elm ‘Belgica’. “Dutch Elm’ is a
That is until Dutch Elm Disease put a stop to elm
large tree prone to epicormic shoot growth on the
planting. Huntingdon Elm proved to be more resis-
stem and sucker growth from its surface roots. In
tant to the disease than English Elm but not entirely
outline it is reminiscent of Cornish Elm (p. 407) and
immune to it. Wild elms in the region around Hun-
the leaves are intermediate between Wych and Eng-
tingdon are similar to this cultivar, probably hybrids
lish Elms. Fertile seed is produced but the progeny
involving Wych Elm (p. 399) and Smooth-leaved
are unpredictable.
Elm (p. 407). The outline of this tree is narrow for
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 2, 4.
many years eventually spreading out with numerous,
Wood: 1, 2.
often nodding, fine shoots. Leaves, usually offset at
the base are similar in shape and size to Wych Elm. Ulmus x hollandica ‘Dampier’
Growth: 4-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 4.
Wood: 1, 2. Selected for urban use, especially around 1864, this
tree has upright branches and a narrow outline. In
Dutch Elm Ulmus x hollandica ‘Major’ summer the foliage is dense and luxuriant. The tough
6-8cm ovate leaves are double toothed and crowded
Natural hybrid elms involving Wych Elm are fre-
on the glabrous shoots. This cultivar is thought to be
quent in Western Europe and the British Isles. Their
of Continental European origin. Resulting from it 1s
parentage is complex and still not entirely under-
a tree with bright yellow foliage, ‘Dampieri Aurea’
stood. The segment of this population which occurs
which is of similar size and shape. It was popular in
in the Low Countries has been subjected to consid-
late nineteenth-century parks and gardens.
erable research and horticultural selection. Although
Growth: 4-15-25. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2, 4.
all Ulmus x hollandica hybrids are called “Dutch Elm’
Wood: 1, 2.

Ulmus x hollandica ‘Dampier’ ‘Dampieri Aurea’

Dutch Elm

403
 Ulmus parvifolia
‘Plantjin’

Ulmus ‘Dodoens’

Ulmus x hollandica
“Groenveldt’
Ulmus minor var. diversifolia

404
 ELMS

Ulmus parvifolia ‘Plantjin’ growth at first. Trials suggest that it slows down as it
matures. It too is only moderately resistant to Dutch
This cultivar of Chinese Elm is of unknown hybrid
Elm Disease and planting is no longer recommended
origin. The Royal Horticultural Society in London
regard it simply as Ulmus ‘Plantjin’. It was bred in in Britain.
Growth; 4-15-. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Europe for its resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. Sev-
eral Asiatic elms have been used in this role with
Ulmus minor var. diversifolia
promising results. It has a narrow flexible outline but
does not look much like a European elm in the Dr. R Melville named this plant Ulmus diversifolia,
countryside. and a tree labelled diversifolia by him has been grown
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 4. at Kew in London. However, its validity is now
questioned and its origin seems uncertain. The Royal
Ulmus ‘Dodoens’ Horticultural Society suggest it is synonymous with
Ulmus carpinifolia (see also p. 407), the ‘Smooth-leaved
Released in Holland in the 1960s this clone was arti-
Elm’, but unhelpfully in this case, carpinifolia has now
ficially bred for its resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. It
been swallowed up in the Ulmus minor complex. The
grows quickly and is resistant to wind damage but 1s
foliage certainly resembles Cornish Elm and Guernsey
only moderately resistant to the aggressive strain of
Elm, which are forms of the old Ulmus carpinifolia
the disease.
group. This plant is no longer in cultivation and
Growth: 4-15-. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
would seem to be a prime candidate for extinction. It
Ulmus x hollandica ‘Groenveldt’
is not distinct enough to be instantly recognizable in
the field and its present legitimate name places it in a
Attributable to “Dutch Elm’, this vigorous 1960s large group of difficult taxa.
hybrid has lush healthy foliage and fast up-swept Growth: 4-16-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.

Ulmus ‘Dodoens’ Ulmus parvifolia

Ulmus x hollandica ‘Plantjin’
young trees
‘Groenveldt’ 405
 Smooth-
leaved

Smooth-leaved Elm Cornish Elm Guernsey Elm

406
 ELMS

Smooth-leaved Elm Ulmus minor subsp. minor flattening out as they age, usually cut back by the
salt-laden sea winds in their native regions. The
Also called the Field Elm, and until recently Ulmus
leaves are like Smooth-leaved Elm but generally a lit-
carpinifolia (see also p. 405), this big, 30m tall, graceful
tle smaller. It is possible that Cornish Elm survived
tree was once common across Europe to North
the last glaciation in the British Isles on ice-free land
Africa and western Asia. Like English Elm (p. 395) it
to the immediate south now covered by the sea.
was transported around by Bronze Age and Iron Age
Growth: 4-16-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4. Wood: 2, 3.
farmers. Young trees have a conical outline but this
broadens with age and lower branches often become Guernsey Elm Ulmus minor ‘Sarniensis’
pendulous. The bark is silvery-grey and smooth for
Although treated now as a cultivar, this tree, also
many years. Oval leaves, 5-10cm long, are oblique at known as Wheatley Elm, probably arose as another
the base and distinctly double toothed. The upper isolated population of Smooth-leaved Elm. The
surface is smooth and shiny with 10-13 pairs ofparal- Guernsey population has been wrecked by Dutch
lel veins. Flowers with purple anthers appear in early Elm Disease. Urban Wheatley Elm trees, mostly a
spring followed by seeds held in the centre of a flat clone from Northern France, have survived rather
papery oval wing. This species was extensively used better. A golden form, ‘Dicksonii’, is a slow-
in the past for cattle food. Most valuable in late sum- erowing narrow upright tree with bright yellow
mer when the leaves stay green during periods of leaves. It was raised in Chester by Dickson’s Nursery
drought. Variable native hybrids with Wych Elm are in 1900 and called ‘Golden Cornish Elm’.
common, notably in eastern England. These are
Growth: 4-16-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4. Wood: 2, 3.
mostly resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
Growth: 3-16-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4. Lock’s Elm Ulmus minor var. lockii
Wood: 2, 3.
Also known as Plot’s Elm, this stiff upright tree has
Cornish Elm Ulimus minor var. cornubiensis short side branches and an open appearance. Some
specimens resemble Cornish Elm. Before Dutch Elm
Confined to south-west England and adjacent regions
Disease it was common in central and northern Eng-
of France, this isolated population of Smooth-leaved land where it is considered to be a native species. The
Elm once contributed much to the rural landscape. hybrid between this variety and Wych Elm (Ulmus x
Now it has been reduced by Dutch Elm Disease to elegantissima) is an important British native tree.
remnants of shrubby suckering re-growth. Young
Growth: 4-16-25. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3, 4.
plants are conical with steeply ascending branches,
Wood: 2, 3.

‘Dicksonii’

Lock’s Elm
407
 Ulmus villos a U JIlmu Ss “Karagatch’

leaf detail

Ulmus villosa Ulmus rs

Karag atch
’

408
 ELMS

Ulmus villosa Ulmus ‘Lobel’

Rare in cultivation, this tree is from the western An artificial Dutch cultivar of uncertain botanical
side of the Himalayas, where it can grow to 30m. origin, selected for its resistance to Dutch Elm dis-
The leaves, which are reminiscent of Zelkova, are ease. After a promising performance in the nursery
pale green and softly pubescent. It appears to be a and test beds, it has only grown slowly in field trials
western counterpart of Ulmus parvifolia, the Chinese and seems likely to remain fairly small. Furthermore
Fino (p. 411). it appears to be only moderately resistant to the
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 4. ageressive strain of the disease. Further planting is not
Wood: 2, 3. recommended in Britain.
Growth: 4-12-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.
Ulmus ‘Karagatch’
Originally from Turkestan this intriguing and beauti- Ulmus ‘Pinnato-ramosa’
ful tree is intermediate between Ulmus pumila (p. 411) Although now considered to be a cultivar in British
and Ulmus androssowi, which is really a larger spreading horticulture, this pyramidal open branched tree may
variety of Ulmus pumila. The cultivar is of uncertain be better known as the variety of Siberian Elm,
origin but it was probably a selection of androssowi Ulmus pumila var. arborea. An earlier invalid species
made before 1915, although the variety was not intro- designation pinnato-ramosa dates back to 1895. The
duced until 1934. It makes a shapely tree with the German gardener Georg Dieck is credited with its
dense foliage which is typical of the Asiatic elms. introduction from western Siberia in 1894. It is very
Growth: 2-9-18. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 4. similar to Siberian Elm except for its larger ultimate
Wood: 2, 3. size. The selected cultivar, generally grown from
cuttings, is quite vigorous and capable of rapidly
making a moderate to large tree. The 4-7cm leaves
are ovate-lanceolate, double toothed and _ finely
pointed.
Growth: 2-10-20. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2.

Ulmus ‘Lobel’

Ulmus ‘Pinnato-ramosa’
spnng

409
 Siberian
Elm

Ulmus
“Sapporo
Autumn
Gold’
u

‘Jacon’
fruit

“e
el
7, ie
co. wes
ial as Nay cae rnc
t vy

Siberian Elm Japanese Elm

410
 ELMS

Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila ‘Jacon’ has been selected for its suitability for urban
planting and resistance to Dutch Elm Disease.
Often this is a shrubby bush but strains from different
Growth: 3-10-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 4.
regions vary so much that occasional shapely trees do
Wood: 2, 3, 5.
occur in cultivation (var. arborea). The natural range,
across a huge part of northern Asia, includes many Ulmus ‘Sapporo Autumn Gold’
diverse sites and different environments. The leaves Selected at the University of Wisconsin for its resis-
are elliptic, usually equal at the base and only 2-6cm tance to Dutch Elm Disease, this is a hybrid between
long. They are smooth on the upper side and leathery Siberian and Japanese Elms. It arose as a Siberian Elm
when mature. The fruits, in a flat membranous wing, seedling pollinated by the Japanese species in Japan.
are 1-1.5cm long with a closed notch at the tip. Intro- Although disease resistant, it does not look like any
duced in 1860 in America and 1870 in Europe, this of the European Elms. The golden autumn foliage is
plant was recommended for planting in cold dry areas attractive.
where few other trees would grow well. Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1,
Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 2, 4. Wood: 5.
Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia
Japanese Elm Ulmus japonica
Usually a small tree less than 15m tall, but larger
Closely related to Ulmus davidiana, of which it was specimens do occur. The pubescent shoots bear small
originally thought to be a variety, this big 30m tree elliptic 2-6cm leaves, at first accompanied by stipules,
comes from north-east Asia including Japan. The which remain on the tree until early winter. Flowers
young branches are densely pubescent and some- appear in late summer in axillary clusters. From
times with corky wings. The leaves are obovate, 8- northern and central China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan,
12cm long with double toothed margins. this tree was introduced to Europe first by French
Japanese Elm was first cultivated in the west in plant collector, the Abbé Gallois, who thought it was
1895. Plant collectors such as Professor Miyabe, who a tea plant. James Main, an English botanist, brought
sent material to the Arnold Arboretum concentrated verified material into cultivation in 1794.
on the area around Sapporo in Japan. The cultivar Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4.
Wood 232.

underside

Ulmus ‘Sapporo Autumn Gold’

411
 Chestnut-leaved Elm

Ulmus laciniata

Ulmus bergmanniana
fruit

412
 ELMS

Chestnut-leaved Elm Ulmus castaneifolia Ulmus bergmanniana

Although still occasionally found in some collections, Coming from Central China, this small spreading
this small, shrubby, long-leaved tree is no longer tree has very short stalked 7-12cm leaves similar to
available in cultivation. Its origins are obscure, Wych Elm. It was introduced to cultivation in the
probably Asiatic, and its taxonomy appears to be west in 1900 but remains rare.
dubious. Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

Large-fruited Elm Ulius macrocarpa

Ulmus laciniata The obovate fruits on this small tree are up to 3cm
A close relative of Wych Elm, formerly regarded as a long and covered in bristles like the leaves. Pubescent
geographical variety of it, this usually makes a small young branches have corky wings on them like Field
tree with very vigorous foliage. The 14-18cm leaves Maple (p. 625). Native to northern China, this spe-
are deep green, like the Exeter Elm (p. 401), and cies was introduced to the west in 1903.16 is
rough to touch. The margins are excessively toothed restricted to just a few specialist collections.
and end in three or more distinct serrated points. Growth; 2-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Seeds are held in an oval wing 2cm long.
It is a common tree in its native eastern Asia, but
Ulmus davidiana
has never been widely grown in the West since its
introduction in 1905. Exceptional trees in Japan have Introduced from northern China in 1895, this small-
reached 30m in height. The inner bark can be made leaved tree is very similar to the Large-fruited Elm. It
into coarse rope and rough cloth after treatment in is also a close relative of the Japanese Elm (p. 411).
water and chair seats and baskets can be woven from Young branches have broad corky wings, usually in
long, thinly cut strips. pairs. A feature shared with Ulmus alata in the south-
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4. east United States.
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

underside

corky twig Ulmus davidiana

Large-fruited Elm
 Caucasian Elm
SS ee
Cretan
Zelkova

Cut-leave
Chinese 7elkovd
Zelkova

subsp. stipulacea
Caucasian Elm

414
 ZELKOVAS

Caucasian Elm Zelkova carpinifolia into a medium-sized tree, with grey bark which
gradually roughens with age and then sheds occa-
This large forest tree, 25-35m tall, is from the Cauca-
sional small roundish flakes. The colour revealed un-
sus and northern Iran. In most respects it resembles
der each of these is light orange at first. The delicate,
Hornbeam (p. 325), but it has smooth pale greyish-
3-6cm, coarsely-toothed and pointed leaves are light
buff bark on a fluted and buttressed stem. In Britain
pink when they first appear in spring.
where it was introduced in 1760, most of the older
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
trees in cultivation have a short thick bole and a mas-
Wood: 2, 3, 5.
sive multi-stemmed top, very like a pollarded tree that
has been neglected. The deciduous leaves are Keaki Zelkova serrata
oblong-elliptic with distinct rounded teeth and paral-
lel veins. Usually there are only 7-10 teeth on each From Taiwan and China this medium to large-sized
side of the leaf which also has a pointed tip. The insig- tree has a rounded outline and tends to spread out-
nificant flowers appear in the vein axils of new wards. The bark is grey-brown and flakes off to re-
veal orange-brown beneath. The deciduous 6-12cm
growth.
leaves are ovate with an acute point. The subspecies
Growth: 4-17-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wood: 3, 5. stipulacea is similar except for the leaves, which are
ovate-lanceolate with an extended tip. The species
Cut-leaved Zelkova Zelkova x verschaffeltii was sent from China to the Veitch Nursery in 1862.
It has proved to be a good pollution-resistant town
The origin of this tree, and to some extent its horti-
tree but is not suitable for street planting.
cultural status, is uncertain. It is believed to be a hy-
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
brid between Caucasian Elm and Keaki first Wood: 3, 5.
cultivated in 1886. Some authorities still regard it
simply as a cultivar of Caucasian Elm. It never makes Cretan Zelkova Zelkova abelicea
a large tree and it has narrow leaves with 5-8 pairs of
This rounded 15m tree comes from the islands of
pronounced triangular teeth.
Crete and Cyprus. It is closely allied to Caucasian
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Elm and is probably an isolated segregate of that spe-
cies. The leaves are smaller with fewer teeth. When
Chinese Zelkova Zelkova sinica
young the shoots are covered in white downy hairs.
Introduced by Ernest Wilson from China in 1908, this It was introduced around 1924 and was thought at
species is still rare in cultivation, although it has found first to be an oak.
a modern use in bonsai. It has the potential to grow Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 5.

autumn

Keaki
415
 Hackberry

Nettle Tree

Oy,
S

YY

Sn i“)

AD x2 -ae
5ae)

Var. smallii H ackberry

416
 NEG DE ERSEIESS

Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Mississippi Hackberry Celtis laevigata

From a large part of America, Ontario to New Eng- Most specimens have a broad rounded top and
land and North Dakota to Georgia, this 15-25m tall drooping branch ends. The greenish early spring
tree is a close relative of the elms. In addition to be- flowers in the leaf axils are under 3mm wide and
ing a useful timber producer it is environmentally fairly insignificant producing one-seeded, orange-red
valuable, providing numerous sweet red and then to black 6mm fruits by the end of summer. This spe-
purple berries for birds, and supporting a wide range cies extends the range of common Hackberry in
of galls and mites on the foliage. The deciduous North America southwards to Florida and Texas.
leaves are pointed and toothed, around 10cm long Plants appeared in cultivation some time after 1811.
with three main veins emanating from an unequal The variety smallii has sharply serrate leaves, 7cm
base. Hackberry was first grown as decorative trees in long on pubescent shoots. It occurs on the southern
1656, but it is not spectacular and has never been in fringe of the species range.
great demand. The variety cordata, formerly called Growth; 3-12-30. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3.
crassifolia, is a more vigorous and luxuriant plant. iviooers th, 2, hy D
Growth: 3-10-25. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 1, 3, 5. Celtis tournefortii
Nettle Tree Celtis australis Often only a large shrub, this plant has reddish-
brown twigs with white downy hairs. The 5-7cm
In its native range, southern Europe and Asia Minor,
long alternate leaves are oval with a more or less
this deciduous tree may reach 25m in height. When
rounded base, a short point and blunt teeth. The
cultivated in cooler northern regions, 10m is more
fleshy fruits are ovoid, around 1cm long and mpen
likely. It has thin zig-zag shoots and toothed narrow
brownish-red. The single stone has four distinct
leaves which come to a slender point. The Icm
ridges running from the base to the apex. From the
sweet-flavoured berries are green turning through
Balkans, Sicily and the Crimea this species was first
orange and red to black. The bark is pale grey and
cultivated in 1738.
smooth, rather elephantine. Nettle trees were first
Growth: 1-3-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
cultivated in England in the sixteenth century but
they remain uncommon.
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3, 5.

var. cordata Celtis tournefortii Nettle Tree bark

417
 Caucasian Nettle Tree

Caucasian
Nettle Tree
underside

Japanese Hac kberry

Ce Iti Ss bungeana

Caucasian Nettle Tree

418
 INDE IMILIE, WIR IBIES

Caucasian Nettle Tree Celtis caucasica Celtis koraiensis

This vigorous tree has downy young twigs and A rare bushy tree, seldom reaching 12m in height has
coarsely toothed 5-9cm obovate to ovate-lanceolate dark grey bark and glabrous shoots. The 5-15cm oval
leaves. The fruits are yellow turning to orange- leaves have teeth which are exaggerated towards the
brown. Each consists of a thick-shelled nutlet end. Most are offset at the base with some pubes-
encased in a thin layer offleshy pulp, held in place by cence along the veins on the underside. The globose
a tough outer skin. This species is usually dioecious. tcm fruits are orange-brown when ripe, held on a
Its natural range extends across Asia Minor but it is 2cm pedicel — some of the largest fruits in the genus.
rare in cultivation. It was introduced to the west From Manchuria, Korea and northern China, it is
around 1885, having been considered to be a form of very hardy but seldom seen in cultivation even
the closely related Celtis australis (p. 417) before that though it was introduced to western horticulture in
date. The variable nature of the foliage makes these NAS),
trees extremely difficult to identify. Growth: 2-5-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
Growth: 4-12-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3.

Wood: 1,3, 5. Celtis bungeana

The smooth bark on this 15m tree is pale grey and the
Japanese Hackberry Celtis sinensis
tree’s outline is rounded. The 5-8cm deciduous leaves
From eastern China, Korea and Japan this medium- are dark glossy green on the upper side, petioles are
sized, 15m tall, tree has a rounded open outline. The less than 1cm long. Insignificant greenish flowers in
serrated leaves are around 8cm long and fairly broad spring are followed by purplish-black 1cm_ fruits.
with a short point. Fruits are dark orange and fleshy. Originally it came from central and northern Asia, and
A fairly tender plant, it was introduced to the west in is quite hardy. Although in general cultivation since
1910, about 15 years after the closely related and very 1868, this species has never become popular. It 1s
similar Celtis biondii from the same area in China. closely related to the slower-growing Celtis tournefortii
Growth: 3-6-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3. (p. 417) and Celtis glabrata which was introduced from
Wood:-1, 3, 5. western Asia at about the same time.
Growth: 2-5-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.

Caucasian Nettle Tree

fruiting twig
Celtis koraiensis
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underside

‘Pyramidalis’

420, White Mulberry Morus mongolica

lobed leaf
 MULBERRY FAMILY - Moraceae

White Mulberry Morus alba of way. This clone produces inferior fruit which may
be white, pink or dark red. Another interesting culti-
This Chinese species, long cultivated for its leaves to
var is ‘Wenosa’, which is exactly like the species
feed silkworms, has spread round the temperate
except the leaf veins are white. ‘Pyramidalis’ is the
world. It is a small tree, seldom reaching 15m in
antithesis of ‘Pendula’: it resembles a small Lombardy
height with spreading branches and a rounded top.
Poplar with up-swept branches and bright green foli-
Traditionally trees were planted like Cricket-bat
age.
Willows (p. 291). Branches of about ankle thickness
Growth: 3-6-15 (species), Hardiness; 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
and cut to around 1.5m long were hammered into
moist ground, where they proceeded to grow into
instant trees, White Mulberry leaves are variable in
shape and size. They may be anything between 6 and
Introduced in 1907 this very rare tree or large shrub
16cm long and heart-shaped or variously-lobed. The
up to 8m tall is closely related to Morus australis. They
upper surface is quite smooth and bright green. Mar-
both come from China and Korea and may have fre-
gins are toothed with soft, coarse, rounded and rather quently been confused in cultivation. The 8-16cm
blunt teeth. The leaf stalk, or petiole, is only 1-2.5cm leaves are oblong-ovate with a pointed tip and some-
long. The fruit which resembles an elongated black- times a cordate base. They have coarse cuspidate
berry can be white, pink or purplish-red. It is edible teeth and a short, 2-4cm petiole. Lobes, as illustrated
but not particularly pleasant and not recommended for white mulberry, do occur but they are not usually
in any quantity. common. The fruit is red, ripening to dark red or
There are several cultivated forms, all of which black. It is edible but not as good as Black Mulberry
make good garden plants. ‘Pendula’ which dates (p. 423). An obscure variety Morus mongolica var. dia-
back to 1897 is a superb weeping tree. It tends to be bolica has rough leaves that are wildly-lobed and
rather more hardy than the species. The leaves are sculptured into irrational shapes.
4-8cm long and frequently lobed in a haphazard kind Growth: 2-4-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.

White Mulberry
‘Pendula’

421
 underside

= es 0 4 = t=) — o ol %,

Black Mulberry Chinese Mulberry?

422
 MULBERRIES

Black Mulberry Morus nigra Black Mulberry leaves are broadly ovate, 6-12cm
long, exceptionally 20cm, with a pointed tip, cordate
Few trees can claim to be as rewarding in cultivation
base and 1.5-2.5cm petiole. They are rough on the
as this one. It lives for a long time and soon develops
upper side and pubescent below. The margins are
an aged appearance. The deciduous foliage is vivid
coarsely serrate with occasional lobes on some indi-
green, dense and largely free of insect predators. The
viduals.
pleasant picturesque rounded shape is of manageable
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.
garden size, 10m is quite exceptional. As a shade tree
it is ideal — cool and thick with no obnoxious smells,
Chinese Mulberry Morus cathayana
honeydew or falling limbs. When ripe, the dark red
2.5cm fruits are deliciously sweet. The only com- This rare, 8m, spreading rounded tree is from an ex-
plaint most owners voice is about the mess fallen ber- tensive area in central and eastern China. Environ-
ries make when it becomes impossible to eat them mental variants may grow to 15m in height while
rapidly enough. others remain short and bushy. The leaves are ovate,
Originally from western Asia this species has been pointed and coarsely toothed. Leaf bases may be
spread across the whole of temperate Europe reach- truncate or cordate, and petioles do not exceed 3cm.
ing Britain in the early sixteenth century and finally The upper surface is rough like a stinging nettle. Oc-
America by 1548. Black Mulberry tends to be decep- casionally lobed leaves are produced but they are in-
tive in terms of age. Gnarled, leaning and even fallen frequent. The fruit is narrow, about 3cm long and
specimens generally appear to be much older than only up to 0.7cm across. Colour varies between
they actually are. Most trees that fall mght over usu- white, red and black but at any stage they are not
ally make a full recovery, especially when they are particularly good to eat.
cut back. In this situation they tend to fruit in abun- The species was brought out of China in 1907 by
dance; furthermore, in a reclining position the ber- Ernest Wilson, the same year as two other Chinese
ries are easier to pick. Like White Mulberry new mulberries. There seems to be confusion in some
trees can be produced by simply hammering collections about exactly which species they actually
trimmed-out, 10cm thick, branches into the ground have.
in winter. Branches forced into the ground when a Growth: 2-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
tree falls over also take root.

Chinese Mulberry Black Mulberry

423
 old bark

Paper Mulberry

n
O flowers

Paper Mulberry

autumn

424
 MULBERRIES

Paper Mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera clusters occur in early summer on separate trees.
Female trees produce spectacular fruits like oranges
Paper was once made from the inner bark of this tree
up to 13cm across. They are green, ripening to yel-
in Japan and female plants bear fruits which are
low and actually consist of many individual fruits
orange-red and vaguely resemble mulberries. Male
fused together. Each of these contain a pale brown
trees have catkin-like flowers. This is a close relative
nutlet, enclosed in a thin layer of succulent flesh, rich
of the true mulberries and like them it has rough
in milky juice. Isolated female trees also produce
bristly leaves of various shapes.
full-sized fruits, but no seeds.
Originally from eastern Asia, since the eighteenth
This was probably originally a wetland species. It
century this good urban species has become natural-
prefers moist riverside situations. The native range 1s
ized in parts of the United States. It tolerates poor
no longer clearly defined but it would have included
soil and polluted air and is quite hardy. It spreads like
parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Robinia (p. 575) by root suckers and may become a
Local American Indians once used the springy
persistent nuisance once it is established.
wood for bows and clubs. A local American name for
Growth: 3-12-16. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1, 3, 4.
the tree is Bow Wood. Early settlers used the
brightly-coloured roots to dye fabrics yellow. They
Osage Orange Maclura pomifera
also fed the fruits to livestock. A common use for this
Another member of the Mulberry family, this mono- species in America was for hedging where it made a
typic species grows to around 14m in height with a sustainable alternative to barbed wire. In parts of the
rounded head of branches. The stem and main limbs United States it is still known as Hedge-apple. The
are often contorted. The thick brown shoots contain wood is strong, hard and heavy and its durability
milky sap. Occasionally a sharp spine is produced at made it ideal for fence posts and other uses in wet
the base of a leaf. The 5-8cm leaves are ovate and conditions.
pointed at both ends. They are deep glossy-green Growth: 3-9-14. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
above and paler beneath. Male and female flowers in Wood: 1, 3.

fruit

spine

Osage Orange
 Bull Bay
Magnolia

underside
of
type leaf

Veitch’s
Hybrid Magr
‘Exmouth’

SS
ES

Magnolia
officinalis
var. biloba

undersi

Large-leaved
Cucumber Tree Cucumber Tree
426
 MAGNOLIA FAMILY + Magnoliaceae

Bull Bay Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora Cucumber Tree Magnolia acuminata

Bull Bay was probably the first magnolia to be illus- A substantial deciduous tree that is at first not obvi-
trated in Britain when it was drawn by Georg D. ously a Magnolia. It develops a broad head of
Ehret in 1737. In the American hurricane belt this branches up to 12m tall. Flowers, mostly hidden
wind-firm tree was often planted in gardens. among the foliage, are metallic blue and dull yellow,
Branches were pegged down to take root and in- followed by green cucumber-like seed pods.
crease their resistance to the wind. The late summer Growth; 3-5-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
flowers appear 20 years after planting, The cultivar
Magnolia officinalis var. biloba
‘Exmouth’, raised in the English town of that name,
is one of the oldest cultivated evergreen magnohas. This rare Chinese species is probably only known in
The big deep green leaves are pale brown and felted cultivation. The variety biloba is most often seen. It was
underneath at first. The 25cm flowers are light yel- introduced to Britain by Sir Harold Hillier and planted
low. ‘Goliath’ is a white-flowered form with smaller in his Hampshire garden in 1936. It grows rapidly and
(20cm) evergreen non-felted leaves. It was raised in has deciduous leaves with distinctive notched tips. It re-
Guernsey in 1910. quires moist fertile soil and a sunny position.
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3. Growth: 4-12-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Veitch’s Hybrid Magnolia Magnolia x veitchii Chinese Evergreen Magnolia Magnolia delavayi
This cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia A tender Chinese Himalayan evergreen with large 36cm
campbellii was first made at the Veitch Nursery in Exe- long, dark, matt green leaves with sea-green backs. It was
ter in 1907. Only two seedlings were retained, ‘Isca’ discovered by, and named after, the French plant collec-
and Peter Veitch’, which is illustrated on p. 429. tor Pére Jean Delavay in 1886. The disappointing
Growth: -. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 1. ephemeral flowers only come out at night.
Growth: 4-7-12. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Large-leaved Cucumber Tree
Japanese Big-leaf Magnolia Magnolia hypoleuca
Magnolia macrophylla
This Japanese and Russian Pacific coast species is usu-
From the mountains of the south-east United States,
ally only a small upright specimen in cultivation, but a
this bushy tree can produce leaves 90cm long. They
large forest tree in the wild. The 20cm deciduous
are deciduous, papery and white on the underside.
leaves are silver-backed when young. The scented
The infrequent flowers are up to 30cm across. It was pinkish-cream flowers occur in early summer.
discovered and named by the French explorer André Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-5-10 (in cultivation).
Michaux.
Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.

fruit

Japanese
Big-leaf

Chinese Evergreen
Magnolia
underside
Large-leaved Cucumber Tree
 Magnolia
“Wada’s Memory’

‘Picture’

Magnolia
“Wada’s Memory’ ‘Brozzonii’

428
 MAGNOLIAS

Magnolia ‘Wada’s Memory’ base, which appear over an extended period through
This outstanding plant was selected at Seattle in 1940 spring and summer.
and named in honour of Mr. Koichiro Wada of Yo- ‘Sayonara’ is perhaps the ultimate small garden
kohama, Japan. Probably it is a form of salicifolia or a Magnolia. It is actually a ‘Gresham’ hybrid produced
in Santa Cruz, California in 1955, with stunning
hybrid between it and Magnolia kobus. The pure
white flowers are fragrant. flowers which are creamy-pink gradually darkening
in colour to pinkish-gold in the centre. This plant
Growth; 3-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
started life as a seedling from Magnolia x soulangiana
Magnolia ‘Heaven Scent’ ‘Lennei Alba’ crossed with Magnolia x veitchii “R-
ubra’.
A Gresham hybrid (created by D.Todd Gresham of Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Santa Cruz in 1955) using Magnolia x veitchii and
Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’. A small tree, producing an Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitch’
abundance of strongly scented flowers.
Several fast-growing hardy hybrids were raised by
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
the Veitch Nurseries in Exeter in 1907. These plants
arose as seedlings from a Magnolia campbellii crossed
Magnolia x soulangiana cultivars
with Magnolia denudata. One of the best selections,
‘Picture’ is a strong-growing Japanese clone bred by ‘Peter Veitch’, was narhed after the man who propa-
Koichiro Wada in 1930. It is purple outside and gated it. It is a medium to large tree with pale
white inside its erect flowers. purplish-pink flowers appearing before the leaves.
‘Rustica Rubra’ is another vigorous plant this Magnolia x veitchii was subsequently crossed again
time closely related to ‘Lennev’. It is one of the most with Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’, to produce the cultivar
tolerant of all magnolias for garden use. ‘Peppermint Stick’, by D.Todd Gresham in 1961.
‘Brozzonii’ is about the best selection ever made It picks up features of Magnolia campbellii in having 12
from a Magnolia denudata x Magnolia lilliflora cross. It tepals, and Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ in the prominent
has big white flowers, shaded purple towards the flush of dark pink on the outside of the flower.
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

‘Sayonara’ Magnola x veitchii

‘Peter Veitch’

‘Rustica Rubra’ ‘Peppermint Stick’

429
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Yellow Cucumber Tree

‘Norman
Gould’

Magnolia
sargentiana
Magnolia stellata

ae

\ var. robusta

430
 MAGNOLIAS

Magnolia x loebneri silvery-backed leaves. The fragrant flowers occur at

This group of distinctive deciduous trees originally intervals throughout the summer.
came from Max Loebner and the Wilhelm Kordes Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Nursery in early twentieth-century Germany. Cross- Magnolia stellata ‘Norman Gould’
ing Magnolia kobus with Magnolia stellata, they
This particularly floriferous form of the ubiquitous ‘Star
selected five outstanding floriferous seedlings. Fur-
Magnolia’ was first raised artificially at Wisley in the
ther hybridizing has taken place, notably in America.
1950s. It bears numerous white 15cm ‘star’ flowers.
These plants are ideal in sheltered gardens, tolerating
Growth; 2-3-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
both acid and alkaline soils and semi-shade or full
sun. Magnolia sargentiana
The cultivar “Leonard Messel’ is a bushy plant Native of Yunnan and Szechuan in China, this mag-
flowering in early spring. It originated in the garden nolia was discovered by the French missionary Ar-
of Colonel Leonard Messel at Nymans, Sussex. In mand David in 1869. It is potentially a very large
this instance the Magnolia stellata parent was ‘Rosea’. tree, 24m tall in the wild. The variety robusta is the
In contrast ‘Merrill’ is a big vigorous white-flowered most hardy garden form. The scented flowers tend to
tree raised in 1939 at the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, droop downwards as they open.
Massachusetts. Growth: 3-16-24. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
Magnolia sinensis
Yellow Cucumber Tree Magnolia cordata
A spreading Chinese shrubby tree with fragrant
Discovered near Augusta, Georgia in the late 1700s, drooping spring and autumn flowers. The red sta-
this species was sent to France in 1803. It requires mens are a prominent feature. It needs rich moist
moisture and some shelter in northern gardens but is soil, full sun and shelter from strong winds.
tolerant of acid or alkaline soil conditions. Growth: 2-4-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-6-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Magnolia globosa
Magnolia x thompsoniana
There are at least two distinct types of this Himalayan
A hybrid between Magnolia tripetala and Magnolia vir- mountain species. Before the fragrant white summer
giniana, two American species, this plant was raised at flowers open they resemble eggs, which is why in
Mile End, in London, by Archibald Thompson in Nepal this tree is called the ‘Hen Magnolia’. In
1808. It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen sun-loving northern Europe rich, organic, moisture-retaining
shrub up to 4m tall, with wavy edged glossy green soil and shelter give the best results.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness; 30-40%, Choice: 1.

Magnolia sinensis
 Magnolia
x soulangiana ’
‘Lennei’

fruit ‘Lennei
% eS Sea lhe’

\ Japanese
Japanese |} Willow-leaf Magnolia
Magnolia

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ee
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Magnolia sprengeri
var. elongata i
Magnolia = soulangiana ‘Lennei’
432
 MAGNOLIAS

Magnolia x soulangiana ‘Lennei’ if lightly crushed. The spring flowers are also scented.
‘Lennei’ was one of the original nineteenth-century They prefer moist acid soils.
Italian hybrid clones, selected from a Magnolia denu- Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
data x Magnolia liliiflora cross. It is a small tree often Magnolia sprengeri var. elongata
with several stems. Plants raised vegetatively are par-
This magnificent early-flowering deciduous species
ticularly prized because they begin flowering as soon
consists of2 varieties, the well-known pink diva and
as they are established. The large goblet-shaped flow-
this white-flowered Chinese tree introduced by
ers are creamy-white with variable amounts of pur-
Ernest Wilson in 1900.
plish streaks and shading mostly on the outside.
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
‘Lennei Alba’ is a pure white-flowered form. Both
these clones have been used as parents in subsequent Yulan, or Lily Tree Magnolia denudata
Magnolia breeding programmes. This central Chinese tree has for centuries been cul-
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1. tivated in Buddhist temple gardens. In the Tang Dy-
nasty the flowers were regarded as a symbol ofpurity.
North Japanese Magnolia They are pure white and scented of lemon. Moist
Magnolia kobus var. borealis acid soils are needed in a sheltered frost-free place.
This Japanese forest tree was introduced first to Growth: 4-12-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 4.
North America in 1861 then to Europe in 1865. The Magnolia liliiflora
variety occurs naturally in the region of Hokkaido.
The wild distribution of this plant has been obscured
The performance of garden specimens appears to de-
by centuries of cultivation in China and Japan. It is a
pend very much on the provenance of source mate-
slow-growing deciduous, shade tolerant shrub which
rial. This is a plant that tolerates lime-rich soils.
flowers in early summer. The best known and most
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
hardy form is probably ‘Nigra’ which has later
purphlsh-red flowers. The scientific names of this and
Japanese Willow-leaf Magnolia
the previous species have been challenged by some
Magnolia salicifolia horticulturalists recently, the names used here are the
This variable plant grows naturally in the semi-shade oldest valid names on record, published by Desrous-
of broadleaved forest on Honshu and other nearby SeauxenelW/2Ie
Japanese islands. It was first introduced to America Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
and England in the early 1890s by Sargent and Veitch
respectively. The deciduous foliage smells of aniseed

Magnolia liliiflora
 i

Magnolia
campbellii

var. alba

subsp. mollicomata

Umbrella
Magnolia

Fraser Magnolia
Umbrella Magnolia
434
 MAGNOLIAS

Magnolia campbellii Fraser a Scottish plant collector. It is a medium-sized

In cultivation this is a big tree (27m in England, with fast-growing tree which thrives in the shade of
a trunk over 1m thick). The large pink flowers, woodland. The distinctive big deciduous leaves have
which only appear on seedlings after 20 years, come ear-like lobes. It is called ‘earleaf cucumber tree’ and
out in early spring before the leaves. The prominent ‘earleaf umbrella tree’ in America. The late spring
flowers are milky white with a somewhat ‘clinical’
grey-green velvety winter flower buds are a distinc-
smell. Moist acid soil is required.
tive feature. The subsp. mollicomata is from south-east
Tibet, north Burma and neighbouring regions of Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
China. The purplish-pink flowers develop a Sweet Bay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana
‘cup-and-saucer’ appearance, a ring of flat petal-like
In North America this variable semi-evergreen tree
tepals round a central upright cluster. There is a pure
or shrub grows particularly well on the coastal plains.
white-flowered variety alba.
It likes wet swampy ground, an alternative American
Growth: 4-18-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
name is ‘Swampbay’. It tolerates a wide range ofsoil
Umbrella Magnolia Magnolia tripetala types and is resistant to wind and sea spray. This was
the first American magnolia to arrive in Britain
The scientific name refers to the three petal-like
(1688). It is not a strong grower in cultivation but the
sepals, or tepals, on the flower which open before the
creamy-white short-lived summer flowers are
rest. This is a very hardy tree or large branchy shrub
delightfully scented, and appear over a long period.
from eastern North America, where it is typically a
Early American colonists called this ‘Beaver Tree’, as
plant of humid stream-sides and woodland ravines,
the fleshy roots were used to bait beaver traps.
growing in semi-shade. It was introduced to Britain
Growth: 3-12-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
by the eighteenth-century American plant collector
John Bartram. The deciduous ovate leaves are huge, Wilson’s Magnolia Magnolia wilsonii
up to 50cm long and 25cm wide. It makes a very sat-
Named after Ernest Wilson this small spreading Chi-
isfactory umbrella if the rain shower is brief. The
nese tree has fragrant white upside-down 10cm
large, cream-coloured strongly scented three tepal
flowers. Each has a ring of densely packed maroon
‘goblet’ flowers appear in early summer. Acid soil is
stamens inside. The flowers are best seen from below
essential for healthy growth.
so plants need early upward training to achieve
Growth: 3-10-12. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 4.
enough height. In gardens it should be planted in
Fraser Magnolia Magnolia fraseri semi-shade especially against an east wall.
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
This North American species from the Appalachian
region was discovered in 1776 and named after John

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Sweet Bay Magnolia Wilson’s Magnolia

435
 Tulip Tree

< =) 4 o ° e Ss u of i @ ~ 5 S
autumn

seedling

Chinese Tulip Tree Tulip Tree

436
 SELON TIRIENESS

Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera In the wild this species extends through North
This pyramidal tree can exceed 35m in height and America from Nova Scotia to Florida. It is common
25m in width, but it is very worthwhile planting along riversides, probably because the seed floats in
where space permits. The deciduous pea-green water. Its date of introduction to Europe is uncertain
leaves are unlike those of any other temperate tree: but John Tradescant is believed to have brought it to
they seem to have been cut off across the top. The England in the mid-seventeenth century. It was re-
corded at Fulham Palace, in London, in 1688. This
largest are around 18cm long with a truncate base
and an acute lobe on each side. After about 15 years tree needs moist fertile heavy soil to thrive. Some
(from seed) erect 4-5cm solitary flowers are pro- shade at first is an advantage. It is generally a good
duced in early summer all over the tree, even on low town tree being indifferent to air pollution. Above
branches. They have six overlapping petals resem- all it requires an enormous amount of space.
bling a tulip except for the additional ring of promi- There are several cultivated forms including a
nent deflexed sepals. The petals are pale variegated type ‘Aureomarginatum’, produced in
greenish-white with a faint orange blotch towards 1903. It grows to around 15-20m tall. The upright
form ‘Fastigiatum’ is about the same height but re-
the base. The inside is filled with numerous yellow
quires less space.
stamens and an enlarged pistil, consisting of about 70
densely packed carpels. Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wood: 1, 3, 4.
This is a stately tree with light grey corky bark. In
old age it often forms an intricate lattice pattern of Chinese Tulip Tree Liriodendron chinense
vertical ridges. The autumn foliage colour is out- A medium-sized tree from south-east Asia, intro-
standing, especially when trees are planted close to duced to Europe by Ernest Wilson in 1901. It is rare
water and where autumn mists are common. Colour in cultivation and is very difficult to distinguish from
develops over 2-3 weeks, from soft yellow to gold the American species. Even the more deeply-lobed
and then to a subtle shade of golden-brown. Such a leaves are not a constant feature.
large tree carpets the ground over a wide area with its Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
fallen leaves. Wood: 1, 3, 4.

' ays bay i Wi

‘Fastigiatum’ ‘Aureomarginatum’
old bark
autumn

437
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Gutta-percha Tree
 [LAL ONROTEE
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Gutta-percha Tree Wilson introduced it to Europe in 1901 but it re-

mains obscure and confined to specialist collections.
Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae)
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
For centuries in China this tree has been cultivated
for its medicinal properties and as an attractive plant. Bay Tree Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae)
It is the only temperate tree which contains rubber.
There are only two species of true ‘Laurel’ the cere-
Ifa leaf is gently pulled in half latex strands will hold
monial plant of early civilizations. Laurus nobilis the
the two halves together. When confronted by this
‘Bay Laurel’ from southern Europe was used by the
tree, which is superficially like an elm, leaf tearing is a
Ancient Greeks and Romans to reward victors and
useful aid to its true identity. Specimens 15m tall are
athletes and adorn nobility and bay leaves have long
known with spreading branches and pale grey bark.
been used for flavouring food. As a living plant this is
The deciduous leaves are up to 16cm long and 10cm
a strong-growing, but slightly tender, evergreen
wide sometimes offset at the base. The fruits, on
which is tolerant of clipping and withstands salty
separate female trees are similar to elm but more
coastal conditions. Plants 15m tall are known, but in
elongated. The native status of this species within the north they may have been cut back to the base
Chinaisunknown, it has been completely obscured several times in their lifetime by severe winter
by cultivation. The first plants were introduced to weather. Modern plants were re-introduced to
Europe around 1896. northern Europe in 1562. In Britain, from the evi-
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
dence of Roman burials in London live trees were
flourishing there in the third century.
Spur Leaf Tetracentron sinense (Tetracentaceae)
The cultivar ‘Aurea’ is a golden-leaved form
Only one species remains in this primitive genus, which looks good in winter but not so good in late
which has wood closely resembling that of the coni- summer, when it appears to have some mineral defi-
fers. The foliage has some resemblance to the Katsura ciency or disease. The Willow-leaved Bay “Angust-
tree (p. 441), but the completely different hermaph- ifolia’ is an interesting aromatic evergreen with
rodite flowers are in long catkins, and the outline of tough narrow, pointed wavy-edged leaves on stiff
the tree is upswept and rather gaunt. In its native Hi- branches.
malayas to central China it grows in temperate Growth: 2-9-15. Hardiness: 40%. Ghoice 1 2.03)
woodland on low slopes and in deep valleys. Ernest Wood: 1 (species).

‘Aurea’

‘Angustifolia’

439
 Var.

magnificum

leaf variation

‘4
\\
va

ago
me.

et
(gr

‘Pendulum’
Katsura Tree
44() autumn
 KAT SURAT IG

Katsura Tree been in cultivation for a long time and is also said to
occur spontaneously in Japan.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae)
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness; 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Usually this is a small tree 10-15m tall, but occasional
30m specimens have been recorded. It comes from
southern Japan and China and was introduced to Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae)
America in 1865 and to Europe in 1881. In cultiva- Originally from western Asia, this species has now
tion this species is grown as an individual specimen been cultivated all over the temperate world. It is a
or in small groves, so that male and female trees can close relative of the rubber plant Ficus elastica (see
be planted together. The tiny bright red flowers p. 785). It makes a spreading deciduous tree 10-15m
appear on spur shoots in late winter before the leaves. tall, with a stem up to 60cm across which generally
They are followed on female trees by clusters of needs some support in order to sustain upward
1-2cm pea-pods containing winged seeds. The thin growth. The green shoots are stout with big leaf scars
deciduous leaves are heart-shaped and 5-10cm long. which persist for years on the pale grey wrinkled
They are glaucescent on the underside, purplish-pink bark. The flowers are formed inside the shoot tips,
when young, and subtle shades of pale yellow and their presence only indicated by a small hole. They
pink in the autumn. As the leaves fall they produce are pollinated exclusively by a specialist burrowing
an elusive smell of burnt sugar or caramel. beetle which rears its young inside the hidden flower.
The variety magnificum is confined to Honshu In cold countries where the beetle cannot survive the
Island in Japan. It is a rare tree with smooth bark, fruit is always infertile. Fortunately there are cultivars
larger more coarsely toothed leaves and seeds with a such as ‘Nottingham’, ‘Brunswick’ and “Brown Tur-
wing at both ends. A larger variety is sinense, intro- key’ which set fruit without the need for pollination.
duced from its native China by Emest Wilson in Fig trees were introduced to England by Cardinal
1907, some individual trees have reached 40m in Pole in 1550.
height. The cultivar ‘Pendulum’ is a weeping form, Growth: 3-6-12. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3.
possibly a hybrid between these two varieties. It has

Katsura Tree

441
 Sassafras

e ;
1utumnNn

:
var. molle
fruit

5
a 7 lhe
a
LD

ae,
> SS
zy
3,

Californian Laurel
Sassafras

442
 SASSAFRAS

Sassafras Sassafras albidum (Lauraceae) molle is similar to the species but has silky hairy
young shoots and leaf veins. It was first cultivated in
This eastern North American deciduous tree has pro-
1930.
vided useful products to Indians and colonists alike
Growth: 2-9-18, Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 3.
for hundreds ofyears. The roots yield an aromatic oil
which is used to perfume soap and cosmetics. Tea Californian Laurel
and root beer are also flavoured with it. For a time it
Umbellularia californica (Lauraceae)
was thought to cure every conceivable ailment
though some of these magical powers are questioned The Laurel family (Lauraceae), of which this species
today. It is certainly not poisonous because there are and Sassafras are part, are mostly tropical plants. Cali-
still people around who enjoy chewing the twigs for fornian Laurel is an aromatic evergreen tree up to
their spicy taste. Like the mulberries, Sassafras has a 25m tall in favourable conditions. It has a natural
diverse range of leaf shapes. Healthy leaves are range from California into Oregon State. The thick
between 6 and 12cm long, sometimes elliptical, glossy dark green 8-10cm leaves are oblong-
sometimes oval and sometimes with up to three large lanceolate and pointed at both ends. The small
lobes. They are pale green with entire margins, turn- umbels offlowers are about 1.5cm across developing
ing to yellow and orange in the autumn. Trees sel- into ovoid fruits which turn yellowish-purple at
dom exceed 15m in height, and plants often become maturity in late autumn-
multi-stemmed thickets. The yellow-green terminal The decorative wood, ‘Pepperwood’, is pale
flowers develop, on female trees, into 1cm elliptical brown with dark brown streaks in the grain. It is used
glossy blue-black berries, each held on a bright red for veneers, high quality furniture and craft work.
fleshy stalk. The natural oils in it give a superb polished finish.
Sassafras has a broad natural range across North The aromatic foliage can bring on a severe headache
America from Ontario to southern Maine south- on hot summer days.
Choice: 4.
wards to central Florida and west to Texas. It grows Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 30-40%.
Wood: 1.
in the Appalachian Mountains to 1500m. The first
introductions to Europe were in 1633. The variety

fruit
underside

Californian Laurel

443
seedling

Chinese
Sweet Gum

Monticola
group

Formosana
group
"

” Ftew ae,
A faah - =

Oriental
Sweet Gum

autumn

‘old bark
Sweet Gum
 NRG PSEA Ze WePAMILAY ~- Hamamelidaceae

Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua both produce good red and purple autumn colour.
The very best autumn colour is to be found on the
The genus Liquidambar consists of only four species,
cultivar ‘Lane Roberts’ and ‘Worplesdon’ which
but they extend round the whole north temperate
were specially selected for this feature.
world. They mostly have five-lobed star-shaped
Growth: 3-14-30. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
shining green deciduous leaves. These differ from
Wood: 1, 2 (species).
maples in that they are alternate on the shoot and not
opposite. The North American species Liquidambar Chinese Sweet Gum Liquidambar formosana
styraciflua is an important timber tree. Its heartwood
is known in the furniture trade as ‘satin walnut’. The The species is tender away from its natural range 1n
living tree is particularly ornamental in the autumn, southern China and Taiwan. The ‘Monticola group’
when a whole range of brilliant foliage colours may (formerly var. monticola) is more robust. They gener-
be produced. This does depend on the site and soil ally have three-lobed leaves, which are relatively
conditions which should ideally be acid. Plants were large on new shoots and coppice. The species was in-
introduced to Europe in 1681, but it has never been troduced to Europe in 1884 and the ‘Monticola
easy to grow. Many provenances are frost tender and group’ was brought into cultivation by Ernest Wil-
son in 1908.
young saplings are difficult to transplant.
Growth: 3-14-30. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 2.
There are a range of ornamental forms of Sweet
Gum. ‘Variegata’ has normal leaves spotted and Liquidambar orientalis
Oriental Sweet Gum
splashed with yellow in a random fashion. This culti-
var is probably the same as ‘Aurea’. Variegation is This slow-growing small tree or large bush has five-
taken further in the cultivar ‘Silver King’ which has lobed leaves reminiscent of Field maple (p. 625).
much more yellow, particularly around the edges of Each lobe is further divided to produce additional
the lobes and between the veins. This form has leaves broad teeth. The autumn colour is particularly good.
with all the points directed forwards. Other yellow- This species was introduced to Europe from its na-
leaved forms are ‘Moonbeam’ which is variegated tive Asia Minor 1n 1750.
1.
but has soft edges between pale yellow and green and Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1. Wood:

‘Golden Treasure’ which is deeper yellow. These

ane Roberts’
autumn

‘Worplesdon’

‘Lane Roberts’
autumn

‘Golden Treasure’
445
 *‘Pendula’

Persian Ironwood
spnng

446
 PARROTIA

Persian Ironwood Parrotia persica contrast the underside of each leaf exhibits the same
colours with a pale-grey cast, giving cream, pink and
F.W. Parrot, the German surgeon, explorer and
lilac hues. The fruits are 8mm shiny nuts enclosed in
naturalist, is commemorated in the name ofthis plant
a tough brown tomentose husk.
from the eastern Caucasus and northern Iran. Parrot,
In cultivation, this tree, which is a woodland spe-
1792-1841, was also the first person credited with
cies in parts of its native range, is somewhat variable.
climbing to the summit of Mount Ararat in Turkey
In Britain trees in the drier east develop stems while
in 1829. Noah is said to have arrived there by boat
specimens in the moist west of the country usually
many centuries before.
branch at or near ground level. Both forms produce a
Persian Ironwood is a highly ornamental tree or
tangled dome of foliage 8-10m high and wide in
large shrub and has been in cultivation since 1840. It
around 100 years.
makes a year-round feature with something to offer
As a young plant in the garden Persian Ironwood is
in every season. In winter the bark on mature speci-
very rewarding. Although it grows relatively slowly,
mens, which is grey-brown, exfoliates in thin scaly
the summer foliage is vibrant and strong and from an
plates like a plane tree’s, to reveal red or orange-
early age an impressive annual display of autumn col-
brown patches of colour underneath. In late winter
our can be relied upon, well into November.
or early spring the flowers appear. They are small and
The cultivar ‘Pendula’ is a strongly weeping form
have no petals, but occur in profusion. The red
up to about 3m high and eventually somewhat
anthers of the males appear directly out of brown
wider. It has all the same excellent features of the
velvety buds like tiny jewels among a dark tangle of
species, especially the autumn colour. Any kind of
bare winter twigs. In summer the lustrous green soil is tolerated, but side shelter is essential for sym-
deciduous leaves obscure every branch. They are metrical development. It seems very likely that the
oval to obovate, roughly toothed on the upper half stemless old trees found in western England were
and terminate in a short point. The most luxuriant originally this selection, but with age some have
may be 12cm long and around 6cm wide. Under a reached 7m in height and an even greater spread.
lens, scattered stellate pubescence can be seen on Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.
them, tiny silver hairs in clusters like stars.
The autumn colour of this species is quite out-
standing: vibrant yellows, reds and purples, all
enhanced by the shiny upper surface of the leaves. In

autumn leaves

‘Pendula’

447
 underside

London Plane ys

flowers Ez

fle ywWe»©rs

} seedlingo¢

London Plane
Wintel

448
 Ba INE FAMILY = Platanaceae

London Plane Platanus x hispanica London Plane is one of the largest ornamental
urban trees available to town planners. Considerable
Some of the thin olive green and grey bark of Lon-
space is required if it is to develop properly. In the
don Plane exfoliates randomly in hand-sized plates
past it was often used as a street tree and pollarded
each year to reveal patches of creamy yellow under-
annually. Few civic authorities can afford to do this
neath. In this way the tree sheds city dirt and soot
now. Clonal populations ofany sort are vulnerable to
and is able to breathe again through its stem. Flaking
disease. Anthracnose caused by the fungus Apiogno-
bark usually falls away after the main growing season
monia veneta and canker caused by a Ceraatocystis fun-
in mid-summer. Some years this may be limited to a
gus are lethal to some clones of London Plane.
few scattered patches and in other years whole sheets
In addition to its obvious ornamental value this is a
of new pale stem are revealed. Deciduous thick
productive timber tree. Stems 1m thick may take
leathery plane leaves are palmately-lobed and have a
only 100 years to grow. The wood, known in the
long petiole. They are about 20cm long and wide.
trade as ‘lacewood’ is highly ornamental. It is golden
The triangular lobes may be shallow or deep accord-
brown with an intricate continuous pattern of small
ing to the origin of the plant. Winter buds form
brown flecks. As a veneer it was used on a large scale
inside the base of the leaf stalk, where they remain
in the early twentieth century. Although still very
hidden for several months. Trees up to 40m tall are
expensive it is less fashionable today.
known with spreading rounded tops over 25m wide.
The beautiful cultivar ‘Suttneri’ is a fairly large
Although terminal buds are not formed on planes,
and rare tree. It is easy to overlook it when there are
the stems are usually long and straight and seldom
no low branches in view. The green leaves are vari-
fork below the base of the crown. The lower
ously marked with spots of yellow and white which
branches on old trees have a tendency to droop; con- in autumn turns to yellow and orange.
sequently in towns they are mostly pruned off. Fruits, Growth: 4-18-35. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2.
in tight round clusters 2.5cm across, hang down on Wood: 1.
slender threads singly or up to four in a string. They
remain on the tree long after the leaves have fallen.

autumn

‘Suttneri’

449
 hood

fal= — ~ — = ~ -—
v c
seedling ~ = “ = “ Mirkove
> underside
Platanus “Augustine Henry

50
 PLANES

Plane hybrids and cultivars was first cultivated in 1870, adding weight to the Pla-
tanus racemosa argument. The lower branches on old
London Plane is itself considered a hybrid between
trees are pendulous and the stem exfoliates freely.
Oriental Plane and American Sycamore (p. 453). It
Growth: 3-15-40. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2.
was first recorded in Britain in 1663 and is now
planted in cities world-wide from Mexico to China.
It seems rather odd that in cooler conditions, for Platanus x hispanica cultivars
example around London, the hybrid thrives very
‘Pyramidalis’ is a conical tree at first but it tends to
well but the supposed American parent will hardly
become spreading and untidy with age. It is very
erow at all. Young American Sycamore plants are easy to grow from cuttings so nurseries have repro-
repeatedly stunted by frost and soon succumb to dis- duced it in large numbers since 1850. The bark does
ease and die. London Plane, on the other hand, is a
not exfoliate as readily as ‘Augustine Henry’. The
fertile tree which often seeds freely and regenerates Cambridge Plane ‘Cantabrigiensis’ has smaller
on river sides, wet mud and disturbed gravel. It also leaves than other cultivars. They are five-lobed and
grows extremely easily from vegetative reproduc- similar to Oriental Plane. The vigorous upright
tion, so huge clonal populations have arisen — which clone ‘Tremonia’ makes a good street tree. It was
in some areas have become susceptible to disease. produced in the Dortmund Botanic Garden in
LOSie
Platanus ‘Augustine Henry’ Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

This artificially selected cultivar is considered to be a

form of London Plane by some authorities but that is Platanus orientalis ‘Mirkovec’
not certain. A form of Platanus racemosa is suggested Coloured leaves in planes are rare but this strange and
as an alternative theory. Whatever its origin this is a unusual cultivar has foliage which is brownish-purple,
huge 40m tree with deeply divided, ‘hooded’ 3-5 especially when young and growing in full light.
lobed leaves. It originated in southern California and Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

S \\\

‘Cantabrigiensis’ *“Tremonia’
leaf variations

451
 bud covered
Oriental by leaf petiole
Plane

var. insularis

Gi x28

3 flowers
A ae

Oriental Plane var. insularis

452 winter
 RIGAINIES

Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis American Sycamore Ratanus occidentalis

Most ornamental examples of this superb tree are In its native eastern North America this makes a large
massive spreading specimens with long sinuous 30-40m tree with a stem often up to 1.2m thick.
heavy gold-flecked branches which occasionally Relics of a previous generation of trees remain in
bend and twist down to the ground and take root. A America, with stems up to 4.6m across. Present-day
multiple layered tree at Corsham in southern Eng- trees are used for flooring and functional furniture
land in 1990 measured 200m round the periphery. such as kitchen units and chopping — blocks.
Originally from south-east Europe, Oriental Plane Low-grade wood is used for pulp and fibreboard.
has been in general cultivation since the early 1600s. The live tree is used in city and park landscaping. All
In parts of its natural range it is an upright tree 25- plane trees cast a dense cool shade and they are rela-
30m tall. The 15-20cm leaves are variable but mostly tively free of insect pests.
deeply-lobed and leathery. The leaf stalks have a American Sycamore, also called Buttonwood, has
swollen reddish base which encloses the following bark which is smooth and pale, exfoliating in large
years bud throughout the summer. No terminal buds and small flakes to expose patches of even lighter col-
are formed so every year new shoot growth starts off our. Very old stems gradually become darker with
at a tangent. The flowers are in tightly packed globu- deep rugged fissures and wide ridges. The leaves are
lar 2cm clusters. When mature up to four of these 10-22cm long and wide with 3-5 shallow lobes in-
spheres of interlocking seeds hang on a slender terspersed with occasional widely spaced teeth. At
thread. first they are softly felted on both sides but at matur-
The variety insularis, the Cyprian Plane, 1s a ity they are only pubescent along the veins on the
smaller tree which has remarkable palmate leaves underside. The compact 3cm spheres ofdry fruits are
with extended narrow lobes. Each of these resembles mostly solitary, hanging on a thread-like stalk. In
a finger if additional points and subdivisions are ab- Europe, where it was introduced in 1636, it seldom
sent. This variety, formerly called digitata, was intro- grows well, and in Britain it invariably fails to grow
duced in 1842. at all.
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 2. Growth: 3-12-25 (40 in native range). Hardiness: 60-70%.
Wood: 1. Choice: 1, 4. Wood: 1, 2, 4.

Oriental Plane
autumn

American Sycamore
 Common
Quince

underside

Medlar
autumn
Himalayan Tree Cotoneaster

454
 ENG)
bat AVL e : Rosaceae

Medlar Mespilus germanica Himalayan Tree Cotoneaster

This deciduous shrub or small tree is grown chiefly Cotoneaster frigidus
for its fruit. It comes from south-east Europe to This untidy shrubby garden tree has tight clusters of
western Asia and has been cultivated for centuries creamy white flowers, bright green, sometimes
well beyond this natural range. Mespilus is the name semi-evergreen leaves, and in the autumn numerous
given to the tree by Theophrastus. Germanica means heavy bunches of bright red twin seeded 7mm ber-
German or from Germany, which is certainly not ries. After mid-winter these are taken by birds. This
strictly true in the modern sense. The 3-4cm white species is sometimes planted as an informal flowering
flowers occur in early summer but they are not hedge. It responds well to being cut back and still
showy. The fruits are globular or pear-shaped, 3cm manages to fruit freely. It originated in the Himalayas
across, with a persistent calyx reminiscent of Diospy-and was introduced to Europe around 1824. The
ros (p. 765). The dull brown fruits do not look appe- name Cotoneaster means quince-like; frigidus refers to
tizing, and they are indeed most disagreeable until its coming from a cold place.
after incipient decay begins. After that they develop a Most tree-like Cotoneastesters in Britain are
sharp acid taste. hybrids between this species and one or two others.
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. They are collectively called Cotoneasterxwatereri. The
original was probably the clone ‘John Waterer’, pro-
Common Quince Cydonia oblonga duced by the nurseryman of that name in 1928.
Since then it has hybridized wildly with several com-
The Common Quince is another ancient fruit tree patible species and even become naturalized in some
from western Asia with a long history of cultivation. places. Some chance hybrid seedlings make excellent
It is a shrubby deciduous tree sometimes reaching up garden plants. Berries may be orange or red, and
to about 7m in height. The white or palest pink sin- leaves evergreen or deciduous (or somewhere in
gle flowers are 4-5cm across. The 10cm long fruit is beweeen). Good red autumn colour may occur on
roughly pear-shaped, bright yellow and aromatic. plants that drop their leaves.
The leaves remain on the tree until early winter Growth: 3-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3.
before turning yellow and falling. There are several
choice named cultivated fruiting varieties. The genus
name Cydonia is Latin for an apple tree from Cydon,
on the island of Crete.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.

Common Quince
Himalayan Tree Cotoneaster
trained single stem
 leaf variations
Hungarian
Hawthorn

Downy
Hawthorn

leat Oriental Thorn

variations
a td
ah

Tansy-leaved
Thorn

=>
Hybrid Cockspur Thorn *Carrierei

456
 THORNS

Thorn Trees Crataegus Azarole Crataegus azarolus

In European folklore the thorn tree is generally considered Sometimes called the Mediterranean Medlar, this 9m
unlucky. It is associated with the month of May and the tree bears apple-flavoured edible fruits. It is native to
goddess Maia, whose son Hermes conducted souls to southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia and
Hades. Marriages in the month ofMay are still considered has been cultivated as far north as England since the
unlucky in some European countries. However, thorns seventeenth century.
are highly ornamental, providing scented spring blossom Growth: 2-7-9. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
and good autumn foliage and fruit colours. A few species
Oriental Thorn Crataegus laciniata
retain their berries (haws) until mid-winter.
Introduced from the Orient in 1810, this often
Hybrid Cockspur Thorn Crataegusx lavallei thornless 6-7m tree is a popular garden plant. It has a
A small tree which is ultimately 6-7m tall and almost neat round or flat head of branches usually on a single
as wide. It flowers in mid-summer and produces 2cm clear vertical stem. The deeply cut grey-green leaves
haws which stay on well into the winter. The name are felted on the under-side.
was given to a single tree in the Segrez Arboretum in Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
France, in 1880. A second, virtually identical plant,
Tansy-leaved Thorn Crataegus tanacetifolia
‘Carrierei’, originated in Paris three years later. One
parent was Crataegus mexicana, the other might have A small, virtually thornless tree introduced from Asia
been Crataegus crus-galli. Minor in 1789. Closely related to Crataegus laciniata, it
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5. has variable but deeply cut leaves. The mid-summer
clusters of creamy-white 2.5cm flowers are fragrant.
Downy Hawthorn Crataegus mollis Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
This wide-spreading sage green tree is 9-12m tall, Black Hawthorn Crataegus douglasti
native from Quebec to Nova Scotia and southwards
to West Virginia, Alabama and Texas. It was intro- This hardy mountain tree occurs from Alaska and
duced, as ‘White Thorn’, to European gardens in British Columbia southwards to central California at
1683. The incised leaves are soft and downy, and the up to 1800m. The white flowers are showy and the
2.5cm summer flowers are creamy-white with reddish glossy leaves colour well in the autumn. It was dis-
centres. The dark red-brown haws are also downy. covered by, and named in honour of, David Douglas
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5. in the nineteenth century.
Growth: 2-8-12. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
Hungarian Hawthorn Crataegus nigra
Scarlet Thorn Crataegus pedicellata
Native of Hungary, this felty grey-twigged tree was
introduced to West European gardens in 1819. The late This tree has 5cm shiny brown thorns which protect
flowers, which are often obscured by the fully expanded its rough glabrous foliage. It grows to 6m in its native
leaves, are white at first then pink tinted as they age. The eastern North America. The white flowers have
soft black haws are often slightly flattened. attractive light red centres.
Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5. Growth: 2-5-7.

thorn

Black Hawthorn Scarlet Thorn

 3t=) fe)f
3 3
ag,

i
s&s

lommon
Hawthorn

8h34
=
ee
s,
ay.

Common Hawthorn *‘Pendula Rosea’ *Stricta’

458
 THORNS

Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

The name ‘midland’ refers to central England where In cultivation this European native tree is most com-
this tree is a native species and an indicator of old monly used as a hedging plant, and seldom occurs as
woodland. It is also native of large areas of Europe. a garden specimen in its own right. The 1.5cm flow-
Crataegus means ‘strong’ and is a reference to the hard ers in tight clusters, are creamy-white and delight-
wood, laevigata means smooth or polished, a distin- fully scented. They occur in late spring. In England a
guishing feature of the foliage when compared to popular common name is ‘May’, a reference to the
common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Midland month when it is in flower. The haws contain only
thorns are totally hardy. They grow very well in one seed, hence the species name. Open grown trees
some shade but flower best in full sun. The scented usually develop a twiggy roundish head of thorny
white flowers occur in small clusters in late spring. branches on a stout often straight stem. They flower
The fruits or ‘haws’ of this species each contain two and fruit best in full sun. Almost any kind of soil is
hard seeds. The Common Hawthorn has only one. tolerated, even dry soils over chalk, or heavy wet
The cultivar ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a fine garden tree clay. Plants can be pruned hard at almost any time of
covered in late spring and early summer with tight year, so they make an ideal impenetrable hedge.
clusters of deep pink double flowers. Each individ- Hawthorn since very early times has figured in
ual flower is like a minute 2cm rose. The cultivar superstition and folklore. It was thought to be able to
‘Rosea Flore Plena’ is another double form, an ward off evil spirits but, strangely, flowers were not
ideal small tree for town parks or gardens. It is said allowed inside the dwelling. In Ireland, particularly
venerable thorns are still reckoned to be meeting
to be a parent of ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ and was first culti-
vated as long ago as 1832. All of these trees tolerate places for the fairy folk. In the past all parts of the
a wide range of soils, they can be hard pruned if foliage were used medicinally.
necessary, grow slowly, and do not get very large. The cultivar ‘Stricta’ has erect branches and is a
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 2, 3. perfect thorn tree in a place where space 1s limited.
Wood: 3, 5. ‘Pendula Rosea’ is a delightful small tree with pen-
dulous branches wreathed in pink flowers in late
spring.
Growth: 3-12-15. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 2, 3.
Wood: 3, 5.

‘Paul’s Scarlet’

‘Rosea Flore Plena’

459
 Midland Hawthorn Common Hawthorn

‘Lutescens’ ‘Variegata’

‘Plena’ “Rosea’

ee hdet

we

e oe

‘Gireoudii’

Var. dureda

f. rosea ‘Bicolor’

Cockspur
Thorn

i Cockspur Thorn
Cockspur Thorn
spring
460
 THORNS

Crataegus laevigata cultivars to this are often seen in the countryside with pinkish
flowers. The best ofall single-flowering hawthorns is
Midland thorn has a long history of cultivation
probably the German cultivar ‘Bicolor’, which has
which has given rise to numerous decorative forms.
white petals with a deep pink broad margin reminis-
‘Gireoudii’ is an old variegated plant cultivated by
cent of Dianthus.
Spath’s Nursery in 1899. It is seldom seen these days.
Growth: variable. Hardiness; 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
In summer the second flush of leaves are mottled
pink and white. ‘Plena’ is a floriferous double- Cockspur Thorn Crataegus crus-galli
flowered white cultivar. The flowers turn to pale
pink as the they mature. It was first cultivated in the In cultivation this is a popular broad-headed tree
1700s. ‘Punicea’ is a rose pink single-flowered type. around 6m tall with viciously sharp 8cm slightly
curved woody thorns. It is an east and central North
It was raised at Loddiges Nursery. The form rosea is a
wild pink-flowered tree which is quite variable. The American tree introduced to Europe in 1691. The
variety aurea is also occasionally found growing wild, creamy-white flowers in early summer occur freely
in clusters. The glossy scarlet haws stay on the tree
it has yellow berries. These are all excellent hardy
small park and garden trees, ideal as lawn specimens well into winter. There are several ornamental culti-
vars and varieties.
and for open spaces.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
Wood: 5.

Crataegus monogyna cultivars

Broad-leaved Cockspur Thorn
The common hawthorn has produced many differ- Crataegus prunifolia
ent sports and forms over a very long period of time
in cultivation. ‘Wariegata’ has leaves splashed and Another North American thorn closely related to the
Cockspur Thorn, this splendid garden tree 1s under
blotched with creamy-white. “Lutescens’ has leaves
6m tall with a compact rounded outline. The bril-
that are light yellowish-green, whereas ‘Aurea’ has
liant autumn foliage colour coincides with numerous
green leaves but yellow fruit. The variety eriocarpa,
plump glossy orange-red berries. This is a tree for
originally from Poland, has deep red fruits that are
woolly at first. The cultivar “Rosea’ has delicate sin-
open spaces in full sun, a feature plant of outstanding
quality for late spring and for the autumn.
gle pink flowers. Natural populations ofplants similar
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.

autumn

thorn

Broad-leaved Cockspur Thorn

autumn.

461
 Crataegus maineana

Crataegus atrorubens

Crataegus
Crataegus macrocarpa
macrocarpa
leaf variations

Crataegus songorica
Crataegus
durobrivensis

462
 THORNS

Rare Thorns Crataegus x durobrivensis

Some very rare species are illustrated here. Crataegus An ornamental hybrid from the northern United States,
oresbia is a mountain form which has largely been this shrub is a cross between Crataegus pruinosa and
replaced in horticulture by Crataegus pedicellata and Crataegus punctata, first discovered on the Genesee River,
Crataegus prunifolia (p. 461). Crataegus atrorubens 1s Rochester, New York. The deep red glossy fruits stay
an uncommon, 6-10m, virtually thornless tree from on for most of the winter.
the Mississippi bottom-lands. The Icm, 4-5 seeded Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 3.
haws are shed very quickly. Crataegus maineana is a
segregate of Crataegus pruinosa from the state of
Maine in the USA. It produces good orange-red
This small 6-8m Chinese tree has either very short
autumn foliage colour. Crataegus macrocarpa (laevi-
thorns or none at all. The 5-8cm deeply cut leaves
gata var. macrocarpa) is a kind of Midland Hawthorn
(p. 459) found in southern France and Switzerland. It have exceptionally long petioles. The 2cm early
was described as a species in its own right by summer flowers are white. The variety major is larger
Hegetschweiler in 1840, and then as a variety by and brighter as a garden tree. The glossy red fruits are
Rouy and Camus in France in 1901. Crataegus fla- covered with minute dots.
bellata is a large thorny tree 6-8m tall with vicious Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
6-10cm, slightly curved spines. The 12mm oval
crimson haws contain 3-5 seeds. Crataegus songorica Crataegus wilsonit
is an obscure south-east Asian species closely related This tree is morphologically similar to many Ameri-
to the thornless Crataegus wattiana. Its leaves are cut can thorns, but comes from China. The spines are
half way to the midrib. Crataegus chlorosarca is a short and thick and the glossy lobed leaves are 5-
small rare Asiatic pyramidal tree usually without 10cm long. The flowers are white and produced in
thorns. Its ragged-edged leaves are 5-10cm long and early summer in crowded clusters, followed by small
the 8cm corymbs of whitish flowers are followed by glossy red fruits which are only 8mm across.
clusters of black fruits.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

Crataegus chlorosarca Crataegus wilsonii

Crataegus pinnatifida
463
 flower
detail

i x
EAS, 44
as tee

a
ree os
—_ “2
Rowan ‘macioatas ee ar eee
—- Dirkenii Sorbus serotina bark

464
 ROWANS

Pe

Rowan Sorbus aucuparia brown when young. Its main stem is also coppery-
red to some extent and the foliage is variable but
The Rowan is an _ attractive slender tree with
similar to that of ‘Aspleniifolia’. The cultivar “Fastigi-
silvery-brown bark, creamy-white spring flowers,
ata’ is a distinctive upright narrow-crowned tree, bear-
and clusters of brilliant orange to scarlet autumn ber-
ing particularly bright red berries. For many gardens its
ries. It is hardy especially in northern Europe and
minimal need for space, and fairly slow growth, are
Asia where it inhabits upland areas and mountain-
positive assets. The cultivar “Kanthocarpa’, meaning
sides. Rowan is environmentally useful in that it pro-
‘yellow seeds’ has amber-yellow berries.
vides a valuable crop ofberries in early winter which
‘Dirkenii’ is a small upright tree with delicate pale
are taken by birds, especially migrating thrushes such
yellow foliage in spring and early summer, accompa-
as fieldfares. The scented flowers also attract numer-
nied at first by flat clusters of creamy-white flowers.
ous insects.
Before mid-summer the leaves turn green and
This tree has an established place in folklore, being
unspectacular clusters of orange-red berries begin to
central to several superstitious beliefs and magical
develop. Autumn colour is not striking. This obscure
stories. Trees often reach 15-20m in height in shel-
cultivar, raised around 1850, is rare in cultivation and
tered places, but much less in exposed situations. not much sought-after.
They may stay no more than gnarled bushes when
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 90% (species). Choice: 1, 2, 3.
they cling precariously to almost bare mountain
rocks. For this reason they make good alpine rockery
subjects in cold situations when starved of soil. As Sorbus serotina
garden trees they prefer sandy slightly acid soils. An unusual small upright tree thought to have come
They thrive best away from hot dry conditions. Sor- originally from Japan and Korea. It is closely related
hus is the Latin name for the Service Tree, another to Sorbus commixta (p. 469) and like that species pro-
member of the same genus. Aucuparia means “of bird duces spectacular autumn colour. The fruits are small
catchers’, as the fruit was used as bait for this in but bright red. The species name means late, a refer-
former times. ence to the slow seasonal progress of this tree when
The cultivar ‘Aspleniifolia’ has deeply incised serrate compared to Sorbus commixta.
leaflets giving the foliage a delicate feathery effect. It Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
bears large drooping clusters of red berries. “Beissneri’
has densely packed upright branches which are red-

Sorbus serotina
465
 Sorbus pohuashanensis i]

autumn

underside

bud Sorbus rupico . ee ars

/ rupicola Sorbus x meinichii

466
 ROWANS

Sorbus pohuashanensis Sorbus x meinichii

This small deciduous tree from China has pale A hybrid between Whitebeam and Rowan, this
woolly pubescent twigs and buds. The leaves are pin- obscure plant comes from southern Norway. It is
nate with 11-15 elliptic oblong 3-6cm leaflets, and a usually an upright-branched broad-headed tree
greyish pubescence on the underside. The white which closely resembles Rowan. The pinnate leaves
lcm flowers in dense clusters occur in late spring. have 4-6 pairs of robust deep green leaflets, fused
The fruits, less than 1cm across, are orange-red. This towards the tip. Clusters of red berries are produced
is a good garden tree when it is young. The pubes- in the autumn. It is a tough hardy plant with a prefer-
cent silvery foliage can then be fully appreciated at ence for cool, open situations and slightly acid soils.
eye level when standing by the tree. Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 3-9-14. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 3.
Sorbus caloneura
Sorbus japonica This rare hardy Chinese shrubby tree has dark twigs
This substantial south-east Asian tree grows up to and branches and ovate toothed leaves — similar to
20m tall with pinnate 10cm pale-backed leaves, and those of Sorbus rupicola but with more (9-13) pairs of
dense clusters of creamy-white flowers. In the parallel veins. The white flowers occur in dense 7cm
autumn scarlet brown-spotted 1.2cm berries are clusters. The stamens are purplish before they
accompanied for a time by yellow leaves. The variety mature. The pear-shaped 1tcm berries are dull
calocarpa has white-backed leaves and larger fruits. It brown.
is probably a better garden plant, especially for Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3
autumn colour. ‘Pagoda Red’ is another bril-
Sorbus xanthoneura
hantly-coloured tree in the autumn.
Growth: 3-14-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. The species name, meaning yellow, is a reference to
the leaf stalk and midrib, on what is essentially a Chi-
Sorbus rupicola nese form of Sorbus pallescens. The leaves are 10-
This rare plant is usually shrubby and less than 2m 13cm long with 16-20 glabrous parallel veins and
tall. It resembles Whitebeam and is probably only a double-toothed margins. They have strikingly white
microspecies in the Sorbus aria group. It 1s native to undersides. The 8mm depressed-globose fruits, by
Europe, including Britain, and Scandinavia. The contrast, are red.
ovate-oblong fruits are reddish with brown dots and Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
a paler or light green shaded side.
Growth: 1-2-2. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.

autumn

Sorbus caloneura

‘Pagoda Red’

467
 autumn
leaflet

Sorbus wilfordiana

Sorbus aucuparia subsp. sibirica = autumn

leaflet

ee Sorbus amurensis var. rota

¢
 ROWANS

Japanese Rowan Sorbus commixta crimson-coloured and sticky. Young vigorous shoots
have elongated lenticels giving them a kind of
In Japan and Korea this is a variable shrub or small
winged appearance. Again, the red autumn colour
tree. Cultivated plants of wild origin are also variable
combination of leaves and berries is superb.
but some specimens can be remarkably beautiful.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 80-90%, Choice: 1, 3.
The autumn colour is the main horticultural feature.
In late summer numerous clusters of berries ripen to
Sorbus aucuparia subsp. sibirica
orange-scarlet and in time their colour is augmented
by leaves that glow orange red and finally purple. Af This is a tough northern form of the European
ter 10 days or so the leaves fall but the berries stay on rowan with 4-5cm leaflets which are glabrous on
the tree until birds eventually take them. The largest both sides.
garden specimens reach up to 8m in height. Japanese Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 100%. Choice: 2.
rowan was first cultivated in America and Europe
around 1880. Sorbus americana ‘Belmonte’
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. The American Rowan Sorbus americana was intro-
duced to Europe in 1782. Its native range is west
Sorbus amurensis var. rota Ontario to Newfoundland and south as far as Geor-
This little known tree was introduced to Europe gia. It grows to 1800m in the southern Appalachian
from north-east Asia in 1907. The parent species 1s Mountains. It is a fine hardy ornamental tree of 9m
extremely hardy. The variety rota has beautiful in- with a spreading crown, but has a tendency to pro-
cised leaf margins and clusters of bright orange-red duce multiple stems. It grows best in the company of
fruit. coniferous trees on poor moist soils. The cultivar
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 3. ‘Belmonte’ was selected for its neat single-stemmed
habit. The symmetrical branches have an up-swept
Sorbus wilfordiana tendency and the foliage is light-coloured and open.
Numerous clusters of bright red fruits are borne in
An extremely rare tree in cultivation, this close rela-
the autumn, when the leaves turn golden yellow and
tive of Sorbus aucuparia has dark glossy leaves with rosy pink.
paler net-veined undersides. The buds are
Growth: 3-7-9. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.

autumn
leaflet

winter

Sorbus americana ‘Belmonte’

469
 Sorbus aronioides

underside

Sorbus ‘Signalman’ |}
1

‘Hilling’s Spire’

470
 ROWANS

Sorbus ‘Ghose’ America. New wild source material has been col-
lected during the recent Guizhou expedition to
A small upright rowan similar in many respects to
China.
Sorbus insignis, ‘Ghose’ originated as a chance seed-
Growth: 2 - -. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
ling. It was from a batch of Himalayan seed sent to
the Hillier Nurseries by the Indian nurseryman Sorbus keissleri
Ghose of Darjeeling. The berries are pink maturing Another Ernest Wilson introduction from China in
to light red. This tree is hardier than most of the 1907, this rare 12m tree is also in the micromeles sec-
other Sorbus insignis cultivars and forms. tion of Sorbus. It is a curiosity, in many respects simi-
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. lar to Malus. The clusters of fruits are like
Sorbus wardii crab-apples, green at first with a gradually extending
blushed cheek on the sunny side.
This quick-growing whitebeam of the Sorbus thibetica
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
type is another numbered introduction from Frank
Kingdom-Ward (KW 21127). The species name Sorbus ‘Signalman’
commemorates Kingdom-Ward. Plants also exist in An artificial product of the Hillier Nurseries, this tree
cultivation that are not reproduced from this individ- was cultivated at Eastleigh, Hampshire, in 1968. It was
ual, but these tend to be variable on account of the especially bred from Sorbus aucuparia ‘Fastigiata’ using
tree’s extensive and diverse natural range in Tibet Sorbus domestica to improve the quality, vigour and
and Bhutan. The columnar shape of KW 21127 strength of the fastigiate tree. The objectives were
makes it useful for streets and planting in limited achieved in this good columnar specimen with nich
spaces. The flowers are creamy-white in terminal flat green foliage and bright orange clusters of berries.
clusters. Smallish bunches of 12mm _ grey-dotted Growth: 3-7-9. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 3.
yellow-brown fruits follow.
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1, 3. Sorbus auccuparia “Hilling’s Spire’
Sorbus aronioides This popular garden form of Rowan has tight
This very rare tree, probably part of the micromeles upswept branches and produces abundant nodding
group, was identified in the early part of the twentieth clusters of scarlet fruit in the autumn.
century by Alfred Rehder. Then it appears to have Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 80. Choice: 1.
been lost to cultivation, at least in Britain and North

Sorbus keissleri Sorbus ‘Signalman’

‘Hilling’s Spire’
471
 Sorbus
harrowiana

flower
detail
Kashmir Rowan

Sorbus esserteauiana

Sorbus commixta
| ‘Jermyns’
‘Flava’

472
 ROWANS

Sorbus insignis Sorbus commixta ‘Jermyns’

This superb but slightly tender Mountain Ash from Named after Jermyns House in Hampshire, former
Assam is a very worthwhile tree for any sheltered gar- home of the great nurseryman Sir Harold Hillier, this
den. The foliage turns from rich green to fiery red in a chance seedling originated from a consignment of Sor-
good autumn. The large bunches of oval pink berries bus sargentiana seed. It has outstanding autumn colour
are seldom taken by birds and usually stay on all win- and amber berries which gradually turn orange.
ter. Most cultivated specimens have been raised from a Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
single plant collected by Frank Kingdom-Ward in
1928, and numbered by him KW 7746. It is upright, Sorbus esserteauiana ‘Flava’
shapely and not more than 6m tall. The cultivar ‘Flava’ has bright yellow berries in dense
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3. bunches, whereas the species has red fruits. It is a
small tree not over 10m tall, and one of the best
Sorbus harrowiana yellow-berried rowans.
Closely related to Sorbus insignis, this small pink- Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
fruited tree has remarkably big leaves, each with up to
Sorbus scalaris
9 leaflets 15-18cm long. It is tender in northern
Europe. The original plants in cultivation, introduced This spreading tree with bold foliage was discovered
from Yunnan by George Forrest in 1912, have not by Ernest Wilson in West China in 1904. Each leaf
survived in many places. A later introduction by Frank has over 30 leaflets which are grey-felted on the
Kingdom-Ward has fared rather better, and grown up back. They turn brilliant red and purple in autumn.
to 13m tall as far north as southern England. Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-7-13. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3.
Sorbus vilmorinit
Kashmir Rowan Sorbus cashmiriana An ideal tree for the small garden, this species has
In spite of its warm place of origin this tree grows well small ferny leaves and seldom exceeds 5m in height.
in northern Europe, although canker and die-back can The 3-5mm berries are very striking as they develop
affect it if environmentally stressed. The flowers in early in late summer from rose pink to bright mauve. The
summer are in clusters of palest pink, followed in autumn foliage is dark purplish-brown. In winter the
autumn by big pure white berries in weighty bunches. berries fade almost to white. Although small for
Birds usually ignore these, so they last a long time and rowan they occur in quite large clusters. This tree
contrast well with the big red winter buds. It makes a was discovered in West China by the French mis-
stiff upright tree and grows to around 8m. It has been sionary Father Armand David in 1889.
cultivated in European gardens since 1934. Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

autumn
leaflet

Sorbus scalaris Kashmir Rowan

Sorbus vilmorinii
nderside

Sargent’s Rowan

Sorbus
x kewensis

autumn leaflet

i Chinese Mountain Ast

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fe bw ,

ee P
ty pe

unripe ‘ a

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7 ,

a x
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ey we
~ ‘Rufus
«&

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“November Pink’
Vi Chinese Mountain Ash
474
 ROWANS

Sargent’s Rowan Sorbus sargentiana until late winter, so trees festooned with white
‘pearls’ are often seen at Christmas time, long after
A woodland tree from the mountains of south-west the leaves have blackened and fallen. The species,
China, Sargent’s Rowan was introduced to western
from a wide area in China, is variable, and named
gardens in 1908. It makes a splendid neatly rounded forms have been cultivated mostly from the variety
specimen tree, 8-10m tall. The crimson winter buds obtusa. The cultivar ‘Rufus’ has beautiful rose-pink
are prominent and sticky like a horse chestnut’s. The berries and delicate pinnate leaves with 11 leaflets on
substantial clusters of tiny flowers develop into huge each. The cultivar ‘November Pink’ is a lovely small
bunches of orange berries — frequently well over 300 tree with deep pink berries and bright golden yellow
to a bunch. The foliage also colours to orange in the autumn foliage.
autumn. Growth: 3-8-14. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-7-9. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’
Sorbus x Rewensis
The garden tree ‘Joseph Rock’, originally collected
Another orange-fruited rowan which produces huge from Yundshi Mountain in Yunnan in 1932,
bunches of berries in the autumn. Occasionally so remains fairly small with light airy foliage and
much fruit, in fact, that weaker branches break under
prominent clusters of amber berries in the autumn,
the weight ofit. Birds such as fieldfares and redwings It is a form of the Chinese species Sorbus rehderiana.
on their southern winter migration are attracted to Unfortunately it has become very susceptible to the
this rich harvest. An artificial hybrid between Sorbus disease fireblight in recent years. The similar-
pohuashanensis from China and Sorbus aucuparia, this looking resistant cultivar ‘Golden Wonder’ should
tree originated at Kew Gardens. possibly be planted instead in fireblight areas.
Growth: 2-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3, 4.
Sorbus forrestii Sorbus commixta ‘Embley’
This uncommon Chinese tree, closely related to Sor- Of all the Japanese Rowan cultivars “Embley’ makes
bus hupehensis, was introduced from Yunnan Prov- probably the best autumn feature. The shining scarlet
ince by George Forrest in 1921. It was eventually berries and glowing gold, red, claret and purple foliage
named in his honour in 1980. colours are quite outstanding. The display may last for
Growth: 2-6-. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. a full two weeks in a good year. ‘Embley’ stands some
Sorbus hupehensis shade and benefits from some side shelter.
Chinese Mountain Ash
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
A distinctive tree with blue-green-backed leaves and
white or palest pink berries. Birds tend to leave them

autumn
leaflet

autumn

Sorbus commixta ‘Embley’

475
 roof
Sorbus
‘Winter Cheer’

Sorbus megalocarpa

}Lis
>)

Showy Mountain Ash

{ ‘
}
¢ a
underside - i
( par L Gy peat Sorbus ‘Tundra
Sorbus ‘Sunshine’? ©) a we a
GT op Sorbus randaiensis
‘ v v \ “pA as
we
AT6 Ni v a. ae
 ROWANS

Sorbus megalocarpa Sorbus randaiensis

This small tree or large shrub has stout spreading Most of the existing specimens cultivated in gardens
branches. The broad obovate leaves are coarsely under this name are actually narrow-leaved forms of
toothed and usually colour well to red in the Sorbus commixta. The true species, which is a native
autumn. Corymbs of cream flowers appear just of Taiwan, has recently been re-introduced to west-
before the leaves unfold, they have a slightly unpleas- ern botanic gardens. It is probably less attractive than
ant smell. The conspicuous 2-3cm ovoid fruits are the imposter.
russet-brown to buff with minute pale dots. From Growth: -. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: -.
western China, this species was introduced to Britain
Sorbus “Tundra’
in 1903 and America in 1908.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. ‘Tundra’ is probably a seedling of Sorbus ‘Joseph
Rock’, but because seed does not always come true
Sorbus ‘Winter Cheer’ the exact parentage of this plant is uncertain. It is
Raised at Eastleigh, Hampshire, in 1959 from a Sor- reminiscent of Sorbus vilmorinii and Sorbus koehneana.
bus esserteanana ‘Flara’ x Sorbus pohuashanensis cross, ‘Tundra’ is a small fairly fastigiate tree with delicate
this outstanding seedling retains its fruit for most of greyish-backed leaves that colour well in the
the winter. The berries, in big clusters, are cadmium autumn. The unusual fruits are pale green at first,
yellow at first becoming flushed with orange and gradually changing to white in a curious way. bey
eventually turning orange-red. remain on the tree well into winter because birds are
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. not usually attracted to them.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Showy Mountain Ash Sorbus decora
Sorbus ‘Leonard Messel’
Showy, or ornamental, alludes to the bright red fruit
(see also p. 479) A fine garden form of Mountain Ash, ‘Leonard Mes-
sel’ produces a neat crown of foliage on a tree up to
Sorbus ‘Sunshine’ 10m tall. The leaves are large, with 7-11 leaflets
This selected seedling from Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ has which may themselves exceed 10cm long. The big
been in cultivation since 1968. The fruits are spec- clusters of creamy-white flowers are followed by dis-
tacular clusters of deep yellow berries which gradu- tinctive pink berries. The cultivar was raised by and
ally become tinted orange. As with ‘Joseph Rock’ named in honour of Leonard Messel in England in
this plant may become infected with fireblight. 1949,
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.

underside

Sorbus ‘Leonard Messel’

 p
¥
v

Sorbus x hybrida “Gibbsii

autumn
Sorbus lancifolia

Sorbus meliosmifolia

Showy Mountain Ash

winter

5
Sorbus » hybrida ‘Gibbsti Showy Mountain Ash
autumn S orbu s meliosmifolia
leaf variation

478
 ROWANS

Sorbus x hybrida *Gibbsii’ 1910 by Ernest Wilson. It is often confused in culti-

vation with another Wilson plant Sorbus caloneura.
This is a selected clone of the hybrid between Sorbus
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
aucuparia and Sorbus rupicola. It comes true from seed.
Technically it is a tetraploid apomict, which can pro- Showy Mountain Ash Sorbus decora
duce seed without the need for sexual fertilization. One of the few American rowans, this 10m tree is
Sorbus x hybrida originated spontaneously in Scandi- close to Sorbus americana in the wild, but is possibly of
navia where it makes a tree 10m tall. The cultivar hybrid origin in cultivation. It comes from the
‘Gibbsii’ originated in England before 1924. In culti- United States and Eastern Canada, and was intro-
vation it is frequently confused with Sorbus x thuringi- duced to Europe in 1636. It produces impressive
aca, a Sorbus aria x aucuparia cross which is fertile so it tight clusters of red berries which stay on well into
does not come true from seed. winter. The leaves have 11-17 lanceolate leaflets each
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3. 7cm long (see also p. 477).
Sorbus lancifolia Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1, 3.

This tough little tree seldom over 4m tall in cultiva- Sorbus tamamschjanae
tion and often less in the wild comes from Norway This is one ofa series of apomictic hybrids between Sor-
close to the Arctic Circle and has attractive bus rupicola and Sorbus aucuparia which reproduce as
deeply-lobed leaves and clusters of 9mm bright red clones. It occurs wild in Soviet Armenia. Others appear
berries. in Scotland (Sorbus arranesis) and Wales (Sorbus minima).
Growth: 1-3-4. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1, 3. Growth: 1-4-6. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3.
Sorbus meliosmifolia Sorbus folgneri
One of the earliest flowering whitebeams in cultiva- This elegant small spreading tree with white-backed
tion, this small tree has ascending stiff purple-brown leaves and felted shoots at first colours well in the
branches. The flowers are white and the fruit consists autumn and produces drooping clusters of 13cm
of 12mm globose red-brown berries. The leaves are globular dark red berries. The species was introduced
reminiscent of a chestnut (Castanea), 10-18cm long, from Central China in 1901. A yellow-berried form
sometimes with a more ragged edge. The tree was ‘Lemon Drop’ was introduced by the Hillier Nurser-
introduced to European gardens from west China in ies before 1950.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

autumn Sorbus folgneri

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480
 ROWANS

True Service Tree Sorbus domestica Sorbus x thuringiaca

This is a stately open branched tree some 20m tall A hybrid between Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) and Sor-
with ‘Mountain Ash’ (Rowan) flowers and leaves, bus aucuparia (Rowan), this tree brings together some
but rough bark like a pear tree. It is native to south- of the most ornamental features of each parent. It
ern and central Europe, North Africa and western develops into a compact branchy-topped tree of
Asia. In former times it was cultivated for its edible upright habit. The 1.2cm flowers are creamy-white
fruits and juice, from which a type of cider was pro- in clusters, appearing in late spring and followed by
duced. The 1.5cm flowers occur in broad panicles glossy red 1cm berries, similar to holly. The leaves
10cm across, in late spring. They are creamy-white. are like whitebeam except that the tip of the leaf nar-
The deciduous foliage consists of alternate 20cm pin- rows, and the two basal pairs of lobes are split to the
nate leaves with 11-21 ovate, parallel-sided, toothed, midrib.
5-8cm leaflets. In winter the buds are distinctly The cultivar ‘Fastigiata’ has distinctive, neat,
sticky. The fruits are around 3cm across. In the vari- closely-packed upright branches, pale-backed leaves,
ety pomifera they resemble small clusters of little and dark red berries. It was raised in York in 1907.
apples, light green in colour with a brownish-red side The parents of Sorbus x thuringiaca tend to produce
facing the light. The variety pyrifera has vaguely occasional spontaneous hybrids in the wild. These
pear-shaped fruits which are brighter red. have resulted in some interesting isolated populations
In the garden these trees require a lot of room but of apomictic variants which have become established
they are attractive and support a wide variety of wild- over time as microspecies. A similar rare plant occurs
life. Grass will grow reasonably well under a single in central Ireland where Sorbus hibernica has crossed
specimen on a lawn. with Rowan.
In Britain this tree is of particular interest to natu- Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3
ralists and historians for its antiquity in cultivation,
harking back perhaps to times when the edible fruit
was highly prized. Some isolated populations in the
west of the British Isles are considered to be actually
of native origin.
Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wood: 1, 5.

Sorbus x thuringiaca ‘Fastigiata’

481
 underside

Whitebeam

underside

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Lutescens

482
 WHITEBEAMS

Whitebeam Sorbus aria cultivar resembles the ordinary species with orange-
red berries and fairly early dull yellow and grey-
This fine ornamental garden, park and street tree is a
brown autumn foliage colour.
native species in north and central Europe, including
‘Magnifica’ is a fine upright tree that spreads in a
Britain and Ireland. It grows best on lime-rich soils
picturesque fashion in middle to old age. It has the
and will thrive on chalk. The branches are upright
smooth light grey-brown bark of the other white-
and then spreading with age. At first the glossy twigs
beams. The leathery white-backed leaves develop a
are coated with pale grey mealy down. The leaves
good glossy green upper surface. The fruits in small
too are downy on both sides at first. The upper sur-
bunches, are around 15mm across and bright red in
faces soon shed their hairs but the undersides remain
the autumn. This cultivar was produced in 1917 in
permanently felted and brilliantly white. The termi-
Germany.
nal clusters of 1.5cm creamy-white flowers give way
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2, 3. Wood: 1.
to bunches of 12mm red berries in late summer. In
former times these were eaten once they had begun
Sorbus ‘Wilfrid Fox’
to rot and become sweet. Also in the past the heavy
white wood was used for chairs, beams, cogs and This hybrid between Sorbus aria and Sorbus vestita was
wheels in machinery and vehicles. produced at the Hillier Nurseries before 1920. It was
The cultivar ‘Majestica’ frequently still referred to named after the founder of the Winkworth Arbore-
as ‘Decaisneana’ is a larger tree in every respect than tum in Surrey who was a close friend of the Hilher
the species. It can grow up to 20m tall with a stem family. This columnar and then broad-crowned tree
60cm across. The same kind of white-backed leaves produces a dense tangle of ascending branches reach-
as the species are 10-15cm long with double or mul- ing 12m in height. The large 15-20cm leathery, dou-
tiple toothed margins. It was first cultivated in France ble toothed, dark glossy green leaves are pale
in 1880. grey-felted on the underside. The fruits are green,
ripening to amber with tiny grey dots. They are
‘Lutescens’ is a normal-sized whitebeam which is
around 2cm across and occur in small bunches. The
something of a disappointment. The name implies
that it should be golden yellow. Although the hairs Sorbus vestita parent is the Himalayan Whitebeam
previously called cuspidata.
on the young leaves are indeed creamy-white the fo-
Growth: 2-7-10,. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
liage is a poor apology for yellow. Superticially this

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Himalayan Whitebeam Sorbus vestita Europe. It has brilliant white-backed leaves and clus-
ters of fruits which are greenish-brown flushed with
Formerly called Sorbus cuspidata, this is a magnificent
red when they ripen. It appears to have been in culti-
smooth-barked tree up to 23m tall, with big 18-25cm
vation since 1830, but has long been confused with
grey-green elliptic or oblong leaves. The creamy-
Sorbus aria. The whitebeams of Eastern Europe and
white flowers are in flattened terminal clusters which
Asia Minor, including Sorbus umbellata, are geo-
develop into smallish bunches of rock hard, 2cm, eraphic races of Sorbus aria, so this is not surprising.
green to orange-brown fruits. It has been in cultiva-
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
tion in Europe and America since about 1820.
Growth: 3-9-23. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3. Sorbus mougeotit
Sorbus vexans This beautiful medium-sized whitebeam is closely
related to the Service Tree of Fontainebleau, Sorbus
In Britain this is a very local apomictic microspecies latifolia. It comes from the European Alps and the
confined to a small area in North Devon. It was Pyrenees. The 8mm fruits which occur in bunches
described by E. F. Warburg in 1957. Unlike most of are bright red, and edible. Sorbus mougeotii might be
the other English hybrid whitebeams it thrives on of hybrid origin, possibly a cross between Sorbus lati-
neutral to acid soils. folia and Sorbus intermedia. It is apomictic and comes
Growth: 1-4-6. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3. true from seed.
Sorbus thibetica ‘John Mitchell’ Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
Wood: 1, 5.
One of the finest big whitebeam trees ever selected,
‘John Mitchell’ has 20cm oval to almost round grey- Sorbus x paucicrenata
backed leaves. Nicely proportioned, it can grow to This small tree has no particular garden merit but it is a
over 15m in height with wide spreading branches. It is complex hybrid curiosity that might appeal to serious
named in honour of William John Mitchell the one- plant collectors. It is a backcross that has occurred
time curator of Westonbirt Arboretum who selected it spontaneously where the parents grow together in
from a batch of Himalayan seed, presumably of Sorbus Central Europe. One of these is Sorbus x decipiens,
vestita, and planted it in the collection in 1938. which is itself a hybrid between Sorbus aria and Sorbus
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space). torminalis and is totally sterile. The other parent is Sor-
Greek Whitebeam Sorbus graeca bus aria which, because Sorbus x decipiens can not pro-
duce viable seed, has to be the mother tree.
More properly called Sorbus umbellata var. cretica this Growth: 2-7-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
is a small untidy tree with somewhat dense branches
from Greece, Syria, Asia Minor and parts of central

Sorbus mougeotii
Sorbus x paucicrenata
 Var.

longifolia AN

Sorbus takhtaja

underside

underside

; : underside
Sorbus hajastana Sorbus zahlbruckneri
Sorbus alnifolia
summer

486
 WHITEBEAMS

Sorbus alnifolia round 5cm silver-backed leaves which are incisely-

lobed. The creamy-white flowers are in flat terminal
This is a large deciduous tree 20m tall in the wild,
clusters. The fruits are orange-red, oval and slightly
but generally it is much less in cultivation. The
flattened.
upright branches support a neat rounded top. The
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 3.
1cm single white flowers, in terminal clusters, appear
in spring. Bunches of 1cm round berries turn from
olive-green through dull orange to red with tiny Sorbus hajastana
brown dots. The ovate to elliptic toothed leaves turn Important as a native species in western Asia, but
bright yellow, orange and red in the autumn. The very rare in cultivation, this is probably an eastern
varieties macrophylla and longifolia are superior gar- extension of Sorbus aria. The leaves are neatly serrate
den forms with larger and longer leaves respectively. and silver-backed. It is a difficult plant to obtain in
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Europe where most nurseries only stock the similar-
looking ordinary European Whitebeam.
Sorbus takhtajanit Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.

Strikingly white woolly-backed leaves are a feature of

this rare western Asian species of whitebeam. It is par- Sorbus zahlbruckneri
ticularly good in early spring when the buds break and This obscure Chinese species appears to be different
the rolled new leaves resemble upright silver candles. in the wild to cultivated plants. It seems that the
Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 40-50%. name has been used for two quite different plants.
The tree cultivated under this name is usually, but
Sorbus umbellata not always, found to be Sorbus alnifolia var. submollis.
Both it and the true species are broadly similar to Sor-
This shrubby plant from south-east Europe and Asia bus aria and only have garden value as curiosities.
Minor is closely related to Sorbus aria. It has almost Growth: -. Hardiness: -%. Choice: 4.

Sorbus alnifolia
autumn
Sorbus zahlbruckneri
autumn

487
 Swedish
Whitebeam
Wild
Service Tree

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Wild Service Tree

488
 WHITEBEAMS

Wild Service Tree Sorbus torminalis Service Tree of Fontainebleau

This is an environmentally important large suckering Sorbus latifolia
tree up to 25m tall with rugged cracking bark. The This is a 20m tree in France, with smooth grey bark
flowers in terminal clusters occur in early summer cracking vertically only in old age. The triangu-
and they are followed by russet brown edible fruits. It lar-lobed leaves are shining green above and tomen-
is native to Europe and as far south as North Africa. tose grey-green underneath. Clusters of short-stalked
Ancient wild populations still survive that have con- flowers are followed by 12mm globular edible twin
siderable conservation significance. New research 1s seeded fruits that are reddish with scattered minute
under way investigating the potential timber value of brown dots. It is an apomictic species that always
this species. The wood is hard, strong and _pale- comes true from seed. Presumably it originated as a
coloured, reminiscent of Sycamore (p. 633). Choice hybrid involving Sorbus torminalis and a form of Sorbus
lengths have a wavy grain, and a silvery sheen when aria. Individual specimens near to the Forest of Fon-
cut on the radius. tainebleau exhibit very constant botanical features.
Wild Service usually makes a shapely specimen Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
with rich golden-brown autumn foliage colour. It Wood: 1, 5.
requires light and plenty of space to develop to its full
capability. Sorbus latifolia microspecies
Growth: 3-10-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1.
Of considerable botanical and conservation interest
but limited garden merit are a number of rare en-
Swedish Whitebeam Sorbus intermedia
demic British Isles microspecies.
This is one of the most important trees for decorative In the Sorbus latifolia aggregate is Sorbus devonien-
and shelter planting in the far North of Europe. It sis, a tree up to 15m tall which is native only to
tolerates severe climatic conditions, notably in Nor- south-west England and parts ofIreland. Sorbus bris-
way, Denmark and Scotland. And it is the only toliensis occurs on the River Avon gorge near Bris-
broadleaved tree that really thrives on Orkney and tol. Sorbus x vagensis (torminalis x aria) is a rather
Shetland. It is equally at home further south, though, variable and not always apomictic hybrid. Fertile and
and is grown on numerous European city streets.
sterile trees are known within its limited range in
The lobed leaves are silvery-green. Dull white
south-east Wales and along the adjacent English bor-
branching corymbs of scented flowers appear in late
der. In the Sorbus intermedia aggregate is Sorbus an-
spring. The oval fruits, in conspicuous bunches, are
glica, a shrubby tree seldom more than 3m tall,
brownish then red.
Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 5.
which is local in isolated parts of the British Isles as
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 70%.
far west as North Kerry.

underside Sorbus
bristoliensis

Sorbus anglica

Sorbus devoniensis Sorbus x vagensis

Service Tree of Fontainebleau 489

 RY
young fruit Xx

Crab Apple
spnng winter

490)
 NP PILES

Crab Apple Malus sylvestris Orchard Apple Malus domestica

This small 9m tree is native to Europe, including the The Orchard Apple is not a true species in the strict
British Isles, Scandinavia, and parts of Asia Minor. botanical or horticultural sense. It has no wild prede-
Everywhere it is confused with domestic apple trees cessor, but is wholly man-made by selection and
which have escaped from cultivation and become breeding. It is thought that Malus sylvestris subspecies
naturalized. The fruit of the true Crab Apple is mitis, Malus dasphylla and Malus praecox were used as
2-3cm across, yellow-green, flushed with light red parents, but other Asiatic species, such as Malus siever-
and often speckled with tiny white spots. The sepals sii, may also have been involved. Centuries of devel-
ofits flowers are not deciduous. Although juicy, it is opment, and a few ‘happy accidents’ have resulted in
never sweet, even when over-ripe. Nevertheless, it sweet eating apples and sharp fruit for cooking and
has always been an important source of food and was for cider. It is reckoned that over 1000 species have
also used to make a particularly harsh kind of cider. been named. However, modern legislation and
Pips will grow, although they may take a leisurely 18 mass-production have reduced diversity. Just a hand-
months to germinate — and 12-15 years to fruit. Crab ful of good-looking cultivars now dominate the mar-
Apple was one ofseveral species used in the develop- ket and many fine-tasting varieties have become very
ment of hybrid domestic apples and seedlings were rare. The ordinary garden with an old named apple
cultivated for use as under-stocks on which to graft tree in it is increasingly important for the future con-
orchard apples. In Ireland a yellow dye was extracted servation of obscure threatened cultivars.
from the bark to colour wool. The British countryside in particular is littered
It is often a shapeless tree with several stems and a with ‘apple core progeny’ — trees that have grown
bushy top. Some branches, especially towards the from discarded cores of apples eaten many years ago.
base, develop short sharply pointed spur shoots. Abandoned rural railway lines and country lanes are
Trees up to 200 years old are known. The subspecies common locations and even urban roadsides still sup-
mitis, which is similar but not spiny, appears to have port a few trees. Most are of little consequence, but
been used most often in breeding orchard apples. some bear very acceptable fruit.
Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 5. Growth: 3-7-10 variable. Hardiness; 50-70%. Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-7-9.
Wood: 1, 5.

Orchard Apple
 “Yellow
Siberian’

Malus
halliana

Chinese Crab Apple

492
 APPLES

Malus x robusta Malus kirghisorum

This vigorous and hardy hybrid between Malus bac- A rare species, similar to Malus x robusta, with
cata (p. 501) and Malus prunifolia (p. 505) is a large numerous compact clusters of flowers. It makes a
upright shrub or small tree with slightly pendulous rounded tree about 5m tall and wide. It is no longer
branch tips. The leaves are 8-11cm long and bright widely available in the nursery trade.
green. The 3-4cm flowers occur in clusters, pink in Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3.
bud then white with just a hint of pink. The fruit is
globular to ellipsoid and only 1-3cm across; it turns Malus spectabilis “Raversit’
yellow and red in the autumn. The cultivar ‘Joan’ This cultivar of the Chinese Crab Apple is an admi-
has larger early white flowers and red fruits produced rable tree, usually less than 8m tall with spreading
in profusion, usually every other year. “Yellow Sibe- branches. The flowers are deeper pink than the spe-
rian’ is a well-known yellow-fruited heavy-cropping cies, and it is one of the best dark pink crab apple cul-
cultivar. tivars available at present. The fruits are of no real
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 3. ornamental significance. It was raised, however, in
England before 1864 and widely distributed in
Malus x zumi var. calocarpa Europe through Booth’s Nurseries near Hamburg.
This spreading bushy small tree is a 1905 Japanese Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
cross between Malus baccata var. mandshurica and
Malus sieboldii. The flowers are pale pink in bud and Malus halliana
white when fully open. The abundant 1.5cm apples Around 5m tall this old cultivar has now largely been
are orange-red and remain on the tree until the win- superseded by modern more flamboyant purple-
ter. Calocarpa means beautiful fruit — and they are. leaved forms. The young shoots are purplish-brown
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3. and the leaves are often purplish tinted green with a
minute crimson margin. The flowers are deep pink
Malus brevipes in bud, opening to paler pink, with long dark
Brevipes means short-stalked, a reference to the leaf purple-brown stalks. The lcm fruits are reddish-
stalks. This compact little tree produces abundant brown with a deciduous calyx, and extraordinarily
almost pure white flowers with orange stamens. The large seeds. This Chinese and Japanese garden tree is
bright red fruits are roundish and 1-3cm across. Its now unknown in the wild. It was introduced to
origin is unknown but it is closely related to Malus America from Japan in 1863.
floribunda (p. 495). Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

‘Joan’ Malus kirghisorum

spring
spring
493
 fruit enlarged

autumn

‘Charlottae’

Malus
hupehensis

Malus hupehensis
spring

494
 ANPIRILIES

Sweet Crab Apple Malus coronaria in cultivation, and is one of the most floriferous of
apples, the whole tree changing from pink to white
This North American tree, introduced to Europe in
as the flowers mature in mid-spring. The tiny lcm
1724, is still uncommon in cultivation. Up to 9m tall,
fruits are yellow. A fully mature specimen growing in
it flowers in late spring with violet-scented white
the open is likely to spread wider than it is tall, to
blossoms, flushed rose-pink in bud, on long slender
about 8mm.
shoots. The leaves are distinctly lobed. The 3cm
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
fruits are green, ripening to pale yellowish-green.
Alfred Rehder and Charles Sprague Sargent
described the lobed-leaf form (illustrated) as var. elon- Malus hupehensis
gata and the species as having entire, coarsely serrate A fine garden feature for all seasons, this apple has
leaves. Cultivation in Europe appears to have con- widely spreading branches, good flowers, and deco-
fused this distinction. The wood is decorative, heavy rative fruit. It originated in Central China where the
but soft, light-red in the centre and yellow towards local people used to make a kind of tea from the
the bark. leaves. The long-stalked spring flowers, in nodding
The beautiful cultivar ‘Charlottae’ has semi- clusters, are white with a hint ofpink while in bud.
double flowers and larger, more deeply-lobed leaves. By late summer the whole tree is covered with
It retains the delightful scent of violets and in autumn cherry-like translucent red 1.5cm apples. These are
it has good foliage colour. The original plant was eventually accompanied by reasonably good col-
found as a spontaneous seedling in Illinois in 1902. oured autumn foliage. The seeds come true, as this is
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 1. an apomictic triploid (see glossary) and does not rely
on sexual means of reproduction.
Japanese Crab Apple Malus floribunda There is a pink-flowered cultivar “Rosea’ which is
a useful substitute for a flowering cherry, where
This tree was introduced to Europe and America in
cherries are difficult to grow.
1862 from Japan but it does not have any known Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
wild distribution there. It has become very popular

Sweet Crab Apple Japanese Crab Apple

495
 Pillar Apple

Malus transitoria

Oregon Crab Apple

‘Malus ‘Magdeburgensis >

variation *

Malus trilobata Oregon Crab Apple

496
 INIPIPILIESS

Pillar Apple Malus tschonoskii 3cm round apples are yellow-green with a red or
red-brown sunny side. In cultivation “Magdeburge-
An erect tree up to 12m tall from Japan, this species
nsis’ is prized for its lovely flowers which give the
was discovered by western plant collectors near
feeling ofa traditional apple orchard in spring.
Mount Fujiyama in 1897. As a garden specimen it is
Growth; 2-5-9, Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.
usually planted for its upright stature. It has unusual
erey-backed green summer leaves, and glorious
Oregon Crab Apple Malus fusca
autumn foliage colour. Its pinkish-white blossom is
fairly ordinary, and its fruits insignificant. (See also p. 499). A native of the north-west Pacific
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5. coast of America, this woodland tree has a huge
natural range from southern Alaska to north-west
Malus transitoria California. Such an extensive north to south distribu-
tion gives rise to great variation. Ultimate height, for
This species is closely related to Malus toringoides. instance, may be anything between 4m and 12m.
They are both rare Chinese bushy trees, usually with
The leaves are entire or three-lobed but frequently a
distinctively lobed leaves. The 2cm flowers are
mixture of both. The flower clusters are white but
white, appearing in mid to late spring. The globose slightly pink in bud. The fruits come in a range of
or slightly elongated 1cm fruits are light orange-red. colours, they are elongated and up to 4cm long.
The autumn foliage colour can be excellent. Malus Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 3, 4.
transitoria came originally from Kansu Province in
north-east China. Malus trilobata
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
This unusual apple with lobed maple-like leaves was
Malus ‘Magdeburgensis’ originally classified as a species of thorn. It is a small
narrow-crowned tree, native to Syria and the eastern
This is possibly a hybrid between a crab apple and an Mediterranean. In cultivation it is quite rare and
orchard apple but its exact parentage is uncertain. It slightly tender. The white flowers are 3.5cm across in
was raised in Germany before 1900, and is closely clusters. The fruits are elongated or slightly pear-
related to Malus spectabilis (p. 499). The large clusters shaped. They contain ‘stone cells’ which more usu-
of 5cm semi-double ‘orchard apple’ flowers are car- ally occur in pears. In a good season the autumn foli-
mine in bud, becoming pale pink as they open. The age can turn bright red.
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

Malus transitoria

4,

Malus trilobata Malus transitoria

Pillar Apple
autumn 497
 underside

Chinese
Crab Apple

Malus
orthocarpa

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 INIPIPILIESS

Oregon Crab Apple Malus fusca A single-flowered form was also noted in 1825, but it
is probably no longer in cultivation.
This species is described on p. 497.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 3.

Malus lancifolia Malus orthocarpa

A 6-8m tree with long flowering branches and spiny From China, this shrub or small tree has the palest of
side shoots. It is native to the United States, espe- pink flowers. Unfortunately it is now extremely rare
cially in Missouri and Illinois, and in southern Can- in cultivation. The bright orange-red apples are
ada. In America it is usually regarded as a form of mostly held in an upright position.
Malus coronaria (p. 495). The clusters of 3-4cm flow- Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4.
ers are pale pink providing a lovely garland effect on
the extended shoots. The narrow leaves are more or Malus prattit
less lanceolate but can be variable in shape, and some
Discovered by A.E. Pratt in China, and introduced
are occasionally lobed. The round 3cm apples are
by Emest Wilson for the Veitch Nursery, in 1904,
waxy green on thread-like stalks.
this lovely tree is closely related to Malus yunnanensis
Growth:-2-6-8. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1, 3. (p. 505). It is native to Szechuan Province. Remuinis-
cent of a Japanese flowering cherry, it grows into an
Chinese Crab Apple Malus spectabilis upright specimen some 7-8m tall with slightly
This decorative 6-9m Chinese garden tree has been spreading branches. The white flowers are 2cm
in cultivation so long that no wild distribution is across in clusters. The 3cm apples, on thick fairly
known. It produces a huge accumulation of semi- rigid stalks, are round or pear-shaped turning
double 5cm shell pink flowers in mid-spring with the through yellow to red, and covered with minute
fresh young leaves. The prominent mass of yellow white dots. They contain gritty cells like a pear. The
2.5cm globular apples is a valuable early winter fea- 6-15cm leaves are large for an apple, especially those
ture. The tree has been in Europe at least since 1780. on vigorous young shoots. They are slightly red
veined through the summer and generally give a
good show of autumn colour.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.

(3)
hin“Ay
ee

Malus prattii

Malus prattii 499

 var. mandshurica

var. mandshuric

a Ney
ERR ION = Siberian
as wi * ae Crab Apple

Siberian Crab Apple

500
 Te BADE

Siberian Crab Apple Malus baccata The variety mandshurica has early 4cm fragrant
white flowers and larger 1.2cm red fruits on long
This is a very hardy 8-14m tall tree, starting off with
stalks. Its natural range runs through eastern Siberia,
a narrow rounded crown but spreading out widely
south to central China and across Japan. It was intro-
with age. It is native to a large area of north-east Asia
duced to the west in 1825 and was noted at Kew in
and northern China and was introduced to Kew
1874, but wrongly named Malus baccata. The genuine
Gardens in London in 1784. The 3-4cm single fra-
variety was reintroduced by Emest Wilson to the
grant white flowers, occurring in mid-spring with
Veitch Nursery in 1901.
the fresh glossy green leaves, are reminiscent of apear
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 3.
tree. The fruits are small with a hollowed base and Wood: 5 (species).
deciduous calyx. They turn from yellow to red in the
autumn, or sometimes remain — bi-coloured. Malus ‘Lady Northcliffe’
Although tediously small to collect the apples make a
This hybrid, of uncertain origin, was raised at Alden-
delicious jelly. The name baccata is a reference to the
ham, in Hertfordshire in the 1920s and appears to
fleshy fruit. The true species is uncommon in horti-
have characteristics of Malus baccata. It flowers abun-
culture. Many early plants were in fact hybrids with
dantly, pink in bud and white on opening, at the
Malus prunifolia which generally have larger fruit (see
same time as the fresh green leaves appear. The fruits
Malus x robusta, p. 493). These included ‘Red Sibe-
are yellow to russet-brown with a deciduous calyx.
rian’ and ‘Yellow Siberian’, which appeared shortly
This is a short but fairly wide densely ‘twiggy’ plant
after 1850.
which can be quite spectacular when covered in
The cultivar Jackii’ from Korea, was introduced
spring blossom. All of the forms of Siberian Crab
in 1905. It is another free flowering tree with single
Apple, and the species itself, deserve to be more
ivory-white blossoms and golden stamens. The
widely planted. They are extremely hardy and make
leaves are deep green and the 1cm fruits are glossy
excellent additions to an exposed landscaped area or
red.
as a decorative component of a shelterbelt. They will
tolerate most soil types and urban conditions.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3.

Siberian Crab Apple bark

7

spring

Malus ‘Lady Northcliffe’

501
 Malus x hartwigii

= aS= “ =8 =]~$ S
-

Vv ar. himalaica

Malus prunifolia var. rinki bark

x sublobata

Malus
sargentii

Malu s prunifolia var. rinki Malus sargentii

50 i)
 IMPLIES

Malus baccata var. himalaica leaves. The semi-double flowers are pink in bud
emerging white as the leaves unfold. The greenish-
This is a southern race of the Siberian Crab Apple
yellow 1cm fruits are roughly pear-shaped.
which varies widely according to local provenance
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
but is never very different to the species. Some indi-
viduals have more coarsely toothed leaves. The
Malus x sublobata
flower buds are often flushed with pink but the single
flowers are white. It was introduced around 1910 by This hybrid between Malus sieboldii and Malus pruni-
George Forrest, and also Frank Ludlow and George folia var. rinki was first described at the Arnold Arbo-
Sherriff working in Tibet and Bhutan. retum, Massachusetts, USA. It is an unpredictable
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 4. plant probably because of the variable nature of
Malus prunifolia. The 4-8cm leaves tend to be nar-
Malus prunifolia var. rinki rower than most other apples and slightly lobed on
vigorous young growth, hence the name sublobata.
The species and the variety are both of garden origin.
The shaggy 4cm flowers are pink in bud opening to
Malus prunifolia (p. 505) is thought to have been
very pale pink.
introduced from north-east Asia in 1753. Its variety
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
rinki is extensively cultivated in China for its edible
fruit. Ernest Wilson found apparently wild plants of it
Malus sargentit
there, but it was first introduced to Europe from
Japan, around 1850, by the German plant collector This shrubby Japanese plant, not more than 3m tall
Philipp Franz von Siebold. There are pink-flowered but often wide spreading, has densely packed twigs
forms and paler types. There are also red-fruited and which are frequently spiny. The 5-8cm toothed
yellow-fruited trees. leaves have woolly backs and can develop one or two
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. lobes. The 3cm flowers are single and white with
prominent golden stamens, and the 1cm fruits which
Malus x hartwigit follow are bright red with a deciduous calyx. Plants
were sent to Kew Gardens from the Arnold Arbore-
Although the origin of this tree is unknown it is tum by Professor Sargent in 1908. The tree was dis-
thought to be a hybrid between Malus halliana and covered in Japan by Sargent himself in 1892 but it
Malus baccata. It was introduced to Germany from now seems doubtful whether it is a true species.
Asia by August Karl Julius Hartwig in 1906. It is a Hybrid status would perhaps be more appropriate,
fine spreading tree with dark twigs and 6-8cm ovate but botanists are still discussing this.
Growth: 1-2-3. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Malus x hartwigti
Malus prunifolia
spring:
spring
 autumn

Malus florentina

Toringo
Crab Apple

Malus ioensis

504
 APPLES

Malus florentina Malus toensis

From northern Italy and the Balkans, this small tree This hardy 10m tree from the USA — the name
has upright branches but a rounded outline. The pale meaning ‘from Iowa’ — is the common crab apple of
furry-backed, often truncate, leaves are broadly ovate, the Mississippi area. The fresh green leaves are
3-7cm long and deeply incised into several pairs of coarsely toothed, often partially incised on the most
toothed lobes like hawthorn with reddish stalks and vigorous growth. The 4cm flowers are single, pale
main veins. The autumn foliage colour is bright pink, and appear in terminal clusters, scented like
orange and scarlet. Pure white flowers occur on sec- violets. The globular 3cm fruits are waxy green and
ond year spur shoots all along the branches. It was yellow with a persistent calyx. A double-flowered
introduced to England by H. Groves in 1886 from form ‘Plena’, the Bechtel Crab Apple, is one of the
near Florence, Italy, hence the species name. It is rare very best ornamental flowering apples. The pink
in cultivation but deserves to be planted more widely. early summer flowers are up to 6cm across and also
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. have the smell of violets. It was introduced into culti-
vation by Messrs Bechtel, nurserymen of Illinois,
Malus prunifolia UsArin 139%
Although this small hardy tree is well known in cultiva- Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
tion it is of uncertain Asiatic origin. It has 3cm fragrant
Malus yunnanensis
white flowers in terminal clusters. The 2cm slightly
ovoid fruits turn from yellow to red with a persistent From Yunnan in west China this 10m tree was discov-
calyx and remain on the tree well into winter. The ered by Father Jean Marie Delavay, a missionary work-
name means having leaves like those of a plum tree. ing in China. It was introduced to the west by Emest
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. Wilson in 1908. The tree has slightly lobed or very
coarsely toothed 6-12cm leaves with pale brown felted
Toringo Crab Apple Malus sieboldit backs. The young shoots are tomentose. The flowers
This small shrubby tree, rarely over 4m tall, is from are palest pink and very small, in dense clusters reminis-
Japan. The leaves are extremely variable, from oval cent of athorn tree. A more common plant in cultiva-
to lobed and up to 6cm long. The slender-stalked tion is the variety veitchii. It colours well in the autumn
flowers are rose pink and short-lived. Tiny pea-sized with orange leaves and tight bunches of 1cm bright red
yellow fruits follow which acquire a russet or rosy fruits.
side by early winter. The plant was introduced by Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Philipp Franz von Siebold to Berlin in 1856. To-
ringo means ‘Chinese apple’ in Japan. Siebold’s origi-
nal tree appears to have had larger 3cm fruits.
Growth: 1-3-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

var. veitchii
autumn
Malus florentina Malus yunnanensis
 Malus ‘Lemoinei’

Malus ‘Liset’

Malus ‘Profusion’

*‘Aldenhamensis’

Malus x purpurea
Malus ‘Laxton’s Red’

506
 PNOPALAESS

Malus ‘Lemoinei’ Malus x purpurea

This deep pink French flowering crab apple, a This is a hybrid between Malus x atrosanguinea and
favourite with gardeners, is probably of similar par- Malus niedzwetzyana which produces huge numbers
entage to Malus x purpurea. Catalogues began to list it of strong pink single flowers on long stalks. It makes
from around 1922. It is a dark-leaved tree which a rounded mound of a tree 5-7m tall. Cultivated in
remains fairly small, seldom over 6m tall, with a France before 1900 this hybrid has been widely
broad slightly ragged head ofbranches. The stunning planted in gardens, parks and streets, and many
purple-crimson flowers occur with the bronze- named cultivars have been developed from it. The
brown leaves in spring. The summer foliage is som- clusters of 2cm apples are dark brownish-red. The
bre greenish-purple then in autumn the tree pro- twigs are purplish-brown and even the wood is
duces masses of little round very deep red apples on sometimes stained red. The cultivar “‘Aldenhamen-
long stalks like cherries. sis’ is one of the best known forms with mostly
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. semi-double flowers appearing in late spring, often
with a limited second flush in autumn. The tree was
Malus ‘Liset’ cultivated at Aldenham, Hertfordshire, in 1922. The
2.5cm brownish-red apples are slightly flattened and
‘Liset’ is another garden favourite like ‘Lemoinet ,
their pulp is also stained red.
but generally larger and brighter. The summer leaves
Growth: 2-6-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
are dark glossy green, tinted purplish-bronze. It is an
artificial hybrid between Malus sieboldii (p. 505) and
Malus ‘Laxton’s Red’
Malus ‘Lemoine’.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. The name Laxton is usually associated with domestic
orchard apples, ‘Laxton’s Superb’ being one of the
Malus ‘Profusion’ finest of all eating apples. This diversion by the Lax-
ton nurseries from orchard apples is a lovely little tree
Like the previous two trees this medium-sized
related to Malus x purpurea, but with lighter-coloured
spreading plant has purple-bronze foliage and deep
foliage. Unfortunately it is no longer generally avail-
pink flowers. The leaves on vigorous shoots are often
able in the nursery trade.
lobed. Older specimens develop pendulous branches.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
The flowers fade as they mature to paler pink, but
they retain a delicate scent. The apples are small and
something ofa disappointment.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Malus ‘Profusion’
Malus ‘Laxton’s Red’
 Malus ‘John Downie’

508
 RITES

Malus ‘Butterball’ Malus ‘John Downie’

A relatively new cultivar produced in 1961, very ‘John Downie’ is a strong-growing apple tree, which
similar to ‘Golden Hornet’, producing numerous bears numerous 3-4cm round or conical apples.
2.5cm round apples which are bright yellow and They are pleasant to eat when fully ripe and are also
lightly flushed with orange on the sunlit side. It ornamental, being bright yellow to orange, with a
makes a small spreading tree with drooping branches rosy-red flushed sunny side, hanging in clusters on
and bright green leaves. The flowers are pink in bud slender stalks. The flowers are pink in bud and then
opening to white. It is ideal for the small garden as white, appearing in late spring. This cultivar was
something a little different to the ubiquitous “Golden raised by E. Holmes of Lichfield in 1875. John
Hornet’, below. Downie was his friend and a fellow nurseryman from
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 1. Scotland.
Growth: 2-7-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Malus ‘Crittenden’
Malus ‘Dartmouth’
Noted for its numerous tiny 1-2cm glossy scarlet
apples which hang on for most of the winter, from a This cultivar produces beautiful pure white 3.5cm
distance this small tree resembles a hawthorn laden single flowers in late spring accompanied by fully
with late haws. The mid-spring flowers are palest extended fresh green leaves. The rather angular 4cm
pink. The original plant was sent to B. P. Tompsett edible apples are bloomed wine-red. It is a vigorous
of Crittenden House, Kent, from Japan in 1921. It is plant raised in New Hampshire, USA, around 1883.
possibly related to the red-fruited form of Malus An ideal garden tree for both spring and autumn
prunifolia var. rinki (p. 503). interest.
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ Malus ‘Eley

This is now probably the favourite and most planted This well known small tree with deep pink flowers
garden crab apple of all. It bears numerous little 2cm was raised by Charles Eley in England before 1920.
yellow apples in the autumn. These will usually stay The purplish-red fruits are more decorative than
on the tree until mid-winter when there is hardly most of the other deep pink-flowered crab apples. It
any other bright colour left in the garden. ‘Golden is said to be a hybrid between Malus niedzwetzkyana
Hornet’ was produced by Waterer’s Nursery before and Malus spectabilis. It is known that Mr Eley pro-
1949. The exact parentage is unknown but the tree duced many seedlings. Although only one was
has a lot in common with the yellow-fruited Malus named ‘Eleyi’ several of them still appear to be in
prunifolia var. rinki (p. 503). cultivation.
Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-6-8.

Malus ‘Eley’

Malus ‘Dartmouth’

509
 Malus ‘Red Jade’

Malus ‘Van Eseltine’

Malus *Coralburst’ Malus ‘Mary Potter’

510
 ENNIS,

Malus ‘Red Jade’ Malus ‘Van Eseltine’

Thought to be a seedling of the weeping crab apple This narrow-crowned tree is an ideal plant for the
‘Exzellenz Thiel’, this small tree has drooping small garden requiring very little space. It was raised
branches. It appeared in Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, by the New York Department of Agriculture
WSAy in) 1935, The leaves are finely toothed and Experimental Station between 1930 and 1941. The
have slender stalks. The spring flowers are pure white semi-double flowers are red in bud then shell pink
after being flushed with pink in bud. The 1.5cm with paler pink central petals. They occur in clusters
fruits are bright red and persist in huge numbers on with the leaves in spring. The 2cm fruits are yellow,
the tree well into the winter. occasionally with a light red flush on the sunny side.
Growth: 2-4-4. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-4-5, Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

Malus ‘Red Sentinal’ Malus ‘Coralburst’

This 1959 selection of the hybrid Malus x robusta A low-growing tree recently raised in America. It has
(p. 493) was produced by Notcutts Nursery. The numerous clusters of pink blossom. The single flow-
flowers start pink and turn white as they open. The ers are paler on the tops of the petals than the back,
numerous 2.5cm deep glossy red fruits are globular giving a two-tone effect. It is another compact tree
and slightly ribbed. They remain on the tree at least which needs very little space.
until mid-winter. Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Malus ‘Mary Potter’
Malus ‘Royalty’ Often a small shrubby tree, this was selected in 1939
Grown for its foliage and flowers this small tree was from a Malus x atrosanguinea crossed with Malus sar-
raised by W.L. Kerr in Saskatachewan, Canada, in gentii ‘Rosea’. It has blush-pink flower buds opening
1962. The leaves are purple, turning fiery red in the to white with golden yellow stamens. The numerous
autumn. The large 5cm flowers are deep pink, 1cm fruits are red like small hard cherries.
appearing with the leaves in mid to late spring. The Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
apples are very dark red.
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.

Malus ‘Coralburst’
Malus ‘Royalty’
emerging flowers
spring

511
 Wild Pear

———s

Pyrus betulifolia

Wild Pear

512 Pyrus amygdaliformis

 BIGNESS

Wild Pear Pyrus pyraster corymbs and are followed by 2-3cm globose pears. The
plant was introduced from Turkestan in 1891 by Albert
The status of this plant is uncertain. In Britain it is
Regel, and raised in Germany.
regarded generally as the form of Pyrus communis
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1,
(p. 519) most likely to be from wild stock. A
thorny tree often of great age and substantial size. Pyrus amyegdaliformis
Growth: 3-9-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.
Unlike most pears, dry arid soils suit this species very
Pyrus serrulata well. It grows in association with olives and almonds
in southern Europe and Asia Minor, and extends into
This rare tree in cultivation was introduced in 1917
high mountainous situations. The species name
from central China. It is a plantsman’s tree with little means ‘like an almond tree’. It was introduced to
popular appeal. The 5-11cm ovate-oblong pointed
Britain in 1810 but is not widely grown in gardens.
and neatly toothed leaves are its best feature.
Although usually a small spiny shrub, trees 8m tall are
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. known, the branches spreading outwards in a dense
tangle of foliage. Flowers occur in clusters of 8-12
Pyrus betulifolia
followed by subglobose 2-3cm pears.
This slender 6-10m tree from northern China was Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
introduced to France in 1863, to America around
1865, then eventually to England in 1882. It is used Pyrus elaeagrifolia
in China mostly as a rootstock for orchard pears. The
young branches and twigs are covered with thick This species is like Pyrus nivalis (p. 515) but has nar-
grey felt, and the leaves resemble birch (the Himala- rower, grey leaves and comes from further east in
yan sort) as indicated by the species name. They are Asia Minor. It was introduced into cultivation in the
4-7cm long and distinctly toothed. White 2cm single British Isles in 1800 and was one of the first trees to
be planted in the Insh National Botanic Garden, at
flowers are produced on long slender stalks in mid to
late spring. The brown fruits are tiny with pale dots. Glasnevin, founded in 1789. It is a small thorny tree
with grey tomentose shoots, grey-green leaves, and
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 2.
hard brown cream-dotted pears.
Pyrus regelit Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.

This small spiny tree is variable with both deeply cut

and shallowly-lobed leaves often on the same branch.
The 2-2.5cm white flowers are infrequent in sparse

Pyrus amygdaliformis
On = Oo
 Pyrus co ssonit

cossomi

Pyrus cossonit Snow Pear

514
 PEARSS

Pyrus cossonti from summer grey-green, to wine-red in the autumn

but still retain their pale, now glaucous-pink, backs.
Formerly called Pyrus longipes, this is an unusual pear
It is a hardy tree, ideal for a garden with a grey or
tree from north-west Africa, in particular the Batna
white theme. It can be pruned to size or shape but
area of Algeria. It was introduced to America shortly
preferably only in summer so as to minimize the risk
before 1875 and to Europe in that year, but it does
of infection from silverleaf disease, Chondrostereum
not thrive in the north and often remains small and
purpureum.
bushy. The twigs have many spur shoots but they are
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
almost thornless. Clusters of 3cm flowers start off pale
pink in bud and turn to white on opening. The
orbicular-ovate leaves seldom exceed 5cm in length. Pyrus bretschneideri
Globose 1.5cm slender-stalked brown pears, covered This medium-sized upright tree has been cultivated
with tiny scattered dots, occur in the autumn. in northern China for its juicy edible fruit for centu-
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3. ries. Although introduced in 1882 it is rare in cultiva-
tion in the west. It is closely related to Pyrus
Snow Pear Pyrus nivalis usssuriensis var. ovoidea (see also p. 517) from a more
northerly region in eastern Asia. The 5-11cm leaves
This central and south-east European 10-16m tree
are oval to almost round with a short abrupt pointed
was introduced to England in 1826. Although it is
tip. The 2.5cm flowers are white in loose clusters.
virtually thornless it usually produces a dense
They occur in spring with the leaves. The small
impenetrable tangle of twigs. The 3cm flowers are
greenish-yellow pears are oval to globose, up to 3cm
pure white, single, with five petals. The stamens are
long.
yellow with red anthers. Elongated pears 5cm long
Growth: 3-8-16. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
are sparingly produced. The striking feature of this Wood: 1, 5.
tree is its light silvery-grey-backed leaves. They turn

WV)
Ni ” new leaves

spring

Pyrus bretschneideri
 Manchurian art See

x canescens
Manchurian

Willow-leaved
Pear

*
>

var. hondoen sis

Willow -leaved Pear

Manchurian Pear var. hondoen sis

spring sprin g
 PEARS

Manchurian Pear Pyrus ussuriensis Willow-leaved Pear Pyrus salicifolia

A 15m, vigorous, hardy, tree from north-east Asia, One of the best silver-grey trees available to garden-
extensively planted in temperate gardens world- ers at present, widely available and frequently
wide. It appears to have arrived in the USA in 1855. planted. It makes a good centre-piece on a lawn or
Seed was then sent to Berlin in 1859, and the tree can be used as a feature at the end ofa vista. The spe-
was introduced to Britain in 1865. The deciduous cies, which is up to 8m tall, was introduced from its
leaves are rounded-ovate to oval, 5-10cm long, glab- native Caucasus in 1780. The pointed leaves are
rous, with a kind of waxy feel on both sides. In the narrow-lanceolate 3-9cm long and only 1-2cm wide.
autumn they turn to rich red-brown and are almost They are white silky tomentose when young,
black before falling. The single flowers are white becoming almost glabrous and grey-green later. The
with yellow stamens and purplish red anthers, 2cm flowers are creamy-white with dark anthers,
occurring in terminal clusters on side shoots in early which show up as a red spot as the flowers begin to
spring. This is one of the first pears to come into open. A heavy crop of flowers or emerging fruit can
flower at the same time as early orchard apples and actually spoil the glaucous effect of the foliage for a
plum trees. time. Most ofthis falls offindue course to leave just a
The globose pears are greenish-yellow 3-4cm few 2-3cm bottle-green inedible pears. The cultivar
long. They are hard and not good to eat. Some indi- ‘Pendula’ is exactly the same except for its exagger-
viduals crop very heavily, completely covering the ated downward-pointing shoots.
ground with ripe pears in the autumn. Even these Growth: 3-7-9. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
seem reluctant to rot down or ferment.
The variety hondoensis comes from central Japan Pyrus x canescens
and was introduced in 1917. It has pretty rust-col- A grey-green-leaved hybrid between Willow-leaved
oured tomentum on the young emerging leaves and Pear and Pyrus nivalis (p. 515), this tree probably
the foliage colours well in the autumn. The variety arose in Germany before 1830. The 6-8cm leaves are
ovoidea has ovoid fruit on long stems. elliptic and often twisted. Silvery grey adpressed hairs
Growth: 3-9-15. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3. cover it at first, especially on the underside. A tree at
Wood: 1. Kew in London grew to 9m in just 30 years. The
pears are short-stalked and pale green.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3, 4.

summer
spring

Willow-leaved Pear
Pyrus x canescens spring
Buliy
 Common Pear

_= S °3 r
~-

‘)5. ‘Beech Hill’

‘Beech Hill’

i
g of spring late autumn
twi

Common Pear \F eec h Hill’

spring,
518
 PIEAIRES

Common Pear Pyrus communis species. However, two cultivars of it are very well
known indeed and are among the best garden, street
The Common Pear originated, possibly as a hybrid,
and park trees developed in the twentieth century.
in Europe and western Asia but virtually all the ‘wild
One of them, ‘Bradford’, is a thornless rounded
pears’ encountered today have escaped from cultiva-
tree which flowers profusely in spring and colours to
tion and become naturalized. In Britain trees consid-
brilliant orange and red in the autumn. It originated
ered to be of uncultivated origin are usually called
in the USA at Maryland in 1920. It produces small
Pyrus pyraster and have thorny branches. Common
oval 1.5cm pears that are golden brown with darker
Pear was cultivated in Sennacherib’s gardens in
dots.
Nineveh as long ago as 700 BC. The earliest recorded
The other cultivar is the world famous American
named varieties were selected by Jean Robin,
pear ‘Chanticleer’, a narrow conical tree ideal for
arborist to Henri III of France, in 1611. John Trades-
street planting and for confined spaces. The flowers
cant introduced pears from there to England. The
appear very early in the spring and it is extremely flo-
fruit garden at Versailles, in France, was another
riferous. The foliage colours to carmine-red in the
source of great orchard pear diversity from 1677.
autumn. This tree is completely hardy and also with-
Such a confused origin has made the Common Pear
stands harsh city conditions.
difficult to identify with precision.
Growth: 2-7-14. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
It is a substantial tree, ultimately from 15m to over Wood: 1 (species).
20m tall, with a broad pyramidal crown. Spur shoots
may be pointed but genuine spines are rare. The Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata
leaves are bright and glossy, the single flowers are
white, and the variable fruits are yellowish to russet. This rare thorny suckering shrub is native to parts of
‘Beech Hill’ is a narrow-crowned cultivar which southern Europe and south-west England, notably
colours well in the autumn to bronze-yellow. round the city of Plymouth. It grows vigorously but
seldom exceeds 3-4m in height. The long-stalked
Growth: 3-9-15 (species). Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 1. oval sub-cordate leaves are deep glossy green. The
profuse white single flowers are small and the pears
Pyrus calleryana ripen to brownish-red.
Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 3.
This is a thorny Chinese tree introduced to the west
in 1908, but little known in gardening circles as a

Pyrus callerya na ‘Bradford’

‘Chanticleer’

Si!)
 Pyrus
korshinskyi

Pyrus pashia

Pyrus fauriei
autumn

Pyrus pashia

Pyvus korshinskyi
autumn
 PEARS

Pyrus korshinskyi Pyrus balansae

This high-elevation mountain species from An Asiatic variant of Pyrus communis, this species has
Turkestan is not widely available in cultivation. It ovate to almost round 5-10cm leaves and golden-
varies according to which part of its natural range brown 3-4cm edible pears. It was introduced into
cultivated material originated in. A tall tree form was cultivation in 1866 but has little merit as a garden
collected for Kew Gardens in London in 1891, but tree, and is rarely grown.
material obtained by Spath’s Nursery in Germany in Growth: 3-9-15. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4. Wood: 1.
1900 turned out to be a shrubby sort. The species is
Pyrus fauriei
closely related to the Common Pear of Europe and is
probably a regional fringe population adapted to a This species is closely related to Pyrus calleryana
particularly harsh environment. When taken into (p. 519), which is usually a shrubby, densely
cultivation such genotypes often behave differently twiggy, spiny plant. The ovate toothed leaves are
to in the wild. 2.5-5cm long, colouring well in autumn. It was
Growth: variable. Hardiness; 60-70%. Choice: 4. introduced to the west from Korea in 1918 but
remains very rare in cultivation.
Sand Pear or Oriental Pear Pyrus pyrifolia Growth: 2-3-5, Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
The species name, meaning ‘pear-leaved’, harks back Pyrus pashia
to the time when the genus Pyrus also included This 12m vigorous suckering tree has tangled spiny
apples and whitebeams. The wild form ofthis species branches. The twigs are woolly at first. The big 12cm
is very rare. It was introduced to America from ovate-oblong, pointed leaves are occasionally three-
China by Ernest Wilson in 1909. Some of the culti- lobed on sucker shoots. Compact clusters of 2-2.5cm
vars and forms, however, are better known in culti- white flowers appear with the leaves in spring. Each
vation than the species itself. This is the domestic one has 25-30 yellow stamens with purplish-red
pear of the Orient and many hundreds of them have anthers until the golden pollen is shed. The 2cm pears
been selected for their soft juicy fruit. Introductions are brown with 2-3cm stalks. It was first introduced
of the var. culta began to arrive in America from from south-east and central Asia in 1825 and reintro-
China and Japan before 1850. Inevitably the Asiatic duced by George Forrest from Yunnan in 1908. The
and European orchard pears have hybridized many original plant was probably var. kumaont which has
times since 1850. Excellent eating pears such as the thornless glabrous twigs and is more common in culti-
variety lecontei and the cultivar ‘Kieffer’ have resulted vation. This is a good spring-flowering and autumn
from this. Like most pears the deciduous leaves turn colour (yellow to wine-red and black) tree in the gar-
deep red in the autumn and then almost black. den, but the suckers may become a nuisance.
Growth: 3-5-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1. Choice: 1, 4.
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 50%.

4
2 bees i
‘
2 ee aIS iy

Sand Pear
Sand Pear autumn
Pyrus pashia spring,
 European
Bird Cherry

‘Watereri’ subsp. borealis

‘Purpurea’

Blackthorn

Blackthorn
form fruit stone
shrub
 (CIBUBIRIE UES)

European Bird Cherry Prunus padus Blackthorn or Sloe Prunus spinosa

This is a small to medium-sized hardy deciduous tree Common in the north European countryside:
from Europe and parts of northern Asia. The Icm densely branched spiny shrubs or small trees bearing
fragrant white flowers occur in 15cm racemes of numerous 1cm single white flowers before the leaves
10-40, first spreading then drooping. They are fol- in early spring. The globose fruits are bloomed
lowed by a smaller number of glossy black ovoid bit- blue-black. They are astringent to taste but can be
ter fruits which are quickly taken by birds, hence the cooked to produce delicious jam or jelly, and can
name. The leaves usually turn to orange-red in the also be used to make sloe-gin.
autumn. Bird Cherries need full sun to flower well The cultivar ‘Purpurea’ is spiny and smaller with
but they will grow on very poor infertile soils. purplish-green leaves and light pink flowers. Black-
The cultivar ‘Plena’ has semi-double flowers. thorns are hardy throughout Europe. They grow
‘Watereri’ is a larger tree than the species with best in full sun on any kind of soil, and withstand sea
racemes of white flowers up to 20cm long. Speci- winds and salt spray very well.
mens are known 18 metres tall and 70cm through Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3.
the stem.
A very beautiful form, ‘Colorata’, has plum-
Garden Plum Prunus domestica
purple shoots and pale pink flowers. Its young leaves (See also p. 531). This is a variable rounded tree 10-
unfold purplish bronze, becoming green with red- 15m tall. There are numerous cultivated forms.
dish backs. The wild subspecies borealis is a tough Although the blossom is attractive plums are of
shrub from the mountains of Europe and Scandina- course usually grown for their edible fruit which may
via. be yellow, orange-red or bloomed purple. Trees
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 3. planted on stony ground produce the best fruit. Any
pruning should be done in summer to reduce the risk
of ‘silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum) infection.
Many modern plums are grafted or budded on to
dwarfing rootstocks to keep the fruit within reach of
the ground for easy picking.
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.

fruit
section

°“Watereri’
Garden Plum

b2S
 Cherry Plum

fi 3
Hy) fruit

Cherry Plum Purple-leaved Cherry

 CHERRIES

Cherry Plum or Myrobalan Plum small “purple” trees for those who like them. It 1s
totally hardy and tolerates almost any kind of soil.
Prunus cerasifera Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1.
This is an untidy tree with deep green young shoots
and very early small white flowers that appear almost Prunus cerasifera “Rvosea’
before the end of winter. It is similar to Blackthorn ‘Rosea’ is like the purple-leaved cherries at first, but
(Prunus spinosa) but is less thorny and flowers earlier. the foliage becomes green as it matures in summer.
There are numerous cultivated forms and garden The flowers are pink fading to pale pink. It was raised
escapes so the true species, which is native to western in Holland and is believed to be a cross between
Asia and south-east Europe, is seldom seen. Natural- Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ and Blackthorn.
ized escaped plants occur in hedgerows, especially Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1.
around cities such as London. They can usually not
be recognized until their incredibly early flowers Prunus cerasifera “Lindsayae’
appear before the winter is over, or until fruit of The foliage of ‘Lindsayae’ is similar to “Rosea’ but
some sort appears. Some trees produce yellow fruit greener. The bark and shoots are almost black. It was
(var. divaricata), others have red. These are all edible introduced from Iran by Miss Nancy Lindsay to near
and around 2.5cm across. The name cerasifera means Oxford before 1935. It makes a graceful garden tree
‘bearing cherry-like fruits’. Young plants are often with bright pink spring flowers.
used as understocks for grafting domestic plums. Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3.
Prunus x blireana
Purple-leaved Cherry Prunus cerasifera “Pissardi’
The initial contrast between the big 3-4cm solitary
This cultivar was introduced to France in 1880. It flat pink semi-double flowers and the emerging cop-
was obtained from the Shah of Iran’s head gardener per leaves of this hybrid is outstanding, but the foli-
Monseigneur Pissard at Tabris. It has dark purple- age later turns muddy green. The plant was
brown leaves and very pale pink flowers, but seldom developed around 1895 by Lemoine in France. At
in profusion. It is extremely — some would say far too about the same time Moser at Versailles developed
— popular as a garden and street tree, and it can be the cultivar ‘Moseri’ which is an even stronger tree
clipped into an unusual hedge. The cultivar ‘Nigra’ but has slightly smaller flowers. Both plants are
is better in many respects. It has darker foliage and hybrids with the same parents, Purple-leaved Cherry
blackish-purple shoots. The single flowers are deep x Prunus mume ‘Alphandiw’.
blush-pink and more numerous. It was developed in Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
the USA in 1916. Certainly this is one of the best

Prunus cerasifera
‘Rosea’ Prunus x blireana

ig

Prunus cerasifera “Lindsayae’

1 i)On
 Var.
P salicifolia
Double
Sour Cherry

iw
Hei
N)

Black Cherry ‘Pendula’

526 spring
 @EIERERSIES

Black Cherry Prunus serotina St Lucie Cherry Prunus mahaleb

This is not the familiar edible black cherry, but a This central and southern European timber tree has a
form of North American bird cherry. Its range long history of cultivation for decorative wooden
includes the east and central USA and also extends items such as smokers’ pipes and fancy walking sticks.
into Mexico and Guatemala. The fruits were once It was introduced to England in 1714 and was widely
used to flavour rum, which gave rise to an alternative used in horticulture particularly as a rootstock for
name ‘Rum Cherry’. After its introduction to other cherries. As a result of this it escaped from cul-
Europe in 1629 it was extensively grown in some tivation and has become naturalized in parts of North
countries as a timber tree. The variety salicifolia America. It makes a 12m tree on a good site, with
‘Capulin Black Cherry’ arose in Central and South racemes oftiny white fragrant flowers. The leaves are
America including Peru and was introduced to like domestic pear except for two glands on the stalk.
Europe in 1820. The lanceolate leaves are willow This tree survives on poor sandy soil but it needs
like. The cultivar ‘Pendula’ is a weeping form. The plenty of moisture. It is very hardy but grows best
bark on all of these has a distinctive and rather with some side shelter.
unpleasant smell if scratched. White flowers 8mm Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
across occur in tightly packed 10-14cem racemes. Wood: 1, 5.
Growth: 4-18-25. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3.
Wood: 1, 5.
American Red Plum Prunus americana
This hardy North American fruit tree, seldom
Double Sour Cherry Prunus cerasus planted in Europe, grows to 12m in height with a
Originally from south-east Asia, Sour Cherry has billowing head of branches. The oblong-ovate
become naturalized in parts of Europe. It is one of abruptly pointed leaves are 6-10cm long. There are
the parents of morello cherry and has been cultivated deliciously scented white single flowers, but they are
for centuries. ‘Rhexii’ is an old garden form culti- not the main attraction. This is primarily a fruit tree
vated in England since the sixteenth century. The bearing subglobose 3cm edible plums. On the wild
neat round 2.5cm double white daisy flowers appear plant they turn red but in over 200 years of cultiva-
in mid-spring. Although trees 8m tall are known, tion many different colours have been developed.
growth is usually slow. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason most of
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1. these do not seem to thrive away from America.
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3, 4.
Wood: 1, 5.

American Red Plum

St. Lucie Cherry

527
 Wild Cherry
spring

528
 (CUSMENRAR MESS

Wild Cherry Prunus avium trees, becoming a mass of 2cm blossom when tulips
and spring bedding plants are at their best. It has been
The genus name Prunus is the classical name for the
cultivated in England since around 1700, tolerates
plum to which the cherry is closely related. Avium is
heavy clay soils, is completely hardy but seldom pro-
a reference to birds, which are attracted to the fruit as
duces fruit.
soon as it ripens. This is not such a bad thing because
The cultivar ‘Decumana’ has big 20-30cm leaves
seed is naturally dispersed by birds, the stones passing
and 2.5cm flowers. It is of French origin and has
unharmed through their digestive tract. This tree 1s
been grown since the beginning of the nineteenth
Europe’s largest cherry, up to 25m tall. It is uncertain
century. It is also known as the Tobacco-leaved
whether it is a European native species in the strict
Cherry. The purple-leaved Wild Cherry ‘“Rubrif-
sense, or a pre-historic, or even pre-glacial introduc-
olia’ is another French plant produced after 1892. It
tion from western Asia. It has been cultivated for is uncommon in cultivation, possibly out-classed by
food, timber and fuel wood for many centuries.
purple forms of Prumus cerasifera (p. 525). The culti-
Cherry firewood burns well, wet or dry, with per- var ‘Salicifolia’ is a narrow-leaved plant, its leaves
fumed smoke smelling faintly of the blossom. Ifleft
incised but less deeply than those of‘Asplenifolia’ the
alone a wild cherry tree will sucker over a wide area
cut-leaved cherry.
and may become a nuisance: given space uncon- The weeping tree ‘Pendula’, another French
trolled suckers eventually grow into a forest of trees.
introduction from 1825, is a delightful symmetrical
These begin to produce their 2cm scented white
shape when it grows well, though many specimens,
flowers when only 2m tall, but as clonal thickets are
become untidy or one sided with straight out-
really all one plant they are usually self sterile. It is
growths. It may require frequent pruning to keep it
one of the parents of numerous edible forms of in order. The dwarf form ‘Nana’ has acceptable
domestic cherry and is also widely used as an under- white flowers but is a peculiar little plant of no par-
stock for grafted orchard trees and flowering orna- ticular merit. It was cultivated in England, presuma-
mentals. bly from a witches broom, in 1914.
The cultivar ‘Plena’, the Double White Cherry, is
Growth: 4-18-25 (species). Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 2, 3.
perhaps the finest of all big white spring-flowering Wood: 1, 2, 5 (species).

AS
Li} PS

‘Nana’
‘Pendula’

p2o
 E
seed
< ° cS 3 fruit stone

underside

Almond

Apricot

Apricot

Almond
spring
530
 (CUSMEURIRILESS

Almond Prunus dulcis fruits. The fairly flat stones have a thickened keel on
the edge. Apricots have been cultivated in China for
Originally from western Asia and North Africa, the
at least 2000 years. There are also variegated, weep-
Almond has been cultivated since pre-history for its
ing and double-flowered forms.
edible seed. In the Middle East some veteran trees are
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
claimed to be far over 1000 years old. It is a tree of
myth and mythology: the rods of Moses and Aaron
Bullace Prunus insititia
were of Almond and are considered to be the origin
of the crozier or pastoral staff of bishops. In addition This name covers a range of small-fruited European
to its wood and the fruit, however, it makes a very and western Asian plums which are closely related to
ornamental tree with narrow willowy leaves and the domestic plum. The Bullace itselfisup to 6m tall
lovely pink blossom. Flowers on the species are 5cm with 2cm single white flowers. The dark grey-brown
across, single but in clusters. There is a double- branches are sometimes spiny. Sweet subglobose
flowered pink form ‘Roseoplena’ and a double 3-4cm plums are produced in the autumn, often in
white ‘Albaplena’. There are also early flowering, large numbers, purplish-black with a grey bloom.
erect, weeping and bitter-fruited examples. As a tree The Bullace and the feral Damson (strictly Prunus
it is fairly tender and is prone to disease when planted domestica subsp. insititia, see p. 523) are almost indis-
in places not climatically suitable for it. In southern tinguishable, but several cultivars of Damson have
Europe it makes a tree 8-10m tall but in the north it been selected and grown for their superior fruit, for
is much less. example ‘Farleigh’, ‘Merryweather’ and the ‘Prune
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 40-50%, Choice: 3. Damson’. The name damson comes from Damascus
where the tree is commonly grown. The Green-
Apricot Prunus armeniaca gage, Prunus domestica subsp. italica, has sweet green
fruit. It too is available under a range of heavy crop-
A 10m round-headed tree in its native Asiatic range,
ping cultivar names. The yellow forms of Bullace,
the Apricot has been cultivated and ‘improved’ for its Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca, produce fruit which 1s
fruit for centuries. In northern Europe it can only be similar to an apricot but smaller. There are several
grown in the shelter of a sunny wall or under glass. hardy cultivars of it known collectively as “Mira-
The solitary 2.5cm single flowers are white or palest belle’. Some carry the place of origin in the name,
pink, followed by blushed golden-yellow 3-4cm for example ‘Mirabelle de Nancy’.
Growth: 3-5-6. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 5.

Bullace

fruit stone

Damson Greengage ‘Mirabelle’

Apricot
 *‘Kurokawa-yaguchi
‘Sagami-shidare’

“f
:
oS eb.
So

wee
\)
.
i
er =

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4

a
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a*

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O =
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2 a, ¢
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(o9)
 CHERRIES

Peach Prunus persica every kind offlower colour from red through pink to
white. The variety nectarina with its popular smooth
The peach tree grows to around 8m tall with fairly
skinned fruit also comes in a range of cultivated edi-
erect branches and bears big round 5-7cm velvety
ble forms.
edible fruit. The stone is large, pale brown, and dis-
Growth; 3-6-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3.
tinctly pitted. Peaches probably originated in China
but have been cultivated for so long that their actual
Japanese Apricot Prunus mume
origin is obscured. The leaves are oblong to elliptic,
widest above the middle and 8-15cm long. The sin- A lovely range of small rounded garden forms, most
gle pink flowers are mostly solitary. Fruiting peach of which flower very early before the leaves appear,
trees are tender and need the protection of a south are available. The twigs are strikingly dark green to
facing wall or conservatory in cold areas. The fungus black. The leaves are broadly ovate, 4-10cm long and
Taphrina causes a disorder known as peach leaf curl. sharply toothed. Trees have been cultivated in Japan
This spoils the tree and the fruit, and can kill young for centuries but they probably originated in China
or weak plants. A copper based fungicide spray in and Korea. Plants were first introduced to Europe in
autumn or late winter may prevent re-infection. 1844. The fruit, which is only produced in mild
In addition to fruit trees there are many forms of areas, is round, up to 3cm across, greenish-yellow
peach that have been cultivated primarily for their and slightly pubescent. It usually tastes bitter, but can
flowers. The most popular is probably ‘Klara Mayer’ be pickled or made into a sweet liqueur. In Japan this
a bright pink 4cm double-flowered tree first culti- is a favoured bonsai tree. The flowers are sweetly
vated in 1890 in Germany, at the Spath Nursery, scented.
Berlin. The cultivar ‘Prince Charming’ has similar One of the best single deep pink cultivars is
flowers on a more erect plant. There are two deep ‘Omoi-no-mama’, ‘Benishidori’ is similar but pure
pink, almost red types, ‘Kurokawa-yaguchi’ is a white and ‘Alphandii’ is a well known early flower-
standard tree, and ‘Sagami-shidare’ is a strongly ing double pink form. There are also several white
weeping form. ‘Stellata’ has tightly-packed ‘star- single and double types. The Japanese Apricots are a
-like’ blossom. Semi-double snow-white flowers little more hardy than most peaches, but they flower
occur on ‘Albo Plena’, and ‘Alba’ is a single white at a harsh time of year and are frequently spoiled by
form. Numerous varieties have been cultivated with frost.
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.

‘Alphandii’

4 <Omoi-no-mama’ ‘Kurokawa-yaguchi’ ‘Sagami-shidare’

spring spring
Peach
Japanese Apricot
on(Ss)is)
 Manchurian
Cherry

autumn

Prunus
x schmittii

Fuji Cherry

OnWwBR
 GHERRIES

Manchurian Cherry Prunus maackii Prunus x schmittit

This substantial tree, up to 15m tall, has a thick stem A fast-growing hybrid between Wild Cherry, Prunus
and decorative shiny brownish-yellow bark, eventu- avium (p. 529) and Prunus canescens (p. 517), this is a
ally flaking into horizontal strips. It is native to Man- lovely shrubby Chinese tree with dark mahogany
churia, eastern Russia and Korea. Cultivated plants brown bark. The cross first appeared in cultivation in
were introduced to western Europe through St. 1923. It picks up the vigour of one parent (Prunus
Petersburg in 1910. It is a large form of bird cherry avium) and the richly-coloured bark of the other to
with 1.5cm single white flowers in tight 6-8cm produce a fine conical tree over 10m tall. The pale
racemes. The stamens are more prominent than the pink flowers are less of a feature than the bark. It is
petals, so from a distance the blossom looks yel- scarce in cultivation, but deserves wider use in gar-
lowish. The emerging young foliage is also den situations.
oie Ea Growth: 3-9-10, Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 5.

Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 90-100%. Choice: 1, 2.

Wood: 1, 5. Fuji Cherry Prunus incisa
This delicate twiggy small rounded tree is an early
Sargent’s Cherry Prunus sargentit spring-flowering plant which requires close exami-
Though probably the best large pink cherry in culti- nation to appreciate its real charm. It has deeply
vation, this tree is not suitable for small gardens. Ulti- incised leaves which colour well in the autumn. The
mately it may reach 20m in height and 12-15m in flowers are small and white, emerging from pink
width. In spring it produces a great unmistakable buds. Old collections still contain typical semi-
cloud of brilliant rose-pink 3-4cm single flowers. In pendulous trees grafted at head height on excessively
the autumn the whole tree becomes a ball of fiery- fat overgrown stems. The grafts were always incom-
red and orange foliage. It is also one of the few flow- patible because of the slow growth rate of the Fuji
ering cherries that regularly produces some fruit: cherry scion. It was first cultivated in 1910 from trees
1cm long-stalked gems of glossy yellow, orange, red growing in the Hondo Region ofJapan. There are
and purple-black. It originated in Japan, Sakhalin and several named cultivars, mostly developed for early
Korea but was named and distributed widely in 1890 flowering. ‘“Umineko’ (p. 555) is a Prunus tncisa
from America. Charles Sprague Sargent, who is hybrid, crossed with the ancient Oshima Cherry
commemorated in the species name was Director of (Prunus speciosa p. 545).
the Arnold Arboretum, Massachusetts, USA. Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Growth: 3-10-18. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1 (requires space).

y
tis
P ee, ba.
‘377 ree

aN
Ni

"My
iy

old tree in spring young tree in autumn

Sargent’s Cherry
 Prunus x
fontanesiana

Himalayan
Bird Cherry

- occasional
i off-set
leaf base

underside

Prunus padus
Prunus padus var. commutata
‘Purple Queen’

5O6
 GIREIRERSIE:S

Prunus x fontanesiana smaller tree, less than 7m tall, with pale pink clusters
of flowers and purplish leaves. The loose bunches of
This hybrid between Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) and 8mm cherries are dark maroon.
the Saint Lucie Cherry (Prunus mahaleb) grows rapidly
Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1.
to around 12m tall. The foliage resembles Wild Cherry
but with a downy leaf stalk and main veins. The 2cm Prunus padus var. commutata
white flowers are in small racemes of between 5 and 10. This is a wild form ofbird cherry from Manchuria. It
Deep red cherries are produced, tasting bitter. This flowers 10-15 days ahead of the European tree. The
hybrid seems to have occurred in Greece long ago and 1.5cm flowers appear in tightly packed 15cm
was introduced to horticulture in Paris before 1834. racemes. The leaves are larger and coarser than the
Growth: 3-10-12. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 3. species and fringed with conspicuous teeth. The
Himalayan Bird Cherry Prunus cornuta variety has been in cultivation since 1880.
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 3.
The eastern representative of Prunus padus, this tree is
native to the Himalayas as far as western China and Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’
tends to grow larger than the European species. ‘Trees One of several fastigiate forms of Sargent’s Cherry,
18m tall are known in the wild. The white flowers are this cultivar originated at the Arnold Arboretum in the
early, and appear in dense racemes 10-20cm long, fol- USA in 1914. It is less widely available in Europe than
lowed by drooping clusters of 8mm fruits resembling ‘Rancho’, recently introduced from America, or
small bunches of grapes. By late summer they are deep ‘Spire’, a seedling of “Columnaris’ propagated by the
red, eventually turning to dark brownish-purple. Hillier Nursery. They all appear to be very similar.
Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 3. Growth: 4-12-18. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 2.

Prunus padus ‘Purple Queen’ Prunus cuthbertii

The purple-leaved forms of bird cherry are a source of An American bird cherry related to Black Cherry
great taxonomic confusion. Purple foliage sports appear (Prunus serotina p. 527), this tree grows wild in the State
to have arisen and been described at various times and of Georgia in woods and thickets. Multiple stems often
in various places. The best known cultivar 1s ‘Colorata’ occur and growth is slow. Cultivated since 1912, it is a
which originated in Sweden in 1953. It has carmine rare curiosity rather than a good ornamental tree.
pink flowers and coppery-purple young leaves. the Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
foliage turns muddy brown later in the year. ‘Purple
Queen’ is similar but apparently not synonymous. Itisa

Prunus cuthbertii onOo~I

Prunus padus ‘Purple Queen’ Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’
Spring Cherry bark

‘Pendula’

‘Pendula’ ‘Pendula Rosea’

old tree in spring old tree
 CHERRIES

Spring Cherry Prunus subhirtella are often grafted on to a wild cherry root stock at
1.5-2m. Western cultivated plants are said to have
There are a number of cultivars derived from the
been raised originally from seed, so it is doubtful
original Japanese species first introduced to Europe in
whether they were exactly like the original plants.
1894. It is probably unknown in the wild and could
European plants produce rather small insignificant
actually be a hybrid between Prunus incisa and Prunus
flowers.
subhirtella var. ascendens, which in Japan is a small
‘Pendula Rosea’ is similar in size and form but
bushy tree with upright branches, much smaller than
has rose pink buds which fade to paler pink as the
cultivated specimens in Europe. All of the forms
single flowers open in great profusion. There 1s
flower in winter or early spring making them an
also a semi-double form, ‘Pendula Rubra’, which
essential choice of the winter garden. They are small
has carmine red buds and deeper pink flowers. A
twiggy trees seldom over 8m tall. In Japanese temples
well shaped mature specimen can be a stunning
venerable specimens exist that are said to be up to
‘eyecatcher’ in the urban landscape. The flowers
1800 years old and 30m wide, having been lovingly
are of better quality and more densely packed along
rejuvenated over centuries by careful pruning and
the fine weeping branches than other cultivars.
training.
The cultivar ‘Stellata’ is an upright branchy tree
The cultivars look their best planted in a mixed
raised in California. The flowers are clear pink with
group (together with ‘Autumnalis’, p. 541), at about incised pointed petals giving a star-like effect. They
4m spacing. Their flowers appear over a long period, occur in clusters all along the light sinuous branches.
so — as with all flowering cherries — a continuous The cultivar ‘Omoigawa’ is a graceful spreading
winter and spring feature can be created. The weep- floriferous form which typifies the classical cherry
ing forms benefit from pruning to lift the drooping tree shape in Japanese art.
branches which would otherwise drag on the ‘Flore Pleno’ is an unusual double-flowered form
ground. with bright pale pink 2.5cm long lasting flowers in
The common weeping form ‘Pendula’ is a free- spring. It develops into a small pendulous tree about
flowering domed ‘mushroom’ of a tree introduced to 5m tall. The autumn foliage colour is yellow turning
the west in the 1860s via the Arnold Arboretum in to red.
America. The Japanese name for it is ‘Ito Zakura’. Ito Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
means a thread, a reference to the pendulous thread-
like branchlets that reach down to the ground. Trees

‘Flore Pleno’ ‘Omoigawa’

‘Pendula Rubra’
 a

See
é

j
Prunu s x hillie ri ‘Spire’

>
‘Autumnalis Rosea

new leaves

autumn

/-

||
~ —= 2 5
.
= = a = = = =I- is} na na v io]

undersic le
|
5 fy
540 Prunus x hillieri “Spire
spring
 CHERRIES

Prunus x hillieri “Spire’ Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’

In 1929 the Hilher Nursery near Winchester pro- The familiar small twiggy winter flowering tree
duced a hybrid between Prunus incisa and Prunus sar- ‘Autumnalis’ was introduced to Europe in 1901.
gentii (p. 535). This resulted in a fine round-headed Small semi-double light pink flowers, 2cm across,
bright pink-flowering tree which combined the best occur randomly along the slender shoots. They start
features of each parent. In 1956 a narrower form of to appear in the autumn and keep going through the
the same thing was produced. It was named ‘Spire’ winter during mild intervals. At maturity ‘witch’s
and became a favourite tree for restricted areas and brooms’ and other twisted growths start to occur
roadside planting. It is a slender-crowned 8m tall tree among the branches.
seldom reaching 4m in width. If the lowest branches ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a deeper pink-flowered
are retained it produces a solid pillar of pink spring form which brightens up the dull days of winter.
blossom from ground level to the topmost branch. These trees are best seen at close quarters they are not
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. spectacular from a distance.
Growth; 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

Prunus ‘Accolade’
Prunus subhirtella ‘Fukubana’
This hybrid combines early flowering of Prunus
subhirtella with the bright pink blossom and good ‘Fukubana Higan Zakura’ to give it its full name, was
autumn colour of Prunus sargentii. The semi-double brought to England by Captain Collingwood Ingram
flowers are 3.5cm across in dense clusters. Usually in 1927. Not from Japan on this occasion but from
this is the first strong pink colour to appear in the California. This fairly small, 7m tree produces a mass
garden in spring. As it matures the tree spreads side- of daisy-like deep pink flowers with narrow notched
ways faster than it grows upwards. This well liked petals. They occur in mid-spring in clusters along the
garden cherry was produced at Knaphill Nursery in upright branches. With age the tree becomes spread-
1952. Its early flowers respond favourably to some ing and untidy.
Growth: 2-6-7. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 4.
side shelter and last longest in a dry mild spring.
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

Prunus subhirtella
Prunus subhirtella Prunus subhirtella ‘Fukubana’
spring leaves
spring spring
 Prunus triloba
|‘Petzoldii?
‘Multiplex’

Holly-leaved Cherry underside

Prunus
campanulata

3
‘Schubert

Choke Cherry7
 CHERRIES

Prunus triloba ‘Multiplex’ Prunus ‘Asano’

This is a form offlowering almond which has 3-6cm, This is a small form of Prunus serrulata with ascending
very coarsely toothed, almost three-lobed, leaves. It sinuous branches and numerous pink flowers that are
is a shrubby plant seldom over 4m in height. The double but not compact. They give a light fluffy
beautiful double flowers, produced in great profu- open appearance to the whole tree in spring.
sion, are 2.5cm clear pink rosettes, borne in small Growth: 2-5-6, Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
clusters or pairs. ‘Multiplex’ was introduced from
Holly-leaved Cherry Prunus ilicifolia
China in the mid nineteenth century. The cultivar
‘Petzoldii’ is similar except that it has broad elliptical This is the dense evergreen Californian shrub or
leaves which are not lobed. The rose pink flowers are small tree after which Hollywood is named. It sel-
semi-double with about 10 petals. dom exceeds 6m in height, with an untidy outline.
The glossy glabrous ovate leathery leaves are around
Growth: 2-3-4. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 1.
5cm long with distinctive hard teeth like holly. The
Prunus incisa x campanulata ‘Okame’ flowers are small and white in short racemes occurr-
ing in mid-summer.
This is one of the finest examples of a well-tried
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1, 3.
hybrid cross. It has deep pink early flowers with
incised petals, which appear before the leaves. The Pin Cherry Prunus pennsylvanica
flowers also have a deep red-brown calyx which fur-
Another North American species, this hardy tree
ther enhances the colour effect. This is a small tree erows rapidly to around 10m in height in the wild
under 5m tall. The original plant was produced by state but usually much less in cultivation. It has small
Captain Collingwood Ingram in 1947. white or faintly pink late spring flowers 1.5cm across
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. in clusters or short racemes of 4-8. It is rare in Euro-
pean gardens but makes a good shelter tree, and
Prunus kurilensis x sargentii “Kursar’
deserves wider use. The pea-sized fruits are some-
Another of Collingwood Ingram’s excellent hybrids. times prolific.
‘Kursar’ has numerous single deep rose pink flowers Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 2, 3.
in early to mid-spring, before the leaves. An ideal
garden tree because ofits small size and early flush of Choke Cherry Prunus virginiana
colour. This small North American tree or large shrub has
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. elliptic to obovate glossy green leaves 5-11cm long.
The tiny flowers, under 1cm across, occur in dense
racemes. It is very hardy and worthy of wider garden
use. The fruits are dark purplish-red. The cultivar
‘Schubert’ is a purple-leaved form.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1.

Prunus kurilensis x sargentii ‘Kursar’

Prunus incisa x campanulata ‘Okame’
Prunus ‘Asano’
trees 1n spring
 Yoshino Cherry

new leaves

*Tsu-Yoshino’

Yoshino Cherry
spring

544
 @EIERERSIES

Ne

Yoshino Cherry Prunus x yedoensis The subhirtella parent of this cultivar was presumably
‘Pendula’.
This is a cultivated tree that does not appear to occur
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
anywhere in the wild. It is thought to be a hybrid
between Prunus speciosa and Prunus subhirtella “Rosea’ Oshima Cherry Prunus speciosa
(p. 539). Yoshino is a district in southern Japan but
the tree does not grow there much now. Around Originally this was a Chinese plant but it has long
Tokyo however, there are said to be around 50,000 been cultivated in Japan. From ancient times it has
living specimens. Consequently the name “Tokyo held an important place in classical Japanese garden-
Cherry’ is often used for it. Plants appeared in ing. The hawthorn scented flowers are pure white
Europe in 1902, and in America in 1912. Thousands with golden stamens and. maroon-brown sepals.
They emerge in clusters from bunches of reddish
have been planted around Washington DC. The sin-
bracts and bud scales. The leaves at this time are
gle pale pink spring flowers develop a purplish centre
slightly bronzed green. In old age the tree may spread
as the stamens mature, giving a unique bi-colour
to twice its height of 4-6m. Plants were introduced
effect. The autumn foliage changes from yellow-
green through orange to bronze-red. to Europe in 1882. These days it is used by nursery-
men as an understock for more showy cultivars. It is
There are notable named cultivars such as “Tsu-
less vigorous than Prunus avium for this purpose and
Yoshino’ which is a splendid white-flowered tree
does not sucker so freely.
with spreading branches. As the Japanese name sug-
Oshima cherries should not be planted and then
gests ‘like the wings of a bird’.
neglected. They need to be pampered and lightly
Another well known x yedoensis cultivar is the
pruned at frequent intervals to produce strong foli-
graceful weeping ‘Shidare Yoshino’ introduced to
age, good flowers and a pleasing shape. As with all
Europe in 1910. It is usually grafted on to a tall stan-
Japanese cherries, pruning of any kind should only be
dard stem. The flowers are almost white with pink
done in mid-summer to reduce the risk of disease
stamens. They hang down in slender-stalked clusters.
infection.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3, 4.

‘Tsu-Yoshino’
Oshima Cherry spring
spring
 Tibetan
Cherry

f Japanese
/ Hill Cherry

Japanese
Hill Cherry
autumn

Japanese Hill Cherry

spring
Tibetan Cherry bark

546
 CHERRIES

Tibetan Cherry Prunus serrula Japanese Hill Cherry

The unique bark for which this tree is well known Prunus serrulata var. spontanea
resembles polished mahogany with a satin finish. It Although the name suggests a spontaneous wild Japa-
develops from around 5-10 years of age and lasts for nese plant, some botanists think this tree actually
around 60 years before being increasingly divided up originated in China. It has been growing in Japan for
horizontally and reduced by bands of rougher dull 2000 years so its status and natural distribution have
brown corky material. been confused by centuries of cultivation. It is a vari-
Tibetan cherry is an ideal subject for the winter able tree but exquisite forms have been discovered
garden but the foliage and flowers are of little conse- and developed. The foliage emerges deep coppery-
quence, and the total height is seldom over 6m. red and the flowers, often with incised petals, have
Nurserymen have attempted to increase its value by the faint scent of almonds.
grafting stronger flowering cultivars on to 2m stocks, Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
providing both brilliant flowers and bright bark but
the join seldom looks other than painfully obvious Chinese Hill Cherry
and artificial. Prunus serrulata var. hupehensis
Growth: 3-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
The wild form was collected and introduced to Britain
in 1822, but cultivated Chinese plants, collected by
Korean Hill Cherry
Emest Wilson, only arrived from 1900 onwards. Ongi-
Prunus serrulata var. pubescens
nally taken from a variable natural population, cultivated
This is a wild form, closely related to the Chinese material contained enormous potential for selection.
and Japanese Hill Cherries, from which many culti- Bright pink and white flowering trees have resulted,
vated ornamental cherry trees have come. This vari- mostly upright specimens around 6m tall but some indi-
ety is distinctive in that the underside of the leaf and viduals develop a spreading tendency. The young foliage
the stalk is hairy. The single blushed-white blossoms is glabrous and richly copper-coloured.
occur in numerous semi-pendulous clusters in early Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
to mid-spring with the pale bronze emerging leaves.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

underside

spring
Chinese Hill Cherry

547
 Prunus lannesiana
*“Yaebeni-Ohshima’
Prunus lannesiana ;
‘Shizuka’

*‘Tsukubane’

forma
contorta

4
x
oPSey

Prunus lannesiana forma contorta Prunus lannesiana ‘Tsukubane’

spring spring

548
 CHERRIES

Prunus lannesiana Ornamental Cherry cultivars Tokyo. Most of the sato-zakura trees were saved
from extinction by the Takagi family and planted by
There is some confusion about the species name lan- the Arakawa River in Tokyo in 1886.
nesiana. It was extensively used by Ernest Wilson in Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%.
1916 but subsequently went out of favour in Britain.
However, it is widely used again now by the Flower
Prunus lannesiana forma contorta (“Fukurokuju’)
Association of Japan in their Manual ofJapanese Flow-
ering Cherries published in 1982. This is a saucer-shaped tree in Europe but it is more
erect and up to 10m tall in Japan. The 8-12cm leaves
Prunus lannesiana ‘Shizuka’ occur with the flowers. They are bronze at first then
deep green above and light brown below, ovate-
This is an erect round-topped tree reaching 8-12m in elliptic in shape and conspicuously serrated with
Japan. The branches and stem have grey-brown bark. glandular teeth. The 5cm double flowers open out
The greenish-bronze 18cm leaves appear before the flat. They are slightly fragrant with wrinkled petals,
flowers and become deep green at maturity with hence the name contorta. This form was cultivated
numerous distinct teeth. Blush pink 5-6cm double before 1916 in America but is probably much older
flowers occur in corymbs of 4-5 blooms in in Japan.
mid-spring. They are fragrant and have roundish Growth; 3-8-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
notched petals. This tree was bred by Masatoshi Asari
in 1960 by crossing ‘Erecta’ and ‘Amayadori’. The Prunus lannesiana ‘Tsukubane’
Japanese name ‘Shizuka’ means quiet fragrance.
Hirano-tsukubane
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
When fully grown this is an erect cup-shaped, 6-12m
Prunus lannesiana ‘Yaebeni-Ohshima’ tree with dark glossy bark. The leaves, occurring
before the flowers, are double serrate and up to 14cm
In Japan this is a large tree with shiny brown bark and
long. Corymbs of drooping pink double flowers are
numerous sinuous branches. The bronze-green cherry of the
red in bud. An ancient
leaves appear before the flowers. They turn to deep type with over 100 petals,
chrysanthemum-fl ower
glossy green and become broadly-elliptic up to 12cm famous cherry forests of
this cultivar is found in the
long. Corymbs of slightly fragrant 3-4cm double
the Hirana Shrine in Kyoto.
pink flowers occur in mid-spring. The cultivation of Choice: 1, 3.
Island, Growth: 3-8-9. Hardiness: 50%.
this tree can be traced back to Izu-oshima

Prunus lannesiana ‘Yaebeni-Ohshima’

Prunus lannesiana ‘Shizuka’
spring
spring
549
 Prunus lannesiana
‘Beni-yutaka’

Prunus lannesiana |
‘Beni-shigure’
Ih new leaves

Prunus lannesiana
‘Tsyu-kosade’

Prunus lannesiana
‘Hanagasa’

new
leaves

Prunus lannesiana
*Beni-tama-nishiki’
550
 CHERRIES

Prunus lannesiana Matsumae cultivars This tree was bred by Masatoshi Asari in Japan from
‘Azuma-nishiki’ crossed with Prunus verecunda, both
This species name is used by Japanese botanists and very rare plants in the west.
horticulturalists for a number of hybrid flowering cher- Growth: 3-8-9. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 4.
ries. Several of these appear in western reference books
as speciosa or serrulata. The Matsumae cultivars are Prunus lannesiana “Ysyu-kosade’
mostly modern selections grown in the famous Matsu- This obscure cultivar appears to have come from the
mae Cherry Tree Gardens in Hokkaido. Matsumae is Matsumae Cherry Tree Collection in Hokkaido. It 1s
often used by growers as a prefix in the cultivar name. a single pink-flowered tree with distinctly notched
Prunus lannesiana ‘Sarasa’ petals. The flowers are dark pink in bud and emerge
at the same time as the bronze-green leaves. Later the
A superb rounded tree over 6m tall, ‘Sarasa’, pro- foliage is bright green, each obovate leaf is distinctly
duces huge clusters of 5-6cm double pink blossoms serrate.
in spring. This tree was produced in Japan by Masa- Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
toshi Asari around 1980, by crossing ‘Minakami’
with ‘Kechimyaku-zakura’. It is a triumph of late Prunus lannesiana ‘Hanagasa’
twentieth-century cherry-breeding but remains very
This 10-15m tall umbrella-shaped tree has bronze-
rare in the west.
brown leaves in the spring, accompanied by corymbs
Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 4.
Growth: 3-5-7. of drooping semi-double 5-6cm pink flowers with
Prunus lannesiana ‘Beni-yutaka’ petals at first reddish and wrinkled. The cultivar was
developed by Masatoshi Asari in 1963.
An earlier Asari hybrid cultivar produced in 1961,
Growth: 3-10-12. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
this is a cup-shaped 10-15m tree with multiple grey-
ish branches. The serrate leaves are 12-14cm long. Prunus lannesiana ‘Beni-tama-nishik’
The drooping double pink spring flowers are red in
The Japanese name means ‘red-ball brocade’ which is
bud. a reference to the distinctive globular buds. The tree
Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-9-12. Hardiness: 50%.
is round-topped, 8-10m tall, and has dull purplish-
brown branches. The leaves appear before the flow-
Prunus lannesiana ‘Beni-shigure’
ers and are briefly tinted bronze. The 4cm double
This is an 8-10m erect open-topped tree with shiny pink flowers in mid to late spring mostly face down-
purple-brown branches and large 10-14cm leaves wards. This is another Asari tree developed in 1963
which are bronze-brown at first. In spring the 5cm at Matsumae in Hokkaido.
double flowers are deep pink in bud, becoming a lit- Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
tle paler as they open. Each of the petals is notched.

tit)
Mok
gi
eee

Prunus lannesiana ‘Beni-yutaka’ Prunus lannesiana ‘Tsyu-kosade’

Prunus lannesiana ‘Sarasa’ spring 551
end of flowering
spring
 autumn

Prunus
‘Kanzan’
Apple Q.5
Blossom

glands >

Prunus
*‘Kanzan’

Prunus ‘Kanzan’
Prunus ‘Kanzan’ bark
old tree in late spring
On Ooin)
 CHERRIES

Prunus ‘Kanzan’ to form a delightful ‘tent’ of spring flowers. This is a

perfect tree for a small garden, the centre ofa lawn,
Kanzan is the name of a mountain in China, also
or a fairly confined space.
called Sekiyama. This cherry has been popular in
Growth; 3-4-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Europe ever since it was introduced in 1913. It has
become one of the most familiar — and hardly subtle Apple Blossom Cherry —
— trees planted in western parks and gardens. It
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’
becomes an urn-shaped 6-10m plant with upright
branches and a wide top. In mid to late spring it is The Japanese name means ‘celestial river’, which
wreathed in large double pink flowers. There are aptly describes this rigidly narrow fastigiate plant.
several cultivated forms: the variety ‘Kirin’ is a Trees up to 6-8m tall may be only 50cm wide.
slower-growing, smaller, broad-topped tree with the When the clusters of pale pink flowers adorn this
same garish pink blossom. improbable structure in late spring the celestial river
Growth: 3-11-14. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space). analogy becomes very plausible. The blossom is
strongly scented of hawthorn.
Prunus ‘Cheal’s Weeping’ In order to reduce the risk of snow or wind dam-
age branches should be retained and encouraged
The Japanese name for this plant, “Kiku Shidare
right down to the base of the stem. In the event of
Zakura’, means ‘weeping chrysanthemum cherry’.
disastrous damage, which does tend to happen, the
The 3cm double late spring flowers are deep pink in
lower branches can be trained up to form a replace-
dense clusters ranged all along the sinuous arching
ment tree. This cultivar is a challenge for garden
branches. The individual petals are marrow and
designers, as such a tall thin plant looks incongruous
pointed, slightly reminiscent of a double pink daisy.
in most situations. Triangular groups of three or
Trees are usually trained up to 2-4m tall, or erafted
more may be easier to work with.
on a long stock, and then allowed to weep down- Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%.
wards. If not pruned they will soon reach the ground

trees in spring

Prunus ‘Kanzan’ Apple Blossom Cherry

young tree
 Prunus ‘Pandora’

Japanese Alpine
Cherry
Prunus ‘Umeniko’

Prunus ‘“Umeniko’ Japanese Alpine Cherry

spring spring

554
 CHERRIES

Prunus x juddii Prunus ‘Umeniko’

This is a hybrid between Prunus sargentii and Prunus x The pure white blossom gives this medium-sized
yedonesis, two of the best flowering cherries in culti- tree its Japanese name which means ‘seagull’. It 1s an
vation. It was produced artificially at the Arnold upright hybrid between Prunus incisa and Prunus spe-
Arboretum, Boston, Massachusetts in 1914. It resem- ciosa. The 3cm single flowers occur in abundance in
bles Prunus sargentii (p. 535) but is a smaller tree. The spring. They have attractive crimson stamens with
leaves emerge coppery-brown in mid-spring with golden-yellow anthers. The leaves colour well in the
the vibrant pink fragrant flowers. In autumn the foli- autumn.
age is brilliant deep red. This is an ideal, but not well-known, flowering
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. cherry for the smallish garden. Its main branches
naturally develop into an upswept outline which can
Prunus ‘Pandora’ be easily maintained by minimal side pruning in sum-
hybrid between Prunus subhirtella mer. In the past it was often called “Moerheimit’ and
A complicated
can still be found labelled as such in some collections.
‘Ascendens Rosea’ and Prunus x yedoensis, ‘Pandora’
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
was produced at Waterer’s Nursery in England
before 1939. It has the upright habit of ‘Ascendens Japanese Alpine Cherry Prunus nipponica
Rosea’, but also picks up the flexible shoot tips of
Prunus x yedoensis. The profuse, but solitary, flowers A north Japanese mountain species around 4-5m tall
are white with just a suspicion of pink. The leaves this shrubby tree grows very slowly but is completely
emerge green in spring and turn to pale yellow in hardy. An ideal cherry for cold exposed places where
the autumn. The bark of young trees is lustrous cherries would not normally be considered at all, and
brown. Hybrid vigour ensures rapid growth, but a good plant for the larger rockery or alpine garden.
ultimate size seldom exceeds 6m high and wide. Planting in groups of about five at close 1-2m spacing
Young trees are best, in old age ‘Pandora’ gets very is very effective. The small flowers are blushed white.
stragely and has a tendency to produce ‘witch’s
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
brooms’ among the branches.
Growth: 3-8-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

trees in spring
Prunus x juddii
Prunus ‘Pandora’

3)
 Prunus
Prunus
Prunus *Washi-no-o’
‘Shogetsu’
‘Ariake’

Prunus
‘Mikuruma-gaes

Prunus
, we
‘Ariake
° baal) 5
Prunus ‘Mikuruma-gaeshi’
<

6) spring spring
 GIA Rees)

season, yellow autumn foliage colour can be

Prunus ‘Ariake’
expected.
A vigorous robust broad-headed tree 6m tall, this Choice: 1.
Growth; 3-7-8. Hardiness: 40-50%.
plant is hardy enough for most north European gar-
dens. The Japanese name ‘Ariake’ means ‘dawn’. It
was introduced to Europe early in the twentieth cen- Prunus ‘Shogetsu’
(2)

tury. The numerous flowers are mostly single but The taxonomy of this cultivar is confused. Untl
some have an extra petal or two in the centre. They recently it was listed by nurseries as ‘Shimidsu
begin pale pink in bud opening to faintly blushed Zakura’. It is another early twentieth-century intro-
white in mid-spring. The petals of the individual duction in the Prunus serrulata Japanese cherry group.
5cm flowers are held fairly flat, like a wild rose. The Flower buds are pink and the semi-double flowers in
emerging leaves are greenish-bronze. late spring are white, about 5cm across, and held in
Growth: 3-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. pendulous clusters. The foliage starts off bronze,
turns green in summer, and then red and orange in
Prunus ‘Washi-no-o’ the autumn.
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Another Japanese cherry in the Prunus serrulata
group, this tree is fast-growing and fairly hardy, with
a broad open head ofbranches. Many gardens are not Prunus ‘Mikuruma-gaesht’
large enough to accommodate its ultimate 8m of This grand Japanese name means ‘the royal carriage
height and even greater spread. The 4cm single flow- returns’. It is said that a passing Emperor of Japan
ers are delightfully scented like hawthorn with five turned his carriage back especially to look at a flow-
ragged edged petals. The Japanese name means ering specimen a second time because he liked it so
‘eagle’s tail’ which is probably a reference to this. much. Eventually it is a 6m tall upright open
Flowers are numerous and occur all over the tree in branched tree, with single pink spring flowers,
clusters. They are blush pink in bud and nearly white tightly packed along the branches on short spur
when fully out. The young foliage, which follows shoots. They are scented like apple blossom. The
the early flowers, is bronze-green. In a favourable foliage emerges bronze and turns green in summer.
Growth: 3-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Prunus ‘Washi-no-o’
spring

2a
 Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’

Mount Fuji
Cherry

Mount F1
Cherry
’ young
> leaf ~~ Si, 3

Prunus ‘Ukon
. b)
Prunus ‘Ukon’
spring

558
 CHERRIES

Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ This vigorous tree develops a flat top in middle
age. During its most rapid growth stage some of the
This tree was found as a chance seedling from
flowers are single. It is an ideal plant where great
‘Shimidsu Zakura’ (‘Shogetsu’, p. 557), in 1935 at height is not required but there is plenty of room for
Waterer’s Nursery. It appears that the pollen parent it to spread sideways.
was ‘Kanzan’ (p. 553). ‘Pink Perfection’ develops a Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
broad top, 7m tall and wide, and becomes slightly
pendulous in old age. The double, or semi-double, Prunus ‘Ukon’
mid-spring flowers are bright pink and borne on This favourite garden tree is the nearest thing in cul-
long drooping stalks. They give an impression of tivation to a yellow-flowered cherry. The Japanese
being two shades of pink as they move freely in the name ‘Ukon’ means ‘yellowish’ which is exactly the
wind. This has a particularly delightful effect against colour of the semi-double flowers. They appear
blue sky, or a dark evergreen background, further translucent in late spring sunshine, and acquire a
enhanced by the emerging bronze-coloured bracts pinkish tinge before the petals fall. The leaves are
and green leaves. orange-red to purplish-brown in the autumn. Trees
Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. 6-8m tall are common and some spread out to as
much as 10m wide. Nota tree for a confined space or
Mount Fuji Cherry Prunus ‘Shirotae’
small garden, but a good colour contrast with
Another fine example of a sato-zaku ra Japanese strong-growing pink varieties, such as ‘Kanzan’ in a
cherry derived from Prunus serrulata, the Oniental woodland grove of cherry trees.
Cherry, this is a pure white form. The Japanese name It also excels when planted against a backdrop of
means ‘snow white’. Clusters of 5cm semi-dou ble evergreens, such as Juniper or Yew. The first trees to
flowers hang all the way along the spreading appear in the west arrived around 1905 when ‘fashio-
branches in mid-spring, representing ‘fingers’ of nable’ gardeners were desperately seeking a yellow-
snow in the deep gullies around the top of Mount flowered cherry. The only other cultivar with yel-
Fujiyama. They are scented like hawthorn blossom. lowish flowers is ‘Gioiko’, introduced in 1914.
The leaves are large, 12cm long, deeply incised, and Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
colour well in the autumn.

trees in spring Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’

Mount Fuji Cherry
Sy)
 Prunus
Prunus ‘Shimidsu Zakura’
‘Oshokun’

Prunus
-*Oshokun’
Prunus

Prunus ‘Jo-nioi >

spring

560
 CHERRIES

Prunus ‘Oshokun’ For best effect it is worthwhile heeding the old

Japanese name and planting a specimen in front of a
This is a slightly tender, weak, spreading tree needing
pine tree — better still, several pine trees — to contrast
a sheltered location and much loving care to achieve
with the pale colours and form of the cherry.
success in the garden. It was named after an Choice: 1.
Growth; 3-4-4. Hardiness: 50%.
extremely beautiful Chinese courtesan. Once estab-
lished it produces numerous clusters of apple blossom
scented pink flowers in mid to late spring. The foli- Prunus ‘Jo-niov’
age at this time is emerging brownish-green. It is not ‘Jo-nioi’ is one of the most strongly scented cherries.
a long lived tree, and a new one should be established The fragrance of the blossom 1s similar to hawthorn
from time to time in anticipation of the older plant’s or almonds. It is a medium-sized spreading tree
demise. which can exceed 10m in height, but seldom does.
Growth: 3-4-5. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. The individual single or semi-double white spring
flowers are small, but they occur in great numbers.
Prunus ‘Shimidsu Zakura’ The sepals by contrast with the petals are purplish-
brown, and the young leaves are golden brown. This
A cultivar of Prunus serrulata produced around 1930 is a cultivar of Prunus serrula introduced around 1900,
the taxonomy of this plant has always led to confu- it is uncommon in cultivation, but is worth looking
sion. Alternatively it is referred to as Prunus serrulata out for on account of its delightful scent.
longipes or ‘Shogetsu’. The Japanese name means Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
‘moon hanging low by a pine tree’. It 1s a compact
rounded little tree with numerous clusters of pendu-
These small cherry trees, and those on p. 563, all
lous semi-double 5cm pale pink flowers reminiscent
have broadly similar flowers but flowering times vary
offuchsia. The deeper pink buds give it a two-colour
slightly. It is worth planting several cultivars together
effect when flowering begins in late spring. This is
to extend the display of spring blossom over a long
always a small tree less than 5m tall with pendulous
period. Planting 3-5 trees of each sort, if space per-
branch tips.
mits, at about 4m spacing, intensifies the effect.

Prunus ‘Shimidsu Zakura’

Prunus ‘Oshokun’

trees in spring
561
 Prunus
‘Hokusai’

4 Siok, eas
NO Zen Ss
a oye

Wd

Prunus ‘Ichiyo’ Prunus ‘Horinji’

spring spring
 CHERRIES

name commemorates the great Japanese painter

Prunus “Takasago’
Hokusai Katsushuka (1760-1849). This plant was
One of the first Japanese flowering cherries to arrive
another von Siebold introduction of around 1866.
in Europe, “Takasago’ is a broad-headed tree about
Growth: 3-8-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
8m tall. It will live for 50-60 years in most garden
situations. The Japanese name means ‘good health Prunus ‘Ichiyo’
and long life’. It was introduced to Europe, probably
as Prunus sieboldii, in about 1864 by Philipp Franz Strangely this splendid tree is uncommon in Euro-
von Siebold, a Bavarian eye doctor working inJapan. pean gardens, but it is popular in Japan. It is vigorous,
free-flowering, spreading — up to 7m tall and wide.
He was only allowed into Japan on account of his
The shell-pink double flowers often produce a leafy
profession. Fortunately for the rest of the world he
bract in the centre. They are long lasting, from mid
was also a plant collector. The light pink flowers are
to late spring.
semi-double, about 4.5cm across, produced in mid-
Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
spring. The young leaves are bronze-green turning
to light green. They are distinctly silky-hairy on both Prunus ‘Horny
sides. The short leaf stalks have two glands on them,
which is unusual in sato-zakura cherries but 1s a fea- This is a classic Japanese temple cherry named after
ture of other groups of Prunus. an ancient buddhist holy place in Kyoto. It has the
Growth: 3-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. most beautiful 5cm semi-double pink flowers, the
fringe a deeper colour than the centre, festooning the
Prunus ‘Hokusav’ stiff upright branches in spring. The whole plant sel-
dom exceeds 5m in height. Its open branch structure
Many nurserymen suggest ‘Hokusai’ as a “better pruning, particularly as a
lends itself to formative
quality” replacement for “Takasago’. It certainly
component in the creation of a Japanese garden. The
grows faster, and the similar-looking flowers remain
tree was first introduced to Europe around 1905.
fresh for a long time, up to three weeks. They are Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-5-5. Hardiness: 40%.
scented like Chinese peonies (Paeonia lactiflora). The

as
Pe Gas
oe

Prunus ‘Takasago’
trees in spring
 Great White Cherry

Flag Cherry

Prunus ‘Shirofugen’

Great White Cherry young tree

old tree

564
 CHERRIES

Great White Cherry Prunus “Tai-haku’ Prunus ‘Shirofugen’

In 1923 Captain Collingwood Ingram, the English This is a vigorous tree up to 8m wide and almost as
cherry enthusiast, was shown a magnificent white tall. The Japanese name means ‘white god’ and is a
cherry in a garden in Sussex. It had the largest pure reference to the colour of the fully open flowers.
white flowers of any he had seen, 6cm across. He These begin pale pink in bud, become pure white,
immediately propagated the tree without knowing and turn back to pale purplish-pink just before the
what it was. Some years later when in Japan he was petals fall. In the garden the great value of this tree is
shown an eighteenth-century book of paintings by a its late flowering. It extends the spring cherry blos-
Mr. Funatsun. To his astonishment his Sussex cherry som season into early summer. The centre of the
was in it, ‘Tai-haku’ named by a Japanese Prince flower often develops into a leafy bract.
Tsukasa in ancient times. So far as was known the This is a good garden tree, tolerant of awide range
tree had been extinct for hundreds of years. How it of soil types. Its white flowers and deep bronze
managed to re-appear in Sussex is uncertain, but young leaves make it an ideal lawn specimen. By the
from this single plant, gardens the world over have time it flowers in early summer the weather is usually
been restocked. good enough for the garden chairs to be set out in its
‘Tai-haku’ is without doubt the finest snow-white shade.
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
cherry there is. It has low spreading branches filled
with clusters of 6cm flowers and bronze-red unfold-
Flag Cherry Prunus ‘Hatazakura’
ing leaves in spring. It is hardy, and undemanding
with regard to soil. It will grow and flower perfectly So called because the petals have tattered edges like a
well in semi-shade or full sun. The flowers are faintly well used flag, this is an early flowering very pale
scented of gorse (Ulex europaeus), or warm almonds. pink cultivar. The faintly scented single flowers soon
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. fade nearly to white and are quickly spoiled by cold
spring rain. The young leaves are bronze-green,
appearing after the flowers. It is not a widely grown
form, and it has become rare in cultivation.
Growth: 3-6-7. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.

Flag Cherry
Prunus ‘Shirofugen’
trees in spring
 Cherry Laurel

‘Schipkaensis’

> ; “Magnoliifolia’
‘Bruantit’
Re , ae
Otinii *“Serbica’
566
 CHERRIES

Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus commonly grown in English gardens particularly as a

tall evergreen hedge.
The common name Cherry Laurel, and the appetiz-
A smaller but more hardy plant is ‘Schipkaensis’
ing glossy black fruit, belie the poisonous nature of
from the Schipka Pass (1333m) in Bulgaria. It was
this plant. Even the evergreen leaves are poisonous,
introduced by Spith in Berlin in 1889. A similar but
being rich in cyanide. Not a tree to plant where there
smaller type called ‘Compacta’ was developed in
are young children or pets, such as horses. It is not a
Austria.
suitable subject where under-planting is required
Probably the most common form in cultivation
either. Nothing will grow under the poisonous drips
‘Latifolia’, has bright glossy leaves 20-25cm long. It is
of rain-water from laurel leaves. It is said that the lau- tall, vigorous, and very shade tolerant. The original
rel is an evergreen because the Greek god Apollo plant was produced at Versailles, France, in 1869. It
loved the beautiful nymph Daphne. She disliked him has been extensively used on shooting estates as
but he pursued her relentlessly. When he finally cor- cover and as a food source for pheasants. The cultivar
nered her she cried out for help and was immediately ‘Otinii’ is a vigorous but compact tree with big dark
changed into a laurel tree. Apollo embraced the! tree green pendulous leaves up to 25cm long. It was culti-
and declared that it would always remain fresh and vated at St. Etienne, in France, but is tender in
green and, like his love, would never die. The off- northern Europe.
white spring flowers are densely packed in upright or A large shrub with very large leaves is ‘Magnolii-
nodding racemes. They are strongly scented and folia’. The tough dense cultivar ‘Serbica’ is a very
attract numerous insects. hardy plant. It has 10-14cm leaves which are less
In cultivation the wild form, from western Asia, 1s glossy green. It originated in the Balkans and was
almost unknown. There are, however, numerous introduced to northern Europe via Germany in
horticultural selections. ‘Rotundifolia’ is a French 1877. The cultivar ‘Bruantii’ is another French
cultivar produced at Fontenay-aux-Roses in 1865. selection made before 1913. It is tender but makes a
The short rounded leaves are less glossy than most of small tree or large shrub 4m tall with upright
the other forms. ‘Camelliifolia’ is a vigorous large branches in mild districts.
shrub 3-4m tall. It was produced in 1901 and is very Growth: 4-6-6. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 2, 3.

‘Magnoliifolia’

567
 new leaves

seed pods

leaf variation i

autumn leaflet

Yellow-wood
O= < o nr o ~ Oo = z -wood

568
 WPAELEN TeUNIANVE - Fabaceae

Judas Tree Cladrastis (Fabaceae)

Cercis siliquastrum (Caesalpiniaceae) There are only four deciduous species in this genus
from North America and eastern Asia. The name 1s
This distinctive rounded deciduous tree is prized by
from the Greek ‘kiados’ meaning branch, and ‘thrau-
gardeners for its numerous bright purplish-pink pea
stos’ fragile, a reference to the weak twigs and
flowers in early summer. These occur in clusters
branches. These trees are hardy in Europe but
along the branches even if they are frequently and require protection in the exposed north and east.
heavily pruned. The Judas Tree originated in
south-east Europe and western Asia, but has been Yellow-wood Cladrastis kentukea (lutea)
cultivated for centuries throughout Europe and
In America this tree grows to 20m in height but in
much of the rest of the temperate world. In North
cultivation in Europe it remains much smaller. It has
America its place is usually taken by Cercis canaden-
alternate pinnate leaves which turn clear gold in
sis, Redbud (p. 571). The genus name comes from
autumn. In summer fragrant white pea flowers occur
the Greek ‘kerkis’ which, strangely, appears to
in panicles 25-40cm long. It does not flower freely in
mean poplar. The thin rounded leaves do vaguely
cold areas. The bark is smooth and pale grey, and the
resemble some poplars.
wood is bright yellow.
If allowed to grow freely and un-pollarded, Judas Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.
Growth: 2-7-15.
trees may reach 10m. Old specimens often lean at an
angle, fall down, or recline on the ground, but nearly Chinese Yellow-wood Cladrastis sinensis
always continue to grow vigorously and flower pro-
This less hardy species from China has greyish-green
fusely. In the autumn fairly good yellowish-brown
leaves and produces broad 12-30cm panicles of white
autumn foliage colour is produced. This is a plant for
or pinkish-white 1.2cm flowers late in the summer.
hot sunny dry stony places. It is tolerant of acid or Yellow-woods are seldom planted in gardens but
alkaline soils but does not transplant well. There is a they are good shade trees requiring only a sheltered
white-flowered form albida. The pre-1914 cultivar site and rich moist soil. Growth is generally slow and
‘Bodnant’ is a superior floriferous type with deep the ultimate size remains easily manageable. Trees
pink flowers. can be pruned back to make them safe and maintain a
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 2.
predetermined shape and size.
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2. Wood: 1.

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Judas Tree
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 Eastern
Redbud
78
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SS Si lk Tree
5/4

570
 REDBUD, SILK TREE

Eastern Redbud Silk Tree Albizia julibrissin (Mimosaceae)

Cercis canadensis (Caesalpiniaceae) Albizia is a genus of about 150 species usually repre-
This deciduous tree rarely exceeds 10m in height. It sented in temperate gardens by just one or two. The
comes from south and east North America and Silk Tree is doubtfully hardy in much of Europe,
north-east Mexico. The rounded heart-shaped leaves although it thrives in the south. It is native to Asia
are 10cm wide and long. They are bright green, from Iran to Japan. The name commemorates the
smooth, and paper thin. In spring new growth is eighteenth-century Florentine nobleman Filippo
bronze to deep brown. In the popular cultivar “For- Degli Albizzi who brought it into cultivation. It
est Pansy’ early reddish-bronze colour persists all makes a rounded tree up to 10m high with spreading
branches. The light green deciduous leaves are bipin-
season. Eastern Redbud tends to flower less well in
nate with around 24 minor leaflets about 1cm long
northern Europe than it does in its native America. It
on each of 12-14 main leaflets. The early summer
is tolerant of a range of soil types and withstands
flowers, closely resembling a red mimosa, occur in
drought. It is hardy but spring frosts can cause super-
racemes. Each ‘flower’ is in fact a cluster of smaller
ficial damage to the flowers and foliage.
rudimentary flowers. Seed occurs in 15cm pea pods
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 2.
in autumn.
Cercis racemosa Once established the Silk Tree will survive minor
frosts, but in colder areas it is usually grown inside as
This Chinese species is closely related to the Euro- a conservatory plant. It requires strong sunshine to
pean and American trees. The 10cm leaves are hairy flower in summer and is tolerant of drought. The
underneath, which is unusual in Cercis. The 10cm cultivar ‘Rosea’ is less vigorous but has deeper red
long racemes of flowers (as opposed to clusters in flowers. It is said to be slightly more cold resistant.
other species) appear on old wood in early summer. There is also a rare white-flowered form.
The seeds are produced in flat green pea pods tinged Growth: 2-7-9. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.
with red-brown as they mature. It is rare in cultiva-
tion but a worthwhile addition to a sheltered garden
for its delicate flowers.
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.

Eastern Redbud
Silk Tree
spring
flowering
 Le,
> )
Drea
Ty

Silver Wattle

Silver Wattle
young bark

Pale
Hickory
Wattle

intermediate
leaves

Blackwood
Silver Wattle
young tree flowering
O1~ItO
 WATTLES

Silver Wattle or Mimosa Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon

Acacia dealbata (Mimosaceae) This evergreen tree exceeds 25m in the wild, but
In the wild state in Australia this is a 30m tree with much less in cultivation. It is native to Tasmania and
southern Australia but tolerates the milder parts of
stems around 1m thick. The shoots and leaves are
Europe. The distinctive foliage consists of a mixture
covered with silvery down, giving an overall frosted
of adult and juvenile leaves, and also has an interme-
appearance. The fragrant sulphur-yellow flowers
diate stage. The flowers occur in small axillary clus-
occur in panicles 10cm across in late summer — in
ters in spring. The 7-10cm long seed pods are often
Europe, winter. When cultivated in the northern
curved or distorted.
hemisphere it survives out of doors in mild regions but Choice: 1.
Growth: 4-5-5. Hardiness: 0-10%.
will only thrive in a conservatory. In southern Europe Wood; 1, 2, 3, 4 (tannins).
it can be cut down by a frost but will then often
recolonise the ground from a mass of root-suckers. Mount Etna Broom Genista aetnensis
Growth: 3-5-5. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 2, 3, 4 (tannins), 5. Although this is a Mediterranean broom, it grows to
tree size as far north as the milder parts of northern
Green Wattle Europe. Specimens in southern England, for exam-
ple, have reached 18m with stems over 35cm in
Acacia decurrens var. mollis (syn. mearnsii) diameter. It thrives in seaside areas, but having only
An evergreen tree to 18m tall, Green Wattle has dark rudimentary leaves it gives little shelter from the
foliage consisting of fine pinnate leaves with 16-70 wind. It is native to Sicily and Sardinia, but is natu-
pairs of leaflets. Flowers occur in racemes followed ralized on rocky hillsides and cliffs all over southern
by flat seed pods 10cm long. and western Europe. The fragrant yellow flowers
Growth: 3-5-5. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1. occur in profusion on thin, almost leafless bright
green straight shoots.
Pale Hickory Wattle Acacia falciformis Choice: 1.
Growth: 4-8-15. Hardiness: 40-50%.
This tender species is from south-east Australia. It has
undivided leaves and scented spring flowers which
occur in profusion in the leaf axils and also in termi-
nal panicles.
Growth: 4-5-5. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1.

Mount Etna Broom

on~] iss)
 a . \ a | |
fe s

Ss owt _G- =
Black Locust

|
ra at 4, 7
a ,

*“Tortuosa’

A Black Locust
 LOCUST Rae's

Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia drops its poorly-coloured leaflets early in the
autumn.
This North American species is both ornamental in
There are a large number ofcultivated forms, ‘Frisia’
the garden and useful as a timber producer. It was
was raised at the Jansen Nursery, Holland, in 1935, and
named in honour ofJean and Vespasien Robin who
is now very popular. Its yellow foliage is striking
were sixteenth-century herbalists to the French
through the summer and then it takes on a glowing
Royal Household. British colonists in America dis-
golden hue in the autumn (see also next page).
covered the species in 1607 at Jamestown Virginia.
An unusual slow-growing form is “Tortuosa’; it
American Indians made bows from the strong flexi-
has a compact head of twisted branches that tend to
ble wood and cultivated straight trees specially for droop.
this purpose. Though not particularly pretty, the cultivar “Pyra-
Black Locust is potentially large, around 25m tall midalis’ (‘Fastigiata’) is a tough columnar tree with
and over 1m through the stem. It should only be the considerable horticultural advantage of having no
planted where there is plenty of open space because thorns. It originated before 1850 but is still very
it spreads almost indefinitely by sprouting from the much under used.
extensive surface root system. Care must always be The Weeping Black Locust, ‘Rozynskyana’ is
taken to ensure that sucker shoots, resulting in fur- another cultivar which is much less popular than it
ther trees, do not encroach upon neighbouring prop- deserves to be. First cultivated in 1920, it makes a
erty. Black Locust is hardy throughout most of delightful tree with pendulous branch tips and large
Europe, but old trees tend to become hollow and 25-40cm leaves.
unsafe in strong winds. Small branches and twigs are See p. 579-581 for other Black Locust cultivars.
armed with flat razor sharp thorns in pairs on either All Black Locusts transplant well and_ tolerate
side of each alternate bud. The 25cm pinnate leaves almost any kind of soil. Their wide spreading roots
have 7-19 pairs of opposite, oval untoothed 4cm and late leafing out makes them particularly tolerant
leaflets. The fragrant white flowers, in lax or pendent of drought.
10-20cm racemes, appear with the leaves in early Growth: 3-9-25. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1, 4,
summer. This tree is late coming into leaf and it Wood: 1, 2, 3 (species).

‘Rozynskyana’
‘Pyramidalis’ ‘Frisia’
on~JOn
 Clammy Locust Robinia x holdtii

leaflet

Rose Acacia

leaf variations |

One-leaved Black Locust

One-leaved Black Locust
576
 LOCUST IREBES

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’ (see p. 575) Kentucky south to Georgia was brought into cultiva-
tion in 1758. The variety macrophylla has somewhat
Clammy Locust Robinia viscosa larger leaves and flowers, but it lacks the density of
First cultivated in 1791, this small tree up to 12m tall sticky bristles. Stems appear to be brittle and fre-
is from the south-eastern part of the United States. quently snap offin strong winds or snow.
Growth: 1-1-2. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4.
The dark red branches, and the leaf and flower stalks,
are glandular and sticky. A most unpleasant tree to
touch, not only is it sticky but it is often armed with One, caved plage Locust
small but very sharp spines. The pretty pea flowers Robinia pseudoacacia “Unifoha’
are pale pink with a yellow blotch on the top petal Often known as ‘Monophylla’ this fairly big, often
(the standard) and a red calyx. There are 6-16 2cm rather gaunt tree looks at first sight as if it suffers from
flowers to each pendulous raceme. The 5-8cm seed a dreadful foliage disease. This is because the familiar
pods are also glandular. pinnate Robinia leaves with many leaflets are reduced
Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-8-12. to just 3-5 or sometimes only one. It originated in
Robinia x holdtii Europe in 1855 and in America in 1858.
Growth: 3-9-20. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.
This hybrid between Black Locust and Robinia luxu-
rians (p. 579) originated before 1890, in the region of Mop-head Acacia _
Colorado. It makes a substantial tree similar to Black
Locust but with light rose-pink flowers. The leaves Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’
are slightly larger with 4-5cm leaflets. The seed pods This is a curiosity that is worthy of a place in the
are slightly glandular. specialist plant collector’s garden. It 1s small but has
Growth: 3-8-14. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 4. architectural impact. Unfortunately it is very
slow-gro wing and patience will be needed before the
Rose Acacia Robinia hispida
effect can be seen. The tightly packed thornless
The Rose Acacia is a lovely shrub or very small tree branches seldom leave room for any flowers to be
but it has no respect for space or boundaries. It is sto- produced, but are a feature in their own right. The
loniferous, and spreads far and wide by constantly tree was first cultivated in 1811 and has often been
throwing up new stems from its extensive surface root wrongly sold under the name ‘Inermis’. Real ‘Inermis’
system. The foliage is glandular and sticky. Flowers is another thornless cultivar, but it lacks the distinctive
9-5cm across occur in short racemes with particularly foliage of ‘Umbraculifera’, which gives the impression
bristly (hispid) stalks. In America it 1s sometimes called of having just been neatly clipped with shears.
Moss Locust. The petals are rose-coloured or pale Growth: 1-4-6. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
purple with a red calyx. The plant, from Virginia and

Mop-head Acacia
old tree
young tree
on~—I—
 Rat See
ee.

Robinia x slavinii

AR
NAS
ARS
we
~
$\

‘Coluteoides’ ‘Monophylla Fastigiata’ ‘Aurea’

578
 VOCUS TENEES

Robinia pseudoacacia cultivars leaflets than Robinia kelseyi. The foliage is bristly but
not glandular like kelseyi — which incidentally 1s
The cultivar ‘Coluteoides’ is a small densely-
known in America as ‘Allegheny Moss’. The flowers,
twigged tree that takes on a rugged appearance in old
which are also on hairy-stalked racemes, are lilac to
age. The flowers are numerous though the racemes
rose pink. The seed pods are roughened by very
are hardly showy. It is a good plant for the small gar-
small tightly packed tubercles.
den provided that any suckers that might appear can
A fine cultivar of this hybrid, “Hillieri’, has numer-
be removed. This is probably best done by surround-
ous purplish bristly foliage hairs and rose-pink,
ing the tree with grass and mowing it frequently.
slightly fragrant flowers. The leaves, with 7-11 leaf-
Unfortunately this cultivar is seldom available now in
lets each around 3cm long, are pea-green with paler
the nursery trade. Another interesting tree is ‘Aurea’
undersides. This small rounded, shapely tree was
which grows as large as the species (over 20m) and is raised at the Hillier Nurseries in 1933, and has now
often mistaken for it. The characteristic soft yellow more or less replaced the original hybrid in cultiva-
foliage only occurs in early summer and 1s easily con- tion in Europe.
fused with ordinary yellowish unfolding Black Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 4.
Locust leaves, or a possible nutrient deficiency. It was
first cultivated in 1864 but has now been largely Robinia luxurians
replaced in the trade by ‘Frisia’. The unusual tree
This small tree up to 10m tall is from the southern
‘Monophylla Fastigiata’ is now rarely seen. It 1s an
United States and north Mexico. It has relatively
upright form of the “‘One-leaved Black Locust’ (p.
large leaves, each consisting of 15-21 elliptic-oblong
577). A gaunt-looking plant with a mixture of sin-
2-3.5cm leaflets. They are silky-pubescent on the
gle or tri-foliate leaves. Another cultivar which is
underside at first. Each petiole and rachis is glandular.
sadly very difficult to come by now is “Glauces-
Vicious stipular spines, in threes, protect the luxun-
cens’. It has delicate soft grey-green foliage (Other
ant foliage from browsing animals. The flowers are
Black Locust cultivars are illustrated on pages
rose-pink fading to almost white, about 2cm across,
579-581).
Choice: 1, 4. in dense 15-20cm long racemes. Seeds are in glandu-
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50-70%.
lar sticky pods up to 10cm long. Although it was
brought into cultivation in 1881 this is still an
Robinia x slavinii
unusual plant in horticulture.
This hybrid between Robinia pseudoacacia and Robinia Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 4.
kelseyi, was first cultivated in 1915 in the USA, It is
intermediate between the parents, but has broader

‘Glaucescens’

leaves to scale
Robinia luxurians
‘Monophylla Fastigiata’
a9)
 Robinia
pseudoacacia
‘Rehderi’

Robinia x holdtii
‘Britzensis’

Robinia pseudoaca
“Bessoniana’

Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia pseudoacacia

‘Appalachia’ ‘Rehderi’ “Bessoniana’

580
 LOCUST TREES

Robinia x holdtii ‘Britzensis’ The taxing environment of paving and_ vehicle

exhaust fumes appears to suit it perfectly well. ite
The flowers of the hybrid (described on p. 577) are leaves are rich green and accompanied by white
almost white with only a hint of pink. The leaves are flowers in summer. The rough bark does not acco-
green at first becoming grey-green as they mature. mmodate carved graffiti or suffer serious damage
This similar-looking cultivar is a rare plant in cultiva- from minor traffic ‘bumps’ and pinned up notices.
tion. It appears to have been first grown as a garden ‘Bessoniana’ was first cultivated in America in 1864
tree sometime between 1893 and 1900. and introduced to Europe in 1871.
Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4. Growth: 3-9-15. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 2.

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Rehdert’ Robinia ‘Idahoensis’

This small bushy tree with its compact thornless A great deal of complex breeding has gone into pro-
branches has more erect twigs than the otherwise ducing this splendid but little-used cultivar. The
similar Mop-Head Acacia (p. 577). It was first culti- flowers are pink to pale lavender, and backed by
vated in 1859 and is usually grown on its own roots strong green foliage. It is a very robust hardy tree
(not grafted). which originated as a selection from crosses between
Growth: 1-2-2. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1. Black Locust and Robinia viscosa. From the same par-
entage and more available in Europe 1s ‘Bella-Rosea’.
Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Appalachia’ Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1.

Usually this makes an upright tree but, as the illustra-

tion shows, it can spread quite widely. It has been Caspian Locust Gleditsia caspica
largely replaced in cultivation in Europe by other Closely related to Japanese Honey Locust (p. 583)
cultivars. this 12m tree is very spiny and has pinnate leaves
Growth: 2-7-9. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. with up to 20 leaflets, though some are bi-pinnate
with up to 8 subdivisions. It is native to parts of Asia
Robinia pseudoacacia “Bessoniana’ Minor including northern Persia and Azerbaijan and
In recent times this cultivar has become recognized was first cultivated in the west in 1822.
is Growth: 3-7-12. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1.
as an ideal street tree. It is compact, flowers well,
not particularly large, has small leaflets and no spines.

Caspian Locust

Robinia ‘Idahoensis’
 Japanese
Honey
Locust

Chinese
| Honey Locust

Chinese Honey Locust new leaves Chinese Honey Locust

582
 HONEY LOCUSTS

Chinese Honey Locust 5-10cm long and often branched. The flowers occur
in slender racemes and produce twisted seed pods
Gleditsia sinensis (Caesalpiniaceae)
25-30cm long. Japanese honey locust also occurs in
An old name for this 1774 introduction from China, China. It was introduced to western horticulture
Gleditsia horrida, describes Karl Willdenow’s initial around 1800. The variety koraiensis, sometimes
reaction when he first described it, no doubt on listed as a species in its own right is a Korean segre-
account of the viciously sharp branched spines. It is no gate of Gleditsia japonica.
accident that Carl Thunberg and Tomitaro Makino Growth: 3-9-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4. Wood: 3, 5.
gave the same species name to another Gleditsia, Japa-
nese Honey Locust. The Chinese tree is a moderately Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos
large specimen growing to around 15m tall with deli- This 24m spreading thorny tree is from east and central
cate pinnate leaves 12-18cm long with up to 18 leaf- North America, from southern Ontario to Florida and
lets. They are dull yellowish-green and 3-8cm long. west to south-east Texas. In America it is also called
The insignificant racemes of greenish-white flowers ‘Sweet Locust’ because the seed pods contain sweet
develop into 12-24cm long straight pea-pods. pulp relished by most wildlife. It was sent to London in
Choice: 1, 4.
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. the year 1700 and many cultivated forms have arisen
Wood: 3, 5.
from it since then. (See also the illustration on p. 585).
Japanese Honey Locust Gleditsia japonica There is also a desirable thornless form, f. inermis.
Growth: 4-10-20 (45 in native region). Hardiness: 60-70%.
This beautiful but well armed tree has ferny 30cm Choice: 2. Wood: 3, 5.
pinnate and bi-pinnate leaves and grows to a substan-
tial size, 20-25m tall. Its vicious flattened thorns are

——_

Honey Locust
Japanese Honey Locust
onCO1S)
 bi-pinnate / /
leaves ‘/ 4h

young tree

‘Skyline’ Gleditsia triacanthos

spring leaves ‘Skyline’

YY
Gleditsia \N
triacanthos
‘Bujotii —/

Gleditsia
triacanthos
‘Imperial’
young tree

PW Gleditsia
triacanthos Gleditsia
ees
x fexana triacanthos
‘Variegata’

yf Go
iwi. }
autumn

J fi]

bhi Pagoda Tree

7 ai { 1 : \4 “ n ‘ A
KY t) kiNi i : v . nN : :] K h
Sd 7 : Un fig .
4 a] i | } aw Ea
a): \ ~ H, Mi te

J fi Yh * f a =S
"
‘Elegantissima’
autumn

Gleditsia triacanthos i
Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ ‘Elegantissima’ Pagoda Tree ;

584 ‘Pyramidalis’ Pagoda Tree bark

 HONEY LOCUSTS

Gleditsia triacanthos cultivars Pagoda Tree Sophora japonica

Considerable effort has been put into developing This graceful 25m tree has a rounded top and spread-
urban shade trees from this species. ‘Skyline’ is the ing branches. Its young shoots are vivid green and
epitome of this, a monopodial, conical, straight completely glabrous. The pinnate leaves are 15-
specimen, 15m tall, with good yellow spring foliage 25cm long with around 15 ovate leaflets which are
colour. 3-5cm long. The upper sides of these are dark green
‘Imperial’ is a shorter, wider spreading town park and they are glaucous beneath. The pretty white
tree. Some of the new American cultivar names say it pea-flowers are in terminal panicles up to 30cm long
all, e.g. ‘Shademaster’, ‘Skymaster’ and ‘Trueshade’. appearing in summer and often hidden by luxuriant
‘Bujotii’ is a small plant with slender pendulous foliage high up in the tree. It flowers best in a very
branchlets. ‘Variegata’ is one of several weakly hot dry season.
variegated cultivars. The natural hybrid between The exact range of the Pagoda Tree has been con-
Gleditsia aquatica and this species is x texana, a big fused by centuries of cultivation. It may only be wild
in the Chihli Province of northern China, but it
tree without spines.
Finally, ‘Elegantissima’ is a slow-growing, more grows all over China and also in Japan. It was intro-
or less thornless, shrubby tree with densely twiggy duced to France in 1747 and soon spread to all the
branches and fern-like foliage. botanic gardens of Europe. A favourite location for
‘Sunburst’ is a sport from the form inermis, the this species has been in Universities and other places
thornless American Honey Locust. Few trees have of learning. An alternative name for it is the Chinese
become as popular as this golden-leaved plant, first Scholar Tree, suggesting a very long historical prece-
cultivated in 1953, which makes an ideal town tree. dent for this practice.
It is tolerant of air pollution and withstands hot dry The cultivar ‘Pendula’ was first seen in Shanghai
conditions. Even mown grass around its base does by Robert Fortune in 1853. It was grafted above
not seem to present any problems for its roots. head height and had weeping shoots down to the
Although optimum size has probably not yet been ground. It makes a good garden tree with twisted
reached it does not appear to be an excessively large pendulous branches but does not appear to flower.
tree. The leaflets are small and do not cause a great ‘Pyramidalis’ is a narrow upright form also in culti-
deal of nuisance when they fall. There are no serious vation under the variety name columnaris. It is now
pathological problems and trees hardly ever blow seldom seen and has mostly been replaced by the
down. newer cultivar ‘Princeton Upright’.
Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. Growth; 3-9-25 (species).
Growth: variable.

fruit
Pagoda Tree ‘Pendula’
onioe)1
 a @ Common Adam’s F
is
. Laburnum Laburnum
Voss’s j d ©
Laburnum ii

Scotch
Laburnum

Scotch
Laburnum
Voss’s
Laburnum

Adam7’s
Laburnum

Scotch
Laburnum
Voss’s Laburnum

586
 LABURNUMS

Laburnum 25cm golden inflorescences. It tolerates lime-rich

soils. The wood has a long history of use in fine fur-
There are two species, a hybrid and several cultivated
niture making. It is dark brown with a narrow pale
forms of Laburnum. They all originated in southern
yellow sapwood border. There is a rather insipid
Europe or western Asia. The deciduous foliage is tri-
yellow-leaved form ‘Aureum’ which boasts the
foliate and the inflorescences are pendulous yellow
name Golden-leaved Laburnum, but tends to revert
racemes of late spring pea flowers. The small hard
if green growths are not constantly cut out.
seeds occur in flat pods which hang in clusters and Choice: 1, 4. Wood: 1.
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 50%.
turn from green to dark brown. All Laburnums,
especially their seeds, should be regarded as seriously Adam’s Laburnum + Laburnocytisus adamit
poisonous. This small tree is an entirely artificial plant called a
Voss’s Laburnum $Laburnum x watereri graft hybrid or ‘chimaera’. It was created in Paris in
1825. The inner stem is Common Laburnum and the
A hybrid raised in Holland in the late nineteenth outer part is Purple Broom (Cytisus purpureus). The
century and now widely planted for its profusion of tree produces flowers of both species and intermedi-
golden yellow 30cm racemes of flowers. It tolerates ate forms simultaneously.
chalky soils and remains fairly small. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 3-6-9.
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 4. Wood: 1.
Maackia chinensis
Scotch Laburnum Laburnum alpinum
Unlike Laburnum the leaves of this small, 8m,
When a hardy ornamental plant is required for an rounded tree are pinnate, 20cm long with up to 13
exposed area this species from the mountains of leaflets. The racemes of pea flowers stand upright on
southern Europe is one of the best. The later flowers the shoot tips. They are dull creamy-white and
are fragrant, in racemes up to 45cm long. appear in late summer. A highly ornamental species,
Choice: 1, 4.Wood: 1.
Growth: 2-7-14. Hardiness: 60-70%. introduced from its native China in 1908 by Ernest
Laburnum Laburnum anagyroides Wilson.
Common
Growth: 2-6-8 (23 in native region). Hardiness: 40-50%.
This European tree may grow to 9m tall and wide. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 3.
The leaves have distinctive grey-green backs and

Adam/’s Laburnum
Maackia chinensis
Cytisus purpureus

587
 Ny
d hee
1,0

autumn

underside

old American tree in summer winter

Kentucky Coffee Tree

588
 KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE

Kentucky Coffee Tree female trees. The seeds are in 15-25cm brownish,

Gymnocladus dioicus (Caesalpiniaceae) leathery, hanging pods which remain unopened on

the tree through the winter. The individual bean-
The seeds of this big 17m tree are said to have been like seeds are separated and insulated by a thick layer
roasted to make a sort of coffee by early European of sweet-tasting pulp.
pioneers in America. Raw seeds, however, are poi- The bark becomes rough and fissured with age and
sonous, although the unripe seeds were once used in branches develop a gaunt outline. The genus name is
homoeopathic medicine. The huge bi-pinnate from the Greek for ‘naked branch’; the tree spends a
deciduous leaves are up to 1m long with as many as long time in the leafless winter state.
140 leaflets. Each leaflet is ovate, entire and abruptly The wood is relatively soft but heavy and durable,
pointed. The base is irregularly rounded or slightly especially in contact with wet ground. It is light
offset, according to its position on the leaf. The brown with a red cast on good lengths, with a thin
whole structure flushes out pink, soon becoming creamy-white layer of sapwood. It prefers moist, fer-
bronze-green, then bright green and lustrous on the tile, sheltered sites, in sun or shade. The natural habi-
upper side. Thin grey tomentum on the underside tat of this tree is fairly wet alluvial ‘bottom-lands’ in a
gradually wears off as the leaves mature, but the col- vast area of central North America, from southern
our remains paler yellow-green. The autumn foliage Ontario to New York and west to Oklahoma and
colour is bright clear yellow, the leaflets and the Minnesota.
rachis then falling separately. The cultivar ‘Wariegata’ has leaflets blotched with
There are panicles of greenish-white fragrant flow- pale yellow and white. It is a rather sickly plant
ers but these are seldom seen in cold northern areas. which has a diseased look about it.
There are separate male and female trees, but occa- Growth: 3-9-17 (30 in native region). Hardiness: 40%.
sionally male flowers occur on the lower branches of Choice: 1 (requires space), 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 5.

fruit
Kentucky Coffee Tree young tree

‘Variegata’

589
 var.
lavallei

fruit

Japanese
Cork Tree
underside

Amur
Cork Tree

Euodia
bark

autumn

Euodia
 © IRSAIN
GG Ee AV LY os Rutaceae

Euodia Tetradium daniellii areas. The bark is corky and is harvested locally. In
cultivation it makes a highly decorative and moder-
Oniginally introduced as two distinct species under
ately hardy specimen tree. The soft lattice of ridged
the genus name Euodia (sometimes spelt Evodia) this
pale buff to brown bark is of special interest after
small deciduous tree has a natural range across north-
trees exceed 25 years of age. The outline of the
ern China and Korea. The Chinese form, introduced
branches is neatly rounded, usually on a straight
as Euodia hupehensis, is a larger tree up to 20m tall.
stem. Pinnate deciduous leaves, up to 40cm long
The 3-4mm scented flowers are whitish in corymbs
each have 7-11 leaflets and resemble ash (Fraxinus).
10-16cm across. Euodia is the Greek word for ‘plea-
They colour to pale yellow in the autumn, contrast-
sant odour’. The opposite pinnate leaves have 7-11
ing beautifully in good years with clusters of black
ovate pointed leaflets which are 5-10cm long. They
lcm fruits on female trees.
are distinctly pale green on the underside. The fruits
The Amur Cork Tree was introduced to the west
consist of small 8mm red pods each with a short
in 1856. The variety lavallei, introduced six years
curved point, containing 1-2 shiny black seeds.
later from Japan as a separate species, is a smaller tree
The identity and introduction of this species has
seldom over 10m tall. The bark is slightly less corky
been complicated by taxonomic uncertainty. Euodia
and the leaves are dull yellowish-green.
daniellii arrived in the west in 1905 probably from
Growth: 3-8-14. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1, 3.
Korea, while Euodia hupehensis came from China in Wood: 4 (cork).
1907. Whatever its origin, this is a good ornamental
plant in cultivation with sweetly scented flowers and
yellow autumn foliage accompanied by red fruits. Japanese Cork Tree Phellodendron japonicum
Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Closely related to the Amur Cork Tree this 10m tall
individual is from central Japan. The dark brown
Amur Cork Tree Phiellodendron amurense bark is less thick, but still relatively soft and warm to
the touch. The 6-10cm leaflets are felted grey-green
One of about ten species, this 14m tree comes from on the underside. It was introduced in 1863.
Japan, Korea, parts of China and eastern Asia. It Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3.
takes its name from the Amur region where it is a Wood: 4 (cork).
mixed deciduous woodland species in mountainous

Amur Cork Tree

 a io) - Ie ny Tree of
Heaven
=
eat <a pret

Tree of Heave n

59 2
 TOR le, (Ove Tae BIN) JeraNINBILSA Simaroubaceae

Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima refuse to go away. In parts of North America it has
become an invasive weed.
This fast-growing tree originated in northern China,
Growth: 5-22-30, Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.
where it had been extensively cultivated and widely
Wood: 1, 4.
distributed long before it was discovered by western
plant hunters. Its exact natural distribution remains in Downy Tree of Heaven
some doubt. Father d’Incarville, a Jesuit missionary,
Ailanthus vilmoriniana
introduced it to the Chelsea Physic Garden in Lon-
don from Nanking in 1751. The name Tree of Otherwise essentially the same as the ordinary Tree
Heaven is a Chinese reference to the speed this tree of Heaven, this species has bristly hairs on the shoots
grows up towards the sky: native and cultivated spec- and downy leaves. It was introduced from west
imens rapidly exceed 30m in height. The bark 1s China by Pére Farges in 1897.
smooth and grey, similar to common ash. The Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
30-60cm leaves, which emerge pink, are pinnate Wood: 1, 4.
with up to 20 pairs of leaflets. The bottom pair each
Picrasma Picrasma quassioides
have an oil gland or nectary which, on a hot day,
gives off a strong and rather unpleasant smell. The Closely related to Ailanthus, this small, 10-12m,
greenish-white male flowers, on separate trees, also rounded, often multi-stemmed tree, produces bril-
have a disagreeable smell which can cause sore liant orange and red autumn foliage colour. It is
throats and nausea. The fruits consist of keys in clus- native over a wide area of the Himalayas, east to Tai-
ters each with a 1cm seed fixed in the centre. As they wan and south into India. The 20-30cm leaves are
ripen they turn from green to bright red and finally pinnate with 7-13 pointed oval leaflets. The flowers
brown. During the two week ‘red stage’ whole trees in open rather lax 15cm axillary corymbs are yellow
take on a distinctive and surprising rosy appearance. and occur in late spring. They produce ovoid berries
This species is tolerant of poor air quality and which ripen through orange to red. The bark is dark
indifferent to dry soils, but it suffers from frost and brown to almost black and rough. It is bitter to taste
cold wind exposure. Unfortunately it produces new (not recommended), the scientific name is a refer-
shoots from root suckers as much as 30m from the ence to this, from ‘Picris’, which was Theophrastus’
original plant on occasions. Felled trees regenerate name for a bitter herb.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
themselves from suckers with renewed vigour and

Picrasma
leaf variation

Picrasma
593
 \ Potanin’s Sumach
‘
5

ion th
nh ee
Se ynape
bath otees
aD !

Varnish Tree Stag’s-horn Sumach Potanin’s Sumach

594
 SIMI, TEM Sisk FAVE ec Anacardiaceae

Varnish Tree Rhus verniciflua colours are brilliant pink and red. The pinnate leaf
stalks completely cover the following year’s buds.
Traditional Chinese lacquer is obtained from the sap
The flowers are in 10-18cm terminal panicles. Each
of this substantial 15-22m tree. Almost everything
one has cream petals and deep purple stamens. They
about the plant is poisonous and some people are so
produce clusters of downy red berries.
allergic to it that simply brushing against it will cause
Growth: 3-7-16. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4.
a reaction. Growth in cultivation is vigorous, a coni-
cal outline quickly developing, then trees become
Stag’s-horn Sumach_ Rhus typhina
rounded with age. The branches are open and sparse,
rapidly spreading upwards and outwards. The 30- This familiar garden shrub or small suckering tree has
60cm pinnate leaves have 9-19 leaflets each with a thick densely hairy shoots reminiscent of a deer ant-
slender point and a short stalk. The upper surfaces are ler in velvet. It will not be confined in one place for
glossy green and the undersides are downy. In the long and soon spreads over a wide area by producing
autumn good red foliage colour may be expected. suckers from its surface roots. The autumn foliage
Drooping panicles of yellowish-white flowers appear colour is quite outstanding. Upright female crimson
in mid-summer, followed by flattened 8mm _ pale flowers, on separate trees, develop into distinctive
yellowish-brown berries. The natural range of this ‘drum stick’ fruits which are retained on the bare
species includes China, Japan and the Himalayas. It branches well into the winter. First cultivated in
was cultivated in the west some time before 1862. 1629, this is an east North American plant. ‘Di-
Growth: 4-9-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3, 4. Wood: 4. ssecta’ is a cut-leaved female form with fern-like
leaves, which colour brilliantly in the autumn.
Potanin’s Sumach Rhus potaninii Growth: 3-4-4. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 4.

This Chinese tree was discovered by Augustine Smooth Sumach Rhuis glabra
Henry in 1888 and introduced to the west by Ernest
Wilson in 1902. It also has poisonous sap which can Another wide spreading shrubby tree, introduced
cause an allergic reaction in some people. Trees 20m from North America a little earlier in 1620, Smooth
tall are known but in cultivation it is a much smaller Sumach is like the previous species except for its
suckering plant, often with multiple main stems and hairless stems. The autumn foliage colours are
equally as good.
untidy spreading branches. The autumn foliage
Growth: 3-4-4. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1, 4.

autumn

autumn

‘Dissecta’ Smooth Sumach

Stag’s-horn Sumach
 ‘Aureovariegata’
‘Marginata’
Himalayan Box

‘Pyramidalis’

‘Rotundifolia’

‘“Angustifolia’

Common Box ‘Rosmarinifolia’

596
 IEXOW TEVA oc Buxaceae

Common Box Buxus sempervirens ‘Pendula’ is a good evergreen weeping tree although
without training it becomes prostrate.
Most wild box trees are multi-stemmed and less than
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1.
8m tall. They are native across a huge range in tem-
perate Europe and Asia, usually growing under large
deciduous trees to which they remain subordinate. Balearic Box Buxus balearica
This tough evergreen plant is extremely shade toler-
Introduced before 1780 this tender tree, up to 10m
ant; it also re-grows from broken stumps and once
in height, has relatively large 5cm long oval leathery
established is almost indestructible.
leaves. As well as the Balearic Islands it occurs in
There are several distinct groups of Common Box
southern Spain and North Africa.
cultivars, ‘Latifolia’ covers all the broad-leaved indi-
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1.
viduals. ‘Latifolia Bullata’ has broad but blistered
leaves which give it a diseased look. ‘Latifolia
Maculata’ substitutes blisters with dull yellow Himalayan Box Buxus wallichiana
blotches. However, the new growth in spring, or
This fairly tender small tree has tough evergreen 6cm
after clipping, is flecked with bright yellow. “Aureo-
long lanceolate leaves. It was introduced to Europe
variegata’ has similar-coloured foliage but it is a
from its native India and the north-west Himalayas in
more vigorous bush and the leaves are smaller. Even 1850 but remains uncommon in cultivation.
more vigorous is ‘Marginata’ which combines blis- Growth: 2-2-3. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2.
ters with flecks and margins of pale yellow. Closer in
appearance to common box with 2-3cm leaves is
‘Gold Tip’. It has bright yellow edges towards the Dwarf Box Buxus microphylla
ends of some young leaves. This kind of variation is Most small Box plants encountered in gardens today
often seen on isolated shoots of wild box trees. are cultivars of this Japanese species. They were
There is a complete range of leaf shapes in box cul- introduced to Europe in 1860 particularly for edging
tivars. ‘Rotundifolia’ is virtually round, ‘Angustifo- parterre boarders. The evergreen elliptic leaves are
lia’ is narrow, and ‘Rosmarinifolia’ is almost linear. less than 1.5cm long. The Chinese variety sinica
In addition to bushy plants there are box trees introduced in 1900 has rounded leaves.
selected for their particular shape. ‘Pyramidalis’ is Growth: 1-1-1. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1, 2.
naturally upright even when it is not clipped and

‘Gold Tip’

‘Latifolia Maculata’
old bark
‘Pendula’

bo
 , 4 AN
leaf from Ag \-G \
top of tree f

‘Golden
Milkboy’

‘Handsworth New Silver’

‘Ferox Argentea’
\ §
‘Ovata’

‘Amber’
Common Holly
‘Flavescens’

598
 F@OWiavel NY e ciuitoltaceae

Common Holly Ilex aquifolium variegated form of the same thing, “Ferox Argen-
tea’, which has been cultivated since 1662. They are
This familiar tree has a smooth silver-grey stem and
both male plants up to 5m tall.
dense shade-tolerant prickly foliage. It grows natu-
The male cultivar ‘Ovata’ has almost oval leaves
rally in mixed woodlands throughout Europe, west-
with evenly spaced, short spines round the margins.
ern Asia and North Africa, often as an under storey
It grows slowly and seldom exceeds 2m in height.
to large deciduous trees such as oak. Lower leaves are
The shoots are deep purple for the first years.
sharply spined but many of the upper leaves are
Alternative berry colours in holly include yellow
entire except for a spine tip. and orange. Before 1955 the Hillier Nurseries pro-
There are a large number ofcultivars of Common
duced ‘Amber’, which has large bronze-yellow ber-
Holly in the nursery trade. Most of the variegated
ries. Pure yellow fruits, often in profusion, appear in
forms have green glossy leaves with some form of
early winter on ‘Bacciflava’, the Yellow-fruited
yellow margin. ‘Aurea Marginata’, ‘Argentea Mar-
Holly. It is a large tree exactly like the species (except
ginata’ and ‘Handsworth New Silver’ are good
when in fruit) with sharply spined glossy green
examples. They are all free-fruiting female plants.
leaves. This cultivar is still occasionally listed as
The yellow variegation is more random on ‘Golden
‘Fructu Luteo’.
Milkboy’, a male clone which tends to revert to
There are two thick-leaved variegated hollies.
green, and ‘Flavescens’, the Moonlight Holly,
‘Ovata Aurea’ is a strong plant with particularly
which is especially pale-coloured in mid-winter.
thick 5-7cem short-spined leaves. It is a male clone so
Variable leaf forms are common in cultivated hol-
no berries are produced, but the young shoots are
lies. ‘Recurva’ has backward-facing spines on 3-4cm deep purple. ‘Crispa Aurea Picta’ is another male
leaves. It is a slow-growing male plant with purple cultivar with hard thick twisted leaves, mostly with-
shoots. Although small and bushy it is exceedingly out spines. Unlike ‘Ovata Aurea’ its yellow variega-
spiteful. The Hedgehog Holly, ‘Ferox’, is quite tion is towards the centre of each leaf.
unmistakable. The small deformed leaves have con- Growth: 2-8-15 (species): (cvs variable). Hardiness: 50%.
centrations of spikes emanating from the margin and Choice: 1, 2. Wood: 1 (species).
across the upper surface. There is a pale yellow

‘Ovata Aurea’ ‘Crispa Aurea Picta’

‘Bacciflava’
oe

Common Holly bark

oO)
Tlex aquifolium cultivars

°Crassifolia’

F
S

J.C. van To? J ‘Aurifodina’ ‘Nellie R. Stevens’

‘Angustifolia’
‘Scotica’

*Lichtenthalii’

‘Golden King’ ‘Hodginsii’

*‘Camelliifolia’

600
 H@ WEES

Ilex aquifolium cultivars only occasional irregular spines. Although it is female

it bears fruit only sparingly. A more pyramidal bush is
Most cultivars of Common Holly have the distinc-
‘Angustifolia’. Growth is slow but the foliage is dis-
tive evergreen holly leaf shape. Some look very simi-
tinctive. Narrow hard glossy leaves with up to 17
lar to one another and are difficult to identify. It is
sharp spines accompany purple shoots and red ber-
helpful to look for berries in early winter or check
ries. Similar narrow leaves occur on the female culti-
the sex of the spring flowers. Hollies are mostly dioe-
var ‘Lichtenthalii’ but this is a semi-prostrate bush.
cious, which means that they are separate male or
‘Alaska’ has shorter leaves and makes a compact
female trees, and the sex of vegetatively produced
hardy plant with numerous red berries.
clones is defined.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
One of the few exceptions to this rule is J.C. van
Tol’, which is self-pollinating. Berries do not indi- Highclere Holly Ilex x altaclerensis cultivars
cate a female clone here. They are produced in pro-
fusion with glossy green, usually spineless leaves. Highclere Holly originated in England as a hybrid
Berries, however, are never seen on ‘Crassifolia’, between the Madeira Holly Ilex perado, including the
Saw-leaved Holly, which is male. It is an early culti- Canary Islands variety platyphylla, and Common
var produced in the eighteenth century. The narrow Holly. A large number of cultivars have been
leaves are hard, thick and narrow with vicious spines. selected from these crosses. ‘Golden King’ is one of
The shoots are deep purple on the sunny side and the best variegated forms. It arose as a sport on
green below. The cultivar ‘Aurifodina’, formerly ‘Hendersonii’ in Edinburgh in 1884. For reasons
called ‘Goldmine’, has green shoots and golden only known to the taxonomists it is actually a female
variegated leaves. It is female and produces bright clone. ‘Camelliifolia’ is a large tree produced in
scarlet berries. ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ is a hybrid culti- 1865 with glossy ‘Camellia’ leaves and red berries.
var between Common Holly and Ilex cornuta. It is a ‘Hendersonii’ is a big broad-leaved female specimen
female American plant with leathery three-spined tree cultivated in Ireland in the early 1800s. “Hodg-
insii’ is similar in size and shape but it is male,
shining leaves and large numbers of orange berries.
‘Laurifolia’ is a male clone planted for its glossy deep although a female form of it exists. By contrast “Wil-
green spineless leaves and bright purple shoots. An sonii’ is a compact rounded bush with large scarlet
upright selection of ordinary Common Holly is berries. The broad glossy leaves, with or without
‘Pyramidalis’. It is female and bears a heavy crop of
spines, are typical of Highclere Holly. It was raised in
the 1890s and has always been popular. See also pp.
scarlet berries most years. ‘Scotica’ is a fairly large
605, 607.
bush around 8m tall. It has small twisted leaves with
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Tlex x altaclerensis cultivars

‘Hendersonii’
*Wilsonii’
‘Hodginsii’

601
 underside

‘Donningtonensis’

‘Ferox Aurea’
“Gold Flash’

‘Ciliata Major’

602
 © WUE

Tlex aquifolium cultivars (continued) scarlet berries. The young stems are purple and the
whole bush is neat and compact.
There are many small-leaved and contorted hollies
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
which make excellent foliage plants and hedging.
One of the less attractive, though, is ‘Crispa’ with
screwed-up and twisted leathery leaves. It is a male Weeping Holly Ilex aquifolium ‘Pendula’
sport of ‘Scotica’ (p. 601). The leaves of ‘Donning- Although there are several forms of weeping Com-
tonensis’ are less contorted but viciously spined. mon Holly the original cultivar is a female clone. It
They are flushed with purple when young. The new forms a small 2-4m rounded bush with long trailing
growth is also dark purplish-black, becoming green shoots which bend outwards and down to the
as it matures. “Beetii? has almost round but very ground. On the lower shoots the leaves turn 180° to
sharply spined leaves. These three are all male clones face up to the light. Berries are produced each year,
so no fruits are produced on them. but sparingly, along the shoot. The spined leaves are
‘Heterophylla’ now refers to several different very dark glossy green. The variegated form, Perry’s
plants, all with variable spined and un-spined leaves. Silver Weeping Holly, ‘Argentea Marginata Pen-
The original cultivar ‘Heterophylla’ is now called dula’, is also female and fruits more freely. It is an
‘Pyramidalis’. ‘Foxii’ is a narrow-leaved clone with extremely popular shrub in cultivation but is less
numerous sharp points. The young shoots are bright popular with florists because the leaves are mostly
purple. Two cultivars ‘Hastata’ and ‘Latispina’ are twisted round to face backwards.
closely related or may be forms of the same thing. The Golden Hedgehog Holly ‘Ferox Aurea’ is a
Both have very sharply spined leaves but the spines deeper yellow colour than the silver form (p. 599).
are often few and far between or limited to the basal As it is a male clone no berries are ever produced.
half of the leaf. ‘Hastata’ is usually male. ‘Gold Flash’ has its yellow variation in the centre
A rare but unique cultivar is “Ciliata Major’ which of the leaf. It is reminiscent of variegated Elaeagnus,
has smallish leaves with spines all in one plane and having oblong entire leaves.
inclined forward. It is a female clone, producing Growth: 3-4-4. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.

Weeping Holly ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ ‘Donningtonensis’

603
 ‘Nigrescens’

‘Atkinsonii’

Tlex cornuta

‘Belgica Aurea’

|
w

Ilex ciliospinosa

Tlex ‘Lydia Morris’

é
|
y

Tlex x beanii
*‘Shiro-Fukurin’
Japanese Holly

604
 LA @ WEES

Tlex x altaclerensis cultivars (continued from p. 601) fairly uninteresting foliage. The teeth are small or
absent.
The precise origin of the cultivar ‘Nigrescens’ is
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
known, it is one of the Highclere hollies bred from
Ilex perado var. platyphylla, the Canary Island Holly. It Ilex ciliospinosa
is a large tree around 10m tall with strong purple
shoots and broad glossy leaves. Most are entire or Also related to Ilex dipyrena, this 6m shrub has
have a limited number of sharp teeth. This is a male yellowish-backed elliptic-ovate weakly spined leaves
clone but it is no longer in cultivation. Another male and red ovate berries. It was introduced in 1908 from
west China but has never been popular in cultiva-
clone ‘Atkinsonii’ is similar except that it has green
tion.
shoots.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 4.
There are also a few variegated Highclere hollies.
‘Belgica Aurea’ is one of the best; furthermore it is Ilex “Lydia Morris’
female and produces scarlet berries. The leaves, each
one up to 10cm long, are green and grey with a This compact upright shrub, around 2m tall, is unlike
bright yellow margin. The origin of the cultivar “W. conventional holly. It is a hybrid between Ilex cornuta
J. Bean’ is uncertain. It can easily be mistaken for a ‘Burfordii’ and Ilex pernyi. The small deep glossy
Common Holly, a compact bush with spiny leaves green leaves are squarish with a pointed tip and
and red fruits. Finally ‘Mundyi’ is a vigorous green- spines in each of the other four corners. It is female
and sparingly produces large bright red fruits. In gen-
stemmed cultivar, which has typical large glossy
eral appearance it resembles Ilex cornuta.
green leaves. They are evenly toothed with short
sharp spines. See also p. 607. Growth: 2-2-2. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Japanese Holly Ilex crenata
Tlex cornuta Seldom over 5m in height, this small-leaved shrub has
From Eastern China, this shrubby plant has extraor- 5mm glossy black berries. On first sight it is not obvi-
dinary stiff leaves with only 3-5 spines. The 8-10mm ously a holly at all, and the alternative name for it,
fruit is bright red, in clusters. First introduced to ‘Box-leaved Holly’, reflects this. It makes a good for-
Europe in 1846. mal evergreen hedge and was first cultivated in
Growth: 1-2-3. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Europe in 1864. The native range is limited to Sakha-
lin Island, Japan and Korea. Of the many cultivated
Ilex x beanti forms of Japanese Holly ‘Shiro-Fukurin’ is one of the
This early twentieth-century hybrid between Com- best, with dark stems and gold-edged foliage.
mon Holly and Himalayan Holly, Ilex dipyrena, tends Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
to be variable. It makes a broad shrub 5-7m tall with

Noe
One Nov Wa >
Ca
%
ey)

‘Nigrescens’

605
 ‘Lawsoniana’

‘Howick’

Tesobocknecana Himalayan Holly

leaf variation)
Ilex kingiana

var. veitchii “fii ‘Indian Chief?

Perny’s Holly Himalayan Holly

606
 S(OULILMNS'S

Tlex x altaclerensis cultivars (continued) Perny’s Holly Ilex pernyi

Two popular vigorous female variegated clones are The small 1-3.5cm leaves on this Chinese species are
‘Lawsoniana’ and ‘Howick’. They are both sports of distinctive. They are abruptly angular with 3-7
the old Irsh cultivar ‘Hendersonii’ (p. 601). The vicious points. The variety veitchii, also from western
green cultivar “Balearica’ is a medium-sized erect China, has larger even more spiny leaves. It arrived
tree. Red berries are produced, often in great quanti- in the west in 1912 four years after the species. There
ties. ‘Purple Shaft’ is a vigorous sport of “Balearica’. It are two superb female garden hybrids of Perny’s
has scarlet berries and deep purple shoots. Holly crossed with Ilex cornuta: “Drace’ is a clone
Growth: variable. Hardiness; 50%. Choice: 1. raised in America with angular glossy leaves and
‘Indian Chief has similar-looking leaves on long
Tarajo Ilex latifolia shoots punctuated with small clusters of red berries.
Native Chinese and Japanese trees are large but in Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
cultivation they seldom exceed 6m in height. The
American Holly Ilex opaca
big leaves are ovate-oblong and up to 18cm long.
The margins are evenly toothed with short spines. Native from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas, this
The berries are orange. Ilex x koehneana is a red ber- 15m tall tree looks very similar to Common Holly in
ried hybrid between this species and Common Europe. The leaves are less glossy but the clusters of
Holly. It was introduced some time before 1890. berries are brilliant red in winter. Forma xanthocarpa
Growth: 2-5-6 (20 in native region). Hardiness: 30%. has yellow berries.
Choice: 1. Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Tlex kingiana Canary Island Holly

The big leaves of this species may be over 22cm long Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla
with evenly spaced saw teeth like Chestnut (Casta-
nea). The berries in large groups along the shoot are This tender plant was introduced in 1842. The large
the
leaves may be up to 15cm long. It is one parent of
bright red and up to 1cm across. The whole plant 1s
around 5m tall. many cultivars of Ilex x alterclerensis.
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.

Himalayan Holly Ilex dipyrena Ilex pedunculosa

This substantial tree is 15m tall in its native range Charles Sprague Sargent introduced this large acid-
which extends from the eastern Himalayas to west- loving shrub from south-east Asia in 1893. The
ern China. The 6-11cm elliptic leaves are finely wavy-edged leaves are elliptic and entire. The scarlet
toothed or more or less entire and the fruits are red. berries occur on long slender stalks (peduncles).
Choice: 1. Wood: 5. Growth: 2-8-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
Growth: 3-9-15. Hardiness: 30-40%.

forma SEERA ESSN Tlex pedunculosa

American Holly xanthocarpa
607
 flower detail

autumn

608
 IAAP, Tee Nc Aceraceae

Norway Maple Acer platanoides Acer platanoides ‘Cleveland’

This hardy tree has a broad natural range from south- Produced in Cleveland, Ohio, before 1948, this 10-
ern Scandinavia across Europe to the Caucasus. In its 12m tree has an oval outline and up-swept branches,
wild state it is a woodland species but recently it has which makes it a good street tree in urban areas. The
become much more familiar in parks and large gar- leaves are similar to the species but with a hint of red
dens. Specimens often exceed 25m in height with a on them as they emerge. A still more improved
crown spread of over 20m. Huge stems may be 1.3m American shade tree clone with a narrower habit and
in diameter but they are usually short and soon more compact branches is called ‘Cleveland Two’.
divide into massive upswept branches. The bark is Growth; 3-9-12. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
beautifully patterned with vertical and interlaced
ridges. In spring, before the leaves appear, most trees
Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’
are completely covered in corymbs of golden yellow
flowers. On some the flowers are tinted crimson. This 1878 French selection has fastigiate branches
The leaves are similar in shape to those of the Plane but seldom confines itselftoproducing a single stem.
(p. 449) but not so leathery and a little smaller, very For this reason it is usually grafted on to a Norway
like the stylized Maple leaf on the Canadian flag. Maple standard. The steep branch angle is a disad-
They are palmate and about 15cm long, and wide, vantage in urban situations because the weak forks
with a small number of prominent teeth. The 10- are inclined to eventually break: a serious problem
20cm petioles are pink and green and produce milky on a tree up to 20m tall. The deep green foliage is
similar to that of the species.
sap if cut or broken. In the autumn the foliage colour
Growth: 3-11-20. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.
is yellow, occasionally finishing with orange. The
effect is always spectacular because of the sheer size
of the tree.
Growth: 4-12-25. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Wood: 1, 4, 5.

Acer platanoides
young tree ‘Columnare’ old tree
Acer platanoides ‘Cleveland’ in autumn

609
Acer platanoides cultivars

*‘Cucullatum’

‘Walderseei’

‘Oekonomierat
Stoll’

: :
‘Globosum’ *“Globosum’
;
young tree

610
 MAPLES

Acer platanoides cultivars height they always have a diseased look about them.
Even more deformed and generally unhealthy in
There are around 90 named cultivars of Norway
appearance is ‘Dilaceratum’, an 1885 German clone.
Maple, which fall into three broad categories of leaf
The small, lacerated and screwed up leaves are often
colour, leaf shape and tree outline.
blotched with yellowish-green — most unattractive.
Variegated leaves occasionally occur spontaneously
‘Globosum’ has normal foliage but the tree is
as sports or seedlings of this species. ‘Drummondii’
stunted. When grafted on to a Norway Maple stan-
is probably the best known cultivar. It grows to over
dard it makes quite a good ‘toy’ specimen tree for a
12m in height with a broad head of upswept
site where space is severely restricted. It was pro-
branches. The Drummond Nursery at Stirling in
duced and first described in Belgium in 1873.
Scotland produced it but it was named in Germany
Norway Maple comes in just about every shade of
in 1910. ‘Heterophyllum Aureo-variegatum’ an
purple, with foliage ranging from brownish-green as
old, 1880, French cultivar has similarly-coloured
in the 1888 German clone ‘Oekonomierat Stoll’, to
leaves but they are small and deformed. More subtle
virtually black, as in ‘Faassen’s Black’ (not illustrated ).
variegation is to be found on the 1904 German culti-
An outstanding big tree in this group is the old
var ‘Walderseei’, which has tiny white and cream
1869 German clone ‘Schwedleri’, a towering 20-
dots on the leaves. 25m mass of bright brownish-purple foliage when
Cut-leaved Norway Maples are common in culti-
seen against strong sunlight. ‘Goldsworth Purple’ is
vation. ‘Laciniatum’ (see also p. 615) has deeply cut
another fairly large cultivar produced in England in
lobes almost to the petiole and greatly exaggerated
1947. It has been less successful in the horticultural
teeth. ‘Dissectum’, an 1834 German clone, takes the
trade than the French 1937 clone ‘Crimson King’
cut-leaf effect to its limits. Each lobe has a short stalk
produced in the USA from 1948. This 12-15m tree
of its own reminiscent of acompound leaf.
and the very similar ‘Royal Red’ have cornered the
Distorted leaves give some Norway Maple culti-
market in deep purple-leaved Norway Maples for
vars special curiosity value. “‘Cucullatum’ is an 1866
city gardens world-wide.
French clone with crumpled leaves often bunched
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
tightly together. Although trees grow to over 10m in

‘Heterophyllum
Aureo-variegatum’

‘Crimson King’
‘Schwedleri’
‘Goldsworth Purple’
‘Dilaceratum’

611
Acer platanoides cultivars

‘Meyering’

‘Superform’

‘Deborah’
‘Deborah’ spnng

‘Crimson
/ Sentry’
ry ‘Olmsted’
‘Erectum’

612
 MAPLES

Acer platanoides cultivars (continued) Ohio. The outline of the branches is fairly narrow
and growth is fast up to a height of about 18m. An
‘Superform’ was selected in Oregon, and named in
ideal tree where quick cover is required and for
1968. The horticultural objective was to ensure that
screening in car parks and shopping centres. The
a near-perfect tree could always be used where per-
short branches are an advantage in these situations
fection was demanded, notably in American city
and on streets. The foliage is exactly like that of the
parks and private gardens. By providing a clonal plant
species.
with known performance, uniformity could be
‘Crimson Sentry’ is a distinctive cultivar which
assured and unacceptable variation avoided. This is a
arose as a stunted branch sport on ‘Crimson King’.
straight, fast-growing specimen 20-22m tall with
Although the deep purple colour is retained the
tough hard leaves. They emerge early in the spring.
leaves are smaller and the shoots are short and com-
The 1958 Dutch clone ‘Meyering’ is a 10-15m
pact. Trees seldom exceed 9m in height with a fairly
tree with leaves that flush out bronze-purple and Ore-
narrow outline. This plant arose in Fairview,
turn to green in the summer. The autumn foliage
gon, in 1974 and has been patented in the United
colour is orange to deep red. A more upright form of
States.
the same kind of tree is ‘Deborah’, a Canadian culti-
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 2.
var nained in 1975. It arose as a seedling of ‘Schwe-
dleri’ and reaches 15m in height.
‘Erectum’ is another 15m tall tree with short Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’
branches giving an neat erect outline. It was discov- Selected in 1953 in Holland from an existing group
ered in a New York cemetery and named in 1931. of established city trees, this cultivar makes an ideal
The leaves are light yellowish-green but similar in street and park specimen. Seldom over 10m in
size and shape to the species. height, it has short twiggy branches and dense green
Another clone selected as a street tree in America is foliage. The 4-6cm leaves turn to warm golden yel-
‘Olmsted’. It was discovered in Rochester, New low in the autumn. See also p. 625.
York, and named in 1955, although Olmsted is in Growth: 3-6-10. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2.

‘Erectum’ Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’

‘Crimson Sentry’

613
 °
‘Maculatum

Acer ~ dieckii

re > yram idale

Nanum’

5 >
‘Lacin atum *‘Pyramidale Nanum

614
 MAPLES

Acer x dieckii ‘Pyramidale Nanum’ is a very slow-growing

plant first described in 1877 in Belgium. It grows to
Although the parentage of this hybrid is uncertain it
around 5m in height in the first 20 years and then
has a great deal in common with Norway Maple.
remains more or less that size. Occasional long shoots
Some authorities describe it simply as a form of Acer
will be produced, pointing in any direction, and then
platanoides. It was named in honour ofGeorg Dieck,
in subsequent years the tree will build up a mass of
the German botanist and explorer, in 1893. Some-
short twigs around them. The leaves, on relatively
times this is a large tree 25m tall. The leaves are vari-
long petioles, are like the species but one third of the
able, from 12 to 25cm across, with 3-7 triangular
normal size.
lobes. In the autumn a good display of butter-yellow
An important large dark-leaved form of Norway
foliage colour can be relied upon.
Maple is ‘Reitenbachii’, a Russian cultivar named in
Growth: 4-12-25. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 2.
Germany in 1874 and introduced into cultivation in
Acer platanoides cultivars (continued) Belgium in 1880. The young leaves emerge deep
‘Laciniatum’ (see also p. 611) has deeply cut leaves on wine red and then turn dark green through the sum-
mer casting deep cool shade on hot days. Trees 20m
a tree around 12m tall. The original clone was named
in 1683 but it is probably no longer in cultivation hav- tall are known with a broad-spreading picturesque
outline.
ing been obscured by more recent cut-leaved seed-
‘Summershade’ is an American cultivar selected
lings. The 1942 American name “Eagle Claw’ is a
especially for its ability to provide shade. The large
selection from this group, which is commonly used to
green leaves are leathery and resist strong sunlight
describe all cut-leaved Norway Maples.
when other trees all around begin to shrivel. Origi-
The British cultivar ‘Maculatum’ was described in
nally it was a seedling of ‘Erectum’ (p. 613), so it
1881. It is slower-growing than the species and has
retains a tall columnar outline and grows quickly. It
variegated foliage. The deep green leaves are finely
was named and patented in 1958 by Princeton Nurs-
spotted with creamy-yellow. This clone 1s similar to
eries, New Jersey.
‘Walderseei’ (p. 611), but there are fewer teeth on Choice: 1, 2.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%.
the leaves and they are shorter.

‘Reitenbachii’
underside

‘Summershade’

fruit

‘Reitenbachii’ Acer x dieckii

615
Miyabe Maple

Montpel ler
Maple

Nikko Maple

4 af
4
£

autumn

£
Vinelea
Maple
 MAPLES

Miyabe Maple Acer miyabei Montpelier Maple Acer monspessulanum

The 3-5-lobed leaves on this tall Japanese tree resem- This is another maple which has now been split into
ble those of Norway Maple (p. 609). The species is several regional subspecies which vary slightly from
now divided into several slightly different subspecies. each other. True Montpelier Maple is from southern
There is also a smaller Chinese type with small Europe along the Mediterranean coast, particularly
3-5cm wide leaves. Introduced in 1892 by Charles of northern Italy, France and Spain. It has small 4em
Sprague Sargent, director of the Arnold Arboretum, three-lobed leathery leaves. In mild seasons some
this tree remains rare in cultivation. remain in place throughout the winter. Trees up to
Growth: 3-12-24. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4. Wood: 1. 12m tall occur in favourable conditions but in
exposed places it generally makes only a densely-
Paperbark Maple Acer griseum twigged shrub.
Since its introduction from China by Ernest Wilson Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 1.
in 1901 this tree has become a great garden favourite. Rough-barked Maple Acer triflorum
It remains fairly small and in a short time produces
paper-thin curls of cinnamon-coloured bark on the Although this small tree has trifoliate leaves the species
stem and main branches. These are translucent name actually refers to the flowers, which also occur in
against the light. The trifoliate grey-backed leaves threes. It is not in great demand and now very rare in cul-
colour red and orange in the autumn. tivation. It closely resembles Paperbark Maple without the
Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. benefit of decorative peeling bark. It was introduced from
northem China in 1923, but also grows in Korea.
Nikko Maple Acer maximowiczianum Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Still known as Acer nikoense in many tree collections, Vineleaf Maple Acer cissifolium
this small rounded tree from Japan and central China
has been widely planted in the west. Its trifoliate The trifoliate leaves of this maple are carried on slen-
leaves are softly downy, giving brilliant but beauti- der petioles and are delicately toothed, often with
long trailing points. In the autumn they colour well
fully diffused autumn colours and remaining on the
to orange and yellow. The 8-12m tree is from
tree late in the year when most other trees’ foliage
mountainous forests in Japan and prefers moist con-
has blown away. Both names for this species origi-
ditions and slightly acid soils. Originally described in
nated in 1867 but ‘nikoense’ was a confusion with an
1854 as Ashleaf Maple (p. 661), it was re-classified in
entirely different plant.
1864. Male and female flowers occur on separate
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
trees and most cultivated plants are female.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.

Paperbark Maple
Nikko Maple old tree
young tree 617
 Horned forma ot
Maple purpurascens

Acer * coriaceum

Acer morifolium

Horned
Maple Shandong
Maple
(distorted leaf)

Pe’ : By
maiot

ead, i
\
Acer argutum

oy
Sn
’.en
‘ 908
‘ A
tees
By
& ‘

Eee
abe
a.
xeee
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ne
a
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tg
aeBe
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ra
ays
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ingress
=a
,
<6,

aks)

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Ant } Bi
Acer divergens
: ;2

Acer divergens

618
 MAPLES

Horned Maple Acer diabolicum Shandong Maple Acer truncatum

Also known as the Devil’s Maple because of the The wide natural distribution of this species includes
horn-shaped remnants of the female flower retained northern China, Manchuria, Korea and Japan. It is a
between each pair of seed-wings, this 15m tall small 8-10m tall forest tree with tangled branches,
upland forest tree is native in parts of Japan. It was rough bark and dense foliage. It was described in
described in 1864 and introduced to Britain in 1881 1833 but not brought into cultivation until 1881.
by Charles Maries. Most specimens grow poorly in Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
cultivation. The form purpurascens described in 1914 Acer cappadocicum subsp. divergens
has purplish-red young foliage.
Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 5. For the sake of simplicity this large shrub is still referred
to as Acer divergens. It has glossy 3-5-lobed leaves, like
Acer x coriaceum some cultivars of Acer mono (p. 623). The subspecies
This natural hybrid between Acer monspessulanum name refers to the divergent wings on the pairs of seeds.
(p. 617) and Acer opalus subsp. obtusatum (p. 627), Growth: 3-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
is a small 8-10m tall tree with mostly three-lobed Wilson’s Maple Acer wilsonii
5-8cm wide leaves. It holds the somewhat infa
mous record of having been given 16 different This small tree from south-west China was named
botanical names since 1792. after Ernest Wilson in 1908. It is thought to be a sub-
Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 5. species of Acer campbellii. The three-lobed 8-10cm
Growth: 3-8-10.
leaves have rounded bases.
Acer morifolium Growth: 2-6-7. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
This rare grey-green snake-bark maple, a 10-12m Acer davidii subsp. grossert
tree, is not in cultivation in Europe or North America
except for a single tree in Westonbirt Arboretum and Named after the German botanist W. C. H. Grosser
a few seedlings in Holland. The species name refers to (1869-1924) this small green smake-barked maple
the leaves, which resemble mulberry. was discovered in China and described in 1902. It
Choice: 4. reached Europe via the USA in 1927. Many authori-
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 40-50%.
ties still regard it as a species, Acer grosseri. In culti-
Acer argutum vated maple collections it appears to hybridize freely
Charles Maries introduced this neat little tree from its native with other snake-bark maples to produce a bewilder-
ing array of intermediate forms.
Japan in 1881. The young shoots are bright red, developing
Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
thin white ‘snake-bark’ markings for several years. The Growth: 3-9-12.
6-12cmm five-lobed palmate leaves are sharply toothed.
Growth: 2-5-6 (12). Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Wilson’s Maple

Acer davidii subsp. grosseri

 ‘ ;
Cappadocian Maple Aureum
autumn

620
 IMUAIPILJE'S

Cappadocian Maple Acer cappadocicum yellow and then pale green. In the autumn it fades to
light brown.
Milky latex sap in the foliage distinguishes this spe-
Growth: 3-17-30. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 4.
cies from most other maples. Its native range extends
Wood: 1.
through northern Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. It
makes a big round-headed tree up to 30m tall. Fre-
quent root suckers always appear around the base of Lobel Maple Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii
the stem and out to the limit of the surface root sys- Named after the French botanist Matthias de L’Obel
tem. The 5-10cm clean-cut palmate leaves emerge (1538-1616) this 15-20m tree has upright branches
reddish, turn brilliant green in summer and colour to and a narrow columnar outline. It was introduced in
butter-yellow in the autumn. The first plants arrived 1865 and has been given various scientific names
in western Europe in 1838. It is common in large including the familiar and still widely used species
gardens and parks and tolerates a wide range of soil designation Acer lobelii. In many respects it is similar
and climatic conditions. Although fertile seed is pro- to Acerplatanoides (p. 609). The shoots are green with
duced most propagation is achieved by transplanting a distinct bluish bloom on them. The five-lobed
root suckers. wavy edged leaves are 10-15cm long and wide, glab-
The cultivar ‘Rubrum’ was produced by Booth’s rous except for the vein axils, and deep green. They
Nursery in Germany in 1842 quite soon after the colour to yellow and sometimes orange in the
introduction of the species. It differs only in the col- autumn but can not be relied upon to colour well.
our of the foliage which is purplish-red at first, later This subspecies occurs naturally high up in the
turning green. The autumn colour is good yellow. mountains of southern Italy, so it is hardy in much
‘Aureum’ is another German plant. Although cooler northern regions.
smaller than the species it has the same rounded Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 2.
spreading outline. Young foliage is purple, becoming Wood: 5.

Lobel Maple summer

winter
underside

621
 Acer cappadocicum
subsp. sinicum

»
form "
gunna pa Acer mono
ambiguum ay ieee

Acer sterculiaceum
subsp. thomsonii

Acer x rotundilobum

= Acer caudatum subsp. ukurunduense ee “ Velvet Maple

622
 MAPLES

Acer sterculiaceum subsp. thomsonii rare plant which is probably no longer available in
the nursery trade.
This deciduous 20m tall species from the Himalayas
Growth: 2-2-2. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
is confusingly divided into three indistinct subspe-
cies. The better-known synonymous name Acer villo- Acer caudatum subsp. ukurunduense
sum is still used in many collections. Subspecies
Ukurundu is a region in China where this rare tree
thomsonii, named in honour of Thomas Thomson,
comes from. It seldom exceeds 8m in height with
curator of Calcutta Botanic Garden, has huge leaves,
sparse uneven branches. The leaves are soft and hairy
up to 30cm across, and is one of the rarest maples in
and colour yellow in the autumn. It is often mistaken
cultivation.
in cultivation for Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum).
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
Acer cappadocicum subsp. sinicum Velvet Maple Acer velutinum
The Chinese end ofthe range of Cappadocian Maple
This is a fast-growing, huge tree, rapidly exceeding
(p. 621) is represented by this subspecies. It is a large
25m in height, found in the Caucasus and Iran. It is
tree with dense branches and a rounded outline. The
used in Russia as a park and street tree but is rare in
golden yellow autumin foliage colour is outstanding.
Western Europe and America. The 15-25cm pal-
Ernest Wilson introduced it in 1911 and George
mate leaves have velvety tomentum on them espe-
Forrest made later collections of provenances from cially along the veins on the underside.
different regions. Choice: 2.
Growth: 4-18-25. Hardiness: 40-50%.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness; 40-50%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1, 5.
Acer x rotundilobum Acer mono forma ambiguum
Modern specimen trees listed under this name are Acer mono, the Painted Maple, from eastern Asia and
probably not the original named plant which is Japan, is divided into several regional forms.
barely more than a large shrub, a hybrid between Ambiguum is closely related to the species but has
Acer monspessulanum (p. 617) and Acer opalus subsp. rougher bark. Some authorities suggest that it only
obtusatum (p. 627), produced in Muskau Arboretum exists in cultivation. The original specimens no
in Germany. It was described by Count Fritz von longer survive and even the name of this form means
Schwerin in 1894. The three-lobed leaves are ‘doubtful’.
rounded and around 6cm across. This is an extremely Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

Acer x rotundilobum
 twig cross section

underside

new leaves
a=

iB

autumn

Field Maple

6 24
 MAPLES

Field Maple Acer campestre other high-production maple species. The burrs pro-
duce excellent ‘birds eye’ maple which, before 1850,
This hedgerow and underwood species has a huge
was extensively used in furniture manufacturing and
natural distribution throughout most of Europe,
for veneers. Wavy grained material from roots and
southern Scandinavia and western Asia. The best
compression wood was also highly sought after by
specimens may exceed 25m in height but most are
craftsmen.
under 18m. Some ancient pollards and coppice root-
A golden form, ‘Postelense’, originally from
stocks could be over 600 years old. As a tree the out-
Poland, was described in 1896 and introduced, first
line is irregular with burrs and epicormic shoots on
in Germany, by Friedrich Lauche. It is usually a small
the stem. The dense twiggy shoots have corky bark,
tree with yellow young leaves which turn pale green
which is exaggerated on young saplings and on
by mid-summer. It can be grafted on to a standard
hedge regrowth a year or two after cutting. The
stock to give it greater height.
five-lobed 7cm leaves are bright green with entire
Also from Germany, probably the Muskau Arbo-
ciliate margins. In the autumn they turn to golden
retum, is ‘Pulverulentum’, a white and green varie-
yellow, suffused with pale orange on some individu-
gated cultivar. Some leaves are just speckled, while
als. The corymbose clusters of greenish-yellow flow-
others develop whole white lobes or broad patches.
ers are erect in spring when they first appear,
Reversion to green foliage is a problem and
becoming pendent as they develop into bunches of
neglected plants are soon lost.
paired wide winged seeds. Although this tree prefers
The Hesse Nurseries in Germany are responsible
dryish stony ground it is tolerant of most soil condi- for introducing the popular upright cultivar
tions provided that acidity is not excessive. Trees will
‘Schwerinii’. It was described by Hermann Hesse
tolerate some shade when young but full light is
himselfin 1897. The young leaves are purple and the
required later on. Growth may be rapid up to 4-5m
form is good, with short side branches and a stem
but then it usually slows down. The wood is of high around 6m in height. See also p. 613 and p. 641.
quality but mostly produced in small diameters. It is Choice: 1. 2, 3.
Growth: 2-8-14. Hardiness: 50-60%.
largely ignored by the timber trade now in favour of Wood: 1, 5 (species).

‘Postelense’
spring
summer

‘Postelense’
spring
‘Pulverulentum’ ‘Schwerinii’
 Cretan
Maple

Amur Maple

Italian Maple
flowering in spring

626
 INA es

Italian Maple Acer opalus and North Africa. It was first cultivated as an orna-
mental tree in 1805.
There are three major regional subspecies of Italian
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Maple, covering between them the whole of central
Europe from Spain (subsp. hispanicus) to the Cauca-
sus. Acer opalus subsp. opalus, the Italian Maple, Cretan Maple Acer sempervirens
occurs in Switzerland, France, Corsica, Italy and
This shrubby tree, one of very few evergreen maples,
parts of North Africa. In France it can be found up to
has small variable 2-4cm leathery leaves, mostly with
1000m. It was described in 1768, some 16 years after
three lobes. Its natural range includes the Mediterra-
it was introduced into cultivation. Most specimens
nean Islands and coast from Crete to the Lebanon.
are medium-sized, 10-13m rounded trees. The
Although challenged many times by taxonomists, the
leaves are like small 10-12cm crinkled sycamore
original name given to this plant by Linnaeus in 1767
leaves with 3-5 lobes. The autumn colour is bur- still stands. It has been recorded in cultivation since
nished bronze-brown often finishing with a brief
fey.
flush of red. The species name is a misspelling of ‘op-
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
ulus’, an old name for Acer, as used in Viburnum opu-
lus, which has maple-like leaves.
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1. Amur Maple Acer ginnala
This large shrub or small tree from south-east Asia
Bosnian Maple Acer opalus subsp. obtusatum should more properly be called Acer tataricum subsp.
ginnala. ‘Ginnala’ is the common name for it in Man-
Originally, in 1806, this tree was considered to be a churia and northern China. The 4-8cm narrow
true species. Since 1925 it has been regarded only as a leaves have three or more lobes and a long terminal
subspecies. It is a multi-stemmed shrub or a tree with point. The brief autumn colour is bright red. Varie-
multiple branches. The leaves are smaller than the gated leaves appear on many specimens from time to
species usually with three lobes. The natural range time.
extends from Hungary to the Balkans, southern Italy Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.

Bosnian Maple

627
 new leaves

Sugar Maple att f

Sugar Maple
autumn

ol ie 1 bark
Sugar Maple “Temple’s ‘Newton
winter Upright’ Sentry’
 MAPLES

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Bigtooth Maple, subsp. grandidentatum, and Chalk
Maple, subsp. leucoderme, are treated on p. 631.
Originally from eastern and central North America,
Black Sugar Maple, subspecies nigrum, has leaves
this huge 30-40m tall tree has been extensively
somewhat like Sycamore (p. 633) in size. It occurs in
planted in parks and large gardens since 1753. It is
eastern and central North America but is rare in cul-
valued particularly for its brilliant autumn foliage col-
tivation except for the cultivar named “Temple’s
ours — red, yellow, orange and scarlet. The outline is
Upright’. This columnar clone is an ideal city land-
rounded with long upswept branches which bend
scaping tree from Rochester, New York only
outwards and then upwards again at the extremities.
described in 1954 but cultivated since 1887. The
Stems are usually straight and can be almost 1m thick
autumn foliage colour is spectacular in America but is
at the base. The hard wood, called rock maple, 1s
sometimes disappointing in Europe. ‘Newton Sen-
prized by the furniture industry and is used for all
try’ is another upright form of Sugar Maple but it is
kinds of high quality internal woodwork. ‘Birds-eye’
quite unlike ‘Temple’s Upright’. It lacks a persistent
maple is also cut from burrs, and some stems have single stem and the main branches are all fastigiate.
highly decorative wavy grained wood known as ‘fi-
Growth is slow and side shoots are very short. The
ddleback maple’. In America the boiled sap eventu-
overall effect is like a pillar of solid vegetation in
ally becomes maple syrup: further refinement will
summer. It may produce spectacular colour in the
produce a pure kind of sugar. The palmate leaves are
autumn if the season has been good. The type speci-
variable, anything between 8 and 15cm long. The
men of it has survived in Newton cemetery Massa-
lobes have long points similar to the European Nor- 1890, the cultivar was first
chussetts since around
way Maple (p. 609). introduced in 1871.
Several subspecies are recognized, particularly
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 3.
towards the edges of the natural distribution, for Wood: 1 (species).
example subspecies floridanum in the south-east. The

subsp. nigrum

underside

Sugar Maple
summer

629
 a massacre
atti e
Dr
subsp. leucoderme

ay. a“
Sa A i
ce r saccharum

7 Ears
Nine4a
ay
RS eg 9
ecyaa
pT
ee ote eee
sies
Gor a aS TE EDN form Lge
‘ee
ee ee

m enh
OR

typ SP
eat
Oe

pe PC
a, til s
:
i a ee
AB S3

subsp. dougla Sil

Rock Maple

summer
= =
as

-
=
~¥ ==:
SES
Vv
oFES a.
5
3

UN NY FOV.)

SON

. M7
) WSN

AEF
Pony
YAW
NY

TF

Wi

y
PRDey
Aah
3

Nw

yr
y
ye
\

Th
;
>
\
a

/
:
SIN
ee

oy
SAV

\
ENA

Oregon Maple
wa
aes

KX
AN

—
CN
Re
ee eee | oe

j
= «
We 5

winter
a ew WeZp Ot 4 o aa
SM iy ' ; LAK M7 ase)
AB 2 ‘Yi, ah
OOF: th WA Se es C) H) Wa

630
 MAPLES

Acer saccharum subspecies (continued) Rock Maple Acer glabrum

Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum is illustrated and This North American shrub or small tree grows on
described on p. 629. Its subspecies grandidentatum, river sides and in moist woodland situations in the
the Bigtooth Maple, occurs in the Rocky Mountains Rocky Mountains and the Black Hills of South
to 2500m and in Utah, Texas, Oklahoma and south Dakota. The subspecies douglasii has leaves with
to Mexico. It is a small tree seldom over 10m tall but three lobes whereas the species leaves usually have
varies widely according to the origin of the seed. The five. The reddish-grey twigs are especially attractive
5-8cm leaves are shining green with five lobes and in winter. The commercial timber called “Rock
entire margins (see also p. 629). They change to glo- Maple’ is not this species, it is actually Acer saccharum
rious reds and orange in the autumn. The subspecies (p. 629).
leucoderme, the Chalk Maple, is from the southern Growth; 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
United States from Florida to North Carolina and
west to Louisiana. Leucodermis means with white skin Balkan Maple Acer lyrcanum
which is a reference to the pale grey bark. This is a Named after the province of Hyrcania in Persia this
generally small tree 6-8m tall with 3-5-lobed downy small 8-12m tree from south-east Europe and Asia
leaves up to 8cm long and wide. The autumn colour Minor was first cultivated in 1865. Its taxonomy 1s
is pale yellow to orange. obscure because it has confusing botanical similarities
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1. with Field Maple (p. 625) and other European spe-
cies. The autumn foliage colour is yellow.
Oregon Maple Acer macrophyllum
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Large leaves, as the species name suggests, are a fea-
ture of this tree. They are up to 25cm long and wide Tatarian Maple Acer tataricum
with five main lobes further indented with promi-
In central Europe, from Austria to the Balkans and
nent teeth. They are deep lustrous green and colour
east to the Ukraine, this is an undershrub species of
orange and yellow in the autumn. This big 15-25m
dry warm woodlands. The distinctive adult leaves are
tall tree is from western North America from British unlobed or lobulate and 8cm long. They fall early
Columbia to California. It was discovered in the late before good autumn colour can be produced. There
1700s by Archibald Menzies and successfully intro- are several regional subspecies.
duced to Britain by David Douglas in 1826. An ear- Growth; 2-5-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
lier introduction in 1812 all died. See also p. 655.
Growth: 3-10-25. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 3.
Wood: 1.

underside
Balkan
Maple

Tatarian Maple Balkan Maple

631
 fa
flowers

fruit

3-2 flower
detail

Sycamore
summer winter
 MAPLES

Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Paired seeds occur in bunches which break up in the
autumn and begin to germinate as soon as they touch
The original natural distribution of Sycamore has
the ground. This species was introduced to northern
been obscured by widespread cultivation. It probably
Europe at an early date. The first record of it in Eng-
extended over the European mountain ranges from
land was 1280 but it probably arrived with Celtic
the Pyrenees through the Alps to the Carpathians.
people in Wales before then. This is the largest of all
Although its range was across southern Europe its
the maples. Trees 40m tall are known and the largest
preference for alpine habitats has ensured that it is
diameter stems exceed 220cm.
hardy enough to survive as far north as Scandinavia
The cultivar ‘Erectum’ is a narrow tree up to 20m
and Scotland. The clean white wood is about equal
tall. It originated at The Hague in Holland around
in strength to oak but it is far less durable. Its lack of
1934 and came into cultivation in 1949. Several
any taste or resins make it ideal for use in contact
other different erect clones have been introduced
with food. It also takes dye well and was a favourite
from time to time and inevitably they are sometimes
material for children’s toys and beads before plastic
confused with each other.
took its place. The wavy grain, fiddleback wood
The variegated sycamore ‘Variegatum’ is no
which occasionally appears in a sawn log is of great
longer considered to be an individual cultivar. Many
value but it can not be reliably detected until after the
different seedling forms appear in the population.
tree has been cut down.
Some, as illustrated, are fine shapely trees, but others
Sycamore is particularly resistant to atmospheric
are weedy individuals barely clinging on to life. The
pollution and salt spray. It is also wind firm, so it can
amount of leaf variegation differs widely, from over
not be surpassed as a wind break close to the sea. The
half the foliage being yellow to just an occasional
greenish-grey bark is smooth for many years becom-
splash of pale colour here and there (see p. 635).
ing scaly in old age. The palmate leaves are about
Growth: 4-16-35 (species). Hardiness: 60%, Choice: 2, 3.
20cm long and wide. Flowers hang down in yellow Wood: 1 (species).
racemes as the bronze-green young leaves emerge.

‘Variegatum’
‘Erectum’
young tree
 Ge
PE,
iH}rar

underside

Sree natn
‘Brilliantissimum’ y V4 < Worley > Nizetii
y 4: P
fo spring

‘Simon Louis Fréres’ forma erythrocarpum

fruit

634
 MAPLES

Acer pseudoplatanus cultivars bushy plant. Named in 1883 it was introduced in

Germany in 1890.
The clone ‘Atropurpureum’, cultivated in 1883, is
Another slow-growing variegated Sycamore is
almost impossible to separate from similar spontane-
‘Simon Louis Fréres’ a French selection named in
ous seedlings with purple-backed leaves. These can
1881. The mostly three-lobed green leaves emerge
be found in gardens and arboreta everywhere and
pink and are then marked with stripes and blotches of
also in the open countryside. The best examples have
creamy-white. ‘“Leopoldii’ is a large tree with
stunning, almost synthetic colour but it is only seen
yellowish-white mottled leaves. It originated in Bel-
when the wind blows the leaves over to show the
gium and was named in honour of King Leopold I of
undersides.
Belgium in 1864. Its integrity is often obscured by
There is a wide range ofvariegated Sycamore cul-
the huge number of similar-looking seedlings that
tivars. Some of them, such as “Variegatum’ (p. 633),
have appeared since then.
have been adulterated by similar-looking variegated
The wild Sycamore, forma erythrocarpum, is a
sports which often occur. ‘Brilliantissimum’ is a
native species in the Bavarian and Swiss Alps. In
1905 British plant which flushes out orange in the
summer the seed wings are distinctly red. In cultiva-
spring and gradually transforms to yellow and pale
tion most plants have originated from the 1727
ereen through the summer. Slow-growing and com-
French cultivar ‘Erythrocarpum’, which was selected
pact, it is best grafted on to a standard rootstock. It
especially for its bright red seed wings.
makes a good formal garden plant, a real pleasure
In 1948 the Dutch Horticulture Selection Service
when reflected in water on a sunny day. ‘Worley’, or
nominated the best example of Sycamore available to
‘Worleeii’, is an 1893 German cultivar with yellow
them in Holland for urban use. It was called “Nege-
emerging leaves which turn green during the sum- nia’, a large 25m specimen tree which is particularly
mer months. It is a counterpart of the seventeenth resistant to poor air quality and impoverished or re-
century Scottish clone ‘Corstorphinense’. formed soils. Its deep green foliage provides excellent
Yellow variegation and purple-backed leaves
shade.
come together on the 1887 French selection
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
‘Nizetii’. This combination is repeated in “Prinz
Handjery’, but the leathery long pointed lobes on
the leaves are quite different. Unless grafted on to a
standard stock ‘Prinz Handjery’ becomes a spreading

‘Leopoldii’
‘Prinz Handjery’

635
 autumn

van Volxem’s
Maple

Zoeschen Maple van Volxem’s Maple

636
 MAPLES

Zoeschen Maple Acer x zoeschense van Volxem’s Maple

The common and species names commemorate a Acer velutinum var. vanvolxemii
German village where this hybrid (Acer campestre x This superb variety collected by G. van Volxem in
Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii) was produced by 1873 near Lagodechi in the Caucasus, has overshad-
Schwerin’s Nursery, although the plant had origi- owed the species velutinum (p. 623) in cultivation. It
nated around 1880 in Copenhagen, Denmark. is closely related to sycamore but larger in all its parts.
Initially it was named as a variety of Field Maple Clonal material is often grafted on to sycamore and
(pen 625)-e which) at sclosely resembles. It is a the graft union is generally almost perfect, even 70
medium-sized, 15m tall, tree with spreading years later. On good ground the tree often exceeds
branches. The 5-7-lobed leaves are 8-18cm across 25m in height and nearly as much in width, leaves
with acuminate points. The corymbs of flowers 25cm across are commonplace.
are erect at first. A well known cultivar of this Growth: 4-16-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
hybrid ‘Annae’ is described on p. 659. Wood: 1.
Growth: 3-8-15,. Hardiness: 50-6-%. Choice: 1, 2.
Wood: 1, 5.
Redbud Maple Acer heldreichii var. trautvetten
Named, for a long time as a species, after E. R. von
Greek Maple Acer heldreichii
Trautvetter (1809-1889), director of St Petersburg
Also known in some countries as Heldreich’s Maple, Botanic Garden, this 20-25m tree has deeply-lobed,
this handsome, smooth-stemmed relative of the syca- 12-15cm leaves. The petioles (leaf stalks) are strikingly
more is a spreading tree which reaches over 15m in red. Fruits with red wings up to 7cm long hang in
height. The 3-5-lobed thin leaves are deeply cut and pendulous bunches in late summer. Winter buds are
up to 16cm long and wide. In the autumn they turn almost black. The native range extends from eastern
yellow and golden brown. In northern Greece, Turkey to the Caucasus up to 2500m. It was discov-
Albania, the Balkans and Bulgaria this is usually a ered in 1864 and introduced into cultivation in 1866.
mountainside species. Hybrids between this variety and sycamore vary and
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1. tend to confuse gardeners and botanists alike.
Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.

Redbud Maple
Greek Maple

637
 Acer x h illieri

A Ccer micranthum
forma candelabr un

Acer franchetii

S)} ~) ib oC

Hawthorn -leaved Maple

Hawthorn leaved Maple

638
 MAPLES

Acer x hillieri Acer micranthum

This hybrid, described by Roy Lancaster at the Hill- This small Japanese tree has thin twigs and small
ier Nurseries in 1979, is a hybrid between Acer miya- deeply toothed five-lobed leaves not more than 6cm
bei (p. 617) and the golden form of Cappadocian long. The very small flowers, in terminal racemes,
Maple (p. 621). It arose as a seedling from a mixed appear with the leaves in spring. There is a specimen
maple collection at Kew Gardens in London before of Acer micranthum, forma candelabrum, in the Hillier
1930. The original plant was named ‘West Hill’ and Arboretum. It produces small clusters of flower
is now recognized as a cultivar. Another golden cul- racemes. Although larger than the species it is proba-
tivar, ‘Summergold’, was produced in the same way bly only an isolated variant. The autumn colour is
at Hergest Croft Gardens in Herefordshire. reliably bright orange and red.
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Lime-leaved Maple Acer distylum Hawthorn-leaved Maple Acer crataegifolium

From the northern part of Honshu in Japan this rare This is another Japanese plant introduced in 1879 by
shrubby tree was introduced to the west in 1879 by the Veitch Nursery plant collector Charles Maries. It
Charles Maries. It is unique among maples for its is a small bushy tree with upright branches and small
10-15cm unlobed leaves which resemble Common variable leaves. The bark is attractively marked with
Lime (p. 683). They are greyish and tinted pink white vertical stripes on a green, brown or purplish
when young. background. The variegated crataegifolium cultivar
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1. ‘Veitchii’ is described on p. 641.
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
Acer franchetii
Trident Maple Acer buergerianum
Now more properly considered to be a subspecies of
Acer sterculiaceum, this 15m tall tree is from China and The species name commemorates J. Buerger
the adjacent Himalayas. It was introduced to the west (1804-1858) the Dutch plant hunter. The common
by Ernest Wilson in 1901 and named in honour of name describes the shape of the three-lobed leaves. Tax-
the French botanist Adrien Franchet. The 10-15cm onomists have recently divided this species into regional
palmate leaves are cordate and have distinctly subspecies. The Chinese plants are broadly similar but
pointed lobes. Male and female flowers occur on the Taiwanese subspecies formosanum has only
separate trees. slightly-lobed or sometimes unlobed leaves. In China
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Wood; 1. and Japan this is an important ornamental tree, a role
usually filled in the west by Acer palmatum.
Growth; 2-5-8. Hardiness: 40-5-%. Choice: 1.

Trident Maple

639
 Acer longipes
subsp. longipes
Acer caesium
subsp. giraldii

Birch-leaved
Maple

Acer campestre
. ’

Acer pectinatum Acer crataegifolium Nanum

subsp. laxiflorum ‘Veitchii’
640
 MAPLES

Acer caesium subsp. giraldii tangled mass of branches. The leaves are similar in
shape to the species but smaller in size. If not trained
This Chinese tree is around 10m tall, reminiscent of a
it remains a prostrate bush. There is always a tendency
small sycamore. The species caesium is split into
to revert to vigorous growth, which should be cut
regional subspecies which vary only slightly. The
out before the plant is overwhelmed. See also p. 625.
subspecies giraldii, from north-west China, was
Growth: 2-3-3, Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
named after Giraldi, an Italian missionary. Young
shoots are covered in a bluish-white bloom. Acer pectinatum
Growth; 2-5-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1. There are several subspecies of this complex maple;
Acer longipes subsp. longipes most of them were formerly given full species rank.
They are from a limited but diverse area in China and
Originally called Acer fulvescens by Alfred Rehder in the differences that occur in cultivation are unpredict-
1911, this 18m tall Chinese tree is rare in cultivation.
able. Subspecies forrestii was introduced in 1906 and
The species longipes is divided into several regional laxiflorum in 1908. They are small 7-12m tall trees
subspecies. This one is probably the nearest to the true with decorative bark and lax foliage.
species in China. It is a round-topped tree superficially
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
similar to Norway Maple (p. 609) on to which it is
sometimes grafted. The leaves are as illustrated or pal- Acer crataegifolium *Veitchiv’
mate with the slender points more widely spread out. The Hawthorn-leaved Maple, Acer crataegifolium
Growth; 2-5-7 (18 in native range). Hardiness: 50%. (p. 639), has small bunched leaves and tightly
Choice: 4. packed shoots. There is probably only one cultivar
Birch-leaved Maple Acer stachyophyllum ‘Veitchii’, although many other fancy names have
been ascribed to it. It has pink, white, and green
Known until recently as Acer tetramerum, the Birch-
foliage and was first described in Britain in 1881.
leaved Maple is an erect tree to about 8m, often with
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 40-50%, Choice: 1.
multiple stems. The 6-8cm leaves are ovate with a pair
of small indistinct lobes. The subspecies betulifolium has Acer oliverianum
much smaller leaves rather like Silver Birch. Once This beautiful small Chinese species develops into a
established, it produces suckers from its surface roots. neat round-headed tree. The deep green 3-5-lobed
Ernest Wilson introduced it in 1901 but it remains rare palmate leaves are mostly less than 10cm across. There
in cultivation. This variable species produces many foli- are regional subspecies which vary only slightly. For-
age types which have all been allocated names in the mosanum is a larger tree with reddish shoots and
past, for example var. tiliifolium (lime-leaved). leaves with lobes up to 10cm long and coarse teeth.
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4. Growth; 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Acer campestre “Nanum’
This British cultivar of Field Maple was described in
4839. It is a mop-headed tree less than 3m tall with a

Acer
oliverianum

underside

subsp. formosanum
641
 autumn

‘Aconitifolium’
autumn

Vine Maple
Korean Maple >
 MAPLES

Full Moon Maple Acer japonicum 7cm across and resemble those of Acer japonicum but
are yellow all summer.
Introduced in 1864 from Hokkaido and Honshu in
Growth; 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Japan, this 8-15m tall tree, often with more than one
stem, has produced some of the finest garden culti-
vars of ‘Japanese Maple’ in the nursery trade. How- Korean Maple Acer pseudosieboldianum
ever, the true species itself is seldom seen in western
This underwood species has a wide natural distribu-
gardens. Its 8-12cm leaves are rounded, with 9-11
tion from Korea and north-east China northwards
short pointed lobes. Attractive drooping corymbs of along the Pacific coast of Russia. It seldom grows
small purplish-red flowers appear before the leaves in
taller than 8m and thrives in partial shade. The leaves
spring. Autumn colour starts early and runs for 4-5 are similar to Japanese Maples with 7-9 distinct
weeks, covering every shade from cream to wine toothed lobes. In the autumn they turn brilliant
red. orange and red.
The Vine-leaved Japanese Maple, ‘Vitifolium’, Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1
named in 1876 in Britain, has larger leaves than the
species and in ideal conditions grows to a larger size.
It is the finest of all multi-coloured autumn foliage Vine Maple Acer circinatum
trees, holding leaves that are green, yellow, orange, Usually this is a dense shrub with sticky glutinous
red and claret all at the same time and over a period shoots and bright red corymbs of flowers in spring.
of several weeks. The cut-leaved form of Acer japoni- The 7-9-lobed leaves are almost round and distinctly
cum ‘Aconitifolium’ is a slightly smaller, but even double-toothed. In the autumn they turn brilliant
more spreading tree with aconite-like leaves. A good orange and red. The seeds, which also turn bright red
well positioned specimen will produce the best pure as they develop, are in opposite almost horizontally
scarlet autumn colour of any maple. opposed pairs. In its native western North America
The Golden Japanese Maple ‘Aureum’, now this plant forms thickets along river valleys, extend-
called Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (see also p. 645) 1s ing as high as 2000m into the Cascade Mountains.
a compact shrubby tree developing a crooked mass of David Douglas introduced it to Europe in 1826.
stems and branches. The leaves are mostly around Growth: 3-8-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Ss
re a?

*Vitifolium’
‘Aconitifolium’
autumn

643
 autumn

new leaves

autumn

h aie i :f

Acer sieboldianum . Lee "

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‘Shishigashira’ ‘Shishigashira’

644
 MAPLES

Henry’s Maple Acer henryi Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum

Augustine Henry, the Irish plant collector and In cultivation this species is almost entirely repre-
writer, discovered this small rounded tree, and it was sented by literally hundreds of named cultivars. It is
introduced to England in 1903. Its natural distribu- difficult now, outside of Japan, to be certain as to the
tion is confined to central China, where it is the form of a wild Acer palmatum. In its native Japan
counterpart of the Japanese Maple Acer cissifoliuim ‘Shishigashira’ is usually a bushy shrub or tree with
(p. 617). The leaves are trifoliate, more or less entire small five-lobed deep green contorted leaves. In
and 5-10cm long. They change to glorious shades many collections it is still listed with the 1888 Ger-
of red in the autumn. man name ‘Ribesifolium’, recalling its similarity to
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. the Currant (Ribes alpinum). “Volubile’ is a German
cultivar described in 1893. It is an upright bushy tree
Shirasawa Maple Acer shirasawanum
occasionally reaching 6m in height. The leaves are
In cultivation this is a small tree or a large bush, but seven-lobed and irregularly cut producing a ragged
in the wild state it grows up to 15m in height. Its but lacy effect. Well known in cultivation now is the
range is limited to southern Honshu and neighbour- strangely attractive clone ‘Butterfly’. The small
ing districts of Japan. In cultivation it is often con- five-lobed leaves are variegated creamy-white and
fused with some cultivars of Japanese Maple, Acer green, and each one is shaped differently. In the
palmatum. Unlike them, the flowers and fruits stand autumn the white areas turn pink and the green parts
upright on the shoots. See also p. 643. change to red. This plant was originally described in
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Japan in 1882. Also described in 1882 was ‘Seiryu’ a
Acer sieboldianum cut-leaved upright form up to 5m tall which pro-
duces good purple autumn colour. ‘Katsura’ is a
This 10m tree is a close relative of the Japanese deeply divided leaf form which flushes out pale
Maple Acer japonicum (p. 643). One of its Japanese orange in the spring, turning yellow by early sum-
names, Ko-hau-uchiwa Kaede, means ‘small-leaved mer. ‘Nicholsonii’ is a 5m tall 1893 German tree
form’. It was named in honour of Philipp von Sie- with a rounded outline which produces stunning
bold and first cultivated in the west in 1880. In its autumn colour. Finally ‘Tana’ is a pale green small
native Japan it is a tough mountainside tree which upright shrub which colours brilliantly in the
makes it a very hardy garden plant. autumn,
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.

‘Katsura’

‘Butterfly’

peg

‘Nicholsonii’

Acer palmatum cultivars

645
 Acer palmatum
variable leaf forms

: ‘Dissectum
Heptalobum ) Rubrifolium’

*‘Osakazuki’
‘Dissectum’

Acer palmatum

646
 MAPLES

Acer palmatum cultivars (continued) muddy green and produces no autumn colour at all.
The ordinary green cut-leaf maple “Dissectum’ is a
Genetically unstable, the species is in a constant state
more attractive plant. It makes a neat mushroom of
of evolution. Each new generation of seedlings is
lacy foliage seldom more than 4m tall in 100 years.
certain to produce different forms which range from
The autumn colour is straw-yellow.
large spreading trees to compact bushes. Leaves too,
The variable-leaved cultivar ‘Sangokaku’
although based on a palmate theme, vary enormously
(Senkaki), ‘Coral-barked Maple’, produces incredi-
in shape, size and colour.
bly bright carmine-red shoots. These can be perpetu-
‘Atropurpureum’ which was described before
ated by periodically lightly pruning them back.
1910 has now become something of a collective
‘Hessei’ is an 1893 German plant with deeply
name in the nursery trade for a host of vaguely
divided leaves and distinct teeth. These flush out
purple-leaved plants. Some of these are individually
purple then change to green through the summer.
named, but even if they are not, they can be relied
‘Oshio Beni’ is a similar plant produced in Japan in
upon to produce deep summer shade and vivid red
1898, although this cultivar name appears to have
autumn colour. A typical cut-leaved purplish form is
been applied to several quite different things.
the 1867 French selection ‘Ornatum’.
The distinctive narrow clean-cut lobes of ‘Line-
‘Heptalobum’, the seven-lobed type of Acer palma-
arilobum’ set it apart from other forms of Acer palma-
tum, was recognized as a cultivar in 1938 but many
tum, although named forms of it do exist. The
different plants now appear under this name, which 1s
original clone was Dutch, described in 1867, but
often given variety or group status. The original “He-
there was almost certainly a Japanese plant in exis-
ptalobum’ is a 10m tree with yellow or orange tinted
tence before that.
autumn colour. ‘Osakazuki’ also has seven-lobed
Finally ‘Cuneatum’, another product of the
leaves. The true 1882 cultivar, a 6-8m rounded tree, is
golden age of German Maple cultivation in 1893, has
the best of all Japanese Maples for red autumn colour.
seven-lobed leaves with more or less cuneate
Unscrupulous nurserymen have been known to col-
(wedge-shaped) bases. Its identity has been more or
lect seed from it for sale under the same cultivar name
less swallowed up in the ‘Heptalobum’ complex,
instead of propagating from cuttings. Less than 5 in
now more sensibly described as the Heptalobum
every 100 seedlings come true to type.
eroup or the Elegans group.
‘Dissectum Rubrifolium’ is a cut-leaf bushy
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
maple which flushes out purple but then fades to

‘Cuneatum’

‘Sangokakw’
leaf forms

‘Linearilobum’ “Oshio Beni’

647
 ‘Madeleine
Spitta’

Acer rufinerve
‘Albo-limbatum’

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Acer barbinerve

Hornbeam-leaved Maple
Acer davidii ‘Madeleine Spitta’ Acer pycnanthum

648
 MAPLES

Acer davidii ‘Madeleine Spitta’ Acer pycnanthum

This 12m upright tree was raised at the Winkworth It is difficult to separate this Japanese tree from the
Arboretum and described in 1950. It was named in American Red Maple. Only the chromosome num-
honour of the lady who helped to plan the Arboretum. bers, which are slightly different, can settle the matter
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. in cultivated plants. It is slightly less colourful than
Red Maple in the autumn.
Acer rufinerve “Albo-limbatum’
Growth; 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
Described by Joseph Hooker while he was Director
of Kew Gardens in London in 1869, this is a slightly Hornbeam-leaved Maple Acer carpinifolium
variegated form of the species. The bark is less Botanists are easily fooled at first by this species
‘snake-barked’ but the leaves develop white margins which superficially resembles Hornbeam (p. 325)
and occasional splashes of grey and white. Trees except for its opposite leaves. It is from high eleva-
often revert to only green leaves. tions in Japan and was introduced to the west in 1879
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. by Charles Maries a plant collector for the Veitch
Acer ‘Silver Vein’ Nurseries.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
The bark of this 8-10m tree has one of the finest
‘snake-bark’ effects of any maple. The ground colour Acer mono var. mayrit
is blue-green overlaid with a tracery of discontinuous
Heinrich Mayr, professor of forestry in Munich, dis-
vertical white stripes. It was produced by the Hillier
covered this 10-25m tall tree in northern Japan in
Nurseries in 1961. An artificial cross between Acer
1886. It is extremely hardy and snow tolerant. The
pectinatum subsp. laxiflorum and Acer davidii “George thin leaves turn yellow in the autumn.
Forrest’. It is claamed by some authorities that Acer Growth: 3-10-15. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
pensylvanicum is included in the parentage.
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Acer tegmentosum
Acer barbinerve From riverside locations in Russia through Asia to
This small tree, usually under 10m tall, is from Man-
Manchuria and Korea, this small tree has purplish
grey-green bark with white vertical markings and
churia, northern China and Korea. The 6-12cm leaves
distinctive blue-green shoots. The 3-5-lobed leaves
are downy with tufts of hairs in the vein axils on the
are up to 18cm across with a 3-7cm petiole. They
underside. The species name means ‘bearded veins’.
appear with the flowers early in the year and are
Male and female flowers occur on separate trees.
often damaged by frost in cultivation.
Although discovered in 1867 it is rare in cultivation.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 5.
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

Acer mono var. mayrii Acer tegmentosum

649
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650
 MAPLES

Her’s Maple Acer grosseri var. hersii acid soils and some shade. The bright pink barked
form ‘Erythrocladum’ is a popular garden cultivar
Since its discovery in 1902 in the Shaanxi Province
but it is not very robust. To promote brightly-col-
of China, this small tree, seldom over 10m tall, has
oured new shoots it is best pollarded or coppiced on a
been a problem for taxonomists. Even the name used
3-5 year cycle.
here is disputed now in favour ofAcer davidii subspe-
Growth; 2-5-8. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 2.
cies grosseri var. hersit. A rather complicated substitute
for the once familiar “Acer hersi’ which is still written Acer rufinerve
on most existing arboretum labels. The best, but not This small Japanese tree resembles Moosewood and
completely foolproof, means of identification is to also to some extent Acer capillipes. They are part of a
remember that everything about this tree is green. eroup of snake-bark maples which are difficult to sepa-
This includes the beautiful snake-bark, the seeds and rate, furthermore in cultivation intermediates often
the foliage including the leaf petioles which in so occur. Acer rufineve produces good red and yellow
many other taxa have some red coloration. autumn colour in favourable conditions. See also p. 649.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Red Snake-bark Maple Acer capillipes Pére David’s Maple Acer davidii
Introduced from its native Japan by Charles Sprague Central China is home to this attractive little tree. It
Sargent in 1892, this small tree has light red, brown is a snake-bark maple with green, brown and pale
and green bark with white vertical markings. The orey bark. The bright green foliage colours well in
6-12cm leaves are 3-5-lobed, with reddish petioles. the autumn. It was introduced to the west in 1879 by
The small pairs of seeds are also flushed red as they Charles Maries and is named in honour ofthe French
ripen. missionary Father Armand David. There are two
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. subspecies and numerous variations in cultivation.
The cultivar ‘Ernest Wilson’ arose at the Edinburgh
Moosewood Acer pensylvanicum Botanic Garden in 1907. Unfortunately seed has
In America the common name for this 6-8m tall tree been grown from it under the same cultivar name
is Striped Maple, which aptly describes the shoots, and the identity ofthe original has become confused.
branches and young stems. They are bright green at The clone ‘George Forrest’ has suffered the same
first, becoming reddish-brown finely marked with fate. Horticulturists are continuing to select and
pale grey vertical lines. In its native eastern North name new forms of Acer davidii and the subject has
America moose actually do eat the bark. The species become very specialized.
was introduced to Europe in 1755. It prefers moist Growth: 3-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Acer rufinerve
autumn.

Moosewood
autumn

Moosewood

651
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Red Maple *“Columnare
 MAPLES

Red Maple Acer rubrum ‘Scanlon’ is a compact upright tree which also col-
ours well in the autumn, from deep red to purple.
First cultivated in Europe in 1656, this east and cen-
The effect can be like a column of fire. It was
tral North American tree, with its rounded or nar-
described in Ohio, in 1956 and is widely available in
row compact outline, can grow up to 40m tall. It is
the nursery trade. Upright trees of this sort are still
well named Red Maple because red colour in some
listed as ‘Columnare’ in some collections, although
form is evident on it all year long — from winter twigs
this clone is no longer in cultivation since newer fas-
to brilliant corymbs of male or female flowers in early
tigiate cultivars have replaced it.
spring and culminating in spectacular red autumn
Growth: 3-12-30 (40 in native range). Hardiness: 70-80%.
foliage. The leaves are palmate or tri-lobed, 6-10cm Choice: 1, 2, 3. Wood: 1, 4, 5 (species).
long, with variable teeth and margins. Some have
small rounded lobes, while others are sharply pointed Acer rubrum var. trilobum
and irregular. The upper surface is always dark matt This variety, named and described in 1853, is repre-
green but the underside can be grey-green to almost sented in the south-east of the native Red Maple
white, adding an additional pink and cream dimen- range, mainly in Florida. It is very rare in cultivation.
sion to the superb red and orange autumn tints. In its The leaves are three-lobed with finely pointed teeth.
natural environment this is a tree of moist mixed Growth; 2-8-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4.
deciduous woodlands. It can survive reasonably well
Acer rubrum var. drummondii
on dry sites but is slower-growing and less produc-
tive. In Europe the autumn colour is disappointing, The leathery rounded leaves ofthis variety are mostly
particularly on dry lime-rich soils. three-lobed. Each lobe has a short blunt point. It
The cultivar ‘Schlesingeri’ was found by Charles grows along the lower Mississippi and in neighbour-
Sprague Sargent in a United States garden. It was ing states. First described as a cultivar, it was subse-
introduced into cultivation in Berlin in 1888 and quently changed to variety status in 1884. It is very
named in 1896. It is a particularly good autumn fea- rare in cultivation possibly because in some collec-
ture with deep red wavy-edged leaves. tions it is wrongly labelled just as Acer rubrum.
Growth: 2-7-18. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 4.

Acer rubrum
var. trilobum

‘Scanlon’

Acer rubrum var. drummondii

‘Columnare’
 %

Florida Maple

‘Tricolor’

Acer rubrum
‘October Glory’

underside

“Seattle Sentinel’ .
‘Seattle Sentinel’

654
 MAPLES

Acer macrophyllum cultivars various authors to describe several different maples

causing great confusion in the process.
There are four named cultivars of Oregon Maple,
Growth; 2-10-18. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 4. Wood: 1.
Acer macrophyllum (p. 631). ‘Tricolor’ is an old Ger-
man selection made in 1893. The original is probably
Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’
no longer in cultivation. It had leaves marked with
red and splashed with white. Variegated forms can Numerous selections of Red Maple, Acer rubrum
also still be found in collections bearing the invalid (p. 653) have been introduced, particularly in the
name ‘Variegatum’. Another completely different second half of the twentieth century. ‘October
cultivar, the fastigiate American tree ‘Seattle Senti- Glory’ named in 1961 by Princeton Nurseries in
nel’ was named in 1954. The green leaves are large New Jersey, has been selected for its outstanding
like ordinary Oregon Maple. autumn foliage colour. This develops from yellow,
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. through deep orange to fiery red and lasts a par-
ticularly long time. It is a big upright tree when
Florida Maple Acer barbatum erown on deep fertile soil.
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 60%, Choice: 1.
Many authorities now only list this species name as a
synonym for a southern subspecies of Sugar Maple,
Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’
Acer saccharum (p. 629). This spreading rounded tree
reaches up to 18m in height with a stem 60cm in A selection made and patented by J. Frank Schmidt
diameter. The 5cm leaves are 3-5-lobed but are of Oregon in 1966. It is likely to make a big tree
blunt ended and wavy. The autumn colour 1s mostly when it reaches maturity. The large leaves are remi-
yellow finally turning red. The rough bark is pale niscent of Silver Maple (p. 657) suggesting possible
grey. It is a tree of moist low ground and upland val- hybrid origin. The fiery red autumn foliage colour is
leys. The natural range includes Virginia and Florida exceptional.
west to the borders of Texas and Oklahoma and it Growth: 2-8-20(?). Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1, 2.

does intergrade with other Sugar Maple subspecies. It

was described and named by the French botanist
André Michaux in 1810 but the name was changed
to Acer saccharum var. rugelii in 1900. The validity of
this remains uncertain so Acer barbatum 1s retained
here. Unfortunately barbatum has been used by

underside

Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’

655
 bark with epicormic shoots

underside

leaf reduced

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‘Laciniatum Wieri’ Silver Maple
young tree
 MAPLES

Silver Maple Acer saccharinum Mid West States, including Oklahoma. In America
and Europe it is a popular park tree and has been
In nature and in cultivation this is usually a healthy,
extensively used for street planting. However, in
fast-growing large tree. Specimens over 25m tall are
streets and built up areas it rapidly out-grows its allot-
known with crowns spreading out to 20m wide. The ted space and also tends to shed its brittle branches, so
branches are graceful and arching with light foliage this use is falling out of favour.
which allows the sun to shine through to the ground Silver Maple was introduced to Europe in 1725 by
below. The deeply cut five-lobed deciduous 8-15cm Sir Charles Wagner and was described and named by
irregular saw-toothed leaves are green on the upper Linnaeus in 1753. Although extremely beautiful, this
surface and silvery-white on the underside. The long species should only be used with caution because of
petioles allow them to flutter in the slightest breeze, its tendency to drop branches, its instability and its
giving a shimmering green and white effect. In the reputation for clogging up drains with its roots.
autumn the foliage turns yellow with a paler shade There are a large number of cultivars of Silver
retained on the underside of each leaf. An attractive Maple available including many new ones. A feature
pattern of yellow and creamy-white fallen leaves 1s much exploited by plant breeders is exaggerated
produced on the ground under each tree. lobes on the leaves. Several of these ‘cut-leaved’
Many specimens are prone to developing thin forms, ‘Laciniatum’, are individually named in culti-
whiskery epicormic shoots on the main stem. In the vation. The most popular one was produced in Brit-
timber these cause the ‘bird’s eye’ effect for which ain and named in 1875 ‘Laciniatum Wieri’, but it is
maple wood is well known. It is a tree of moist sold under various names including ‘Wier1’, ‘Asplen-
ground especially river sides and flood plains. It also
ifolium’ or simply ‘Laciniatum’. The latter is now
grows in mixed damp woodland. Its natural range
considered to be a collective name for all cut-leaved
covers a huge area in North America from Ontario
Silver Maples.
to New Brunswick, south to Florida and west to the
Growth: 3-12-30 (40 in native range). Hardiness: 80%.
Choice: 1 (requires space), 2, 3, 4. Wood: 1 (species).

autumn

underside »
~

‘Laciniatum’

657
 Acer pectinat
subsp.
. maximowicz

Acer
acuminatum

ar. yunnanense

Acer campbellii
subsp. flabellatum
658
 MAPLES

Nippon Maple Acer nipponicum by David Don, professor of botany at Kings College,
London in 1825.
This rare Japanese tree is from mountainous areas
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
between 900 and 1800m high. It is unlike any other
maple, with huge, very shallow 3-5-lobed leaves up
Acer x zoeschense cultivars
to 25cm across. Most characteristic, though, are the
panicles of up to 500 flowers; they can be 40cm long, Zoeschen Maple (p. 637) has a few named cultivars.
developing into large trusses of winged fruits. ‘Annae’ is a German form described by Count Fritz
Growth: 2-7-16. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. von Schwerin in 1908. It is a rounded 10m tree with
dark green densely packed foliage. The five long
Acer pectinatum subsp. maximowiczii lobes on each 8cm leaf are distinctly wavy and
From the Hubei, Gansu and Sichuan regions of acutely pointed. In spring they are deep purple as
China, this rare small tree or large shrub has greenish they emerge. The cultivar ‘Elongatum’, from the
bark with pale grey vertical stripes. The 3-5-lobed same source, has distinctive three-lobed leaves which
leaves are quite variable but have long points and are slightly wavy and broadest towards the tip. It is
quite distinct teeth. Most of them are around 6cm probably no longer available in the nursery trade.
long. Originally named as a species in 1889, this plant Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
was reduced to subspecies status in 1977.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Acer campbellii subsp. flabellatum
This small 8m tall tree is from the Hubei and Sichuan
Acer acuminatum provinces of China. The variety yunnanense is from
Nepal, West Pakistan and Kashmir make up the the Yunnan and Burma. It is more tender and has
natural range of this slender tree or large shrub, sharp bristle tipped teeth along the leaf margins,
which seldom grows taller than 6m. Its 10cm leaves reminiscent of some Acer palmatum cultivars (p. 645).
usually have three lobes with very acuminate points. It was described in 1905 and introduced to the west
The young shoots are reddish-purple and slightly in 1907 by Emest Wilson.
downy. The species was introduced into cultivation Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.
through the Calcutta Botanic Garden and described

Acer pectinatum subsp. maximowiczit

‘Elongatum’

659
 subsp.
californicum

‘Giganteum’

‘Violaceum’

f
j

4 ‘Auratum’
“Variegatum

660
 MAPLES

Ashleaf Maple Acer negundo less than 7m tall with densely packed creamy-yellow
margined leaflets.
Also known in America as Boxelder and Manitoba
‘Violaceum’, produced before 1826, is a British
Maple, this 18m dioecious species has a huge natural
plant up to 20m tall. Some authorities consider it to
range across North America, with subspecies extend-
be a natural variety growing in the mid-west states of
ing into areas where the normal type does not occur.
the U.S. The shoots are bloomed purple and the leaves
It is classified as a maple because it has paired winged
have silky hairs on the underside. In spring it produces
seeds, but the leaves are pinnate with up to 9 leaflets.
an abundance of pendulous crimson flower tassels.
The name Boxelder refers to the wood, which is
‘Auratum’ is a 6m shrub with golden-yellow
white like box, and the leaf which is like elder (Sam-
leaves when grown in full light. It is a product of the
bucus). It was introduced to Europe sometime around
Spath Nursery in Germany named in 1891, but it
1688.
was originally found as a sport in France.
The subspecies californicum is a tree up to 25m tall
One of the most widespread Ashleaf Maples in
with mostly trifoliate leaves covered with whitish
cultivation is ‘Wariegatum’, a rather weak rounded
hairs. It occurs in central southern California and
tree seldom over 8m tall. The variable and often dis-
into Arizona where there is sufficient moisture. It 1s
torted leaflets are splashed cream and green. At first
widely cultivated there for shelter and as a city park
the emerging foliage is pink and almost white. It is a
tree. Where this subspecies extends into Texas it is
female tree but the fruit is always sterile. Vigorous
referred to as var. texanum. green reversions are common and if unchecked they
Growth: 3-10-18. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1, 2. can soon eliminate all the variegated foliage.
Wood: 1, 3, 5.
The superb Dutch clone ‘Flamingo’ is a superior
Acer negundo cultivars form of the same thing with deep pink buds and
young emerging leaves, and bluish bloomed shoots.
‘Giganteum’ is a selection of the above with huge
In summer the leaves turn green with creamy-white
leaves up to 40cm long, named in Germany in 1893.
variegation suffused with pale pink. This small 6m
It is similar in size and shape to the species. Quite dif-
tree was described in 1976.
ferent is the Franco-German selection “Elegans’
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.
named in 1901. This is a slow-growing female plant

‘Flamingo’ Ashleaf Maple

spring
leaflet in summer

661
 Common Horse Chestnut

lL underside

dy coe als Wr THF

Common Horse Chestnut

662
 PLOTS Ee@iiL st TE AMIIY @-" Hippocastanaceae

Common Horse Chestnut by itself. Horse Chestnuts should not be grown

Aesculus hippocastanum closer than 30m from any solid structure, path or
road. Where they can be grown safely they are effec-
The familiar European Horse Chestnut tree is a tive in isolated groups associated with wide expanses
delightful sight in spring when its huge billowing of grass. For instance playing fields, parks and golf
crown is packed with ‘candles’, the 20cm upright courses.
white flower panicles. Unfortunately in cultivation Although Common Horse Chestnut is originally
this tree is far too large for most gardens, ultimately from south-east Europe, it is relatively hardy. It was
reaching 36m in height and 25m wide, with a stem introduced to Vienna via Constantinople in 1576
around 220cm in diameter. It grows easily in urban and reached Britain around 1615. Trees grow best
situations from any stray discarded seed (conker), where there is good soil moisture, fertility, and full
often against paths or buildings. It soon becomes a sun. They live for 150 years, but tend to drop their
tree almost before anyone realizes what damage it brittle branches after about 80 years. In winter the
can do by growing in the wrong place. Once a big sticky buds and ‘horseshoe nail marks’ on the leaf
young plant begins to flower, after only 6-8 years, scars are of interest.
people become attached to it and its place is often The cultivar ‘Baumannii’ which was raised from a
assured, even if this will eventually lead to expensive sport around 1820 and formerly called “Flore Pleno’,
removal costs when it outgrows its space. Remedial is another potentially big tree. It is usually grafted on
work by a tree surgeon will be necessary if it to Common Horse Chestnut. The double flowers
becomes dangerous. Worse still, the cost of building are white and tightly packed in upright panicles. So
repairs due to root damage is likely to be immense. far as is known it does not set fertile seed.
So this is not a tree to be planted casually, or nur- Growth: 4-14-28 (species 36). Hardiness: 60-70%.
tured in an unsuitable place where it has regenerated Choice: 1 (requires space), 2, 3. Wood: 3, 4.

autumn

Common Horse Chestnut

663
 Cut-leaved Horse Chestnut
‘Laciniata’ group
leaf variations

Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Pyramidalis’

664
 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Cut-leaved Horse Chestnuts Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Pyramidalis’

Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Laciniata’ group Originally described as a variety by Augustine Henry
There are several named plants with incised leaves in the British dendrologist, this cultivar has a compact
this group. These vary from deeply cut, almost to the pyramidal outline. The main branches ascend almost
midrib of each leaflet, to only partially cut margins,
vertically to a maximum height of 30m. Trees were
hardly more than exaggerated teeth. New cut-leaved
originally propagated by grafting, but over the years
upright seedlings have confused the integrity of the
‘sports’ still appear on healthy trees from time to
initial selection. In Britain it is no longer in commer-
time, usually as a single branch or small section of
twig like a ‘witch’s broom’. Cultivated plants are cial cultivation.
Growth: 3-12-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
usually grafted on to Common Horse Chestnut root-
stocks but they tend to lack vigour and may become
Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Pendula’
incompatible. Any shoots that are allowed to grow
up from the root rapidly dominate the scion. Only old specimens of this cultivar remain. It was
The cultivar ‘Digitata’, formerly called “‘Pumila’, is distributed by the Puvilland Nursery in France
a dwarf form with deformed and stunted leaflets. The around 1800, but does not appear to be available in
branches are crooked and weak giving a haggard cultivation now. Almost invariably old Horse Chest-
appearance to this already unhealthy looking plant. nut trees develop branch extremities with a weeping
The vogue for producing horticultural curiosities of habit so there is little point in having a particular
this sort has now largely died out in the nursery plant which does this. Furthermore, the wood of
trade. Horse Chestnut is brittle and high level grafts, which
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4 (requires space). are necessary to produce pendulous branched trees,
are prone to incompatibility and eventually breakage.
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

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7

Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Pendula’

‘Laciniata’ group
old tree

665
 a =| 5 = 5 Pal5) w

: ESg z,
Dallimore’s Horse Chestnut
2 il?

Texas Buckeye
Aesculus x bu shii

666
 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Aesculus hippocastanum cultivars Aesculus x bushit

Common Horse Chestnut (p. 663) has been culti- A hybrid between Aesculus glabra and Aesculus pavia,
vated for its flowers and shady foliage for 400 years. this plant is thought to be synonymous with Aesculus
Many different trees of all sizes and colours have x mississippiensis. It produces superb yellow, pink and
resulted from this. The unusual cultivar ‘Memmin- red flowers all in the same inflorescence and makes a
geri’ has leaves that are speckled with white briefly low spreading domed tree seldom over 7m tall.
when young. Another form, ‘Umbraculifera’, was Growth: 2-4-7. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
formerly named by the English dendrologist,
Augustine Henry, as a variety in the early twentieth Texas Buckeye Aesculus glabra var. arguta
century. It is now regarded as a cultivar. It is a small Also known in many collections as Aesculus arguta,
‘mop-headed tree with deep green leaves. Yet this plant should more properly be called a variety of
another cultivar ‘Hampton Court Gold’ is a rela- Ohio Buckeye (p. 673). It is a bushy 6m plant with
tively new plant with greenish-yellow foliage. narrow double toothed leaflets. The flowers are
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. creamy-yellow.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40%, Choice: 1.
Dallimore’s Horse Chestnut
Aesculus + dallimoret Wilson’s Horse Chestnut Aesculus wilsonii

This curious graft hybrid between Common Horse This large 25m tree has a thick stem and broad
Chestnut and American Yellow Buckeye (p. 671) 1s spreading crown ofbranches. The flowers are white
now very rare in cultivation. It is an unpredictable with yellow spots inside the upper petals and a red
plant, showing features of both or either parent spe- centre which shows up as decline sets in. It is a rare
cies, notably both yellow and white inflorescences. tree, introduced to the west from China by Ernest
The white flowers have maroon spots and the yellow Wilson in 1908.
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3.
ones have deep yellow-ochre spots inside. Joseph
Sealy from Kew Gardens in London named it in
honour ofhis friend William Dallimore who became
curator of Kew.
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.

Wilson’s Horse Chestnut

667
 Horse
Chestnut

a autumn
i f ; |

Red Horse Chestnut old bark

668
 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Red Horse Chestnut Aesculus x carnea Red Horse Chestnuts are particularly good garden or
park trees, except for the short flowering period they
There are many different examples of this hybrid
are fairly uninteresting and oppressive. There is vir-
between the Common Horse Chestnut (p. 663) and
tually no autumn foliage colour.
Red Buckeye Aesculus pavia, varying widely in
Growth; 3-9-18. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.
flower quality, susceptibility to branch damage and
swelling caused by a genetic abnormality which
Red Buckeye Aesculus pavia
results in bud proliferation and subsequent death.
It makes a spreading tree seldom over 20m in This is a small tree from Florida to Texas and north
height. The branches and foliage tend to be to Illinois. It grows to around 8m in the wild and in
dark-coloured, the spring flowers range from rose cultivation. The showy flowers are brilliant red in
pink to deep red, in upright panicles 12-20cm long. early summer, borne in open 10-16cm panicles. The
The light brown fruit is 3-4cm across, either slightly petals do not open widely so they have a spiky
prickly or lacking any spines. The seeds are glossy appearance. The palmately compound leaves are
chestnut brown. Some clones seed freely and are fer- small, only 8-12cm across with five oblong-obovate
tile, producing plants which may begin flowering in toothed leaflets. The light brown fruits are without
only five years, others seem reluctant to produce any prickles and are more or less pear-shaped. In a good
seed at all. season the foliage colours very well to orange and red
Established trees tolerate urban situations and in the autumn.
drought, but they are often disfigured by abnormal This is a splendid tree for sheltered sunny gardens.
stem and branch growths. Shoots have a tendency to It is tolerant of awide range of moist soil types, and
become pendulous at the tips. There is a variety pen- remains fairly small. American Indians used to throw
dula which has a semi-weeping habit. dried powdered seeds and branch wood into pools of
The brightest red flowers occur on a French culti- water to stupefy fish and make them easier to catch.
var ‘Briotii’, which is a strong-growing compact tree And American pioneers somehow used the roots as a
kind of soap substitute.
to around 15m tall. The cultivar ‘Plantierensis’ is a
See also Aesculus splendens on p. 675.
backcross to common horse chestnut. It has almost
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
white flowers with just a hint of pink. The fruits are
prickly like Common Horse Chestnut. None of the

‘Briotii’ Red Horse Chestnut

669
 Mh “a " eg

< NKhee
autumn ie | A Sy BX: < p
leaflet Lo PY

Yor A

Indian
Horse
Chestnut

‘Sydney Pearce’
Indian Horse Chestnut old bark

670
 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Indian Horse Chestnut Aesculus indica grafting in early spring. It is best to plant out small-
sized trees and avoid any root severance. Good moist
This is one of the best hardy horse chestnuts in culti-
soil, and partial shade at first, should ensure success.
vation, though it requires a lot of space. On a good
Growth; 3-10-24 (30 in native range). Hardiness: 30-50%.
site in northern Europe it will grow to 24m tall and
Choice: 1, 2, 3. Wood: 4, 5.
18m across. In its native Himalayan forests it reaches
30m in height. The deep green leaves are flushed Yellow, or Sweet Buckeye Aesculus flava
bronze on opening. Flowers, which are late for a
Flava, meaning yellow, is a reference to the 3cm late
horse chestnut, appear in mid-summer. They occur
in 25cm upright panicles, each individual is white spring to early summer flowers. They occur in
with the uppermost inside lip blotched cadmium yel- upright panicles 15cm long and have four unequal
low, and the lower part rose pink. The fruits appear frilly-edged butter yellow petals, with a distinctive
late in the season and do not fall until the onset of
pink blotch inside the hooded upper part. The fruits,
usually in twos, are encased in smooth rounded 6cm
winter. This species is closely related to Aesculus cali-
greenish-brown scaly husks. The tree is native to the
fornica, which has fragrant white to rose pink flowers
south-east United States, where it becomes very
but, coming from the misty coastal hillsides of Cali-
large, up to 30m tall. In cultivation in Europe it is
fornia, is more tender and soon looks miserable in a
generally much less. The compound leaves, each
hot summer.
with five leaflets, are dark green above and pubescent
The cultivar of Indian Horse Chestnut “Sydney
yellowish-green below; they colour well in the
Pearce’ is an outstanding, large, floriferous selection
autumn. In northern Europe Yellow Buckeye needs
with darker green leaves, upright branches and a
some shelter to become established; and flowers best
rounded outline. It was raised at Kew Gardens in
when the top is in full sun. The old name Aesculus
London in 1928 and some fine early specimens ofit
octandra still persists in some text books and nursery
are still there. The huge flower panicles may be 30-
40cm long. Ordinary Indian Horse Chestnut grows lists.
Growth: 3-8-16 (30 in native range). Hardiness: 80%.
easily from seed, but ‘Sidney Pearce’ must be raised
Choice: 1. Wood: 3, 4, 5.
vegetatively by budding in mid-summer or by

winter
summer

Yellow Buckeye

671
 new leaf.

cross section =
of fruit
Japanese Horse Chestnut

Ohio Buckeye Sunrise Horse Chestnut

 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Japanese Horse Chestnut Aesculus turbinata The fruit is obovoid, 3-5cm across, containing one
or two glossy chestnut seeds. These seeds, the bark
The Japanese Horse Chestnut looks much the same
and the young foliage are all poisonous. As the com-
as the common European Horse Chestnut. It is a
mon name suggests, this tree is native in the United
very large tree, up to 30m tall, and like European
States: and is the state tree of Ohio. The variety sar-
Horse Chestnut is only suitable for cultivation where
gentii is a shrubby form with narrower leaflets than
there is plenty of space. The palmately compound
the species but similar flowers.
leaves are almost identical or a little larger than the
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50-70%. Choice: 1.
common species grown on moist fertile ground. The
less showy flowers are about 1.5cm across, creamy
Sunrise Horse Chestnut
white with a red spot inside, in panicles 15-25cm tall.
The fruits are more or less pear-shaped, about 5cm
Aesculus x neglecta “Erythroblastos’
across with few, or no spines. The spherical seeds, This cultivar, developed at Behnsch, Germany in
about 3cm across, have an extended pale grey-brown 1935, is a great pleasure to grow. Given shelter it
hilum (point of attachment to the husk) which takes makes a small tree, seldom more than 7m tall, which
up almost half the surface area. erupts into a billowing cloud of salmon pink foliage
Growth: 3-15-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 3. in spring. Over about 3-4 weeks the colour changes
through orange-yellow to lime green. Throughout
Ohio Buckeye Aesculus Ssglabra the summer the foliage is not spectacular and there is
From Ohio and Oklahoma this small hardy tree, up no display of autumn colour. The flowers of Aesculus
to 10m tall, has superb 2-3cm yellowish flowers in x neglecta (flava x sylvatica) are yellowish suffused with
early summer. Even trees under 5m tall can produce red, and the smooth fruits are 4cm across. Specimens
a spectacular display offlowers in cultivation, vertical of‘Erythroblastos’ rarely flower and do not appear to
panicles like tallow candles between 10-15cm long. set fertile seed.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.

eee
Ap

we

pote IpLe SNOg

UB

Sunrise Horse Chestnut

Japanese Horse Chestnut spring

673
 Dwarf Horse
Chestnut
forma seroting
~

»
[s— ‘%
XxX
’ s \
VY . : ———
ae Ws

Aesculus assamica
674 leaf variations
 HORSE CHESTNUTS

Aesculus glaucescens Aesculus assamica

This species and the synonymous Aesculus sylvatica are This obscure 25m tree comes from Bhutan, Sikkim and
segregates of Sweet Buckeye (p. 671). They were North Vietnam. It has lustrous green leaves with up to
named in America by Charles Sprague Sargent and 7 leaflets. The flowers are white with a rose-pink centre
John Bartram respectively. By 1914 the two were developing into ovoid fruits without spines.
considered to be the same and listed as close relatives Growth: 2-6-15 (25 in native range). Hardiness: 20-30%.
of Aesculus octandra (now Aesculus flava) by Alfred Choice: 4. Wood: 3, 5.
Rehder in 1940. Aesculus x hybrida
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. From the Alleghany mountain range in the USA, this
hybrid between Aesculus flava (p. 671) and Aesculus
Aesculus splendens pavia (p. 669) is a small tree. It has intermediate char-
This shrubby 4m plant from Alabama and Mississippi acteristics between the parent species, including red
has stunning red panicles of flowers. It was intro- and yellow flowers in the same inflorescence. It was
duced in 1911 and named by Charles Sprague Sar- formerly called Aesculus x discolor, and still is in some
gent. Modern taxonomists regard it as part of Aesculus collections, but confusingly the name discolor was also
pavia (p. 669). given to the species, pavia.
Growth; 2-4-4. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 4. Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 4.
Chinese Horse Chestnut Aesculus chinensis
Dwarf Horse Chestnut Aesculus parviflora
This 30m tree is from northern China. It was intro-
Introduced to Europe from the south-east USA in duced to western cultivation first in 1877 then again
1785 this is a suckering shrub which spreads over a in 1882 and 1912. In Europe it tends to grow slowly
wide area but seldom exceeds 4m in height. The and never reaches its potential size. Most prove-
spectacular mid-summer flowers, in 20-30cm pani- nances are completely hardy but little is known about
cles, are white with red exserted anthers. The leaves the species as a whole. The flowers are white with
unfold deep bronze. The form serotina is usually slightly exserted stamens. The subglobose fruits are
considered to be identical to the species. thick skinned and up to 2.5cm in diameter. It is often
Growth: 3-4-4. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. confused in collections with Aesculus wilsonii.
Growth: 2-5-15 (30 in native range). Hardiness: 50%.
Choice: 4. Wood: 3, 5.

Aesculus x hybrida Chinese Horse Chestnut

675
 ‘Rubra’ twig

underside

flower detail

Large-leaved Lime é ate

“Laciniata’
flowering
 IMA TO WP AV e Malvaceae

Large-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos the same ultimate shape and size (20-24m). This
makes it ideal for avenues and formal plantings. The
This lime is native to much of Europe including
red twigs provide winter interest and in summer the
southern Britain and south-west Sweden in the north
large leaves cast good shade. In the past this cultivar
and western Ukraine in the east. Subspecies are rec-
has been listed under several different names, includ-
ognized across this extensive range (p. 679). It is a
ing ‘Corallina’. It also occurs naturally in the wild
large, 35m, spreading round-topped tree, growing to
and is an indicator of ancient woodland.
as much as 25m across in an open situation. Many
The cut-leaved cultivar ‘Laciniata’ is a variable
specimens produce a straight stem frequently over
form of Large-leaved Lime with irregular mutilated
1m in diameter at the base. At maturity the lower
leaves. Some branches produce more deeply cut
branches arch outwards and droop towards the
leaves than others and reversion occurs frequently. A
extremities. It is not a constant species throughout its
selection from ‘Laciniata’ called ‘Aspleniifolia’ is a
whole diverse range: three subspecies are recognized,
small tree with more deeply cut and twisted leaves.
botanically by the amount of pubescence on the foli-
Another curious and unattractive cultivar with
age and geographically by the regions they occupy.
curved twigs and distorted leaves 1s ‘Tortuosa,
The 10-15cm long leaves are sharply toothed and
which originated as a sport in a nursery at Chiswick,
distinctly heart-shaped at the base. In hot or dry
London, in 1888. It was described, first as a variety,
weather they tend to droop a little and take on a
in 1902. The variety vitifolia, now also presumed to
‘hooded’ appearance. Flowers appear in clusters of
be a cultivar, has leaves which have around three
3-6 early in the summer, earlier than most other
extended teeth. It was described by the Hungarian
limes. This is one of the parents of the ubiquitous
botanist Lajos Simonkai around 1900 but is now rare
Common Lime, Tilia x europaea (p. 683).
in cultivation.
In cultivation Tilia platyphyllos ‘Rubra’, the Red-
Growth: 3-18-35 (species). Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3.
twigged Lime, is becoming more popular than the Wood: 1, 3, 4, 5 (species).
species. As it is usually reproduced vegetatively, indi-
vidual trees grow at a uniform speed to more or less

‘Tortuosa’

var. vitifolia
‘Laciniata’

677
 Tilia platyphyllos
subsp. pseudorubra

subsp. cordifolia

‘Orebro’

‘Aurea’
shoot

678
 LIMES

Tilia platyphyllos subsp. pseudorubra Tilia platyphyllos cultivars

This subspecies is often seen throughout the Broad-leaved Lime has been used to create orna-
south-eastern part of the range of Large-leaved mental cultivars for many years (see also p. 677).
Timew(pano7? pa lusextends castwards. into the Selections have been made to display twig colour,
Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. Although broadly crown shape and leaf outline. ‘Orebro’ is a Swedish
similar to western trees it has almost no pubescence selection made in 1935. It is a large columnar tree up
on the upper side ofthe leaf and a minimal amount to 30m tall with upright and then horizontally
on the underside. A foliage sample taken out of spreading branches.
context looks exactly like Tilia x europaea (p. 683). The cultivar ‘Fastigiata’ is another very upright
Growth: 3-18-35. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 2, 3. form with dense foliage and a conical top. It does not
Wood: 1, 3, 4, 5. make a good urban street tree because it becomes
infested with aphids and drops honeydew on every-
thing below it.
Tilia platyphyllos subsp. cordifolia
An interesting winter feature tree, particularly if it
Trees towards the northern part of the species range is pollarded low down, is ‘Aurea’. Its young shoots
are represented by this subspecies. It is very similar to are bright yellow for the first year, becoming olive
the central European population (in the strict sense green as they mature. The yellow and the green can
subspecies platyphyllos) having pubescent leaves and be seen very well together on branches which are
young shoots. In this respect it is more constant than 3-4 years old.
subspecies platyphyllos in which pubescence density The cultivar ‘Princes Street’ is a strong-growing
varies from tree to tree. narrow-crowned cultivar with ascending branches
Growth: 3-18-35. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3. and reddish winter twigs. Its exact origin (the name
Woods) 23 2.
suggests Edinburgh) is uncertain and it could be a
hybrid with another species, or a form of Tilia x euro-
paea.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 2.

underside

‘Fastigiata’ ‘Princes Street’

young tree

679
 leaf variations

Tilia laetevirens

Crimean Lime Begonia-leaved Lime

680
 LIMES

Crimean Lime Tilia « euchlora discovered by William Purdom in 1911 and

described and named in America soon afterwards.
It is suggested that the origin of this hybrid was a spon-
Trees seldom reach 8m in height and the leaves are
taneous cross between Small-leaved Lime (p. 685) and
up to 6cm long, with reticulate veins and grey
the Crimean species Tilia dasystyla, which occurred
downy undersides. Flowers appear in clusters of 1-3.
somewhere in the Crimea around 1860. It was col-
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 4.
lected, propagated and distributed by Booth’s Nurs-
ery of Hamburg. Trees were generally grafted on to
Begonia-leaved Lime Tilia begoniifolia
Common Lime which sends up bushy shoots from
the rootstock, but young plants on their own roots In its native southern Russia and Iran this heavily
are known. branched tree reaches up to 25m in height. It was
This is an unmistakable tree with brilliant glossy introduced to Britain in 1972 by Roy Lancaster but
deep green leaves and pendulous lower branches. It has not yet had time to prove its worth.
seldom exceeds 15m in height but may be wider Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 4.
than that in ideal conditions. The creamy-yellow
drooping flowers in clusters of 3-8 appear in mid- Tilia insularis
summer, but seeds are not usually produced. The Wild specimens of this tree grow up to 35m, but in
foliage does not suffer from aphid infestations cultivation it usually remains fairly small. It is native
resulting in black fungus-infested honeydew which only to the Korean island of Cheju Do, and was
makes a mess on city pavements and parked cars. introduced to the west by Ernest Wilson in 1919.
Over-indulgent bees may become intoxicated with The foliage is similar to its close relative Tilia japonica
an excess of nectar from the flowers, but most of (p. 689) except many of the 8-10cm leaves develop
them survive. one or two exaggerated points called denticles.
Growth: 3-12-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Including the well developed tip some leaves take on
Wood: 1, 4. a distinctly trident shape. The pendulous flowers are
fragrant and in clusters of 30 or more, attracting large
Tilia laetevirens numbers of bees.
This close ally of Tilia chinensis (p. 689) 1s rare in its Growth: 3-8-12 (35 in native range). Hardiness: 40%.
Choice: 1. Wood: 1, 4.
native China and very rare in cultivation. It was

leaf
variations

Tilia insularis

Begonia-leaved Lime
681
 flower
detail

Common Lime

682
 LIMES

Common Lime Tilia x europaea would be so easy to produce identical trees for an
individual avenue from a single source (see p. 687).
The hybrid between Small-leaved Lime (p. 685) and
In addition to its variable shape, unpredictable size
Large-leaved Lime (p. 677) has occurred naturally in
and twiggy epicormic growth, this tree suffers badly
Europe for a very long time where the ranges of
from predation by sap-sucking aphids. In summer
these species overlap. It was first noticed and brought
these produce a shower of ejected sticky ‘honeydew’
into cultivation in the seventeenth century. For some
which is a dismal nuisance. Furthermore this sugar
reason, which is not entirely understood, this hybrid,
rich substance is rapidly colonized by ‘sooty moulds’
unlike either of its parents, produces epicormic
which coat everything with a black glutinous film. It
shoots in profusion. These develop round the base of
is particularly unsightly on the lower leaves of the
the tree at first and then higher up the stem among
tree itself and makes them dysfunctional.
the branches, sometimes producing a huge unsightly
Productive clones of Common Lime may tower
mass of tangled twigs. It was learned at an early date
up to 45m in height with a stem diameter of over
that the basal shoots, particularly when the tree was
2m. The smooth bark is dull grey-brown on young
cut down, would grow easily when layered. A large
stems becoming vertically fissured with age. Burrs
number could be pegged down all round a stump to
often form with or without epicormic growths. The
produce new plants easily and cheaply. Consequently
leaves are rounded with an oblique-cordate base and
this plant was over produced and soon earned the
an abrupt tip. They are edible when very young, a
name ‘Common’. Probably only a small number of
fact which does not escape the notice of numerous
clones are represented in cultivation and inevitably
insect predators. The autumn foliage colour is dull
these are the ones with epicormic growths. How-
yellow, but it is valued for its lateness. Flowers are in
ever, there is sufficient clonal variation to produce
clusters of 4-10, appearing in mid-summer.
trees of different sizes and outlines. Many avenues of Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 2, 3, 4.
Growth: 3-20-40.
Common Lime fail as a landscape feature because of Wood: 1, 3, 4, 5.
mixed-up clonal stock, which is a pity because it

autumn

seedling

Common Lime
winter

683
 me}
SS oO uwaw Si)

Small -leaved Lime

Small-leaved Lime
flowerin oO
5

684
 LIMES

Small-leaved Lime Tilia cordata between 3cm and 8cm long and wide. Some indi-
viduals have very small 2-4cm leaves. The flowers
The extensive range of this old world species
appear, often in profusion, in mid-summer in open
includes the whole of Europe and much of Russia,
clusters of 4-15. Bees are attracted to them and they
from Spain to Siberia and from Scandinavia to the
are not harmed in any way by the nectar. After 10-20
Crimea and the Caucasus. In England it is regarded as
years the coppice develops very distinctive vertical
a heritage tree, part of the English rural culture, and
gun barrel stems often standing close together.
an indicator of ancient woodland. Since pre-history
Neglected coppice produces a wall of stems with
it has been managed as coppice to produce ‘bast’, the
light or non-existent branches except near the very
inner bark from young poles, which consists of rope
top. This is a shade tolerant species which grows in
and fabric quality fibres. When coppice stumps are
close proximity with other species in dense wood-
‘cut over’ they rejuvenate almost indefinitely. Each
land. In northern areas seed is only produced follow-
time a stump or ‘stool’ is cut it re-grows slightly
ing a good summer, so many populations have
larger than it was before. Stools 16m in diameter are
remained static for hundreds ofyears and the species
known and it is estimated that they are over 2000
has been reluctant to spread to new locations.
years old, or perhaps even as old as the re-
There are several cultivated forms of Small-leaved
colonization by this species in Europe following the
Lime (see also p. 687). ‘Pyramidalis’ is a rare cultivar
last ice age 6500 years ago.
usually with a narrow crown and delicate foliage. It is
A typical Small-leaved Lime tree has a columnar
of German origin and was described by Max Witt-
outline usually with a very straight vertical stem. mack (1839-1919).
Average specimens reach around 24m in height with Choice: 1 (cvs), 2, 3.
Growth: 3-12-24. Hardiness: 70%.
a rather ragged pale greenish-yellow crown. The Wood: 1, 3, 4, 5 (species).
leathery leaves are heart-shaped (cordate) and

underside

‘Pyramidalis’

685
 autumn

‘Zwarte Linde

o = = ED
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“Wratislavensis’

686
 LIMES

Tilia x europaea cultivars Tilia cordata cultivars

The hybrid European lime has the potential to pro- Small-leaved Lime (p. 685) has been ‘improved’ for
duce numerous seedling forms resembling either spe- various horticultural purposes. Most of the emphasis
cies parent (see p. 683). Once a good cultivar is has been on producing narrow-crowned trees which
recognized its proliferation by vegetative propaga- are suitable for urban situations. The earliest of these
tion is reliable and relatively easy. German nursery- was named ‘Swedish Upright’. It was selected by
men in particular have led the way in producing Alfred Rehder in Sweden in 1906 and developed in
successful decorative lime trees. ‘Pallida’, known as America at the Arnold Arboretum. In 1961 the
Kaiserlinde, is a conical tree with pale green foliage. improved form ‘Rancho’ was developed. It is a
The leaves are yellowish on the underside. In winter smaller tree with short horizontal or pendulous
the warm brown twigs combine with bright red buds branches and dense foliage. The leaves are small,
to produce a pleasing overall colour. In summer this around 4cm long and wide. Probably the ultimate
clone flowers freely, producing drooping clusters of narrow Small-leaved Lime is ‘Greenspire’ raised in
7-9 pale yellow blossoms. ‘Wratislavensis’ is also America in 1961. It has upright branches and a very
pale-coloured in the spring and autumn: the foliage narrow crown. Iflimes have any place in town parks
begins and ends each season bright yellow. Although and streets this is the most suitable cultivar to use. It is
cultivated in the early 1900s at Wroclaw (Breslau) in very wind-firm, the fallen leaves rot down quickly
Poland, this plant has only become popular in recent and the stem can be pruned above head height with-
years. The cultivar ‘Zwarte Linde’, the Black Lime, out any risk of disease. There are other named culti-
is a big round-topped tree with dark green leaves in vars with a narrow outline, ‘Erecta’ for example, but
summer. In winter the twigs and buds give a deep there is little to choose between them.
wine-red effect. Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1.

‘Greenspire’

687
 Tilia tomentosa
‘Varsaviensis’
\ leaf variations
underside

Japanese Lime Tilia tomentosa

leaf variations ‘Varsaviensis’

688
 LIMES

Chinese Lime Tilia chinensis Japanese Lime Tilia japonica

This Chinese tree grows up to 15m tall in ideal con- A small tree, seldom reaching 20m in height, Japa-
ditions. Usually it is much less, but keeps a neat out- nese Lime, which is native to Japan and eastern
line. The broad ovate deciduous leaves are 6-10cm China, is probably an eastern segregate of European
long, finely toothed and thinly covered with grey Small-leaved Lime (p. 685). The 5-8cm cordate
tomentum (felt) on the underside. In cultivation leaves are almost identical to the European species,
some specimens produce an abundant crop of early with an abruptly pointed tip. Numerous scented
summer, scented, flowers. The olive-green bark is flowers occur in compact bunches of up to 40. This
smooth at first, becoming flaky and grey-brown at species was introduced, first as a variety of Tilia cor-
maturity. Closely related to Tilia maximowicziana data then as a species in its own right in 1875.
(p. 701), it was introduced in 1925. Growth: 3-9-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
Growth; 2-7-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. wool il, 3, 4h, De

Tilia tomentosa ‘Varsaviensis’ Tilia kiusiana

Formerly thought of as a hybrid between this species Superficially this shrubby species is unlike most other
and Tilia platyphyllos (p. 677), this plant originated limes. It has fine branches and small 4-5cm pale green
spontaneously around 1824 at the Warsaw Botanic almost ‘birch-like’ leaves. The flowers hang down in
Gardens. It was introduced to Britain by Tony Schil- bunches of 20-35. It is closely related to Tilia japonica. As
ling in 1978 but remains rare in cultivation. In a distinct species it was described in 1900 and brought
America, where it has been grown since 1965, it is into cultivation in 1930. This is one of the best lime spe-
distributed under the name Tilia ‘Mrs Stenson’. The cies for a small garden and city open spaces.
form grown in Canada has large leaves, up to 10cm Growth: 2-5-5. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
long.
Growth: 3-15-. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 4.

Tilia kiusiana 689

 White Basswood Mongolian Lime

690,
 LIMES

White Basswood Tilia heterophylla China in 1888 and introduced to the west by Ernest
Wilson in 1901. In cultivation it grows disappoint-
An alternative American name for this species is
ingly slowly but its uniquely toothed leaves make it
‘Beetree Linden’, reflecting the importance of its
nectar to bees and bee keepers. It comes from an worthwhile in sheltered situations.
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3.
extensive range in the eastern United States.
Although it was first cultivated in 1755 it was not
Mongolian Lime Tilia mongolica
given its current scientific name until 1800, by Etu-
enne Ventenat in Paris. In 1838 it was suggested that There are a small number of slow-growing trees that
variety status Tilia americana var. heterophylla would be are ideal for gardens and confined spaces. This is cer-
more appropriate, indeed there is some affinity with tainly one of them: it seldom reaches 10m in height
Tilia americana (p. 693), but this was subsequently and is completely hardy. Its native range is Mongolia,
rejected. The silver-backed leaves are coarsely- eastern Russia and northern China, mostly between
toothed and variable in shape; the largest may be up 1200 and 2200m. In cultivation specimens usually
to 13cm long. The flowers which open in early sum- develop a compact, twiggy head of branches and a
mer are in clusters of 10-20. rounded outline. In winter the reddish shoots show
Growth: 3-12-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. up very well. In spring delightful bronze and then
Wood: 1, 3. glossy deep green leaves on reddish stalks appear.
These are small, 4-7cm long, and reminiscent of
Henry’s Lime Tilia henryana maple or ivy, having 3-5 irregular lobes and coarse
This rare Chinese tree seldom grows taller than 13m. teeth. In the autumn a spectacular display of golden-
The broad ovate 8-12cm leaves have distinctive yellow foliage can usually be relied upon. The
bristle-tipped teeth. The flowers, in clusters of greenish-white flowers occur in clusters of 6-20.
around 20, are very pale, almost white. They hang Mongolian Lime was discovered by Abbé David in
down among the leaves in early summer. This spe- 1864 but was not described until 1880, when it was
cies was discovered by Augustine Henry in central introduced to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.

Mongolian Lime

691
 underside

3 ——
en
Sr

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NAS

A
SE

*‘Dentata’

American Lime

9)
69
 LIMES

American Lime Tilia americana erowers to choose an appropriate strain to suit their
local climatic and site conditions. Many early intro-
The huge range of this species, from south-east Can-
ductions were unsuitable in this respect and the
ada through the eastern and central United States to
results have been disappointing. If trees from differ-
Oklahoma and North Carolina, has resulted in con-
ent regions had been introduced, the reputation of
siderable variation between cultivated _ strains
the species might have been better and it would have
depending on where the seed was originally col-
certainly become more popular, even as a broad-
lected. A fairly standard tree may be between 24m
leaved timber-producing plantation tree in parts of
and 27m tall; a good one may reach 40m. For a lime
Europe.
the leaves are large, usually up to 18cm long and
Growth: 3-12-25 (40 in native region). Hardiness: 80%.
almost as wide. The teeth are often distinct and trian-
Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 1.
gular. Once mature, the thin leaves have no hairs on
the upper surface and only small tufts in the vein axils Tilia americana ornamental cultivars
on the underside. In the autumn they turn yellow to
Three important clonal selections have been pro-
brown. Not brilliant colours but often produced in
duced. ‘Dentata’ is a vigorous 30m tree with
large amounts on big trees, which can be spectacular.
coarsely toothed leaves and good flowers. ‘Fastigiata’,
The flowers tend to droop in tight or widely spaced
a clone raised in America in 1927, has a narrow
clusters of 5-15 attached to a bract around 12cm
crown and upswept branches. The foliage is similar
long.
to that of the species. Finally ‘Redmond’, which
In America this is a valuable timber tree. Although
could be of hybrid origin, is a small conical tree with
the wood is soft and non-durable it has straight grain
compact twiggy branches and copious flowers in
and is easy to work. In Europe, where it was intro-
summer.
duced into cultivation in 1752, it has so far only been
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 1.
used as an ornamental tree. It is very important for

underside

young tree
‘Redmond’

693
underside

underside

Sy7 Silver Pendent Lime

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1utumn

Silver Pendent Lime

694
 LIMES

Silver Pendent Lime of various species were used and the less vigorous of
Tilia tomentosa ‘Petiolaris’
these have produced a discrepancy in trunk diameter
to scion, often resulting in a huge aerial lump on a
This cultivar makes an even larger tree than the spe- more modest stem, sometimes with several major
cies (p. 699). Heights between 30 and 40m are com- limbs emanating from it. The cultivar was first
mon. A huge stem supports massive arched branches described by the Swiss botanist Alphonse de Can-
which resemble the vaulted ceiling ofa vast cathedral dolle in 1864, at first as a species, but it was not intro-
when viewed from below. This impressive structure duced into horticulture until 1889. Por a time it was
supports a vigorous covering of reflective white- mistakenly thought to be a form of American Lime.
backed green foliage. The leaves are dark green with Growth; 3-18-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 4.
silver tomentum on the underside. Being woolly
they are less likely to be infested with aphids than Moltke’s Lime Tilia x moltkei
many other limes. Towards the extremities of the
Silver Pendent Lime and American Lime (p. 693)
crown curtains of weeping shoots hang down verti-
have combined to create this hybrid. Examples of it
cally: it is a matter of some speculation how a tree
are rare in cultivation although it appears that the
with such lax shoots achieves such staggering heights.
cross has occurred several times. Features vary from
The flowers, in clusters of 3-10, are creamy-white
one specimen to another, particularly details of the
and strongly scented. In summer the presence of a
foliage. It is a big tree, up to 22m tall, with a broad
flowering tree can be recognized long before it
head of arching branches but without the silvery fol1-
comes into sight by its smell and sound, the hum of
age of ‘Petiolaris’. The leaves which resemble those
bees. Although this is a valuable bee tree and the
of American lime are 14-20cm long and glabrous
honey from it is superb, it does tend to overcome
except for sparse grey tomentum on the underside.
indulgent bees. The cultivar does not consist ofa sin-
The fragrant flowers, in clusters of 6-10, attract bees
gle clone, although there is little apparent variation.
but in excess the nectar is narcotic and does kill some
Some individuals, however, are sterile and others
of them. This hybrid cultivar was named in Germany
seed freely. Early specimens were usually grafted
in 1880.
anywhere between 2m and 5m above ground. Stocks
Growth: 3-15-22. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2, 3, 4. Wood: 4.

Moltke’s Lime

695
 underside

Tilia paucicostata

Ki XS\ y underside

Oliver’s Lime
Oliver’s Lime bark

696
 LIMES

Oliver’s Lime Tilia oliveri erey-backed leaves. The inflorescence is relatively

large, with flowers in clusters of 10, sometimes up to
Also known as Chinese White Lime, this 20m tree may
20, produced in mid-summer. They are very fragrant
be tall and domed with a single stem, or low and
and attract bees in huge numbers, producing copious
wide-spreading. The silver-grey bark is clean and
amounts of scented honey. Although native to China
smooth, giving the tree a light healthy appearance. The
this species has been cultivated in Japan for centuries.
large leaves, up to 14cm long, are glabrous mid-green
Introduced to the west between 1900 and 1904.
on the upper side and covered with pure white felt
Growth: 2-8-14. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
underneath, fluttering in the wind alternately green and
white in a characteristic way. The pendulous cream Amur Lime Tilia amurensis
flowers, in clusters of around 10, appear in early sum-
Usually a small tree, this Chinese species may in
mer. Discovered by Augustine Henry in 1888 and
exceptional circumstances attain 20m in height. It also
introduced to the west by Emest Wilson in 1900.
occurs in Manchuria and Korea and was introduced to
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
America in 1909. In Europe, where it arrived around
Wood: 1.
1925, it does not thrive particularly well.
Tilia paucicostata Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
This close relative of Small-leaved Lime (p. 685) Caucasian Lime Tilia caucasica
occupies a huge natural range in central and western
China. It was introduced to America in 1901 but not This vigorous tree from the Caucasus and northern
planted in Europe until 1934. So far no specimens Iran may reach 30m on a fertile sheltered site. The
robust 10-14cm leaves are roundish, each with a dis-
over 12m tall are known. The flowers occur in clus-
tinctly toothed margin and a short point. They are
ters of 7-15.
dark lustrous green on the upper side and lighter
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 4.
below, with tufts of pale hairs in the primary vein
Miquel’s Lime Tilia miqueliana axils. Flowers, and subsequently the fruits, are in clus-
ters of 3-7. Closely related to Tilia dasystyla (see p.
Fredrich Miquel (1811-1871) was born in Hanover
681), this species was first described by the German
and became professor of botany in Utrecht, Holland. doctor and botanist, Franz Joseph Ruprecht, and later
The lime named in his honour is a sacred plant tradi-
brought into cultivation in England in 1880.
tionally grown in the grounds of Buddhist temples. It
Growth: 9-16-30. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1.
seldom exceeds 12m in height and has small, 10cm,

Amur Lime Caucasian Lime

697
 *Szeleste’

“Szeleste’

Silver Lime
winter

698
 LIMES

Silver Lime Tilia tomentosa Silver Lime 1s native in western Asia, the Balkans,
Hungary and western Russia. It has been cultivated
Called ‘Silver’ because of its white-backed leaves and
for a long time in most of Europe. The introduction
felted shoots, this large tree may exceed 30m in
date to Britain and America is believed to be 1767. It
height and over 20m in width. It usually develops
was described and named by the German professor of
heavy spreading branches and drooping shoot-tips
Botany in Marburg, Conrad Moench. Invalid species
but is quite variable in this respect. The most pendu-
names such as alba and argentea, reflecting on the
lous individuals are generally regarded as the cultivar
white or silver foliage, have been used in the past.
‘Petiolaris’ (p. 695). The aphid-resistant leaves are
Such a decorative plant has not escaped the notice
5-10cm long and almost as wide, their cordate and
of nurserymen wishing to ‘improve’ it. Named cul-
oblique shape makes them so unstable that they flut-
tivars are still being released, especially in Holland
ter in the slightest breeze. Sometimes the bi-serrate
and America. ‘Brabant’ is a 1970 Dutch clone with
margins produce an occasional enlarged pair of teeth
upright branches and a strong persistent stem.
or a small lobe. The flowers in clusters of 5-10 are
‘Green Mountain’, ‘Princeton’, ‘Sterling Silver’ and
creamy-yellow and appear after mid-summer.
‘Szeleste’ are cultivars with names that describe the
The nectar is a valuable source of honey, particu-
plants themselves or recall their place of origin.
larly in the south of the range, but unfortunately
Many nurseries are aiming at the street tree market
some bees find it narcotic in excess, and many die by
being trampled on or predated when lying intoxi- with new narrow-crowned, decorative aphid-free
cated on the ground. Others may indulge themselves limes of small to medium size.
to such an extent that they die anyway. Honey bees Growth: 3-20-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 2, 3. Wood: 4.

appear to be less likely to do so than bumble bees.

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Silver Lime y om
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underside

Silver Lime
summer

699
 N
x flac

Tilia x flavescens

‘Diversifolia’

700
 LIMES

Tilia “Harold Hillier’ Tilia x flaccida

This superb hybrid between Tilia insularis (p. 681) The Karlsruhe Nursery in Germany also produced
and Tilia mongolica (p. 691) was raised in England in this hybrid between American Lime and Tilia platy-
1973 by Nigel Muir. He named it in honour of the phyllos (p. 677). It appeared in cultivation around
late Sir Harold Hillier of Jermyns House, Hampshire. 1830 but has never been popular. Tall specimens
The very decorative leaves retain the distinctive with pendulous extremities have been described.
points (denticles) of Tilia insularis, some of which The cultivar ‘Diversifolia’ is a form with grossly
become exaggerated into maple-lke lobes. The exaggerated teeth on the leaves. Some become com-
autumn colour, which is golden-yellow, is also out- pletely divided down to the petiole in an unpredict-
standing. able way reminiscent of Tilia platyphyllos ‘Laciniata’.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Growth: 3-12-25, Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4. Wood: 4.

Tilia x flavescens Tilia maximowicziana

In 1836 this hybrid, presumed to be between the The heady scent of lime blossom is never stronger
American and Small-leaved Limes, was created at than from this Japanese species on early summer eve-
Karlsruhe in Germany. It was described by Alexan- nings. The tree is rounded and spreading, 30m tall in
der Braun, professor of botany in Berlin in 1843. Japan but considerably less in cultivation. It was
Most specimens today seem to closely resemble introduced to America in 1880 and Britain 10 years
Small-leaved Lime and may grow up to 30m in later. The inflorescences are up to 15cm long with
height. Some have been given cultivar names such as flowers in clusters of 3-20, from seed these take many
‘Dropmore’, ‘Wascana’ and ‘Glenleven’, which years, 25 or more, to appear. To overcome this prob-
show varying amounts of Tilia americana in their lem cultivated plants are generally grafted.
appearance. Growth: 3-1-17. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2. Wood: 4.

underside

Tilia maximowicziana

701
 4 rf French Tamarisk bark

Tamarix ramosissima ‘Rubra’

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Lr
me, ey
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cee

AN
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shoot
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FH388 2 oy pagans
Tamarix canariensis

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French Tamarisk Tamarix canariensis

702
 TAM ARISK FAMILY = Tamaricaceae

Tamarisk or Salt Cedar Tamarix have usually been pruned or grazed to that particular
shape. There are two well known deep pink culti-
Of the 50 or so species in the genus Tamarix, only
vars: ‘Rubra’ formerly called ‘Summer Glow’ and
two or three are extensively planted as ornamentals
‘Rosea’ which dates back to 1883. ‘Pink Cascade’ has
or encouraged as shelter trees. They are feathery
been selected for its ability to flower so thickly that
plants with plumes of tiny pink flowers in spring or
the foliage is completely obscured.
summer. The shoots are slender but very wind resis-
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 80-90%. Choice: 1, 2.
tant, hence the tree’s use in wind-breaks. Further-
more they are tolerant of maritime conditions
Prench Tamarisk Tamarix gallica
making them an ideal first line of defence against
gales blowing in from the sea. The roots go deep into This common species is very similar to Tamarix ramo-
sandy soils seeking out deep reserves of moisture dur- sissima except that the foliage is slightly more glau-
ing the summer when drought conditions are likely. cous and the stems are purplish-brown. It is widely
The foliage is rudimentary, so actual requirements used for coastal protection, notably in the Channel
for water are quite modest. Islands. It flowers in late summer. Originally from
south-west Europe, it has become naturalized as far
Tamarix ramosissima north as Britain.
Growth: 2-5-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 2.
Also known as Tamarix pentandra until quite recently,
this Asiatic species is a popular late summer flowering
Tamarix canariensis
garden plant. The flowers, in profusion, occur on the
current seasons growth as it begins to harden off. This is a bushy tree with dense foliage and pale pink
Young shoots are yellowish-green, quickly maturing flowers. It is from southern Europe and the Canary
to red-brown. Stems proliferate from near ground Islands but is tender elsewhere.
level on most individuals to produce a sprawling Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1.
bushy tree up to 6m tall. Plants with a single stem

biel
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Tamarix canariensis French Tamarisk

young tree flowering
 ¥
= Eucryphia glutinosa

Eucryphia x intermedia
‘Rostrevor’

Bueryphia tela Eucryphia milliganii

704
 POISEWas AMILY 9= Eucryphiacese

Eucryphia glutinosa before the bud fully opens. The narrow leaves are
willow-like with pale backs. A tender tree, growing
This species from Chile, is a multi-stemmed 5m bush
best in moist shady areas with acid soil.
or small tree. It has pinnate semi-evergreen or decidu-
Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness; 30-40%. Choice: 1.
ous leaves which colour well in the autumn. The
5cm, fragrant, mid to late summer flowers have four Eucryphia milliganti
white petals and a dense central ring of yellowish sta-
Introduced from Tasmania in 1929 this narrow
mens with tiny red anthers. This is a forest species
grey-green-leaved species has ivory-white flowers.
which requires lime-free soil and semi-shade to thrive.
The prominent buds are sticky. It is frequently cut
It appears to do best in high rainfall areas. The cultivar
back by cold weather in Europe.
‘Plena’ has been selected for its double flowers.
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Eucryphia x nymansensis
Eucryphia cordifolia “Ulmo’
A garden hybrid between Eucryphia cordifolia and
This tender fastigiate tree or large upright shrub has
Eucryphia glutinosa. The flowers, in great profusion,
single white flowers in summer. Each one has four
occur in mid-summer when little else is flowering in
petals and a central ring of orange-tipped stamens.
north European gardens. They are shining white,
The simple evergreen leaves are pale green, backed
backed by dark evergreen leaves. The cultivar
with netted veins. Another Chilean forest species, it
‘Nymansay’ is a fast-growing upright form raised in
likewise requires moist acid soil and semi-shade.
England in 1915. It requires semi-shade and neutral
Growth: 2-10-20. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.
to acid soil.
Eucryphia x intermedia ‘Rostrevor’ Growth: 2-9-18. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.

This popular hybrid between Eucryphia glutinosa and Eucryphia ‘Penwith’

Eucryphia lucida was raised in Northern Ireland. It is a
A cross between Eucryphia cordifolia and Eucryphia
free flowering vigorous form with variable interme-
lucida which occurred in Cornwall produced this
diate characteristics of the parents. It has an upright
beautiful but tender hybrid. It makes a 15m colum-
tendency which requires little space.
nar evergreen tree with 5cm single white flowers.
Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
The wavy edged leaves are dark glossy green with
Eucryphia lucida glaucous backs.
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.
The 5cm single white flowers of this Tasmanian spe-
cies are fragrant and often face downwards on the
slender shoots. The pink tipped stamens appear

Eucryphia ‘Penwith’
Eucryphia x nymansensis

705
 Vi j autumn

} fruit :
5
Korean Stewartia

Tall
Stewartia

Chinese Stewartia

716 Silky Camellia

 TETANY ets UNAUMLNE - Theaceae

Japanese Stewartia Stewartia pseudocamellia smooth, bright orange-brown and peels in paper thin
flakes. This tree prefers cool acid shaded soil, but
A tender 10-20m tall Japanese tree with upright only flowers well ifits top is in full sun.
branches, summer flowers, bright autumn colour and
Growth: 2-5-12. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.
interesting winter bark. On the stem and main limbs
this is grey-brown and flakes off to reveal irregular Korean Stewartia
patches of pale brown and light red reminiscent of Stewartia pteropetiolata var. koreana
some Eucalyptus trees. The deciduous leaves are
alternate, pointed, elliptic to ovate and up to 10cm The flaking bark of this 6-8m tree is smooth grey-
long. They colour well in the autumn from orange green and pale orange-brown. It is fairly tender and
and fiery-red to vibrant purple. Flowers occur singly sensitive to exposure and severe cold. It requires
over a period of three weeks in mid-summer; they moist peaty soil but good drainage. The deciduous
are white, 6cm across, cup-shaped and single. The leaves and flowers are similar to Japanese Stewartia.
Growth: 2-5-7. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.
five white petals are fused at the base, and when the
flower is finished it falls in one piece. The numerous Chinese Stewartia Stewartia sinensis
anthers are a conspicuous bright orange-yellow.
Introduced from China in 1901 this species only
Stewartias are difficult to transplant and establish. makes a large shrub in cultivation. Its ornamental flak-
The genus name recalls John Stuart, Earl of Bute, a ing brown bark is most effective when coppiced. ine
patron of botany in England in the eighteenth century. 5-10cm deciduous leaves colour well in the autumn.
The species name is a reference to the flowers which The 5cm single white fragrant flowers have numerous
resemble those of single camellias. It was introduced to yellow and orange stamens.
America in 1874 and to Europe soon after. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-4-4. Hardiness: 20-30%.
Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.
Silky Camellia Stewartia malacodendron
Tall Stewartia Stewartia monadelpha
This tender Japanese shrub, seldom over 5m tall, is
Introduced in 1903 from Japan this tree can in theory particularly floriferous and has beautiful red to deep
grow up to 20m in height. It seldom does in cultiva- purple autumn foliage. The twigs and young 6-10cm
tion and is tender in northern Europe. The flowers leaves are pubescent. The large 8-10cm flowers are
have white silky petals and violet anthers on yel- creamy-white with purplish-blue stamens.
low-stalked stamens. The deep green leaves are vel- Growth: 2-4-4. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1.
vety and colour well in the autumn. The bark is

Chinese Stewartia 707

Korean Stewartia Japanese Stewartia
young tree
young tree
 Paom :
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 KALOPANAX, TOONA, IDESIA

Prickly Caster-oil Tree stems which mature to pinkish-grey with a neat head
of foliage. However, with age any symmetry is soon
Kalopanax septemlobus (Araliaceae)
lost and the outline becomes ragged and gaunt. The
Better known to most collection holders as Kalo- flowers, in terminal 40-50cm panicles, are white and
panax pictus, this 15-25m tree is curious for several scented and followed by clusters of winged seeds. It
reasons. The deciduous palmate leaves resemble was introduced in 1862 as Cedrela, a genus which 1s
some maples or ivy, although at 10-20cm long and now known to be restricted to tropical South and
broad they are much larger than ivy. The small flat Central America. The cultivar ‘Flamingo’ empha-
clusters of white flowers develop into 5mm blue- sizes a feature of this species, bronze-pink emerging
black berries which also resemble ivy. The shoots are leaves.
bloomed green at first becoming brown and after 3-4 Growth: 3-7-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
years develop sharp thorns which are retained for Wood: 1 (Chinese mahogany).
many more years. This species is native to eastern
Asia, including central and northern China, Korea, Idesia polycarpa (Flacourtiaceae)
Japan and parts of Russia. It was introduced to the From Japan, Taiwan and the adjacent mainland of
west in 1865. The variety maximowiczii has leaves south-east Asia this deciduous 20m tree has huge
with 5-7 deeply divided lobes. 15-20cm leaves like those of some oriental poplars.
Growth: 3-8-18 (30 in native region). Hardiness: 60-70%. The shoots are grey-green, becoming pinkish-grey,
Choice: 1. Wood: 1 (Japanese Ash).
and the bark is rough on the main stem like an oak’s.
The long leaf stalks are bright red with a pair of
Chinese Cedar Toona sinensis (Meliaceae)
glands near the leaf blade and others half way along.
This deciduous tree grows to around 20m in height These are said to attract ants which in turn discour-
and comes from north and west China. The foliage age leaf-eating predators. Flowers occur on separate
resembles the Tree of Heaven (p. 593) except that male and female trees. They are followed by huge
the 10-24 leaflets are toothed and not entire. The hanging clusters of 8-10mm red berries. The first
leaves are used as a vegetable in China, tasting of introductions to the west were in 1864 and many
onion, though when picked they have a rather years later Ernest Wilson brought a Chinese variety
unpleasant smell. Young trees produce stout straight back with him in 1908.
Growth: 2-9-20. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.

Chinese Cedar
underside
Idesia polycarpa

709
 var. apiculata

fruit (enlarged)

Golden Rain Tree ‘Fastigiata’

710
 SOAPBERRY FAMILY + Sapindaceae

Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata England and it does not grow excessively large.
Although it likes full sun, plenty of moisture is
Also called ‘Pride of India’ or ‘China Tree’ this east
required round the roots. Fertile soil and shelter are
Asian species is particularly valued for its golden-
also definite advantages.
yellow mid-summer flowers. The four tiny 0.5cm
There are several variants of the Golden Rain
petals back a minute cluster of red stamens. Flowers
Tree, the cultivar ‘Fastigiata’ is an unusual, small,
occur, up to 100 at a time, in huge terminal panicles
slow-growing columnar form which originated in
35-45cm long all over the tree. Each flower devel-
1888. ‘Variegata’ has variegated foliage, but it is not
ops into a 3-sided papery straw-coloured, or faintly
very robust. The variety apiculata has all bipinnate
pink-tinted, capsule containing three hard black
leaves and often flowers more freely than the species.
seeds. The Chinese used to make necklaces of these
It was introduced from China in 1904.
decorative seeds and used the flowers medicinally.
Two rare minor species of Koelreuteria, bipinnata
The unique pinnate leaves are easy to identify, they
and integrifolia are usually listed as synonymous,
are large, up to 45cm long, with deeply divided
which is strange because the names suggest opposing
leaflets. The midrib is often pink and contrasts with
things. Koelreuteria bipinnata, the Chinese Flame
the rich green leaflets. The tree, frequently over
Tree, has 40cm bipinnate leaves with 4-10cm deeply
10m tall, and 8m wide, has rough fissured purplish-
serrate leaflets. It was introduced from western China
brown bark. Koelreuteria) commemorates the
in 1900. Trees there exceed 18m in height. The fruit
eighteenth-century professor of natural history at
capsules are usually tinted rose pink. Koelreuteria
Karlsruhe, in Germany, Joseph Koelreuter. Panicu-
integrifolia has no bipinnate leaves, but its exact
lata and ‘golden rain’ are references to the inflores-
taxonomic status 1s uncertain.
cence. Growth: 2-9-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Without doubt this is one of the best summer fea-
ture trees for a sunny garden. It is hardy in southern

underside

Koelreuteria integrifolia

Koelreuteria bipinnata
‘Variegata’

ul
 ——>
) . Tian

4a - I IA fruit

Manna Ash

flower detail

Fraxinus holotricha
Manna Ash
712
 ODN ESPAMIIRY ~: Oleaceae

Manna Ash Fraxinus ornus Fraxinus holotricha

This species is one of a botanical subsection of ash Apparently from south-east Europe, this small tree
trees called Euornus ‘Flowering Ashes’. They have has grey-green foliage with downy young shoots and
late spring flowers in dense terminal panicles. The leaves. It is very rare in cultivation and its status in
petals are 6mm long, creamy-white and very narrow. the wild is uncertain.
They are fragrant, like new mown hay, and attract Growth; 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%, Choice: 4.
large numbers of early bees and other insects. The
bunches of winged seeds which follow are 2-3cm Chinese Flowering Ash Fraxinus mariesti
long, bright green in summer, then brownish-yellow Of all the Flowering Ashes this must be the best park
when they ripen in the autumn. The pinnate com- and garden tree. The flowers are creamy-white
pound leaves usually have seven stalked oblong to appearing a little later than Manna Ash. The pinnate
ovate 4-8cm leaflets. Side leaflets sometimes have an leaves have 5-7 leaflets which are dark green above
oblique base extending closer to the rachis on the and bright silvery-green on the underside like Balsam
lower side. Poplar (p. 271). They are 4-8cm long, virtually stalk-
Manna Ash is a pretty, billowing round-headed less, ovate to elliptic, and have such shallow teeth
tree with fresh green summer foliage. Specimens they give the impression ofbeing entire. The shoots
over 20m tall are known but many are much shorter are olive green to pale brown with thin discontinu-
with a thick stem often forking at low level. Many ous silvery skin at first and short brown pubescence.
old trees were grafted and the graft unions have often The very distinctive buds appear to be covered with
become grossly incompatible. Originally from south- grey-brown velvet, which has a bloomed or frosted
ern Europe and western Asia this tree was in general appearance. Charles Maries, after whom Joseph
cultivation by around 1700. The cultivar ‘Arie Hooker, director of Kew Gardens in London, named
Peters’ is a fairly broad-leaved clone specially bred the tree, brought material back to the Veitch Nurs-
for use in urban situations. There are also upright ery in 1878.
forms but they are rare in cultivation. Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-8-16. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).

fruit

‘Arie Peters’

young tree

Chinese Flowering Ash

HAS
 stem
cross-section

Littleleaf

Chinese
Fraxinus chinensis
Ash
var. acuminata

714
 ASIAES)

Blue Ash Fraxinus quadrangulata Europe it seems to have arrived from St Petersburg
between 1882 and 1891, but like so many Manchu-
The immediately obvious feature of this 15-20m rian trees it suffers from early spring frost damage.
North American tree is its distinctly four-angled
Growth; -30 in native range. Hardiness: 80%. Choice: 3, 4.
winged shoots. It has a narrow crown ofrather sparse
Wood: 1, 5.
branches. The compound pinnate leaves are 20-
30cm long with 7-11 long pointed serrate leaflets. Littleleaf Fraxinus greggit
Flowers occur in early spring, they are insignificant Also known as Gregg Ash (after Josiah Gregg, 1806-1850,
and bisexual, which is unusual in American Ashes. who discovered it) this tree is confined to Trans-Pecos
The natural range extends along fragmented dry Texas and north-east Mexico. Extremely rare in cultiva-
rocky hillsides in the centre of the United States from tion and unlikely to thrive in cold northern areas.
Ohio to Georgia and Oklahoma to Wisconsin. Blue Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 4.
in the name refers to a dye made from the inner bark
by early settlers in America. Chinese Ash Fraxinus chinensis
Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1, 3. A feature of this medium-sized 15m tall tree in winter
Wood: 1, 5. is its plump brownish-black buds. They are covered in
pale velvet pubescence which gives the appearance of
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra
frost. The shoots are olive-grey, bearing 12-18cm
Black heartwood gives this tree its common name. It compound pinnate leaves which sometimes colour
is the most northerly ash in eastern North America well in the autumn. The species was introduced to
extending to Newfoundland and north-west to Europe in 1891, ten years after its subspecies rhynco-
Manitoba. The bark at maturity produces grey corky phylla from north-east Asia which is a better tree and
scales. In nature this is a wetland tree. It was intro- probably more common in cultivation. Further intro-
duced in 1800 but has never become popular and sel- ductions of the subspecies were made in 1892 so indi-
dom thrives out ofits native range. vidual trees in collections vary. The variety acuminata
Growth: -25 in native range. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 4. is a native Chinese form with long narrow, finely
Wood: 1, 5. pointed leaflets. Chinese Ash is closely related to Frax-
Manchurian Ash Fraxinus mandshurica inus ornus so showy flowers are produced in summer.
The cultivar ‘Floribunda’ has been selected for its
This is the equivalent of Common Ash in north-east exceptionally good flowers.
Asia, and it also closely resembles Black Ash in Amer- Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
Growth: 2-7-15.
ica. Its range extends through Manchuria to Korea and Wood: 1, 5.
Japan where it was once common 1n Hokkaido. In

underside

Fraxinus chinensis
subsp. rhyncophylla
‘Floribunda’
 fe}WaS v

White As

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White Ash
fruit

‘Ascidiata’

LY
=

White Ash

716
 ANSalle)S)

White Ash Fraxinus americana spring. The fruits, in crowded pendulous clusters, are
winged seeds 3-5cm long and quite narrow.
In its native North America this 24m tall ash tree
This species has a broad natural distribution across
produces the wood for the finest baseball bats. It 1s
eastern and central North America from Cape Bre-
also favoured for other sports equipment such as polo
ton Island to the north-west Florida border then
mallets, hockey-sticks and oars because of its great
extending westwards to southern Ontario and Texas.
strength and elasticity. Untreated it is not durable, so
It appears to have been introduced into cultivation in
most of the products made from it for outdoor use
America and Europe in 1724.
are varnished or painted. Stems are usually straight The peculiar cultivar ‘Ascidiata’ is similar to the
and true and if grown in plantations for timber they
White Ash species except the leaflets are pitcher-
benefit from early side branch pruning. This elimi- shaped at the base. It was described by George H
nates knots in the stem which is the most valued sec- Shull in America in 1906 and first appeared in 1910
tion of wood. Like most ash trees in woodland but is extremely rare and not in general cultivation.
conditions trees must never be shaded out, otherwise The 1800 Dutch cultivar ‘Juglandifolia’ cultivated
growth almost stops. Winter buds are rusty brown on by Lombarts Nursery, at Zundert in Holland, is
green shoots that turn grey after two years. The foli- probably a subspecies which grows wild in the
age is strong and luxuriant. Each 20-30cm com- northern part of the White Ash range. As a variety it
pound pinnate leaf has around seven short-stalked was described in 1906 as having more distinctly
leaflets which are themselves up to 12cm long and toothed leaflets with pubescent undersides. There are
6cm wide. The upper surface is dark green and the also a couple of selections of White Ash made for
underside is almost white, the rachis (central stalk their purple autumn colour. ‘Autumn Purple’ dis-
extension) is pale yellow. In the autumn the leaves covered on the campus of the University of Wiscon-
turn to a pleasant purplish-cream colour before fal- sin, and introduced in 1956, is reddish-purple and
‘Rosehill’ (p. 721) has a more bronze tint.
ling. The maroon flowers on separate male and
Growth: 3-12-24 (40 in native region). Hardiness: 80%.
female trees are small and appear before the leaves in
Choice: 3. Wood: 1, 5 (species).

deg’ ey Seed
ve 44

‘Juglandifolia’

WM
 var.
subintegerrima
leaflet

¢ .
Seth f Lh SY vg

Green Ash Biltmore Ash

718
 ASIAES)

Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica grey with a narrow 4-6cm wing. The seeds germi-
nate easily without going into a long period of dor-
Throughout central and eastern North America this
mancy. Green Ash was introduced to Europe in
is the most common and probably most planted ofall
1783 but it is not common and is easily mistaken for
the ash species. Its natural range extends from Alberta
some other American and Asiatic species.
to Cape Breton Island, south along the Atlantic coast
Growth: 3-9-20. Hardiness: 90-100%. Choice: 3.
to the north Florida border and then west to within
Wood: 1, 5.
sight of the Rocky Mountains. Often cultivated as a
fast-growing component of shelter-belts and also in Biltmore Ash
plantations on reclaimed land. Where appropriate it
Fraxinus americana var. biltmoreana
is also used as an urban tree although it does not cast
dense shade. On a good site with plenty of moisture The exact origin and natural range of this large
in the soil trees rapidly grow to around 18m in American tree are uncertain. Some authorities regard
height. The opposite compound pinnate leaves are it as a natural hybrid between White Ash and Green
15-25cm long with 5-9 leaflets. They are shiny green Ash. It is a handsome tree around 20m tall with a bil-
above and pale with some pubescence on the under- lowing outline and bark which is sometimes like that
sides. of Black Walnut (p. 295). The leaflets are very pale
There is also a glabrous form identified by some like White Ash’s. The terminal leaflet is on a long
authorities since 1947 as variety subintegerrima. The stalk and unequal at the base. In a favourable year
twigs are olive-green becoming grey after 1-2 years autumn colour is particularly good. In cultivation it
and the winter buds are dull brown. Flowers appear is easily confused with other American Ashes, and
in early spring before the leaves. Male and female are may be quite rare.
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 4.
on separate trees. Fruits in bunches are yellowish-
Wood: 1, 5.

underside
Biltmore Ash

FAQ)
Fraxinus americana ‘Rosehill’

“Variegata’ ‘i “Aucubifolia’
ies
 INS TES)

Fraxinus americana ‘Rosehill’ more vigorous with larger strongly pointed leaflets. It
has deep yellow and green variegation.
This hardy cultivar is fast-growing with a vigorous
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 90%. Choice: 1.
persistent stem and bold foliage. The compound pin-
nate leaves with 5-9 leaflets are dark green above and
Pumpkin Ash Fraxinus profunda
almost white on the underside. In the autumn the
foliage all turns through red to bronze-purple before Wrongly named Fraxinus tomentosa in 1813 this
falling. This is a good town tree where space permits American floodplain tree develops into a venerable
and one of the best autumn colour White Ashes. It 24m tall specimen with massive buttresses and swol-
was selected by Evert Asjes of Rosehill Gardens, len appendages from which heavy low spreading
Kansas City, Missouri and patented in 1966. branches emerge. The opposite, deciduous pinnate
Growth; 3-7-12. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 2. leaves are 20-40cm long with 7-9 large leaflets up to
18cm long. These are short-stalked but not always
Fraxinus pennsylvanica cultivars exactly in opposite pairs. Some individuals have
almost no teeth and others have forward pointing
Green Ash, or Water Ash as it is also known in its
saw teeth with fine points. The undersides are yel-
native North America, (p. 719) has produced several
lowish green and softly pubescent. Winter buds are
good decorative cultivars. ‘Crispa’ a rare variegated brown and the stout young shoots soon turn from
form with crimped leaflets is not in cultivation. It green to pale grey in the first year. The insignificant
should not be confused with Fraxinus excelsior male flowers are yellow and the females are green
‘Crispa’, which has dark green deformed leaves.
produced before the leaves appear in spring on sepa-
‘Patmore’ is a fastigiate form selected especially for rate trees. The fruits, in pendulous bunches, are up to
urban planting. It usually has a straight stem and a 7.5cm long. This fairly rare tree is a native species on
narrow crown. Quite different are the cream and
wet ground from southern Maryland to north Flor-
green leaflets of “Variegata’; they tend to be small
ida and west to Ihnois and Louisiana. It was intro-
and often deformed. However, the colours are bright duced to European horticulture in 1912.
and the tree remains fairly small. “Aucubifolia’ is Growth: 3-12-24. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 3. Wood: 5.

underside

Pumpkin Ash

Wei
 =o
(

Oregon Ash

Oregon Ash

fruit

om ‘©
iG PU aeak Be
oe

Oregon Ash Arizona Ash

young tree
 IAS IELE)S

Oregon Ash Fraxinus latifolia leaf rachis and leaflets are all covered in dense white
pubescence on typical trees, although occasional
Ash in north-west North America is represented by
ones may be glabrous. The native range is quite
this single species. It is a valuable hardwood timber strips from the
restricted, extending in two narrow
tree around 25m tall with a straight stem and usually
Mexican border to central California and from
a compact narrow outline. The natural distribution
Trans-Pecos Texas to Utah. It is planted as a shade
includes parts of Washington State, Oregon and
tree in California but the foliage is light and it affords
south to central California. This range is extended by
little shade. Often the leaves consist of only three
extensive planting along the Pacific coast for decora-
mealy-green leaflets on a short 6-8cm winged rachis.
tion and shade. In this role it is completely wind firm
The first tree on record in Europe was the 1891
and the fallen leaves are small and not much of a nui-
planting at Kew Gardens in London.
sance. The compound pinnate leaves are 15-30cm
Growth: 2-7-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
long with 5-7 more or less untoothed or coarsely
toothed leaflets. The undersides are distinctly hairy Texas Ash Fraxinus texensis
with pale stellate hairs especially along the veins in
summer. Oregon Ash, originally called Fraxinus ore- Hot dry rocky Texas hillsides, especially on lime-rich
gona in 1849, was discovered by David Douglas the geology, suit this species very well. It is not a large
Scottish plant collector in 1825 on the Columbia tree, specimens 12m tall are as good as it gets, but it
River. It was first recorded in Europe, at Berlin has a dense crown of lush foliage. The leaflets are
Botanic Garden, in 1872. In some parts of America it unusually broad for an ash. Usually they are in fives.
is said that where this tree grows, poisonous snakes,
The terminal one may be up to 10cm long and 7cm
especially rattlesnakes, will not go. wide and the others are often 8cm long and 5cm
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 3. wide. The flowers on separate male and female trees
Wood: 1, 5.
are purple and appear before the leaves in spring.
Texas Ash was discovered by Dr. J M Bigelow in
Arizona Ash Fraxinus velutina 1852 and sent to Europe in 1901.
Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.
A more apt name for this species, often used in its
native North America, is Velvet Ash. The shoots,

underside

Arizona Ash
Texas Ash

22
 q
flowers

Common Ash

® flowers

5
‘Pendul a
Cc ommon Ash
 ASHES

Common Ash Fraxinus excelsior In the past Common Ash was economically the
most valuable of all European trees, but with its tim-
The Common Ash extends throughout Europe from
ber, quality was dependent upon the type of soil on
the Mediterranean coast to Norway and eastwards to
which it was grown. Ash plantations also have to be
the Caucasus and western Russia. In the north it is a
managed properly; for example crowns must never
large tree over 30m tall but in the hot dry south it is
be shaded by other trees, even other ash trees. Tim-
often reduced to a shrubby bush. It can be distin-
ber trees must never be left standing too long. Wood
guished from most other ash trees by its black velvety
quality peaks at between 50 and 70 years of age. It is
buds on light grey shoots. These are opposite and
then white, tough and elastic but not durable so it
decussate and in terminal clusters. Sometimes the
should not be used in contact with the soil. As lami-
vigorous shoot regrowth on coppice stools is purplish
nated timber it is ideal for functional furniture and
or green for a time before taking on its characteristic
shop or office fittings.
silver-grey colour in 2-4 years. As trees mature the
The Weeping Ash ‘Pendula’ has occurred repeat-
bark develops a fine lattice pattern of ridges and fis-
edly in cultivation and in nature. The first recorded
sures but remains pale-coloured, grey or buff. The
plant appeared near Cambridge around 1760. Many
pinnate compound leaves have 6-12 pairs of
early trees survive in gardens. They are usually
unstalked elliptic-ovate shallowly toothed leaflets.
grafted on to a Common Ash stock as much as 5m
Before falling they turn to a warm dusty gold. The
above the ground.
flowers in dense axillary panicles are maroon to black
The Golden Ash Jaspidea’ has yellow twigs and is a
but very small and insignificant appearing well before
most effective winter feature while it is relatively small.
the leaves in late winter. Some trees are male or
It grows rapidly and soon exceeds 10m in height. The
female but others are bisexual. They appear to be
foliage is also yellow in the autumn. This clone should
able to change their gender status year by year. The
not be confused with ‘Aurea’ (p. 729) which, according
4-5cm winged seeds are in pendulous bunches. to the Hillier Nursery, is a dwarf plant.
Sometimes they will stay on the leafless tree all win- Growth: 3-15-30 (species). Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 3.
ter but then take two years to germinate. Wood: 1, 5.

Mere
=
eeATA1st
lit Us)

‘Jaspidea’
 var.
dumo.

‘Eureka’ Afghan Ash

726
 INSIBUES

Fraxinus excelsior cultivars leaflets. Some authorities suggest this variety is of

hybrid origin. It was introduced in 1865.
‘Eureka’ is a cultivar from around 1940 with bold
Growth: 2-4-7. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1.
foliage, a neat outline while young, and usually a
straight stem. Although developed in Holland as a
Caucasian Ash
street tree it is still not in general cultivation in the
British Isles however, plants as far apart as western Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa
Ireland and London are growing well. The Common Selected for planting in urban areas for its outstand-
Ash cultivar ‘Nana’ is scarcely more than a rather ing shape and fine delicate foliage, this subspecies is
untidy bush. Quite often the foliage is weak and yel- almost identical to the species (p. 731). The lanceo-
lowish green. late pointed leaflets are 4-7cm long and sharply ser-
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1. rate. From southern Europe, Persia and the Caucasus
it was introduced originally, as Fraxinus oxycarpa in
Syrian Ash Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. syriaca 1815. It is usually represented as the cultivar “Ra-
This rare tree is from western and central Asia. The
ywood’ which has bronze-purple autumn colour
(below).
leaves are pale green, relatively small and somewhat
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 2.
crowded together. It was first cultivated as a species,
Fraxinus syriaca, in 1880 but remains rare in cultiva-
Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’
tion.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 4. Formerly a cultivar of Fraxinus oxycarpa this tree was
selected in 1928 for its outstanding bronze-purple
Afghan Ash Fraxinus xanthoxyloides autumn foliage colour. It is an ideal town tree, hav-
ing a compact habit and very small leaflets which do
Often only a shrubby bush this small-leaved ash is
not block drains or make a huge mess. In summer it
from Afghanistan and the western Himalayas. The
is bright green with typical ‘Narrow-leaved Ash’ lacy
5-9 leaflets are only 3-5cm long and glabrous. In
foliage (p. 731). Where room permits this is a good
order to create an ornamental tree from this shrub
garden tree, but it should not be planted within 15m
many early specimens were grafted on to a standard
of a building.
rootstock. The variety dumosa has compound pin- Choice: 1, 2.
Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 50-60%.
nate leaves not more than 4cm long with 5-7 tiny

Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’

Caucasian Ash
autumn

727
 fruit

‘Diversifolia_ |
Pendula’ |

forma
diversifolia

leaf

‘Elegantissima’
8 é ~ EL Oey,
forma diversifolia

728
 ASHES

Fraxinus excelsior cultivars (continued) Copenhagen. An excellent single-leaved form was

discovered in 1830 near Hillsborough in Ireland.
The old cultivar ‘Elegantissima’ selected from Frax-
This actual plant was widely distributed and is proba-
inus excelsior var. angustifolia in 1906, is a narrow-
bly still in cultivation as ‘Diversifolia’. A weeping
leaved form which has largely been superseded by
form of ‘One-leaved Ash’ named ‘Diversifolia Pen-
newer types of Fraxinus angustifolia. In most respects
dula’ is also in cultivation. Like most pendulous ash
it is exactly like the Common Ash species. The pecu-
trees it is a curiosity but not a particularly good fea-
liar tree “‘Scolopendrifolia’ has broad, almost round
ture.
leaflets often with notched ends like Common Alder
A selection of ordinary ‘Weeping Ash’ (p. 725),
(p. 317). This plant is not in cultivation and the
‘Pendula Wentworthii’ was once a popular culti-
integrity of itsname 1s dubious.
var in Britain, but it finally went out of cultivation
The ‘One-leaved Ash’, Fraxinus excelsior forma
in 1998. It is almost impossible to separate this clone
diversifolia, is a variable foliage type which grows
from the other Weeping Ashes.
into a large 15-20m tall tree. Compound pinnate
The little shrub ‘Aurea’ is another almost forgot-
leaves are reduced to three leaflets or to a single leaf.
ten cultivar. According to Hilliers Nursery it is a
The teeth are usually much exaggerated, so from a
slow-growing plant and quite distinct from the
distance it is sometimes difficult to say the foliage is
Golden Ash ‘Jaspidea’ (p. 725). This is a poor speci-
not Common Ash. The general spiky appearance and
men which is probably no longer available in the
outline of the tree are exactly the same. This form
nursery trade. Elwes and Henry in 1906 were clearly
has arisen independently several times since it was
referring to ‘Jaspidea’ when they described the vari-
first noted in cultivation in 1789. In 1804 it was
ety aurea of Loudon.
named monophylla by René Desfontaines in Paris and
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1,
in the same year heterophylla by Martin Vahl in

‘Pendula Wentworthit’ ‘Diversifolia Pendula’

‘Aurea’
late spring
WY
 yo grafted on
Common Ash bole

Lt ih see

SR ‘J “

Narrow-leaved Ash ‘Veltheimii’

winter
730
 ASHES

Narrow-leaved Ash Fraxinus angustifolia species in its own right. The 7-11 strongly toothed
leaflets are 4-8cm long, but the terminal one may
This vigorous tree from southern Europe and west-
exceed 12cm, and be oblique at the base.
ern Asia has very narrow leaflets which are extremely
The best known selections of Narrow-leaved Ash
decorative. It was introduced in 1800 and has been
are ‘Raywood’ and subspecies oxycarpa (p. 727),
subjected to rigorous selection for urban planting in
listed for many years as Fraxinus oxycarpa.
recent years. The species itself is probably less often
Growth: 3-12-25. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 3 (species), 1 (cvs).
planted now than some ofits well known cultivars. It
Wood: 1, 5 (species).
is a big tree around 25m tall with dark brown winter
buds and rugged mature bark. Early specimens were
often grafted on to Common Ash but the Narrow- Fraxinus pallisae
leaved species usually out-grows the rootstock and Closely related to Fraxinus holotricha (p. 713), this
becomes grossly incompatible. very rare tree comes from the Balkan Peninsular. Its
The cultivar ‘Veltheimii’ is unlike any ash. It has compound pinnate leaves consist of 5-11 stalkless
single, not pinnate, glabrous leaves which are more leaflets which are ovate-lanceolate and remotely
regulat in shape and less diverse than the ‘one-leaved’ toothed and pointed. They are small at the base of
Common Ash (p. 725). Each one is 8-12cm long on the leaf and gradually become larger towards the tip.
a 4-6cm slender petiole. There are about 8 pairs of The fruits, in pendulous clusters, are 4-5cm long
large saw-teeth which occasionally split to form a with a single stiff wing. The introduction date is
pair of pointed lobes. Originally named var. mono- thought to be 1840 but very little is known about
phylla, this superb tree was introduced in 1885. this obscure tree. It is no longer in cultivation.
‘Obliqua’ is an obscure tree brought into cultiva- Growth: 2-6-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 4.
tion from western Asia in 1834, but it is probably no
longer available. Originally it was thought to be a

underside

‘Veltheimii’ ‘Obliqua’
summer
Fraxinus pallisae
 ‘Abbotsbury Gold’
Kohuhu

2 - q a ss} E oe) 3 =

‘Irene Paterson’ ‘Purpureum”’

Kohuhu bark
 PL OsSerORnW MarANMILY Ss Pittosporacede

Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium Pittosporum cultivars

In its native New Zealand this can become a tree to ‘Abbotsbury Gold’, which was noticed as a sport on
30m in height. In cultivation it is more likely to be a the species at sub-tropical Abbotsbury Gardens on
large shrub or clipped hedge. It has a soft columnar the south coast of England in 1970, is a variegated
outline with numerous twiggy branches. The bark is form with golden young leaves which become green
dark grey-brown or almost black. The evergreen as they mature. ‘Eila Keightley’, formerly called “Su-
oblong, obovate and elliptic leaves (all on the same nburst’ has blotched yellow and green leaves. It
plant) are up to 10cm long. The entire margins appeared in 1964 as a sport on the round-leaved form
undulate, which causes light from any direction to ‘Rotundifolium’. ‘Irene Paterson’ is a dwarf shrub
reflect from their lustrous leathery surface. This and from New Zealand. The leaves are creamy-white at
the pale green colour give the whole plant a bright first, maturing to mottled green with a pink tinge in
airy appearance. The flowers are purplish-brown, winter. It was discovered in the wild in 1970. “Pur-
solitary or in small terminal or axillary clusters. They pureum’ is a fine garden plant with shining deep
appear in spring and are sweetly scented. brownish-purple mature foliage. “Warnham Gold’ is
In cool temperate regions this species can only be a cultivar with young butter yellow leaves that
grown in very sheltered places or close to the sea. It mature to golden yellow. They do not turn green as
seems to thrive in sandy coastal situations and 1s so many other golden forms of Pittosporum do. It
benefitting from recent climate change to warmer was discovered at Warnham Court in southern Eng-
conditions in Northern Europe. The foliage is used land in 1959. The cultivar “Variegatum’ is probably
in floristry where the contrast between the dark bark not pure Pittosporum tenuifolium. It has cream edged
and the pale leaves is much appreciated. leaves. ‘Garnettii’ is a hybrid between tenuifolium and
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. Pittosporum ralphii. A good bushy greenish-grey-
leaved shrub or small tree which is variegated in a
subtle way with cream and light pink leaf markings.
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.

‘Variegatum’ ‘Garnettit’
 se
so Res

A
J flowers

lows}° 5 iS iSan

autumn

Nyssa sinensis

Tupelo Tupelo
winter
autumn
734
 RC EE Oe IVE Ym INssaccac

Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica and red-coloured young growths are superb. It was
first cultivated in Europe in 1902 but remains rare.
Also known as Black Gum, this ornamental tree is of
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
particular environmental value, providing fruit for
Wood: 1, 2, 4, 5.
birds and nectar for bees. It is native in a huge area of
eastern North America from Ontario to the borders Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica
of Mexico, usually as a component of mixed wood-
This is a large narrow tree, 30m tall in America, with
lands. It grows to between 15m and 30m in height
a vertical stem often developing a swollen base. The
with 5-12cm elliptical-oblong deciduous leaves. Its
deciduous ovate leaves are 14-18cm long with a few
ornamental strength is outstanding autumn colour,
large teeth or small lobes and longer stalks than other
unrivalled fiery reds and orange. The fruits, on sepa-
tupelos. The flowers are pale green developing, on
rate female trees, are juicy and reminiscent of awild
female trees, into fleshy 2.5cm purple berries. The
cherry but bitter to the taste.
stones are deeply ridged. This is a wetland species, even
Growth: 2-8-20. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1, 3. seasonally flooded ground is tolerated. Its natural range
Wood: 1, 2, 4, 5.
extends from northern Florida to southern Illinois and
Swamp Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora in a fragmented distribution to south-east Texas.
Growth: 2-7-18. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.
Inevitably Tupelo, with such a wide geographic Wood: 1, 2, 4, 5.
range, will evolve differently on extreme sites. This
variety occupies wet lands between North Carolina, Ogeechee Tupelo Nyssa ogeche
Florida and Louisiana. It has slightly narrower leaves. Usually an untidy shrubby tree with a leaning or
The rather flat berries are usually produced in pairs. crooked stem, this plant originated in northern Florida,
Growth: 2-7-18. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3. South Carolina and south Georgia. It has typical Nyssa
Woodie 2, 4, 2: foliage which colours well. An occasional lobe appears
Nyssa sinensis randomly on some leaves. The flowers are greenish and
about 0.5cm across. The fruit, on female trees, is a dull
A 20m tree from central China with deciduous ellip- red berry up to 4cm long. It has sour pulp and a deeply
tic 15cm leaves. The fruits are bluish, 1.5cm long ridged stone. To grow properly this tree needs wet
usually occurring in pairs on short stalks. In cultiva- soils, a similar habitat to the Water Tupelo.
tion it is often shrubby but the red autumn colour, Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5.

fruit

winter

forest tree

Ogeechee Tupelo
Water Tupelo
WOO
 juvenile
leaves

Mountain Gum

|
|
:
Mountain
| zy B
Gum bark variants

adult
leaves

Shining
Gum

Mountain Gum Shining Gum

736
 Via EeVi Y Sem Vivitaceac

Mountain Gum = Eucalyptus dalrympleana Shining Gum Eucalyptus nitens

This tree is a subalpine species from New South This fast-growing tree is a ‘blue gum’ from New
Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. On Mainland Austra- South Wales and Victoria in Australia. It makes a
ha it grows up to elevations of 1300m. In its natural 40m tall slender tree on good moist soil in a sheltered
habitat it can be a tree or just a shrubby bush, position. It withstands some snow but can not be
depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. In described as hardy. The 10-25cm leaves start purplish
cultivation, particularly in mild localities, it grows erey and turn grey-green as they develop. The juve-
rapidly to a huge size with a straight stem. A tree in niles are opposite and the adult leaves are alternate.
Ireland has exceeded 34m in height with a stem The bark is mostly smooth but shreds in a character-
94cm in diameter. The bark exfoliates to reveal a istic way. Long thin vertical sheets are exfoliated and
range of brightly-coloured patches including cream, immediately roll up in the sun. Many hang on by a
blue-grey, pink and brown. Even where stems are thread covering the lower stem and looking like organ
large the timber quality is poor. This species is sus- pipes until they are blown away by the wind. Unlike
ceptible to silverleaf disease (Chondrostereum many Eucalyptus this species does not coppice.
purpureum) in cultivation so it should only be pruned Growth: 3-8-15 (40 in native region). Hardiness: 20%.
in the summer. Choe 3, thvoowk 2, 3, &.
Growth; 4-22-30. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 3.
Spinning Gum Eucalyptus perriniana
Wood: 3, 5.
Spinning Gum, a species from south-east Australia
Mount Wellington Peppermint and Tasmania, is a small 10m tree in the ‘white gum’
Eucalyptus coccifera group. It is a popular ornamental curiosity because of
the pairs of opposite juvenile leaves, which are con-
A variable subalpine tree from Tasmania, this species nate (fused around the stem). Once they become dys-
is one of the most hardy Eucalyptus. It varies from a functional, they cling to each other and spin round the
twisted bush to a 20m straight tree. The smooth bark branch in the wind. When they do fall off the leaf
is white with pale grey patches eventually stripping scars, and possibly the effect of the spinning, results in
off vertically. The bluish-green 5-7cm adult leaves branches which are ringed at short intervals like a
have a peppermint scent. A plant is on record in truncated bamboo.
Scotland over 28m tall. Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 3-18-25. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3. Wood: 3, 5.

> fruit
adult
leaves

J
jj

Spinning Gum

Shining Gum
seedling
Wi
 Alpine Snow Gum

unders

fruit

juvenile
leaves

A,Cay Pts
see) ~
STE
at
SSO Kiss 1h
eee
Ny ity a
oe Ga4, BY
a h ~
as hot Vis 2 ss
Sire oe |

i Sai yh
Wii.
Py ee (eee

I]
iM young tree
fruit =

seedling Alpine Snow Gum Urn Gum

738
 GUMS

Alpine Snow Gum drooping branches. The flowers are relatively large
and showy for a Eucalyptus. The leaves are waxy and
Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila
narrow, 8-15cm long and glossy green. The name
This alpine form of Snow Gum is confined to high refers to the fruit capsules which are around 16mm
elevation locations in south-east Australia and Tas- long and 9mm wide and distinctly urn-shaped,
mania. It reaches higher into the mountains than any something like poppy seed heads. They occur in
other Eucalyptus, and withstands deep snow and small clusters of3.This species was discovered in the
temperatures down to -22°C. Most specimens are early nineteenth century and described at Kew Gar-
bushy with long bending stems and branches. Typi- dens in London in 1842 although it was apparently
cally these are brilliant white and smooth until not growing in Britain until 1860. Fine ornamental
pinkish-brown patches of bark develop and then specimens can be found growing in the cool moist
exfoliate. climate of western Ireland.
The species was described in 1929. Originally Growth: 4-20-25. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1, 2, 3.
niphophila was regarded as a species name, the subspe- Wood: 3, 4, 5.
cies designation is relatively recent. Experimental
plantations have been established in Britain but they Tingiringi Gum Eucalyptus glaucescens
tend to demonstrate hardiness rather than productiv- This small tree, usually about 4-10m tall, occurs high
ity. In the European context this species with its up, 1400-1600m, in the mountains of south-east
white bark and grey leaves does not fit easily into the Australia. Odd specimens have recently been discov-
landscape. It also tends to become unstable and lean ered that are 45m tall and 30m trees have now been
or fall over. found on Mount Erica in Victoria. The foliage is sil-
Growth: 3-10-18. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. Wood: 5. very blue-green and the bark is smooth and white
until it becomes rough with age. This species was
Urn Gum Eucalyptus urnigera first described in 1929. Its potential as a forest species
This species is restricted to Mount Wellington in ora tree for decorative planting outside Australia has
central Tasmania. It has been planted commercially yet to be investigated.
for wind-breaks and as an ornament over a much Growth: 3-9-15 (variable). Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3.
wider area. It is a small tree or large bush usually with Wood: 3, 4, 5.

late
juvenile
leaves

adult leaf

juvenile
Tingiringi Gum leaves

159
 mature
leaves

intermediate
leaf

juvenile
leaves

juvenile
leaves

seedling
fruit
Gum » | Cider Gum

740
 GUMS

Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus In 1846 this was the first native Australian tree to
grow in the open air in Britain. Although the timber
This very fast-growing but somewhat tender tree is
is of relatively low value, cider gum is planted as a
the floral emblem of Tasmania. It also comes from
forest tree throughout the temperate world. The
the State of Victoria. Trees with straight stems up to
subspecies archerii is even hardier and shows great
60m tall are to be found. The timber is used for con-
promise for forest use. The roundish powder-blue
struction work and is available in generous thick-
juvenile leaves of cider gum are extensively used in
nesses and long lengths. Dense crowns give mature
floristry.
trees a healthy vigorous appearance. Juvenile leaves
Growth: 4-22-30, Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1 (requires space).
are grey-green and have become well known as gar-
Wood: 2, 3, 4, 5.
den plants in summer bedding schemes. The dark
green adult leaves are large and leathery, up to 40cm Silver Gum Eucalyptus cordata
long and 6cm wide. The bark is a mixture of patchy
Of all the gums grown in the temperate zone this
blue-grey, yellow and brown, becoming deciduous
15-25m tree is one of the most tender. It is from Tas-
with age and falling off in ribbons.
mania, where it was discovered in 1792 and intro-
Growth: 4-22-30. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 3.
duced to Europe before 1840. The main use for it
Wood: 2, 3, 4, 5.
today is as a summer bedding plant in municipal gar-
Cider Gum Eucalyptus gunnit dens and parks. In a matter of weeks after sowing
10-20cm seedlings are fit to plant out. During the
The natural range of this species is upland Tasmania
summer season they will grow to around 1m tall with
at around 1200m. It is usually a tall tree with a
a profusion of silvery-grey stalkless juvenile leaves.
straight vertical stem. The illustration shows a plant
Unfortunately the first autumn frost will scorch them
which has re-grown after being eaten, burned or cut
or kill them off. As a fully grown tree, in mild dis-
down: a frequent occurrence because this species is
tricts, this species has attractive white and grey bark.
often predated by animals. The foliage has almost no The slender heart-shaped adult leaves retain a glau-
repellent Eucalyptus smell. The bark is variable,
cous appearance. The flowers, which in Europe
smooth patchy olive green and grey, or stringy pale often appear in winter, are showy and numerous.
brown, yellow and grey. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 3-16-20. Hardiness: 10%.
Wood: 2, 3, 4, 5.

frost-damaged
leaves

Kee

[
Silver Gum

young tree

Cider Gum bark

741
 Tasmanian
Yellow Gum

a Encaly}
hybrid

ll ton, Sea
TOW
,
RY {7

AN
AY Age
NLD 5s% 7.
™ Ny .

%i, A ee a Ee
, me athe we

juvenile leaves
seedling

Tasmanian Yellow Gum a Eucalyptus hybrid

742
 GUMS

Eucalyptus hybrids with age and exfoliates in a pile at the base of the
stem. Tree tops are usually narrow and dense. The
The Eucalyptus, part of the Myrtle family, contains
10cm lanceolate evergreen leaves are glossy green on
about 600 species. They are widely distributed in
distinctive deep red young shoots. The seed capsules,
Australia, often confined to isolated creeks and river
in threes, are around 1cm long and stalkless. This is a
valleys in the centre of the country. Many are only
fairly recent introduction to horticulture.
species because they have been in isolation for so
Growth; 4-26-40 (60 in native region). Hardiness: 30%.
long. They are genetically compatible so, given the Choice: 1 (requires space), 3. Wood: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
opportunity, they are capable of hybridizing. When
moved into close proximity, in collections for exam- Black Sallee Eucalyptus stellulata
ple, a bewildering range of hybrids occur. Identity
This is a small 6-10m spreading tree in the ‘ash’
and nomenclature are thrown into chaos.
group (nothing to do with the genus Fraxinus). It is
Growth: variable. Hardiness: 10-30%. Choice: 1 (require space).
moderately hardy and withstands winter snow. From
Wood: 3, 5.
the Australian States of Victoria and New South
Tasmanian Yellow Gum Wales this tree has a preference for wet sites. The
bark is smooth, greyish to olive green, and rough
Eucalyptus johnstonii towards the base. The leaves are narrow and elliptic,
Botanically this is classified as a true gum. It is from leathery, evergreen and up to 8cm long and 3cm
Tasmania, growing up to 1000m. Opinion is divided wide. It is the flower buds that give this plant its spe-
about its hardiness but cultivated strains from high cies name. They are sharply pointed and arranged in
elevations are clearly more hardy than those from sessile clusters of 7-16 which resemble stars. The
lower down. It is a large tree, 40m may be expected flowers are prolific and provide a good source of nec-
on a moist sheltered site and 60m trees have been tar for bees. Fruit capsules, which are up to 8mm
recorded in Tasmania. In Ireland growth over 2m a long, also occur in conspicuous clusters.
year occurs. The stem is very straight, like a huge flag Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 5.
pole, with blue-grey young bark which turns brown

Black Sallee
 flower
bract

old bark

fruit

vilmoriniana

Handkerchief Tree dkerchief T

Spe kercnier tree fruit (enlarged)

744
 DUA UIDIUIN TEVA NE Davidiaceae

Handkerchief Tree Davidia involucrata form of the young plant is in itself garden-worthy.
The anticipation of flowers in the future is a source
The Handkerchief, or Dove Tree, is a favourite tem-
of interest and much discussion among growers. It is
perate garden specimen world-wide. It is large and
possible to buy grafted plants or saplings raised from
vigorous and on a good site might reach half its ulti-
cuttings which will flower earlier because material
mate height in only 25 years. It will grow to over
can be used which is already mature and in a flower-
20m in mild sheltered localities. It is native to China
ing state. The dangers of this are possible graft
where it was discovered by the Jesuit plant collector
incompatibility, and a tendency for graft scions, or
and missionary the Abbé Armand David in 1869. It
cuttings, not to grow upwards.
was subsequently named in his honour, and intro-
Handkerchief Trees require moist fertile soil, and
duced to Europe by Ernest Wilson in 1904.
some shelter to thrive. They are especially rewarding
The main attraction of the Handkerchief Tree 1s its
if well spaced out, especially in association with other
late spring display, not of flowers, but of pure white
large trees. Extremes of climate, for instance drought
ovate pointed bracts surrounding the flowers. These
and sun scorch, and spring or autumn frost, can cause
are in unequal-sized pairs, the longest being up to
damage. Exposure to cold or drying winds will dis-
20cm and the short one usually under 10cm. They
figure or even kill foliage and branches, and ruin the
hang down on a slender stalk shielding the insignifi-
flowers.
cant globular 2cm clusters of dark greenish male or
The variety vilmoriniana is very similar to the spe-
female flowers. The whole structure is aerodynami-
cies in every other respect, but it lacks the downy
cally unstable and constantly moves even in the light-
backs to the leaves. It is equally good as a garden tree.
est wind. From seed it may take 20 years to flower,
Many cultivated specimens are in fact this variety.
but the strong bold foliage and usually impressive
Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

var. vilmoriniana

tay:
WA
autumn

young tree
 ue
\N Qy ty} zs) ea)1S)
old bark
autumn

>

Cornus ‘Eddie’s
White Wonder’
~~

1utul 1 1n

S 2 vo

Pacific Dogwood
winter

746
 1 OCW
OO DEAN YS: Cornaceae

Pacific Dogwood Cornus nuttallii Alternate-leaved Dogwood

There are basically two kinds of dogwood flower. Cornus alternifolia
One has distinctly large bracts and the other has not. This species is peculiar for a dogwood because of its
This species is in the first category. Although poten- alternate leaves (most other species are opposite).
tially a big tree up to 20-25m tall, Pacific Dogwood These are ovate and may be up to 12cm long. The
is more often seen in cultivation as a large multi- flattened 8cm inflorescences superficially resemble
stemmed shrub. It is native to woodlands in western elder and do not have large showy bracts. They are
North America, and it is also widely planted there in creamy-white in early summer but of little signifi-
parks and gardens. It tends to be tender and short Ganee
lived in northern Europe and eastern North Amer- From the whole of eastern North America, New-
ica. The 4-7 creamy-white flower bracts are up to foundland to Florida and Georgia, this small tree was
7cm long, oval to obovate with an abrupt point. As introduced to Europe in 1760. One of its American
they age they become flushed with pink. The flow- names, Pagoda Dogwood, reflects the tiered effect
ering season is late spring. In the autumn the foliage produced by upward-facing flowers massed along
turns to brilliant orange and scarlet. horizontal branches. In a good dry season reasonable
The cultivar ‘Gold Spot’ is a distinctive form with autumn foliage colour can be produced.
variegated leaves that become more spectacular late The cultivar ‘Argentea’ has silvery-cream edged
in the year as they mature. fairly narrow green leaves. It tends to develop verti-
Growth: 2-6-10 (25 in native region). Hardiness: 30%. cal stems with tiered horizontal branches and a flat
Choice: 1. top. Usually it is more ofa shrub than a tree, seldom
over 3m in height. It was produced in the USA
Cornus ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’ around 1900.
This hybrid between Cornus florida and Cornus nuttal- Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 70-80%. Choice: 1.
lii was produced artificially in America, uniting east-
ern and western species. The bracts, mostly in fours,
are white, or occasionally slightly flushed with pink.
The foliage colours very well in the autumn.
Growth: 2-6-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.

‘Argentea’
fruit

Alternate-leaved Dogwood

747
 =.
Table Dogwood “.
Table Dogwood s
summer

748
 DOGWOODS

Flowering Dogwood Comus florida shaded soil. The strange cultivar ‘Plenifolia’ pro-
duces 6-8 normal-sized but screwed up bracts and
Although this can be a tree up to 6m tall it is usually
several more smaller ones round each flower. It was
much less in cultivation away from its native eastern
first cultivated in 1914. There are also weeping and
North America. Its date of introduction to Europe is
variegated forms of Flowering Dogwood. They
uncertain but it was recorded flowering in Enfield,
make excellent garden plants giving early summer
north London, in 1759. The flower bracts, in fours,
interest and autumn foliage colour. But in cold wet
develop in the autumn and remain wrapped round
soil conditions they are prone to disease.
the flower cluster all winter protecting it from the
Growth: 2-5-6. Hardiness: 40-60%. Choice: 1.
cold. In spring they open out, become heart-shaped
and expand to around 5cm long. The tips are often
Table Dogwood Cornus controversa
notched and discoloured pink and pale brown at the
point where they were joined. A good plant will Like Cornus alternifolia (p. 747) this species has alter-
produce countless thousands ofwhite bracts in spring nate leaves. It is a larger tree, though, reaching 20m
before the leaves emerge. in its native south-east Asia but less in cultivation.
‘Cherokee Chief’ is a selected pink form with nar- The name Table Dogwood refers to the symmetrical
rower more distinctly notched bracts. It was raised in flattened horizontal tiered branches. The ovate leaves
the USA in 1958. The cultivar “White Cloud’ is are distinctly wedge-shaped towards the base with
more of a pure white form than the species. It was around eight pairs of parallel veins. With a lens it is
also raised in the USA, but ten years earlier in 1948. possible to see that the remarkable hairs on the
Flowering Dogwood occasionally occurs in the wild underside are joined to the leaf half way along their
with pink bracts. Pink forms in cultivation are length. Numerous small creamy-white flowers are
described as forma rubra. There is a reference to produced in flattened cymes up to 18cm across. The
them as early as 1770 but they were not brought into fruit is a lcm blue-black berry. The cultivar “Warie-
cultivation until around 1889. These dogwoods gata’ is a slower-growing form introduced by
thrive in strong sunshine as experienced in Massa-
Veitch’s Nursery before 1890. The leaves are nar-
rower, not over 4cm wide, with a cream border.
chusetts and Florida, but they like their roots in cool
Growth: 3-8-14. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

oe ja
Dogwood f Shin N VE

Pe, = A Ve
| /

‘Plenifolia’

‘Variegata’

749
 oye.
z=
S
2=
O
6
o
ra

Cornu KS ‘Porlock’

far. chinensis

macrophylla

Japanese Strawberry Tree

Japanese Strawberry Tree
spring
750
 DOGWOODS

Japanese Strawberry Tree Cornus kousa Cornus walteri

This hardy shrub or small tree is not usually more From China, this is a tree of medium stature, up to
than 6m tall. It is slow-growing, becoming nicely 12m tall. It was introduced by Ernest Wilson in
rounded and densely twiggy at maturity. A very use- 1907. The wavy edged leaves are oval 5-12cm long
ful garden plant in a confined space. The flowers are and pointed at both ends. Each of the tiny flowers
small and held together in tight clusters. Each one is has four slender white petals less than 1cm long, and
protected by four upward facing finely pointed prominent yellow stamens. They occur in loose flat-
7.5cm ovate bracts. These are yellowish-white at tened terminal clusters and are superseded by
first, then tinted or spotted with pinkish-brown as bunches of small 6-7mm hard black berries.
they mature and decline. A good specimen will be Growth: 2-7-12. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
completely covered by fully open bracts every year in
early summer. The unique fruits are round, straw- Cornus macrophylla
berry red and in fused clusters 2-3cm across. This is a rare late flowering dogwood similar to Cor-
The variety chinensis is a larger tree in every nus walteri but it has larger 16cm leaves. It was intro-
respect. It was introduced to America in 1907 by duced from the Himalayas to Britain in 1827, and
Ernest Wilson, and arrived in England from there in widely distributed, often as a gift to notable gardens,
1910. Both Wilson and Augustine Henry claimed by the Veitch Nursery.
that the fruit was sweet to eat. These trees have the Growth: 2-6-15. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1.
advantage of flowering later than most other
spring-flowering subjects in the garden. Bentham’s Cornel Cornus capitata
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
Unfortunately this rare evergreen Himalayan tree,
which is so beautiful, is very tender. In most of
Cornus ‘Porlock’
northern Europe it is only possible to grow it as a
This plant originated as a self sown hybrid between south facing wall shrub. It was originally introduced
Cornus capitata and Cornus kousa. It is like kousa but in 1825. A later introduction from China in 1937 has
has superior pink-tipped cream-coloured bracts survived rather better in Britain as far north as Edin-
which turn completely pink with age. In a good year burgh. The early summer flowers are protected by
this cultivar also fruits well. 4-6 light yellow 5cm bracts. The agglomerated fruits
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. are on long hanging stalks like those of Cornus kousa.
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1.

Bentham’s
Japanese Strawberry Tree Cornel
summer
 old bark
‘Integerrima’

underside

flower
detail
|
|
seedling

Madrona
nS \
Strawberry Tree \ \

~—Salbo
 Eve ite Pele IVI LEY 9: Ericaceae

Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo shrubby plant with white flowers and mostly entire
leaves and ‘Rubra’ which has pink or deep pink
A most beautiful evergreen tree able to grow to a
flowers. It has been cultivated since 1835. These
height of 10m, but generally gnarled and twisted into
trees all need a plentiful supply of water, good drain-
a lesser size. It is native to Cork, Kerry and Sligo
age and full sun.
Countries in Ireland, and western France, Iberia, and
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3.
the Mediterranean coast to Lebanon and _ Israel.
Strangely this member of the heather family tolerates
Madrona Arbutus menziesii
lime in the soil. In parts ofIreland it appears to grow
on almost bare limestone rock. The tough glossy The Pacific Madrone (Madrona is the Mexican
5-10cm serrate leaves are deep green and more or less Spanish name) was discovered by and named after
elliptical. The 6mm flowers are translucent creamy- Archibald Menzies (1754-1842) and introduced to
white often with a warm pink tinge. They open in Britain by David Douglas in 1827. It seldom reaches
late summer. The fruits, which look superficially like 20m in cultivation, but may be considerably more in
strawberries, are red when they ripen, which takes a the wild. Its main feature, the bark, starts off coarse
whole year. Strawberry Trees bear fruit all year and flaking into curly plates, and then develops
round including the time when the following years smooth vertical patches of red, rusty-brown, cinna-
flowers appear, which is very unusual. The berries mon and grey-green reminiscent of Eucalyptus. The
are technically edible, the orange flesh is pulpy and white flowers occur in spring and early summer at
full of seeds. Opinions vary as to the taste, but the the same time as the previous years orange-red 1.5cm
species name unedo means ‘I eat one’ implying that inedible fruits begin to ripen. The 5-12cm leaves are
one is quite enough. variable elliptic, oval or ovate and mostly entire.
Like Eucalyptus, this tree grows from a lignotuber They are shining green above and glaucous beneath.
which is an adaptation of the base of the trunk ena- Trees from the south of the natural range, California,
bling it to survive total destruction above ground. Sierra Nevada and Santa Cruz Island are tender. In
After serious top damage the lignotuber, which con- cultivation Madrona requires acid soil and full sun to
tains dormant buds, will sprout and produce new thrive.
Growth: 2-7-16. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1, 3.
stems indefinitely. Cultivars or forms available for
garden use include ‘Integerrima’, a slow-growing

young bark

underside

old bark
 Grecian
Strawberry
Tree

Grecian
Strawberry
™ Tree

fruit

Hybrid Straw berry Tree

 STRAWBERRY TREES

Grecian Strawberry Tree Arbutus andrachne hardiness into the hybrid progeny that the Greek
species alone does not have. The bark is an important
Also known as the Cyprus Strawberry Tree, this
decorative feature, especially the twisted cinnamon-
6-12m tender evergreen plant is a native species in
coloured young growths. The top of the tree is
south-east Europe. It is a domed tree often with sev-
domed but seldom exceeds 10m in height. The
eral main stems — an ornamental bonus where bark
4-12cm stiff evergreen leaves on red-brown shoots
colour is so important. This is smooth at first then
are variable, glossy-green with a yellowish midrib.
peels to reveal pale patches of greenish-grey. With
Flowers occur both in autumn and in spring, so some
age, areas of bright red, cream and brown develop.
flowers are present when the tree bears ripe fruit.
The white 6mm heather-like flowers occur on pre-
Growth; 2-5-10. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1, 3.
vious years shoots in loose panicles. The fruits ripen
in one season. They are rough red spheres about
1.2cm across, which are edible but unpleasant. The Canary Island Strawberry Tree
Arbutus canariensis
leaves are thick and leathery. The Grecian strawberry
tree was introduced into cultivation in 1724 and Although it was described before 1781, the origin of
although it will tolerate either lime-rich or acid soils this species is uncertain; it may be a segregate of the
it is not resistant to frost or cold winds. mainland European Strawberry Tree. It is a tender
Growth: 2-5-10. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1, 3. 5-10m bushy plant with oblong-lanceolate leaves
that are strongly toothed and have glaucous under-
Hybrid Strawberry Tree sides. The flowers occur in loose erect panicles. They
Arbutus x andrachnoides are 1cm across and greenish-white, eventually tinged
with pink. The fruit ripens in early summer, it 1s
This spontaneous cross between the Irish Strawberry
bright orange, granular and has a rough warty sur-
Tree (p. 753) and the Grecian species occurs natu-
face. Away from the Canary Islands this plant only
rally in Greece. It is also planted in parks and gardens
thrives in a mild climate.
over a wide area. The Irish species brings a degree of 10-20%. Choice: 1, 3.
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness:

Grecian Strawberry Tree Canary Island Strawberry Tree

 flower
detail

autumn

Tree Rhododendron
deep red form

Sorrel Tree Tree Rhododendron

156
 OXYDENDRUM, RHODODENDRON

Sorrel Tree Oxydendrum arboreum Tree Rhododendron Rhododendron arboreum

This member of the heather family can only be grown Several species and hybrids of Rhododendron attain
on acid soils. It originated in eastern North America the dimensions of a tree, but in northern Europe
and thrives best in hot sunshine. It is a deciduous tree only this species does it all the time, often reaching
reaching 16m in height with whitish terminal panicles 10m in height with a woody stem over 30cm thick.
of small fragrant summer flowers. These often stick It is a variable evergreen plant originally from the
out above the leafy canopy which is a useful identifi- Himalayas, south-west China and Sri Lanka. It was
cation feature — even in winter when the flowers the first rhododendron to be introduced to Europe
themselves have finished but the stalks remain. The from the Himalayas in about 1810. The clusters of
flowers are a good source of nectar for bees. 5cm bell-shaped flowers occur in late winter and
Although introduced in 1752 this species remains early spring. Confusingly, they may be white, pink
rare in cultivation, probably due to its intolerance of or even deep red. These may be called by their
lime and shade. As a garden tree in very sunny areas it respective cultivar names of ‘Album’, ‘Roseum’ and
is prized for its glorious red, yellow and purple ‘Blood Red’. Intermediates and hybrids also occur.
autumn foliage colour. The name is from the Greek The tough, thick, leathery leaves are variable, with
‘oxys’ meaning sour (the commercial timber name is distinctive felted backs which range from silvery grey
sourwood), and ‘dendron’ — tree, a reference to the to rusty brown. This species has been widely used as
sour acid taste of the leaves which is similar to the a parent in breeding big hardy hybrid rhododen-
herbaceous plant Sorrel (Rumex). In America the drons. It likes to grow in semi-shade, especially
strong hard, heavy wood was traditionally put to under large deciduous trees, and must have moist
various specialist uses, such as wooden bearings and acid soil to thrive.
sled runners. It is shock-resistant and has straight Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 4.

grain but is difficult to season.

Growth: 3-8-16 (25 in native region). Hardiness: 40%.
Choice: 1. Wood: 1.

pink form

underside

Tree Rhododendron

Vow
 fruit

fruit Snowbell Tree

Hemsley’s Storax fruit

758
 SO ROARS E ANIL YER styracaceac

Snowdrop Tree Halesia carolina Hemsley’s Storax Styrax hemsleyana

This is a lovely spreading tree up to 10m tall. The This excellent plant, introduced in 1900 from China
elliptic to ovate-oblong leaves are 5-10cm long with by Ernest Wilson, is a shrubby bush or upright 10m
a finely tapered point. In mid to late spring, as the tree. The flowers in terminal racemes, are more or
leaves emerge, clusters of white or creamy-pink 3cm less erect. The prominent yellow stamens show up
flowers like bells on slender stalks emerge. The con- very well against the white petals. This species thrives
trasting stamens are bright orange. An alternative and in cool shady moist situations in open woodland.
apt name for this species is ‘Silverbell Tree’. The Growth; 2-5-8. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.
fruits are not decorative, but do add interest. They
Snowbell Tree Styrax japonica
are yellowish-green 2-3.5cm oblong capsules with
four curious papery wings and a slender ‘beak’ on the The Japanese Snowbell has small 2-8cm_ leaves
end. As the species name suggests the snowdrop tree arranged in threes so they appear to be trifoliate. The
is from the south-east United States. Halesia com- 1.5cem white flowers occur in small clusters or singly
memorates the Rev. Stephen Hales (1677-1761) a on long slender stalks all along the branches. They
writer on plants. Trees thrive best on lime-free soils. always hang down like delicate bells with a bright
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. yellow ‘clapper’ of stamens. This is a spreading, often
leaning, tree 6-10m tall. It grows best in semi-shade
Bigleaf Storax Styrax obassia and prefers moist fertile soil.
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 50-60%. Choice: 1.
Originally from Japan, Korea and north-east China,
this is a large shrub or small tree rarely over 10m tall. Epaulette Tree Pterostyrax hispida
The deciduous dark green leaves are variable, elliptic This is a tree 15m tall in its native south-east Asia,
to almost round and up to 20cm across, with an but it is usually a lot less in cultivation. It is open-
abrupt small point. The fragrant 2.5cm bell flowers, headed with spreading slender branches. The
in slender racemes 10-20cm long, have spreading deciduous dark green ‘lop-sided’ leaves are
petals and point downwards like snowdrops. This 1s obovate-oblong 7-17cm long. They colour well in
definitely a plant to be seen from below; otherwise the autumn. The fragrant creamy-white summer
the leaves hide the flowers from view. In the wild flowers are small (8-10mm) in clusters on drooping
state Bigleaf Storax grows in mixed forest, usually as panicles. The stamens project beyond the end of the
an under-storey, it prefers moist soil and semi-shade. bud before it opens. The cylindric 1cm bristly fruits
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1. are ribbed. In some specimens these ribs become
enlarged to form wings. The genus mame comes
from the Greek word ‘pteron’ meaning wing.
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

spring Snowdrop Tree

 Chinese Privet
flowering
760
 OLIVE, LIGUSTRUM

Olive Olea europaea (Oleaceae) Captain Cook’s expedition to the Far East. London
still has several good 12m tall ornamental specimens
This medium-sized tender tree grows in southern
although they are not original. This tree thrives in
Europe. It has been cultivated for its fruit and oil for
urban conditions and seems to survive on compacted
so long that its natural range has become obscured.
dry and even eroded soil. It will withstand damage
However, ancient specimens over 1000 years old
and abuse by people, domestic dogs and grass cutting
occur and some of these are likely to be native trees.
machines, and also tolerates high levels of air pollu-
The stems are often forked and become gnarled with
tion and even proximity to the sea. As an ornament
age. The opposite grey-green, silvery-backed, leaves
its deep green very glossy pointed evergreen leaves
are evergreen, tough and leathery. The fragrant
are reminiscent of tropical rain forest species. Its
racemes of white cruciform flowers occur in late
scented upright panicles of tiny creamy-white flow-
summer. Purple black olives with glossy skins are
ers occur over a long period from mid-summer until
then produced in abundance. The stone is narrowly
the autumn. These mostly stand up above the outline
oval and grooved. Olive wood, although seldom
of the foliage. In mild areas they develop into lcm
available, is of high quality, exceptionally durable
blue-black berries in clusters, like stiff upright
and hard. In Greek mythology it is said that Hercu- bunches of small grapes. The timber of Chinese
les’ club was made from the wood of wild olive. The
Privet, although seldom seen, is hard and heavy, pale
wild (uncultivated) form does grow in lowland
yellow-brown and can be worked to a smooth finish.
regions of Greece. This tree is benefitting from cur- The cultivar ‘Excelsum Superbum’ is like the
rent climate change and surviving further north in species but has golden-yellow edged leaves which
Europe than 30 years ago.
fade to creamy-white. ‘Tricolor’, first cultivated in
Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 1.
1895, has narrow leaves marked with grey-green:
they are flushed pink at first with pale pink edges
Chinese Privet Ligustrum lucidum (Oleaceae)
which gradually develop into yellow and finally
Sir Joseph Banks of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew creamy-white as they age.
brought this tree out of China in 1794 while on Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 1 (species).

fruit

Chinese Privet
‘Tricolor’
‘Excelsum Superbum’
underside

761
 Fringe Tree
fruit

Chinese
Fringe Tree

Chinese Fringe Tree Fringe Tree

bush form, flowering
762
 FRINGE TREES

Fringe Tree Chionanthus virginicus (Oleaceae) completely obscured by white flowers for more than
two weeks in a good season.
This member of the Olive family can be a large shrub
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
or small tree up to 10m tall. It has narrow elliptic
entire 10-20cm long leaves on short 2cm petioles.
Phillyrea Phillyrea latifolia (Oleaceae)
The slightly fragrant flowers are showy in loose 20cm
panicles, with a cluster of bracts or small leaves at the There are four species of evergreen Phillyrea, all
base of each one. The 5 or 6 creamy-white feathery originally from around the Mediterranean coast.
petals on each flower are up to 3cm long but only They have flexible leathery salt-resistant foliage and
2mm wide. Fruits, produced by separate female tolerate high levels of salinity in the soil. They also
plants, are dark blue and bloomed, reminiscent of thrive in sandy places such as stabilised dunes. Latifo-
olives, they are up to 2cm long. Introduced to lia is a spreading plant up to 10m tall. The thick
Europe in 1736, the natural range of this species leaves are elliptic-ovate, 3-6cm long, with promi-
includes New Jersey, Florida and Texas. nent but blunt teeth. They are deep glossy green
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 3. above and have light matt green undersides. The tiny
pale yellowish-white flowers occur in small tight
Chinese Fringe Tree clusters in the leaf axils. These are followed by round
blue-black 6mm fruits.
Chionanthus retusus (Oleaceae) This species’ natural range includes most of south-
Native to China, Korea and Japan, this plant was ern Europe and eastwards to Asia Minor. It has been
introduced in 1845 by Robert Fortune. It is a in cultivation at least since 1597 and is extensively
spreading shrub which seldom exceeds 6m in used for coastal protection, decorative qualities and as
height. The narrow ovate leaves are usually around a wind break. It also makes a good evergreen hedge
6cm long and entire. The flowers in 6-10cm pani- in city and maritime conditions. Summer clipping
cles appear in early summer. They are similar to the does not cause any problems. It seems to positively
American species but a little smaller with broader thrive on de-icing salt spread on roads and pave-
petals and they come out slightly later. The most ments. It also makes a good landscape substitute for
spectacular flowers occur on male plants but fruit is Holm Oak (p. 373) where space 1s limited. There are
only produced by females. Whole plants can be round-leaved and narrow-leaved forms.
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1.

Phillyrea

V65
 ae
8 Rag

i}
2

underside

Persimmon

» AG
Ss
a oy
sagt
wees

$
ie
Persimmon ! “Hachiya’

Chinese Persimmon

764
 ED ON Ye RAVI IY =: Ebenaceae

Diospyros Kaki or Chinese Persimmon Diospyros kaki

There are around 200 species in this genus, which is This small tree is a garden favourite in Europe. Culti-
closely related to ebony. Most of them are tropical vation from ancient times in south-east Asia has
and sub-tropical, and they have world-wide distribu- obscured its exact origin. It forms a large bushy plant
tion. Dios is from the Greek for divine and pyros seldom over 10m high. In a sunny position female
means grain. ‘Divine fruit’ aptly describes the juicy trees bear 7.5cm roundish juicy orange-yellow fruits,
edible berries produced by some species. Male and though the flesh is mouth-puckering until really soft.
female flowers occur on separate trees. Vegetative The deciduous foliage turns to orange, red and pur-
propagation by cuttings or layers is essential if the sex ple in the autumn. The bark is scaly and ridged
of young plants needs to be predetermined. greyish-brown but is less rough than the American
species. Numerous forms have been cultivated com-
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana mercially for persimmon or sharon fruit. “Lycoper-
This is a round-headed deciduous tree ultimately sicum’ and ‘Hachiya’ are particularly good plants.
When in production these trees need special protec-
with drooping branches, reaching 15-30m in its
tion from birds and animals.
native southern United States from Connecticut to
Growth: 2-7-10. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1, 3.
Kansas and Texas. The flowers open in mid-summer
Wood: il,
followed by astringent 2.5-5cm orange to orange-
brown fruits which ripen, and sweeten, in the
Date Plum Diospyros lotus
autumn. They contain 4-8 flattened lcm brown
seeds. The withered brown calyx remains fixed to In north European gardens this is a rare stately decidu-
the ripe fruit. This is a distinctive feature of Persim- ous tree valued for its stature rather than for its fruit. In
mon. To thrive the tree requires a warm dry site, it is sheltered conditions on good moist soil it can attain
not hardy in northern Europe. The dark brown, heights of 15-24m, with a billowing crown around
almost black, wood is strong and elastic with wavy 10-15m wide. It originated in Asia and Iran where it 1s
grain. It is famously used for golf ‘woods’. still widely cultivated for its fruit. ‘Orchards’ are com-
Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3. Wood: 1. mon in warm places as far apart as China and Italy.
Growth: 2-7-18.
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 3.
Wood: 1.

underside

2 flowers

fruit

Date Plum

765
 Indian
Bean Tree

young
pod

Indian Bean Tree

766
 BIGNONIA FAMILY : Bignoniaceae

Indian Bean Tree Catalpa bignonioides long. The petals are white with two short yellow
stripes inside, and a central concentration of
‘Indian’ here is a reference to North American
purplish-brown blotches. The distinctive fruits are
Indian. The tree is from the southern United States
narrow pendulous green bean pods, up to 40cm long
of Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Catalpa
in hanging clusters. They turn brown and hang on
comes from the American Indian name for this tree
the bare branches in winter until the weather breaks
‘kutuhlpa’. It is ultimately a broad-headed specimen
them up and the seeds are dispersed.
15-20m tall and wide. The large deciduous ovate
The cultivar ‘Nana’ is a ‘mop-head’ tree, well
leaves are 10-25cm long by 8-15cm across. Although
suited to a small garden where space is restricted. The
they arrive late in the season their accumulated
Golden Catalpa ‘Aurea’, first cultivated in 1877, is a
weight can pull down and even snap off big branches
really magnificent tree. It is wide spreading, but less
in the summer. Large urban trees might need cable
tall than the species. Its leaves are soft greenish-gold.
bracing or frequent cutting back. They respond
They are very thin and translucent so sunlight shines
favourably to pruning, and even to pollarding if nec-
through them in early summer to bathe everything
essary.
below in golden light.
Since the nineteenth century this has been a
Catalpas are tolerant of all sorts of soil but do best
favourite town centre tree, absorbing dirt and dust.
on moist fertile loams. Industrial air pollution is tol-
There is even a row of venerable specimens by the
erated, so they serve as good city trees. In the garden
Houses of Parliament in London, making them some
the potential size and tendency to split branches must
of the most photographed trees in the world. The
be carefully considered before planting close to paths
roots seem to enjoy creeping about in the damp con-
or structures. None of the species should be planted
ditions under pavements and roads. This is a very in windy places because the leaves tear easily.
decorative shade tree, in mid-summer the frilly flow- Choice: 1, 2, 4.
Growth: 2-8-15. Hardiness: 70%.
ers, 4-5cm across, occur in upright panicles 20cm Wood: 1,23) 4,2.

‘Aurea’

Hoy,
 » flower detail

2 o rnae = O 3 £ aayS

var. duclouxii

ae

new leaves

Western Catalpa
 CATALPAS

Western Catalpa Catalpa speciosa Farge’s Catalpa Catalpa fargesii

In its native North America, Western Catalpa is a This substantial 20m tree from western China 1s
timber tree up to 30m tall. It is pyramidal at first, widely cultivated in America and Europe. The
with a single stem eventually spreading out with old downy-backed ovate leaves are 8-14cm long with
age. The wood is prized for its durability in damp acuminate tips, sometimes shallowly 1-3-lobed on
conditions, especially as untreated fence posts in wet young trees and vigorous regrowth. Superb rosy-
soil. The bark is grey brown, vertically fissured, and pink 4cm bell-shaped flowers occur in dense clusters
broken into rough scales. The deciduous leaves are of 7-15 in corymbose racemes. Each flower has
15-30cm long, bright green and often occurring in purple-brown dots and a yellow patch inside a shal-
whorls of three. The 6cm creamy-white flowers are low throat. They appear in late spring, before most of
widely spaced out, in 15cm panicles. Each has two the other catalpas and while the emerging leaves are
indistinct yellow stripes inside and faint lines of pur- still bronze-green. In summer the 45cm beans hang
plish spots. The fruit (green bean pods) may be 40cm down in bunches. The most common form in culti-
long but are only about 1.5cm thick. They mpen in vation in Europe is var. duclouxii introduced in 1907
one season, turn brown, then remain on the tree by Ernest Wilson. This has hairless leaves and rose
until the following year. In cultivation this is not a pink flowers marked with orange and purplish
tree for the small garden, it can grow rapidly to a brown. The often slightly-lobed leaves are
large size and casts dense shade that will kill out grass brownish-black when they first emerge.
or summer bedding plants. Of course if shade is Growth: 3-10-20. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1, 3.
Wood: 1, 2,3) 4,2:
required then it is ideal.
Growth: 3-14-30. Hardiness: 70%. Choice: 1, 3.
Woods i123, 4,2:

ee es

flower detail

underside

new leaf

old bark
Farge’s Catalpa
769
 flower detail

fruit

Raa
aS \
onq

Catalpa = erubescens ‘Purpurea’

Yellow Catalpa bark
770
 CATUAILIPASS

Catalpa x erubescens ‘Purpurea’ Catalpa x erubescens ‘J. C. Teas’, first raised in Indiana.
It has fragrant but fairly small flowers.
This selected hybrid between Catalpa bignonioides and
Growth: 3-8-10. Hardiness: 60%. Choice: 1.
Catalpa ovata was first cultivated in 1886. Now it 1s
often planted in large gardens both for its interesting Yellow Catalpa Catalpa ovata
almost black young foliage and its outstanding flow-
This small, rare, Chinese tree seldom exceeds 7m in
ers. The thin deciduous 20-30cm heart-shaped leaves
height. The 2.5cm flowers are yellowish-white
are either entire or 1-3-lobed. They start off dark
reminiscent of Common Horse Chestnut (p. 663).
purple or almost black in the spring and slowly turn
They open in mid to late summer in upright panicles
to pale green as the summer advances. A conspicuous
10-25cm long. The resulting 30cm bean pods hang
display of black foliage can be produced by cutting back
down in bunches and turn from green to dark brown
to ground level or to a pollarded stem each year. Prun-
in the autumn. They remain on the tree all through
ing in winter will encourage abundant new dark-col-
the following winter. The thin deciduous leaves are
oured spring growth but will restrict free flowering.
mostly three-lobed. This is a better town tree than
The flowers are in terminal panicles like those of
the ubiquitous Indian Bean (p. 767) and should be
Catalpa bignonioides, but usually more numerous.
more widely used.
They have frilly white petals which are liberally spot-
Growth: 3-5-7. Hardiness: 60-70%. Choice: 1.
ted on the inside with tiny purple dots. The throat is
brownish-purple and there are two yellow marks on Catalpa bungei
the lower lip. Flowers appear in late spring as the
From northern China this small pyramidal tree has
leaves begin to turn from black to green, providing
triangular-ovate to oblong 15cm leaves. The 3cm
an unusual effect. The ripe bean pods split open to
flowers in 3-12-flowered racemes are white with pur-
shed the seed at the end of the year but remain on the
ple spots inside. The hanging bunches of beans can be
tree in tatters throughout the winter. The best
up to 35cm long. A form with distinctly toothed
green-leaved garden form of this hybrid is the sterile
leaves Catalpa bungei var. heterophylla 1s also known.
Growth: 2-6-9. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

Yellow Catalpa
 Foxglove Tree LS ‘Coreana’
winter , ws

v2
 FOXGLOVE FAMILY + Scrophulariaceae

Foxglove Tree Paulownia tomentosa In America it has often escaped from cultivation
and in some areas it is naturalized. The American
This potentially large deciduous tree has big opposite
plants, introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1907, were
broadly ovate leaves. These may be 50cm across on
from West Hupeh in China and are thought to be
young vigorous shoots or coppice re-growth.
variety lanata.
Strong-growing leaves often develop shallow lobes.
The genus name commemorates Anna Paulowna,
The foliage and shoots are densely clothed with glan-
princess of the Netherlands, 1795-1865. The species
dular hairs which trap aphids and other small winged
name is a reference to the hairy leaves and shoots.
insects. The main feature of this tree in the garden is
Foxglove Trees grow best on deep moist loams, pref-
its beautiful pale violet early spring flowers. They are
erably with side shelter in exposed areas. The variety
funnel-shaped and campanulate, in terminal panicles,
lanata probably has the best flowers but they are usu-
with darker spots and yellow streaks inside. Unfortu-
ally concentrated almost out of sight at the top of the
nately the flower buds are present throughout the
tree. The cultivar ‘Coreana’ has woolly-backed,
winter and the flowers open before the leaves appear, yellow-tinted leaves and violet flowers.
so in cold areas they are usually spoiled. The soft Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 40-50%. Choice: 1 (requires space), 3.
pithy shoots of young plants are also frequently dam- Wood: 1.
aged by frost. A well established plant will react to
being frosted by growing new shoots or suckers at a Paulownia _fortunei
furious rate, often over 2.5m in one season. A Chinese, 20m tall tree with 12cm lustrous leaves,
This is a south-east Asian species, widely used in tomentose on the underside and stellate-hairy along
China on farms where its aphid-trapping ‘fly-paper’ the young shoots. The compact fragrant foxglove-
leaves are valued and it was extensively cultivated for like flowers are pale cream, flushed with mauve on
shade by Buddhist monks. It was introduced to France the outside.
from Japan in 1834 and to Chiswick, London, in Growth: 3-9-18. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.
1838. The plant in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, began
flowering in 1841 and over 20,000 plants were raised
from the seed.

spring flowers

Paulownia fortunei

Foxglove Tree
VIS
 frond detail

Fan Palm

Fan Palm
774
 [PAULA TeVANIAIIESE - Palmae

Canary Island Palm Phoenix canariensis the base into narrow pleated strips. The much-
branched flower clusters, male and female on sepa-
The magnificent Canary Island Palm is a large, fast-
rate trees, develop on females into great bunches of
growing tree with a long clear stem up to 1.5m in
2cm bloomed purple fruits.
diameter near the ground. The foliage consists of a
Growth: 5-10-14. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1, 2.
graceful branchless crown of curving pectinate ever-
ereen leaves up to 5m long. The yellowish flowers
on a huge cluster of twigs up to 2m long occur in Cabbage Palm Cordyline australis (Agavaceae)
spring, followed on female trees by heavy bunches of The forked suckering stems of this palm-like mem-
purplish-brown fruits. These look lke edible dates ber of the Lily family terminate in an evergreen clus-
but they are not good to eat. ter of stiff greyish 40-80cm slender sharply pointed
Phoenix theophrasti is a similar-looking but smaller leaves. The fragrant creamy-white 1cm flowers are
tree, native to Crete. Unfortunately the male flowers spectacular in early summer, occurring in erect
have an unpleasant smell. Nevertheless this is a useful branched clusters up to 1m long. Dead twiggy
coastal fringe tree often growing in tight clusters and flower-stalks often hang on the tree over winter,
affording much needed shelter. long after the bloomed 6mm berries have gone.
Growth: 6-16-20. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1, 2. Originally from New Zealand, this tree, intro-
duced in 1823, is widely planted near the coast in
mild areas. Its situation has dramatically improved in
Fan Palm =Trachycarpus fortunet
Northern Europe as a result of climate change.
This 10-15m palm extends further into cool temper- Specimens are flowering strongly on a regular basis
ate zones than any other true palm. Since 1836 it has and the range where the tree reliably survives is rap-
been widely planted in European coastal gardens and idly extending.
parks. Growth; 4-10-12. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1.
The distinctive soft fibrous stem is made up of dis-
carded leaf bases. Each leaf, held on a long petiole, 1s
60-80cm across and roundish but divided almost to

flowering
tree

Cabbage Palm
VIS
 fronds
removed

Chilean
Wine Palm

Date Palm

—————

Petticoat Palr

“Cabbage
Spanish Bayonet Tree Spanish Bayonet
young plant
776 old plant
 SOUTHERN PALMS

Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera reputed to be 6000 years old are known. Stems were
formerly a source of ‘dragon’s blood’, a red resin
Cultivated for at least 5,000 years, this suckering tree from the bark, used as a pigment in varnish. Many
has a clear stem and feathery top. The leaves are pin- trees are fluted and buttressed. The leaves in dense
nate, 3-5m long, with a hard curving rachis and rosettes are evergreen and strap-like, 50cm long, flat-
numerous strap-like, 40cm, leathery leaflets. The tened, pointed and blue green. Flowers are in bran-
base of the petiole is spiny, making the top of the chy, upright panicles often held above the foliage,
stem formidable to predators. Flowers are dioecious, each individual flower like a greenish-white lily. The
males small in upright clusters, females pendulous fruit is a lcm orange berry.
with brown petals. The familiar fruit is a 1-seeded Growth: 8-15-18 (40 in the wild). Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1.
berry, 3-7cm long, edible and sweet.
Growth: 10-25-35. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 2. Cabbage Tree Cordyline indivisa
Introduced in 1850 from New Zealand, this tree is
Petticoat Palm or Desert Fan Palm
more tender than Cordyline australis (p. 775). The
Washingtonia filifera leaves are broad, 1-2m long by 10-15cm wide, lan-
A popular ornamental, this slender tree from Central ceolate, glaucous, with conspicuous often red veins.
America often develops a characteristic swollen base Flowers are in 160cm, compact clusters. Individual
to the stem. The bark is grey, between horizontal flowers 8mm across, dull white, flushed with purple.
rings of brown leaf scars. Leaves are palmate, deeply There are foliage colour variations in cultivation:
divided into narrow lobes, partially joined by white ‘Rubra’ is red and ‘Purpurea’ is purple.
thread-like fringing. The base and underside of the Growth; 3-8-8. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1.
petiole is toothed. A bunch of dead leaves persists
Spanish Bayonet Yucca aloifolia
below the live crown (the petticoat) obscuring the
top of the branch-free stem. Flowers in 3m pendu- One of the largest species of Yucca, with a simple or
lous clusters are white, bell-shaped, with 3 petals and branched stem up to 8m long, topped by a dense tuft
3 outer sepals fused together. Fruit is 6mm across, of pungent foliage, consisting of 60cm, stiff, flat
ripening to black. leaves and long flexible flower spikes. Flowers are
Growth: 8-15-15. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1. rounded, bell-shaped, 5-10cm long, creamy white
with 6 purple tinged lobes. They are fragrant at night
Chilean Wine Palm Jubaea chilensis to attract pollinating moths. The dark purple, almost
Noted for its very thick stem, up to 2m in diameter. black, fruit has purplish flesh that is said to be edible.
The bark is dark grey with horizontal, smooth, close- Originally from southern North America, this spe-
spaced leaf scars. Pinnate leaves are 4-5m long, arching cies is extensively planted and has become natural-
and not spined. Purplish-brown flowers occur in dense ized in dense thickets. Subsp. draconis has a more
clusters up to 1.5m long. The fruit, a globose berry, is divided branchy outline. Yucca elephantipes is similar
4-5cm long, fleshy and yellowish-brown. but larger with 10m forked stems. More hardy than
Choice: 1.
these species is Yucca gloriosa, the Spanish Dagger or
Growth: 5-18-30. Hardiness: 20-30%.
Palm Lily. From the south-east USA it is a low bran-
Dragon Tree Dracaena draco (Agavaceae) chy shrub up to 3m tall with spine-tipped stiff leaves
and 4m spikes of flowers. There are variegated, glau-
“From the Canary Islands and Madeira, a multiple-
cous and distorted leaf forms in cultivation.
stemmed, forked, giant palm-like tree. It has thick
Growth: 4-8-9, Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1.
woody-purplish or silver-grey branches. Living trees

Yucca gloriosa
Yucca elephantipes
Waa
Canary Island Pine
Y

Montezuma Cypress Canary Island Pine Caribbean Pine

ie autumn
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis with a small central spine. Grey-brown stems are
smooth at first, becoming scaly and exfoliating with
(Pinaceae, pp. 204-59) age.
This tender pine, native in the Canary Islands, grows Growth: 4-12-30. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 4. Wood: 2,3.
in the mildest parts of Europe, particularly along the
dry slopes of the Mediterranean coast. For many Soft Tree Fern Dicksonia antarctica (Dicksoniaceae)
years it is a straight-stemmed narrow conical tree, its Although not strictly a tree, now much planted in
branches in whorls representing annual growth. In mild or protected places. It does best where rainfall is
old age the top gradually becomes irregular, often on plentiful, depending as it does on moisture chan-
a clear, knot-free stem. Branch tips droop under the nelled down the fronds into the root-filled stem.
weight of the long 20-30cm floppy needles in Ancient plants in its native Australia are 15m tall with
bunches of 3, bright green after a glaucous-green stems 60cm in diameter. The ‘bark’ consists of red-
start, and lasting 3-5 years. Juvenile foliage on seed- brown fibrous frond bases. The foliage, which is
lings is quite different, soft short 3-5cm blue-green confined to the top of the stem, fans out radially,
tightly packed single needles. The bark is thick, rug- regenerating itself from the centre like a palm. The
ged, dark reddish-brown and scaly; yellowish-brown 2m fronds are pinnate, splitting 2-3 times but always
and smooth on young branches. The woody cones facing up to the light. Reproduction is through
are 10-20cm long by 6cm thick (closed), singly or in microscopic spores produced on the underside of the
whorls on the shoot. Typically they are one-sided, fronds. It is advisable not to inhale spore-filled air
with strongly developed scale bosses only on the sun- during the shedding period.
lit side. The timber is good quality but the risk offor- Growth: depends on moisture and plant size. Hardiness: 20-30%.
est fire in tourist areas is high because of the thick Choice: 1.
resinous foliage. Montezuma Cypress Taxodium mucronatum
Growth: 7-22-60. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 2. Wood: 2,3.
(Taxodiaceae; other Taxodium, p. 103)
Caribbean Pine or Cuban Pine Pinus caribaea
This species is similar to Swamp Cypress (p.103)
A potentially large tree (up to 30m tall), originally except for shorter needles that are more or less persis-
from Central America and the West Indies. The tent, often changing from green to brown but over-
needles are usually in bunches of 3 but in regional wintering in mild areas. Branches flex and bend
forms (Bahamas and Honduras) they may be in 4 or downwards, the extremities of the foliage droop. It is
5s. Each needle is 15-25cm long, held in lax clus- native in southern North America and Mexico
ters. Although there are indistinct greyish stomatal where trees 45m tall are known. The timber is strong
lines on all surfaces, the overall colour is bright or and rot resistant.
olive green. The 10cm long stout woody cones are Growth: potentially 45m. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
red-brown with hard flat scale ends each armed

G-4)

Soft Tree Fern

 underside

Kermes Oak Kermes Oak

780
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Winter’s Bark Drimys winteri (Winteraceae) Myrtle Oak Quercus myrtifolia

An aromatic tree from western South America, An ideal oak for mild seaside locations, from the south-
introduced in 1827. The shoots often have a reddish ern USA, this is relatively wind and salt tolerant though
sunlit side. The fruit is a glossy black berry. This often remains stunted and bushy when too exposed.
primitive genus produces wood without vessels The branches and twigs form a dense domed top. The
(pores). It is pale brown and soft but has many uses. leaves’ undersides at first have a distinctive reddish-
Growth: 4-10-15. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1,2. orange pubescence. Acorns are ovoid, about 1cm long
in pubescent cups with overlapping scales. Growth:
Avocado Pear Persea americana (Lauraceae) 2-3-6. Hardiness: 20-30%, Choice: 3.
Probably Central American. Various forms are now Himalayan Oak Quercus semicarpifolia A relatively
grown and orchard trees remain quite low. The leaves small tree from Afghanistan to western China, but Roy
are leathery, glabrous, and aromatic from oily glands. Lancaster has recently collected forms that seem supe-
The wood is hard, heavy, fragrant and lustrous. Growth: rior. Leaves 9-11cm, leathery, evergreen rounded-
6-9-10 (18 where native). Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1,2. oblong, entire on old wood but spine-edged in the
Red Bay Persea borbonia is another decorative aro- juvenile state. Undersides are brownish-felty. Acorns
matic flowering tree, producing valuable wood for 2-3cm long, frequently in pairs in shallow cups. Growth:
fine furniture and, in America, timber. From south- 4-9-15 (30 where native). Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 1,3.
ern North America, it has been in Europe since at Quercus iberica is a close relative of Sessile Oak
least 1739. The leaves flavour food. Bark becomes (p. 381) but smaller, and not from Iberia at all, but
vertically fissured like Common Oak (p. 383). from the Balkans and west Asia. It is cultivated here
Growth: 6-9-18. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1. as it withstands hot dry conditions. Acorns are often
in clusters of 2 or 3, their cups softly pubescent with
Kermes Oak Quercus coccifera adpressed scales. Growth: 3-8-20. Hardiness: 50-60%.
(Fagaceae; other Quercus, pp. 351-93 ) Choice: 3. Wood: 3.

Native to the Mediterranean on dry rocky ground and Horse-tail She Oak Casuarina equisetifolia
host to the Kermes beetle, from which cochineal used (Casuarinaceae)
to be obtained, this small dense tree has ascending A salt-tolerant, shelter tree adapted to heat and
branches smooth bark, pinkish-grey shoots and ever- drought, introduced from south-east Asia and Austra-
green leaves like a Holm Oak (p. 373) with abrupt lia for sea and river erosion control. It has a very hard
unevenly-spaced spiny teeth. The acorns, which need 2 timber called Red Beefwood. Superficially like a Pine,
years to ripen, are larger than most of the leaves and the evergreen foliage is reduced to needle-like jointed
spine-tipped; their cups are armed with hard reflexed flexible shoots. As branches expand they become
spines. In south-west Europe subsp. calliprinos, the Pal- grooved and ribbed to conserve moisture and provide
estine Oak, replaces the species in the east. protection from strong light. Grey-brown bark strips
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 2,3. vertically. Fruits grey-brown and woody.
Growth: 6-15-20 (site sensitive, 35 where native).
Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1,2,3. Wood: 1,2,5.

Horse-tail She Oak

Winter’s Bark
781
 Golden Chestnut

Pe

Golden Chestnut (|
leaf variation

flower
detail

Ombu Tree

782
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Golden Chestnut Chrysolepis chrysophylla Loquat Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae)

(Fagaceae) Originally from China and southern Japan this fruit
Potentially a large tree, this Californian species was tree is now established in commercial orchards in
introduced in 1844 and is occasionally planted in the California, Florida and southern Europe. It will only
mildest parts of Europe for ornament. The edible fruit in the mildest areas because the erect fragrant
nuts are infrequent and small. Bark is grey-brown, panicles of white flowers appear in the autumn. The
becoming vertically fissured with age, the inner bark fruit sets over winter and ripens in the spring. A wild
is bright red. Young shoots are golden-yellow and plant produces a round or pear-shaped yellow fruit
hairy. Leaves are also yellowish-green with a scaly about 4cm in diameter. Selected clones produce much
golden pubescent underside, evergreen, 13cm long larger fruits up to 8cm across. The flesh is edible raw
with a 5mm petiole, oblong-lanceolate with slightly but tastes acid. It is much better cooked or preserved
rolled-back entire margins. Terminal panicles of as jam orjelly. The tree is evergreen with a rounded
slender yellowish-white scented catkins appear in outline. Young branches are downy, leaves are 25cm
mid-summer followed by 4cm spiked husks protect- long, narrow-oblong glossy and pointed. The under-
ing the fruit which takes 2 years to ripen. sides are felted at first.
Growth: 3-6-16 (very site sensitive, 25 in native range). Hardi- for fruit). Choice: 2.
Growth: 3-5-7. Hardiness: 20-30% (0%
ness: 40%. Choice: 1, 4 (flower odour). Wood: 3,4,5.
Kiwi Fruit Actinidia-deliciosa (chinensis)
Ombu Tree Phiytolacca dioica (Phytolaccaceae) (Actinidaceae)
Potentially this is a large tree with a thick stem and This woody, scrambling, tree-like climber produces
vigorous, evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, com- the commercial fruit known as Chinese Gooseberry
mon in Mediterranean countries but originating in or Kiwi. It will easily reach 8m in height and proba-
South America. The shoots are fleshy and basal epi- bly more if it has adequate support. The deciduous
cormic growths frequently occur. Leaves alternate, alternate leaves are 8-12cm long, more or less oval,
elliptic to ovate, 6-15cm, with a distinct pale col- with a cordate base. Buds are totally enclosed in the
oured midrib and parallel veins. Any deciduous foli- base of the petiole like the Plane tree’s (p. 449).
age colours yellow to purple before falling. Flowers Shoots are pubescent with reddish-brown hairs.
on separate male and female trees are in spiky green- Flowers are 4cm across in clusters, emerging creamy
ish racemes, around 6cm long. Individual male flow- and darkening at maturity. There are 5 petals and
ers have 20-30 stamens and 5 petal-like (no real numerous stamens. The familiar fruits are ovoid, up
petals) segments, females are a little larger up to to 6cm long, brown and hairy. Inside the edible flesh
1.5cm across. The berry-like fruit is fleshy, 7cm is pale green with a gooseberry flavour. Small
across and produced in pendulous clusters. They dark-coloured seeds radiate from the centre.
yield a dye and have medicinal properties but in Growth: 6-8-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2.
Europe, especially areas such as Gibraltar, this tree is
planted for shade.
Growth: 4-7-20. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 3. Wood: 1.

seeds

Kiwi
783
 |
Rubber
Tree | Azara
\ microphylla

loreton Bay |Ne

Fig

underside

W/E 2 OM 4

Moreton Bay Fig Moreton Bay Fig

784
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Rubber Tree Ficus élastica Sycamore Pig Ficus sycomorus

(Moraceae; other Ficus, p. 441) From north-east Africa and Asia. It is a thick
stemmed, often buttressed tree with a wide spreading
In northern Europe this is a familiar house plant in its
crown but relatively thin bark. The deep green
juvenile state, but in parts of the south it 1s hardy out-
leaves are entire but wavy-edged, 15cm long, ovate
side and can make a tall, evergreen, shade tree. It is
or nearly round with an abrupt pointed tip and
native to Java and south-east Asia. In natural condi-
heart-shaped base. The surface is distinctly rough to
tions it will buttress freely and produce aerial roots
touch. Figs are 8-10cm long, obovoid yellowish or
resembling multiple stems. Formerly it was cultivated
brownish red and finely pubescent.
as a source of inferior natural rubber. The leaves are
Growth: 4-8-25. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 4.
pointed oblong 30cm long by 15cm wide (less on
very old specimens). Fruits, around 1cm long, are Azara microphylla (Flacourtiaceae)
globular, green figs with yellowish flecks that occur Introduced from its native Argentina to Europe in
in pairs. There are many cultivars available in the 1861, this small evergreen tree has remained a favour-
nursery trade. ite with gardeners with limited space. Although the
Growth: 5-25-60 (in native range). Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1,3. vanilla-scented yellow spring flowers are small and
have no petals, they are its best feature. Leaves are
Moreton Bay Fig or Australian Banyan Tree obovate to rounded, entire or remotely and irregularly
Ficus macrophylla toothed, seldom over 1.5em long. Stipules at the base
of the short petiole are persistent. The fruit is a bright
A giant in its native Australia, this tree has to be given
orange-red berry only 3mm in diameter. There is a
plenty of room and sited carefully in cultivation. Like
variegated form in cultivation. The smaller tender
an ordinary Banyan it develops a twisted mass of ver-
Azara petiolaris introduced 3 years earlier from
tical stems and aerial roots. It tends to be a epiphyte,
Chile has slightly larger 7cm leaves and (black) fruit.
at first rapidly smothering its host before standing up
The yellow flowers in short racemes are equally fra-
on its own. The 20cm evergreen leaves are glabrous
grant. Azara serrata from Chile is a shrubby tree up
green, paler on the underside, elliptic to ovate with
to 4m tall with sharply toothed glossy 6cm narrowly
an abrupt tip and a cordate or rounded base. The
oblong leaves. The fruit is black about 7mm across.
1-2cm figs, in pairs, are green then purplish with ran-
Azara dentata is a more tender plant with yellow
dom yellowish markings. The bark remains fairly
fruit, fragrant flowers and small glossy evergreen
smooth and pinkish grey.
toothed leaves. Azara lanceolata is a shrubby tree
Growth: unpredictable (55m in native range). Hardiness: 0%. with coarsely toothed, evergreen, lanceolate leaves
Choice: 4.
up to 6cm long. Axillary flowers are in crowded clus-
ters, followed by striking violet berries.
immature fruits Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1.

Azara petiolaris Azara serrata

Azara dentata 785
Azara lanceolata
 African Tamarisk

Sapodilla Plum

Storax

Christmas Berry Victorian Box

786
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

African Tamarisk Tamarix africana is a roundish, fleshy drupe set in a pubescent calyx
like an ‘elf's hat’, on a slender stalk. Oddly, the last
(Tamaricaceae; other Tamarix, p. 703) recorded account of resin being collected by monks
This and T. canariensis (p. 703) are often grown in the was in 1755. It may be that the ancients confused this
western Mediterranean, with T. dalmatica more com- species with Liquidambar orientalis (p. 445), also said to
mon in the east. A feathery, small spreading tree with be the source of Storax resin.
minute 2-4mm alternate leaves clasping the slender Growth: 3-5-7. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
shoot like a Cypress. Each 2-3mm pale pink flower
has 5 petals. They appear densely packed together Christmas Berry Photinia serratifolia (Rosaceae)
along side shoots in early summer and persist for a More often a large shrub than a tree, but it can reach
long time. The fruit is a tiny capsule. In exposed 12m. P. x fraseri is its hybrid with P. glabra, with various
coastal areas thickets of reddish-black stems are often cultivars, such as ‘Red Robin’. Leaves start reddish-
conspicuous in winter. bronze in spring, turn glossy-green and remain in place
Growth: 6-8-8. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 3. for up to 3 years. Flowers dull white, the fruits red
haws. Lime tolerant. Introduced from China in 1804.
Sapodilla Plum Acliras (Manilkara) Zapota 1.
Growth: 4-8-12. Hardiness: 40%. Choice:
A large evergreen fruit tree with milky sap, exten- (Pittosporaceae;
sively grown on fertile, sandy loams. Leaves elliptic, Karo Pittosporum crassifolium
papery and almost hairless. Flowers solitary, with 6-7 other Pittosporum, p. 733)
lobes in leaf axils, the edible fleshy fruit with up to 8 A tender evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree
glossy pips in granular yellow-brown, sweet pulp, is from New Zealand, often planted instead of its har-
called Chiku in Mexico and Central America and the dier cousin (P. tenuifolium p. 733). Several cultivars
latex (Chicle) was an early component of chewing exist. Bark grey, tomentose at first, then black.
gum. The genus also has high quality timber trees, Leaves alternate, wavy-edged, undersides white-
e.g. Nkunya (M. cuneifolia) from Uganda. felted at first. Scented flowers, in tight stalked clus-
Growth: 8-15-30. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 2. Wood: 1,2. ters, have 5 dark red petals. Males and females on
separate trees, females producing globose, fruits that
Storax Styrax officinale (Styracaceae; become woody, each with 3 shiny black seeds.
other Styrax, p. 759) Growth: 3-7-10. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
A small flat-topped tree, on lime-free soil, native to Pittosporum undulatum
Victorian Box
the Mediterranean fringe and Asia Minor. Its bark
7-15cm,
yielded a valuable form of vanilla-scented balsam and From Australia in 1789. Shining green,
the dried fruits were used in rosaries. It often makes a leathery leaves, creamy-white fragrant flowers in ter-
flat-topped, branchy tree that has smooth grey bark minal clusters and berries in pairs, coated in sticky
for many years. Leaves alternate, 4-7cm, fresh green resin (Greek Pittos meaning pitch). The wood is
above and glaucous below. Drooping clusters of fra- occasionally used for inlay work. This species 1s fre-
grant, white, waxy flowers each have 5 recurved quently used as a rootstock for grafting ornamental
lobes, giving a ballerina or bell-like effect. The fruit forms, like ‘Variegatum’ with white-edged leaves.
Growth: 3-8-14. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1.

Christmas Berry
Karo
787
 Carob fruit

Red
Powder Puff
Tree

fruit
enlarged

788
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Carob Ceratonia siliqua (Leguminosae) golden-yellow, pea-like, each on a slender, curving,

yellowish-brown, 3cm stalk. Flowers occur in spring
A domed, evergreen tree on dry arid ground from before the leaves are far advanced. The fruit is a curi-
the Mediterranean to south-west Asia. The leathery, ous four-winged pod of small seeds. The wood,
glossy green leaflets are 4-6cm long, oval with a hard, durable and elastic, is used for cabinet work and
notched tip. Uusually no terminal leaflets. Small tool handles. The species is native in New Zealand
greenish or red tinted flowers occur in tightly packed and Chile so it was well established before the earth’s
upright spikes consisting entirely of prominent sta- tectonic movement formed the Pacific Ocean.
mens or a style. The soft pea-pod fruit with white Growth: 2-5-12. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1. Wood: 1,3.
pulp is used as a cattle food. The hard white seeds
were the original ‘carat’ weight of goldsmiths, and Mimosas or Wattles Acacia species
ground up as a substitute for flour. Several species of this large genus (see also p. 573)
Growth: 3-8-10 (occasionally more). Hardiness; 0-10%. Choice: 2. have been introduced to Europe from various parts of
Australia. They generally have a smooth, grey-green
Red Powder Puff Tree Calliandra haematocephala
bark and evergreen foliage. The leaves are much
Large shrub or small tree from South America, reduced to modified petioles to conserve moisture,
planted extensively. Bi-pinnate evergreen leaves are flowers are small but numerous in deep yellow spikes.
up to 45cm long, lustrous green above and paler They often throw profuse root-suckers and when cut
beneath. The ‘shaving brush’ flowers, bisexual or down by frosts will re-establish themselves. Sydney
male, appear to consist entirely of long stamens, Golden Wattle A. longifolia from south-east Australia
white at the base and bright red towards the tip, in has been used in south-west Europe for dune fixing
tight clusters on downy side shoots in late winter. and municipal planting. Growth: 5-8-8 (occasionally 10).
Growth: 2-4-6. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1,3.

Sopliora microphylla Wirilda or Swamp Wattle Acacia retinoides, a

Evergreen Sophora
wetland species and more lime-tolerant than others,
A small ornamental New Zealand tree. Foliage is is widely planted for shelter and erosion control.
dense, often tangled with dark green pinnate leaves, Fruits are pea pods with red stalks. Growth: 4-6-6. Har-
each with around 30 opposite pairs of 1cm oval leaf- diness: 30%. Choice: 3.
lets. The golden-yellow spring flowers droop down- Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii has been extensively
wards so as not to trap raindrops. Often seen as the planted along watercourses and areas subject to ero-
early-flowering cultivar, ‘Sun King’. sion. Growth: 6-10-15. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3.
Growth: 3-6-9. Hardiness; 20-30%, Choice: 1. Golden Wreath Wattle Acacia saligna from Western
Australia is semi-pendulous and suckering, often
Kowhai Sophora tetraptera ‘Grandiflora’ becoming invasive but liked by florists for the dense,
This semi-evergreen species is most often seen as the bright yellow flowers. The seed stalks are white and the
fairly robust cultivar “Grandiflora’, the national flower seeds themselves brown with pale margins. The bark,
of New Zealand. The bark is purplish-brown with like Black Wattle’s, can be used for tanning leather.
yellowish-grey tomentum on the young shoots. The Growth: 5-6-6 (occasionally 10). Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1,2,3.
twigs are slender and tend to droop and the flowers

De.
Pr

ine y yp 6 ij

Black Wattle Golden Wreath Wattle 789

Sydney Golden Wattle
 ; . - seedling
juvenile leaf

Swamp Mahogany

flower
Tuart buds

juvenile leaf

fruit

juvenile
leat

flower ~ seedling
buds f;

Red Mahogany
Red Mahogany
790
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Tuart Eucalyptus gomphocephala strong, heavy and hardens with age. It is used for
industrial and domestic construction work.
(Myrtaceae; other Eucalyptus, pp. 737-43)
Growth: 9-20-35 (45 in native range). Hardiness: 20%.
Over 520 species and 120 varieties of Eucalyptus Choice: 2. Wood: 1,2,3,4,5. (Tuart 4 only).
have been identified. They all pass through 3 stages
of development, juvenile, with strikingly different Luma Amomyrtus luma (Myrtus luma)
foliage, intermediate and mature. This species is ulti- There is uncertainty in the botanical world about the
mately a 40m tall spreading tree with fibrous grey scientific name of this plant. For many years it was
bark from Western Australia. Juvenile leaves are Myrtus luma which confusingly was also a former
ovate, alternate with a cordate or rounded base, adult name for Luma apiculata. This small evergreen tree 1s
leaves are lanceolate 9-16cm long, and drooping. best known for its year-round display of smooth
Axilliary flowers mostly in umbels of 7 are creamy- exfoliating bark, in patches of cinnamon-brown, pale
white with prominent stamens. Fruit is bell-shaped, erey and cream. Flowers, in open racemes, are
1-2cm long, also in clusters of up to 7. Buds are dis- generally produced in profusion. They are fragrant,
tinctive, usually in 3s, shaped like an emerging mush- with short rounded 5mm petals framing numerous
room. In Australia and southern Europe this is a yellow stamens (up to 300 have been counted). The
short-lived pioneer forest tree. tem diameter fleshy fruit ripens to dark purple.
Leaves are dark green, leathery, 2-4cm long, oval
Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta with an abrupt point. They are aromatic if crushed.
This Eucalypt prefers wet ground and will grow Originally from Chile, introduced in 1843, this plant
close to the sea. The bark is fibrous red-brown. has been extensively cultivated in mild parts of
Flowers and fruits occur in umbels of 10-15. Europe, where several ornamental cultivars have
been produced by the nursery trade.
Red Mahogany Eucalyptus resinifera Growth: 2-5-6 (10 in natural range). Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 1.
A giant tree, 45m tall in its native Queensland and
New South Wales. Bark and foliage are similar and
flowers occur in umbels of 7-11. The wood is very

Luma
HS
 Broadleaf

Pomegranate
seeds §

HZ
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Myrtle Myrtus communis extensively planted in California and Florida and is

suitable for similar climatic conditions in Europe
Native to the Mediterranean region and west Asia,
Growth: 4-6-7. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1.
the exact range of this species is uncertain, but it has
been cultivated since pre-history, and was said to be Pomegranate Punica granatum (Punicaceae)
sacred to Aphrodite. For centuries escapes from cul- Cultivated for so long, the original ‘wild’ Pomegran-
tivation have naturalized and it is common in ate once had a huge geographic range from the
maquis, particularly near the sea, but generally Mediterranean to the Himalayas. Escapes from gar-
stunted as it prefers shade. The evergreen, aromatic dens and plantation for fruit or ornament have
foliage is dense and twiggy. Each leaf has tiny trans- obscured the original distribution and spread it all
parent scent glands. The flowers may be white to round the warm temperate world, including South
pale pink and the fruit is a purple-black, sometimes America, China and southern North America. This
bloomed berry containing many seeds. Several culti- small tree has stiff branches and thorns. The original
vars have been produced including double flowered colour of the flowers was probably orange but culti-
‘Flore Pleno’ and small leaved ‘Microphylla’ forms. vated forms range from red to white. There are dis-
Subsp. tarentina has pinkish flowers and white berries. tinctive pale orange, leathery, bell-shaped, 5-7
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 20-30%. Choice: 1. pointed sepals behind each flower. The familar edi-
ble fruit is a large berry divided inside into angular
Crimson Bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus
compartments, each containing sweet watery-pink
Introduced from its native Australia in 1788 this juice and a seed. It was formerly used to cure tape-
evergreen curiosity has become a familiar compo- worms and is still used in the tanning industry, giving
nent of European gardens in mild areas. The shoots Morocco leather its characteristic yellow colour.
are silky-pubescent at first, lax and arched, the leaves Growth: 2-6-8. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 1,2.
rigid and narrow, 8-10cm long, pale grey-green and Griselinia littoralis (Cornaceae)
Broadleaf
lemon-scented if crushed. The flowers are dense
cylindrical spikes offine red stamens produced over a Closely related to Dogwoods (p. 747-751), this
long period in summer and followed by distinctive drought- and salt-tolerant evergreen from New Zea-
woody capsules containing seeds. The outline of a land is much planted for ornamental coastal shelter
good tree is pyramidal but most are ragged and and hedging. Several cultivars have yellowish or
shapeless. The slender stem has grey-brown bark. variegated foliage, ‘Dixon’s Cream’ and ‘Variegata’.
Callistemon viminalis, the Weeping Bottlebrush is Growth: 3-7-8. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 1,3.
4 small tree around 6m tall from New South Wales, Apuka_ Griselinia lucida
with 8-10cm lanceolate leaves that emerge bronze-
green. The slender branches flex downwards, show-
Similar to G. littoralis but with larger leaves, often
ing off the ornamental red flowers to perfection. with an oblique base. The plant itselfisoften lax and
Each one has a mass of stamens up to 3cm long. The shrubby. It is said to be epiphytic in warm moist con-
fruits are globose and woody. This species is ditions in sub-tropical New Zealand.
Growth: 2-4-5. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1.

Broadleaf
Weeping Bottlebrush
WS
 od Fs 5 n 3 —
Lr) & icalp= ie) =

iziphu s lotus

Common Jujube

Ne ay

S iIky Oak
794
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Jerusalem Thorn Paliurus spina-christi mythology. The dried fruit was ground and made
into a kind of bread that formed a staple part of the
(Rhamnaceae) food for the poor. The word lotophagi, lotus-eaters,
A straggling small semi-evergreen tree with vicious became synonymous with poverty.
straight and hooked thorns in unequal pairs. It is
native from southern Europe to northern China and
was first cultivated here in 1597. The foliage is angu- A massive genus of 250 species mostly from Austra-
lar, flexible and dense. Leaves are alternate, ovate, lia, and nothing to do with Oak (p. 351). This is an
2-4cm long, toothed or entire, with thorns at the base upright thinly-branched tree that is resistant to
of the petiole. Flowers are in axillary clusters. Each drought and salt but requires good drainage and full
one has 5 greenish-yellow small twin-lobed petals. light. The foliage is pubescent (silky) when young.
The fruit is a hard, round, red, flattened disk with an The pinnate leaves are evergreen, about 20-30cm
undulating membranous 2-3cm wing surrounding it. long. The flowers are yellow to orange in pairs on a
Growth: 2-6-7. Hardiness: 30%. Choice: 3. one-sided raceme and the fruit is a 2-3cm long
woody capsule. As pollination is very specialized,
Common Jujube or Chinese Date seed is seldom produced away from the tree’s natural
Ziziphus (Zizyphus) jujuba habitat. This species has been taken round the warm
temperate and tropical world as a windbreak and in
Cultivated for centuries by the Chinese as a dessert
America and southern Europe it is used as a shade
fruit, this small spiny tree is widely naturalized in C.F. Greville
tree. The name commemorates
southern Europe. It appears to have been introduced
(1749-1809) founder member of the Royal Horti-
from Asia at the time of Augustus. There are now cultural Society in London.
extensive commercial orchards, mostly on lime-rich
Growth: 8-20-30. Hardiness: 20%. Choice: 2,3.
soils. The leaves, glossy green above and slightly
pubescent on the underside, have only 3 parallel Oleaster Elaeagnus angustifolia (Elaeagnaceae)
veins and 5 glandular teeth. The flexible shoots are A large shrub, occasionally a spreading spiny decidu-
green at first then purplish-grey. The spines in pairs ous tree, with striking silvery-green foliage. Intro-
may be straight or curved. The fruit is long, fleshy duced from west Asia in the sixteenth century, it is
and dark reddish-brown when ripe. The similar, or frequently planted on sea and river sands and gravel.
possibly synonymus Z. vulgaris, is a rough-barked It is naturalized in southern Europe. Leaves have
thorny tree with pale yellow flowers and slightly copious silver scales, especially on the under side.
astringent olive-sized red fruit. Strongly scented, even the flowers are dusted with
Growth: 2-5-8. Hardiness: 40%. Choice: 2. silvery scales. The 1cm olive-like fruit is amber to
Ziziphus (Zizyphus) lotus orange-brown. The raw pulp is edible and sweet;
when dried the berries are called Trebizond grapes.
Some authorities list this as an individual species, but Choice: 1.
Growth: 2-6-7 (occasionally 12). Hardiness: 50-60%.
the scientific name is questionable. It is reputed to be
the source of the legendary liqueur that induced the
forgetfulness of the ‘Lotus-eaters’ in Greek

Oleaster

725
 Pepper Tree
f

Indian
| Bead Tree |

Mastic
Tree

young
fruit

Pepper Tree
fruits

\
Ya

Ws ey),

Pistachio nut

Pepper Tree
796
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Mastic Tree Pistacia lentiscus (Anacardiaceae) winters. Only female trees bear fruit so one male is
planted to every twelve females. They are ‘alternate
Mastic is a pale yellow high grade resin coated with a bearing’ so heavy crops only occur every other year.
white bloom, exuded in pea-sized droplets by this In places it has escaped from cultivation and become
small bushy tree. It is native to the Mediterranean, naturalized. The bark becomes vertically ridged, the
North Africa and the Canary Islands. In southern foliage brilliant red in the autumn. Flowers are small,
Europe it is most common on dry rocky sites, grow- in loose panicles of over 100 blooms, male and
ing in isolation or amongst scrub. The bark is grey- female on separate trees. The ovate fruit 1s green, rip-
brown, smooth at first, becoming rough with age. ening to reddish-brown, with the shelled nuts high
Pinnate leaves with 3-5 pairs of evergreen 1.5-4.5cm in protein and low in sugar.
oblong-lanceolate leaflets are glossy green and alter- Growth: 5-8-10. Hardiness: 40%, Choice: 2.
nate. The rachis and the petiole are winged. The
small dioecious flowers have no petals and the glo- Pepper Tree Schinus molle
bose fruit is aromatic, red at first then black, and end In Central and South America the leaves are used for
with a pointed tip. flavouring food and brewing an alcoholic drink, the
Growth; 2-4-5. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 2. dried fruit for pepper, and the sap as a resinous gum.
Turpentine Tree Pistacia terebinthus Although the branches are slender, pendulous and
elegant, the stem is often stunted in old age. The
Often a stunted, gnarled maquis shrub, in summer a alternate, 10-30cm, pinnate leaves have up to 25 lan-
source of turpentine, so it is a contributor to raging ceolate leaflets and end in either a single leaf, a soft
heath fires in summer. It is native to southern spine or a tendril. The small flowers are in drooping
Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. Usually it has panicles and the reddish fruits contain glossy seeds.
a short trunk and thick, tangled, pubescent resinous Growth: 3-12-15. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1,2.
twigs. The bark is grey becoming rough with age, it
is suitable for tanning animal skins. The deciduous, Indian Bead Tree or Persian Lilac
aromatic foliage is glossy green and leathery. Leaves Melia azedarach (Meliaceae)
are 10-20cm long, pinnate, with 3-6 pairs of 4cm,
oval-lanceolate, slender-tipped leaflets and a winged The bark and fruit have been used for medicinal pur-
petiole. Flowers pink, in dense clusters in early poses, but the fruit is poisonous in excess. Melia species
spring, unisexual and without petals. The fruit, often have also been used to produce organic insecticide.
in weighty bunches, is reddish- to purplish-brown Introduced from Asia in the sixteenth century and
with a hard wrinkled shell. It is around 8mm long, related to Mahogany, it thrives in hot, dry, rocky
ovoid or spherical. places. The bark, dark rusty-grey and ridged, 1s rich in
Choice: 1.
tanic acid. Double pinnate leaves smell disagreeable
Growth: 4-8-10. Hardiness: 10%.
when crushed but colour to a good autumn yellow,
Pistachio Pistacia vera and the pale lilac flowers are fragrant. The hard mbbed
nuts (beads) were used for rosaries.
A small tree or large spreading shrub introduced from 1,2.
10%. Choice:
west Asia around 1770). Plantations are frequent, the Growth: 4-10-15. Hardiness:

trees liking hot dry conditions in summer, but cold

_ : |
}
¢ ad ose
= all '
rs p a), e
es

Pistachio Indian Bead Tree

TOT
 Py a ip ¥ ze

i “
.
‘

a i {

& Wi he sh

winged Csiro tA
petiole Oe

Seville Orange

=>

winged
petiole

Grapefruit

winged
petiole

Mandarin
Lemon Citron
798
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Mandarin, Satsuma, Tangerine and Clementine

Oranges Citrus species (Rutaceae)
Citrus reticulata, from China and Japan, reached the Medi-
The genus of tender round-topped trees, most both terranean in 1805. Intensive selection since has given rise
flowering and fruiting simultaneously and throughout to an array of different forms and names. The Satsuma,
the year, often with spines among the glossy foliage from the Japanese province of that name, has thin, bnght
that, crushed, smells of the fruit (botanically a berry). orange skin, loose and ‘ill fitting’, but easy to peel. The
Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis, the popular fruit tree Clementine is possibly of hybrid origin discovered by Pere
grown commercially world-wide, is possibly a hybrid Clement in 1906. It is a favourite with French growers,
between C. maxima and C. reticulata. The foliage 1s and fruits early in the year.
compact, with angular twigs and sparse flexible spines. Shaddock, Pampelmousse or Pomelo Citrus
Leaves are ovate with an acute point and rounded maxima. Close to the Grapefruit, this small tree has
base. The petiole is narrowly winged. Flowers are prodigious fruit, up to 25cm across and has pink
scented and white, in clusters on weak side shoots. flesh. It was named after Captain Shaddock who
Oranges have thick but fairly smooth peel. introduced it to Barbados before 1707.
Seville Orange Cifrus aurantium is commonly Kumquat Fortunella species (Citrus fortunella) com-
grown for marmalade. A distillation of the flower is a memorates Robert Fortune who discovered the
constituent of Eau de Cologne. The fruit has rough plant in China in 1847. There are now innumerable
orange rind and a dimple at the end and sour pulp. cultivars and hybrids. Most are pot plants but slow-
The variety dulcis is known as the sweet orange, the growing, small trees do occur: F. x crassifolia, a hybrid
name also applied to Citrus sinensis above. with C. aurantiifolia is most vigorous with roundish
Bitter Orange Citrus vulgaris var. bigaradia 1s simi- fruit, and F. margarita is thick-peeled, sharp and spicy
lar to Seville Orange, but grown in southern France, There is also a “limequat” ‘Eustis’ with yellow fruit.
Calabria and Sicily to produce flowers for perfumery. Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi, perhaps a hybrid between
It prefers dry soils on hot south-facing slopes. the Shaddock and C. sinensis came from the Antilles to
Citrus x bergamia from south-east Asia is a natural Florida in 1814 and rapidly spread around the world.
hybrid between C. aurantium and the Lime C. auran- The juice of such cultivars as ‘Ruby’ and ‘Foster’ is
tiifolia and has been cultivated in southern Europe at deep red and fairly sweet.
least since 1700. In Calabria it was grown for berga- Lemon Citrus limon, introduced to Greece from
mot oil from its thick yellow peel. It is an untidy small south-east Asia in the second century AD, was distributed
tree with ovate-oblong leaves with long winged peti- throughout southern Europe by the eleventh century
oles. The flowers are deliciously fragrant and the fruits and introduced to California in 1858. Almost 50 varieties
spectacular, up to 10cm long, with glossy yellow, pit- are currently grown.The roots and wood are of high
ted rind, like large pear-shaped lemons. decorative quality and strength, and polish well.
Florida Orange or King Mandarin Citrus nobilis Lime Citrus aurantiifolia, introduced from Malaysia,
(not illustrated) is possibly a hybrid between C. reticu- via India, is more tender than most Lemons. Acidic,
lata and C. sinensis, a small tree from Vietnam. It is a but there are also sweet limes in cultivation e.g. C.
very popular fruit, mostly grown in California, limetta and C. limettoides with yellowish fruit.
though worthwhile anywhere, especially the cultivar Citron Citrus medica Another ancient introduction
‘Temple’, its thin-peeled oranges are often patchy from Persia and India and a possible parent of both
yellow and orange, sweet and juicy. ihe tree is the Lemon and Lime. Harvested for candied peel.
ascending but spreads by suckering from the roots. For Citrus species in general: Growth: 2-4-5. Hardi-
ness: 10%. Choice: 2.

winged
petiole

Shaddock
 Sweet Tea

a vo - 2 6 ) so)

Hop Tree
flowering
800 Tree Tobacco
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Hop Tree Ptelea trifoliata Sweet Tea or Fragrant Olive

A small tree from southern North America and Mex- Osmanthus fragrans (Oleaceae)
ico that has become naturalized in southern Europe. Introduced to Europe in 1771, the exact origin of
The bark is chestnut brown and the shoots are dark this Asiatic plant is uncertain. It is evergreen with
and glossy. Leaves are alternate, trifoliate, each leaflet opposite, oblanceolate, finely toothed or entire,
is ovate to lanceolate, 4-12cm long, glandular-dotted 10cm, fragrant leaves. The small 4-petalled flowers
and aromatic. Fragrant, yellowish flowers appear in are white and strongly scented. They occur in late
early summer in cymose panicles followed by clusters summer and in China they are used to perfume tea.
of distinctive elm-like seeds. These are 2-3cm long, The olive-like fruit is a single seeded drupe. Forma
including a round, reticulate, flat wing notched at the aurantiacus has orange-yellow flowers. A similar spe-
base. There are ornamental forms such as ‘Aurea’ cies from North America is O. americanus, Devil
with yellow leaves, ‘Fastigiata’ an 8m upright form, Wood. Its creamy-white flowers appear in short
and var. bailey that has white bark. panicles, situated in the leaf axils, and the fruits are
Growth: 2-6-7. Hardiness: 30-40%. Choice: 1. deep blue.
Growth: 2-8-12. Hardiness: 10-20%. Choice: 1.
Trifoliate Orange Poncirus trifoliata
This curiosity, that just about clings to life in north- Tree Tobacco Nicotiana glauca (Solanaceae)
ern Europe, fares rather better in the mild south. From Bolivia and Argentina, this ornamental tree has
Originally from China, introduced 1850, it produces escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in
4cm, oval fruit resembling small oranges. The fruit is southern Europe. It is slender-crowned, with flexi-
inedible but the peel has been processed in the past to ble, drooping foliage. The leaves are up to 25cm long
produce an essential oil. It can be used as a Citrus on a 10cm petiole, oval to elliptical, slightly glaucous
rootstock and as a parent in hybridization to produce and rubbery. Flowers are 3-4cm, slender yellow
more hardy strains. The foliage is generally tangled tubes with a bulbous, greenish base and a constricted
and untidy, with stout, stiff green thorns. Leaves are end, terminating with 5 short lobes. They are non-
trifoliate, with 5cm obovate-elliptic leaflets and a seasonal. The fruit is an ovoid, 1.5cm long capsule
winged petiole. Flowers appear before the leaves in that eventually splits into 4 parts.
spring. They are waxy, white, solitary or in pairs Growth: 3-6-6 (10 in native range). Hardiness: 20-30%.
with 5 petals and around 20 stamens. It is usually Choice: 1.
grown as an ornamental or thorny hedge.
Growth: 1-3-4. Hardiness: 50%. Choice: 1.

fruit

Trifoliate Orange
801
 Banana

leaflet

seeds

Jacaranda

Jacaranda
802
 SOME SOUTHERN TREES

Banana or French Plantain Musa x paradisiaca Boobyalla Myoporum insulare (Myoporaceae)

(Musaceae) A small, bright green tree, originally from Australia,
Bananas have been cultivated since pre-history, and this species is used in southern Europe for shelter and
their origin is obscure. They are not strictly woody fire resistance. It is evergreen with 7-8cm long, ob-
plant, though tree-like in appearance, with stems lanceolate entire or randomly toothed alternate
consisting of overlapping leaf bases and hollow (a leaves. The bisexual flowers are in clusters of 2-4.
pseudostem, unlike a palm. Leaves are around, 3m They are tubular, 7mm _across with 5 fused lobes,
long, easily torn by the wind to horizontal shreds white with pink or purplish spots inside. The fruit is
from the midrib to the margin. Manilla hemp is a purplish-blue globular drupe.
manufactured from them. The flowers are huge, pro- Growth: 2-8-10. Hardiness: 10%. Choice: 2.
duced in one year, 1.5m long and pendulous. The
sterile male part towards the tip is covered by Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia (Bignomiaceae)
purplish-red bracts. Female flowers that develop Originally from Argentina, this decorative tree 1s
without fertilization into familiar bananas are towards unpredictable in southern Europe. In one place it is a
the base. The seedless fruit is yellow with buff-white spreading invasive thicket, in another it is a substantial
flesh. They can be eaten unripe, when they are rich tree (it can grow to 50m tall in its mative habitat). The
in starch. foliage is feathery, semi-evergreen and tending to
Growth: 8. Hardiness: 0-10%. Choice: 1,2. droop. The leaves are bi-pinnate, opposite and up to
45cm long. Each pinna can have up to 25 oblong cm
Japanese Banana Musa basjoo leaflets along its length. When shedding, the leaves turn
This (unillustrated here) is the species commonly yellow. Flowers are mauve in erect 20cm conical clus-
grown in warm areas of Europe for ornament, and 1s ters. Each bell-shaped 6cm bloom hangs down and has
much smaller, though cultivated for fibre in its native 5 spreading pointed lobes. Flowering often occurs
Japan. The 7cm fruit, generally produced in Europe twice a year. The fruit is an oval, 5-7cm, woody cap-
only under glass, is similarly yellow with white pulp. sule containing numerous winged seeds. The timber is
good.
Certainly easier to manage as a garden tree than an
ordinary Banana, it was introduced from the Ryukyu Growth: unpredictable (up to 16m). Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1.
Wood: 2.
Islands in 1881 by Charles Maries. The leaves are up
to 2m long and 70cm wide. The horizontal flowers
are creamy-yellow, becoming pendulous and tinged
with purple at maturity.
Growth: 4. Hardiness: 0%. Choice: 1. Wood: 4.

Banana
Jacaranda
803
 GE@ Spinney

Acidity. The acid reaction of the soil measured and ex- Chimera. Two or more genetically different plants fused
pressed as pH (the hydrogen ion concentration). A read- together by a mutation or deliberate grafting.
ing of pH7 is neutral, a lesser number indicates greater
Clone. A single plant reproduced vegetatively.
acidity, each whole number represents a tenfold differ-
ence. Conifer. A cone-bearing tree with needle- or scale-like
foliage.
Acuminate. With a long tapering point.
Connate. Joined, e.g. some pairs of juvenile Eucalyptus
Acute. Sharply pointed (leaf etc.).
leaves.
Adpressed (hairs). Pressed against the stem or part of the
Coppice. A sustainable system of woodland manage-
foliage.
ment involving repeated cutting back to a stump at
Agglomerated (fruits). Clustered together as in Plane or ground level, usually every 7-25 years.
some Dogwoods.
Corolla. A complete set ofpetals.
Alkalinity. A measure oflime rich soil (see Acidity) a pH
Cotyledons. First or seed leaves on a new plant. They
measurement above 7.
occur singly (monocotyledons), in twos (dicotyledons),
Anaerobic (soil). Lacking free oxygen, sour. or in clusters (as in many conifers).
Angiospermae. Flowering plants bearing seeds within Corymb (corymbose). A compound inflorescence with
an enclosed structure. a central stem and spreading side branches producing a
more or less flat top.
Anthers. The fertile male pollen-bearing capsules borne
on the stamens. Crown (ofa tree). The branches, twigs and foliage form-
ing the whole upper part.
Apomictic. A plant that can produce fruit without the
need for sexual fusion. Cultivar. A variety or strain produced by human selec-
tion and propagated vegetatively.
Auricles. Ear-like lobes.

Backcross. A result of hybrid progeny subsequently Cuneate. Wedge-shaped (ifa leaf, narrowest towards the
base).
breeding with either one of the original parent species.
Berry. A fleshy fruit without a stone-like shell round the Cyme (cymose). An inflorescence with a terminal flower
seed or seeds. and replicated identical side shoots and subsidiary flowers.

Bi-generic (hybrid). A cross between members ofdiffer- Decussate. With opposite leaves, but each successive
ent genera. pair at right-angles to the preceding one.

Bisexual. A flower containing male and female sexual Deciduous. Shedding, usually leaves in the autumn or
organs. bark in spring.

Bloom. A white powdery deposit. Deflexed. Bent abruptly down or back.

Bract. A scaly or leafy appendage situated where a flower Dicotyledon. Plants with a pair of seed-leaves.
stalk (pedicel) leaves the stem. Die back. Shoot death from the tip downwards.
Broadleaved. A tree usually with flat leaves (deciduous Dioecious. With separate male and female plants.
or evergreen) that is not a conifer.
Drupe. A fleshy fruit with one or more seeds protected
Calyx. An outer whorl of leafy organs (sepals) at the base by a hard shell.
ofa flower. A persistent calyx will remain on the top of a
fruit permanently, a deciduous calyx will fall away as the Ellipsoid. A solid body with a curved outline and elliptic
shape.
fruit swells.
Canker. Enlargement, callousing and fissuring, often as- Elliptic. Shaped like an ellipse, 2 or more times longer
than wide.
sociated with a discharge of moisture or slime, on the
stem or branches of a tree. It is caused by several kinds of Emarginate. Having a shallow notch at the apex.
fungal or bacterial infection.
Epicormic. Adventitious shoots which appear on the
Carpel. Division in a female flower or fruit. trunk of a tree.

804
 GVOSSALRN

Epiphyte. A plant that depends on another for suste- Monotypic. A single representative (e.g. a genus consist-
nance or support. ing of one species only).

Exfoliating. Shedding (usually bark). Mucronate. With a short, narrow point.

Exserted. Protruding. Naturalised. A plant that has become established in an

area beyond its native or natural distribution.
F1. Hybrids resulting from controlled crosses which can
not be relied upon to produce further identical progeny. Nectary. The part of a flower which produces and se-
cretes nectar.
F2. Second generation hybrids.
Nectria (fungus). A common canker-forming fungus, es-
Fasciated. Flattened shoots growing together, from a
pecially in orchard trees, carried as spores in rain water or
genetic or chemical disorder. on the wind. It will penetrate the bark through any exist-
Fastigiate. A very narrow upright tree, such as Lom- ing wounds.
bardy Poplar. Node. The point on a stem where one or more leaves
Forma (f.). The recognized botanical category subordi- arise,
nate to variety. Nomenclature. The naming of plants (classification 1s
Genotype. The classification of an organism based upon called Taxonomy).
its genetic composition and not its morphological charac- Obovate (leaf). Egg-shaped, but broadest towards the
teristics. tip.
Glabrous. Having no hair. Ovate (leaf). Wee shaped, broadest towards the base.
Glandular. Having glands (secreting organs) usually on Ovoid. Egg-shaped in three dimensions.
twigs and leaves.
Palmate (leaf). Shaped like an open hand.
Glaucescent. Becoming glaucous.
Panicle. An inflorescence, similar to a raceme but having
Glaucous. With a bluish bloom. branched stalks.
Globose. Vaguely spherical. Pectinate. Comb-like.
Globular. Spherical, or consisting of globules. Petiole. The stalk by which a leafis attached to a stem.
Heading back (pruning). Reducing top growth. Photosynthesis. The conversion of light energy from
Hilum. The scar left on a seed when it becomes detached the sun into chemical energy (carbohydrates) using min-
from the fruit. erals from the earth and elements from the atmosphere,
e.g. oxygen to produce plant food. This occurs in the
Incised (leaves). Deeply toothed or lobed green parts of the plant.
Inflorescence. A cluster of flowers originating from a Pinnate. A compound leaf with more than 3 leaflets ar-
single point on the stem. ranged in two ranks along a common axis (rachis).
Internodal. The part of a stem between two adjacent Plumose. Feather-like.
nodes.
Podocarp. A fruit with a stipe or stalk.
Lanceolate. Narrow, lance-shaped (leaf) broadest at a
point just below the middle. Pollarding. An ancient sustainable form of tree manage-
ment involving the periodic removal of all the branches as
Lenticels. Lens-shaped spores. an alternative to felling.
Lignotuber. A woody swollen stem or root tuber bear- Provenance. A region within the natural distribution of
ing numerous fascicles of dormant buds. a species.
Microclimate. The local climate, even in part of a gar- Pubescent. Hairy (foliage).
den, influenced by immediate surroundings.
Raceme. A spiked inflorescence with many individually
Microspecies. A distinctive segregate of a true species, stalked flowers all emanating directly from a central stem.
in
often originating as a hybrid which has resulted
Rachis. The central rib of a pinnate leaf.
apomictic progeny.
by
Radiation frost. Caused by heat loss from the ground
Monocotyledon. Plants with a single seed-leaf.
radiation — especially when no insulation layers of foliage
on the same
Monoecious. With male and female flowers or cloud are present.
plant. or back.
Reflexed. Bent down
Monopodial. A stem in which growth is continued
point. Reticulate. Net-veined.
from year to year from the terminal growing
 GLOSSARY

Root collar. The point, often clearly visible on young Subcordate. Somewhat heart-shaped.
planting stock, where the root and the shoot meet at
Subglobose. Irregularly spherical.
ground level.
Subspecies (subsp.). A taxonomic rank less than a spe-
Rootstock. The root on to which another plant is
cies, usually originating as a regionally isolated natural
grafted.
population.
Scion. A shoot or bud ofone plant which is grafted on to
Suckers. Shoots produced from spreading surface roots.
another.
Symbiotic (symbiosis). An intimate relationship be-
Sepal. A segment of a flower’s outer whorl, often green
tween living organisms (including parasitism).
and leaf-like.
Taxonomy. The classification of organisms.
Semi-double. A single flower with some additional pet-
als but not enough to obscure the centre (stamens etc.) Tepals. Part of a flower, often mistaken for petals, and
usually replacing any distinct calyx and corolla. Often
Serrate. Toothed or saw-like (leaf margin)
brightly coloured as in tulips.
Socketing. Caused when a poorly rooted or unsecured
Tetraploid. A plant or other organism having cells with
sapling blows about in the wind until an inverted
4 times the usual number of chromosomes.
cone-shaped hole develops round its base. This will cause
the tree to lean over, or even die from subsequent root Tomentose (tomentum). Densely hairy or woolly.
drying.
Transpiration. Loss of moisture through the foliage.
Squarrose. Rough from protruding tips ofscales.
Trifoliate. Having 3 leaflets on each petiole.
Stamens. The male parts of a flower supporting the an-
Triploid. A plant (or organism) having cells with three
thers.
complete sets of chromosomes in each nucleus. Such
Stellate. Having star-shaped hairs (on foliage). plants are usually infertile.
Stigma. The receptive female part of a flower. Truncate. Flat at the base.
Stipule. A leafy bract at the base of a leaf stalk. Tubercles. Warty projections.
Stoloniferous. Of a plant that produces creeping stems Understock. (see rootstock)
on orjust below the soil from which frequent shoots may
Variety (var.). A taxonomic rank subordinate to species
spring up.
that originates as a spontaneous variant.
Stomatal. With breathing pores on the surface.
Vegetative propagation. Any method of reproducing
Stone cells. Gritty cells found in the fruit ofpears and plants other than by using seed, thus retaining its charac-
sumilar species. teristics unmodified.

SHOOTS, BUDS AND LEAVES

The following pages offer an illustrated overview of the shoots and buds of represen-
tative (mainly deciduous) trees in this book. They tend to be neglected, but it is well
worth making a habit of inspecting them. They are usually a valuable clue to at least
the group’s — sometimes the species’ — identity, and have the added advantage of being
there to see all round the year. The first point to notice is whether the tree bears its
leaf-buds opposite each other or (much more commonly) arranged alternately up the
stem. Those are followed by four pages of72 distinctive leaf-shapes, coniferous and
broadleaved.

806
 SAOOTS —
opposite buds

' Buodia
Moosewood
peo ‘Erythrocladum’
p. 651
Katsura Tree
p. 441
Ashleaf
Maple
p. 661

Golden Common Ash

Ash Pawo
Pa W2E)

Indian
Bean Tree
pa oy,

Dawn
Redwood
p. 101

Japanese Foxglove
Ste
Maple Coral-barked 3773
p. 645 Maple
p. 647

Field
Maple Manna Ash
p. 625 ja Wal)

Sappadocian
Maple
’ Horse
p. 621
Chestnut
p. 663

Sycamore
p. 633

Indian
Horse
Chestnut
p. 671
White
Ash

Red Horse
Chestnut 807
p. 669
SHOOTS —-
alternate buds

* Coral-bark
Willow Weeping
p. 291 Willow
Grey Sallow p. 287
p. 285

Caucasian
Wingnut
paZgs
Goat
Willow
p. 285

Tamarisk
p. 703 White Poy
p. 263
Snowbell Tree
jos 15S

Grey Pop!
p. 263

Silver Birch
p. 311

fi Cricket Bat
Willow
p. 291

Laburnum
p. 587

Paper Birch
Stag’s-horn
pois age
Kentucky
Coftee Tree p: <
/ p. 589

808
 ‘Chanticleer’
SHOOTS
alternate buds

White
Mulberry y
p.421 4

Black
Mulberry
p. 423

7)oy
, i Willow-leaved
Rear
> Oll7/

UI
Plum WY Sweet Gum af Bird Cherry
peoZo p. 445

/ Crab Apple
p47

Black Poplar 4
pee far

Siberian
Crab Apple
p. 501 % Vf Persian
f \ronwood

Cherry ‘Kanzan’
jo, DOS)

(YF Orchard
y Apple Black Italian
p. 491 Balsam Poplar
p. 271 Poplar
‘Regenerata’
i. CU

809
SEIOOluis
alternate buds

Swamp
Cypress
p. 103 Common Aldé
paoiy
Black
Japanese
Larch
Walnut
26
p. 295
Pauoy

Common
Walnut
pas

London
Italian ald
Plane
p.ae8
p. 449

Tulip Tree
p. 437 Large-leaved
Lime
p. 677

Hornbeam
pao25

Crimean
Lime Red Oak

p. 681 p. 363

Medlar

Common Sweet Chestnut

p. 349
Beech
p. S37
Small-
leaved
Lime Hungarian Oak
p. 685 pussy

810
SHOOTS
alternate buds

Myrobalan Blackthorn
Plum Purple-leaved By S22)
p. 525 Cherry
[8 D25

! Honey Locust
p. 583
AY Broad-leaved
Cockspur
I Wild
wae
Thorn pl ae Tree of
p. 461 ae Heaven
p. 489

f Black Locust
joy, OMS

Hawthorn
p. 459

Parish
Wych Elm Hazel
ja. OY jos OOS,

Golden Rain
i@ Magnolia
; campbellii
Tree
Pep. 435
ja 7k

Caucasian Elm
p. 415

r Swedish Magnolia
soulangiana or
hitebeam p. rs P Shagbark
Malus x W.‘ 7
Hickory
purpurea i p. 301

Whitebeam
Sargent’s
p. 483 ‘y
Rowan
p. 475
Japanese
Rowan
p. 469
811
 CONIFERS LEAVY BS

Yews Shwe TR Plum Yews

Wey
Redwoods Hemlocks Junipers
2S) p. 109 pu 33 p. 91 p. 195 p-J4

Monkey Puzzles Spruces Japanese Cedars Redwoods Cypresses Thujas Lawson Cypresses
paow, p 167 ps 25 p. 93 p. 61 p. 83 p. 41

YY

Y /

ij

by

wamp Cypresses Dawn Redwoods Cedars Larches Pines mecules

p. 101 p- 101 p. 147 joys lias p. 205

812
 BROADEEAYVES

ie Birches
Bays Willows p. 303
p. 439 p. 285

Alders Diospyros
Beeciesmpaoor, Oy DD \
te q

Hazels
P eS)
p. 415 Davidias
p. 745

a Sweet Chestnuts
Blackthorn p. 349 |
Thorns . 523 Judas Tree
Southern Beeches p. 569s Katsura Trees
ja. 33) p. 457 ee
p. 441 d
 BROADLEAVES

Limes
p. 677
Osage Orange
p. 425 Eucalyptus
p. 737

Elms
Whitebeams p. 395
\ Catalpas p. 483
p. 767 y Hollies
599
Magnolias c\ y es
p. 427

Eucryphias
p. 705

Paulownias
Walnuts
pee)
p. 295 }
Laburnums
f Golden Rain Tree
/ p. 587
De vali
814
 BROADLEAVES

Pagoda Trees
p. 585

Locust Trees
Roowans
pPeovso
p. 465

ee of Heaven |
Pe Owe:

Sweetgums
p. 445

Hickories 5 Apples
pee! f p. 491

Wild Service Tree Maples

p. 489 p. 609

Horse Chestnuts
Tulip Trees Ft Planes
aA
p. 437 p. 449 p.663

815
 INDEXSO FSS GLEN PIEIG Nai iis

Abies var. mayriana 109 diabolicum 619 ‘Nicholsonii’ 645

alba 137 var. nemorensis 109 f. purpurascens 619 ‘Ornatum’ 647
‘Columnaris’ 137 semenovil 109 distylum 639 ‘Osakazuki’ 647
‘Pyramidalis’ 137 sibirica 109 divergens 619 ‘Oshio Beni’ 647
amabilis 125 var. semenovil 109 franchetii 639 “Rubesifolium’ 645
balsamea 141 spectabilis 127 fulvescens 641 ‘Sangokaku’ 647
bifida 121 var. brevifolia 127 ginnala 627 ‘Seiryu’ 645
bracteata 139 squamata 129 glabrum 631 ‘Shishigashira’ 645
cephalonica 131 veitchii 111 subsp. douglasii 631 “Tana 645
var. apollinis 131 vejari 115 griseum 617 ‘Volubile’ 645
var. graeca 131 webbiana 127 grossert pectinatum 641
var. graeca 135 x borisii-regis 109 var. hersii 651 subsp. forrestii 641
chengii 121 x bornmuelleriana 135 heldreichii 637 subsp. laxiflorum 641
chensiensis 111 x shastensis 125 var. trautvetter! 637 subsp. maximowiczii 659
salouenensis 111 x vilmorinit 133 henryi 645 pensylvanicum 651
cilicica 109 Acacia hersti 651 ‘Erythrocladum’ 651
concolor 143 dealbata 573 hyrcanum 631 platanoides 609
‘Candicans’ 143 decurrens japonicum 643 ‘Cleveland’ 609
f. argentea 143 var. mearnsii 573 ‘Aconitifolium’ 643 ‘Columnare’ 609
var. lowiana 143 var. mollis 573 ‘Aureum’ 643 ‘Cnmson King’ 611
“Violacea’ 143 falciformis 573 ‘Vitifolium’ 643 ‘Cnmson Sentry’ 613
“Wattezi’ 143 longifolia 789 longipes ‘Cucullatum’ 611
delavayi 117 mearnsii 789 subsp. longipes 641 ‘Deborah’ 613
var. faxoniana 117 melanoxylon 573 macrophyllum 631, 655 ‘Dilaceratum’ 611
var. georgei 117 retinoides 789 ‘Seattle Sentinel’ 655 ‘Dissectum’ 611
fabri 117 saligna 789 ‘Tricolor’ 655 ‘Drummondii’ 611
subsp. minensis 117 maximowiczianum 617 ‘Erectum’ 613
Acer
fargesti 117, 119 micranthum 639 ‘Globosum’ 611
acuminatum 659
var. sutchuenensis 113, 119
argutum 619 f. candelabrum 639 “Goldsworth Purple’ 611
faxoniana 117 miyabei 617 ‘Heterophyllum
barbatum 655
firma 121 mono Aureo-variegatum’ 611
barbinerve 649
sLancinay 121 f. ambiguum 623 ‘Laciniatum’ 611, 615
buergerianum 639
forrestii 117 var. mayrii 649 “Maculatum’ 615
subsp. formosanum 639
var. smithii 117 monspessulanum 617 ‘Meyering’ 613
caesium
fraseri 125 morifolium 619 “Oekonomierat Stoll’ 611
subsp. giraldti 641
gamblei 119, 129
campbellii negundo 661 ‘Olmsted’ 613
grandis 141 “Auratum’ 661 ‘Pyramidale Nanum’ 615
subsp. flabellatum 659
homolepis 123 ‘Elegans’ 661 ‘Reitenbachi’” 615
var. yunnanense 659
“Tomomi 123 ‘Flamingo’ 661 ‘Schwedler’ 611
campestre 625
holophylla 123 ‘Giganteum’ 661 ‘Summershade’ 615
‘Elsrijk’ 613
kawakamii 119 subsp. californicum 661 ‘Superform’ 613
‘Nanum’ 641
koreana 119 var. fexanum 661 “Walderseei’ 611
“‘Postelense’ 625
lasiocarpa 139 “Variegatum’ 661 pseudoplatanus 633
‘Pulverulentum’ 625
‘Compacta’ 139 ‘Violaceum’ 661 “Atropurpureum’ 635
‘Schwerinii’ 625
var. arizonica 139 nikoense 617 ‘Brilliantissimum’ 635
capillipes 651
magnifica 125 nipponicum 659 ‘Erectum’ 633
cappadocicum 621
mariestt. 113 oliverianum 641 f. erythrocarpum 635
‘Aureum’ 621
nebrodensts 133 subsp. formosanum 641 ‘Leopoldi’ 635
‘Rubrum’ 621
nephrolepis 133 opalus 627 ‘Negenia’ 635
subsp. divergens 619
nordmanniana 135 subsp. hispanicus 627 ‘Nizeti’ 635
subsp. lobelii 621
var. equi-trojant 135 subsp. obtusatum 627 ‘Prinz Handjery’ 635
subsp. sinicum 623
numidica 131 subsp. opalus 627 ‘Simon Louis Fréres’ 635
carpinifolium 649
pindrow 129 palmatum 645 “Variegatum’ 633, 635
caudatum
var. brevifolia 129 “Atropurpureum’ 647 “Worley? 635
subsp. ukurunduense 623
var. intermedia 129 “‘Buttertly’ 645 pseudosieboldianum 643
circinatum 643
pinsapo 133 ‘Cuneatum’ 647 pycnanthum 649
cissifolium 617
‘Glatca 133 “‘Dissectumy’ 647 rubrum 653
crataegifolium 639
procera 145 ‘Dissectum Rubrifolium’ “Columnare’ 653
‘Veitchir’ 641
f. glauca 145 647 ‘October Glory’ 655
davidii 651
recurvata 113 ‘Heptalobum’ 647 ‘Red Sunset’ 655
‘Madeleine Spitta’ 649
religiosa 115 ‘Katsura’ 645 ‘Scanlon’ 653
subsp. grosseri 619
sachalinensis 109 ‘Linearilobum’ 647 ‘Schlesinger’ 653
subsp. grossert var. hersii 651

816
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

var. drummondii 653 ‘Pyramidalis’ 665 andrachnoides 755 microphylla 597

var. trilobum 653 ‘Umbraculifera’ 667 Athrotaxis var. sinica 597
rufinerve 651 indica 671 cupressoides 105 sempervirens 597
‘Sydney Pearce’ 671 ‘Angustifolia’ 597
‘Albo-limbatum’ 649 laxifolia 105
saccharinum 657 octandra 671 selaginoides 105 ‘Aureovariegata’ 597
‘Laciniatum’ 657 parviflora 675 "Gold Wipe s597
Austrocedrus
‘Laciniatum Wier 657 f. serotina 675 ‘Latifolia’ 597
chilensis 39
saccharum 629 pavia 669 ‘Latifolia Bullata’ 597
Azara ‘Latifolia Maculata’ 597
‘Newton Sentry’ 629 splendens 675
dentata 785 ‘Marginata’ 597
subsp. floridanum 629 sylvatica 675
lanceolata 785 ‘Pendula’ 597
subsp. grandidentatum 629, turbinata 673
microphylla 785
631 wilsonti 667 ‘Pyramidalis’ 597
petiolaris 785 ‘Rosmarinifolia’ 597
subsp. leucoderme 629, 631 x bushii 667
serrata 785 ‘Rotundifolia’ 597
subsp. nigrum 629 X carnea 669
“‘Bnioti’ 669 Betula wallichiana 597
‘Temple’s Upright’ 629
‘Plantierensis 669 albo-sinensis ‘Latifolia Maculata’ 597
var. rugelii 655
x discolor 675 var. septentrionalis 303 ‘Marginata’ 597
sempervirens 627
x hybrida 675 alleghaniensis 309 ‘Pendula’ 597
shirasawanum 645
X mississippiensis 667 caerulea grandis 303 ‘Pyramidalis’ 597
Aureum’ 643
x neglecta davurica 305 ‘Rosmarinifolia’ 597
sieboldianum 645
‘Erythroblastos’ 673 ermanit 303 ‘Rotundifolia’ 597
~ ‘Silver Vein’ 649
‘Grayswood Hill’ 303 Calliandra
stachyophyllum 641 Ailanthus var. japonica 303 haematocephala 789
subsp. betulifolium 641 altissima 593
‘Fetisowil’ 307
var. tiltifolium 641 vilmoriniana 593 Callistemon
grossa 305
sterculiaceum Albizia citrinus 793
enta 309
subsp. franchetit 639 julibrissin 571 viminalis 793
utea
== 309
subsp. thomsonti 623 SEN@QSeammro ial Calocedrus
var. fallax 309
tataricum 631 decurrens 39
Alnus mandshurica 307
subsp. ginnala 627 ‘Aureovariegata’ 39
cordata 321 maximowicziana 303
tegmentosum 649 Carpinus
cremastogyne 323 medwediewit 307
tetramerum 641 betulus 325
formosana 319 nana 307
triflorum 617 glutinosa 317 ‘Columnaris’ 327
neoalaskana 315
truncatum 619 ‘Fastigiata’ 327
‘Aurea’ 319 nigra 309
velutinum 623 ‘Frans Fontaine’ 327
‘Fastigiata’ 319 papyrifera 315
var. vanvolxemit 637 Ineisa 327
‘Imperialis’ 317 var. commutata 315
villosum 623 “Inncica Sis: var. humilis 315 ‘Pendula’ 327
wilsonti 619 ‘Pyramidalis’ 327
‘aciniata: il pendula 311
x coriaceum 619 ‘Quercifolia’ 327
‘Pyramidalis’ 319 ‘Birkalensis’ 313
x dieckii 615 ‘Quercifolia’ 317 ‘Dalecarlica’ 311 caroliniana 329
x hillieri 639 ‘Dentata Viscosa’ 313 cordata 331
hirsuta 319
x rotundilobum 623 fangiana 331
incana 323 ‘Fastigiata’ 313
x zoeschense 637, 659 fargesiana 331
‘Angustissima’ 323 “Graciliss ols
‘Annae’ 659 henryana 329
‘Aurea’ 323 ‘Obelisk’ 313
‘Elongatum’ 659 ‘Laciniata’ 323 ‘Purpurea’ 311 japonica 331
Achras ‘Pendula’ 323 “nstis ols orientalis 331
zapota 757 ‘Ramulis Coccineis’ 323 Nascosa 313 polyneura 329
Actinidia subsp. rugosa 323 ‘Young’ 311 tschonoskit 329
deliciosa 783 japonica 319 platyphylla 307 turczaninowtt 331
maximowiczit 321 var. japonica 305, 307 var. ovalifolia 331
Aesculus
nepalensis 323 ‘Whitespire’ 307 x schuschuensis 329
+ dallimoret 667
arguta 667 rubra 323 populifolia 309 Carya
assamica 675 sinuata 319 pubescens 315 cordiformis 301
californica 671 subcordata 321 szechuanica 315 glabra 299
chinensis 675 viridis 321 utilis 305 illinoinensts 299
flava 671 x spaethii 321 ‘Doorenbos’ 305 laciniosa 299
glabra 673 Amomyrtus ‘Grayswood Ghost’ 305 ovata 301
var. arguta 667 luma 791 ‘Inverleith’ 305 tomentosa 299
var. sargentii 673 ‘Jermyns’ 305 Castanea
Araucaria
glaucescens 675 ‘Moonbeam’ 305 sativa 349
araucana 37
‘Silver Queen’ 305 ‘Albomarginata’ 349
hippocastanum 663 bidwillti 37
‘Baumannit’ 663 ‘Silver Shadow’ 305 ‘Heterophylla’ 349
heterophylla 37 3052307
‘Digitata’ 665 var. jacquemonttt
Arbutus Casuarina
‘Flore Pleno’ 663 var. prattil 307
andrachne 755 equisetifolia 781
‘Hampton Court Gold’ x caerulea 303
canariensis 755 Catalpa
667 Broussonetia bignonioides 767
menziesii 753
‘Laciniata’ 665 papyrifera 425
unedo 753 ‘Aurea’ 767
‘Memmingeri’ 667 ‘Integerrima’ 753 Buxus sINiataey Or
‘Pendula’ 665 ‘Roabraee/ 55 balearica 597 bunget 771
‘Pumila’ 665

817
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

var. heterophylla 771 ‘Darleyensis’ 51 virginicus 763 ‘Plena’ 461

fargesti 769 ‘Elegantissima’ 47 Chrysolepis ‘Punicea’ 461
var. duclouxii 769 ‘Ellwood’s Gold’ 47 chrysophylla 783 ‘Rosea Flore Plena’ 459
ovata 771 ‘Ellwoodi’ 43 var. aurea 461
Citrus
speciosa 769 ‘Erecta Aurea’ 46 var. macrocarpa 463
x paradisi 799
x erubescens ‘Erecta Filiformis’ 49
aurantiifolia 799 macrocarpa 463
WAC, Wess 7/7/1 ‘Erecta Glauca’ 43 maineana 463
aurantium 799
‘Purpurea’ 771 ‘Erecta Viridis’ 43 fortunella 799 mollis 457
Cedrus ‘Filiformis’ 49 monogyna 459
limetta 799
atlantica 149 ‘Fletcheri’ 45
limettoides 799
‘Aurea’ 461
‘Aurea’ 149 ‘Fraser’ 51
limon 799
‘Bicolor’ 461
f. glauca 149 “Glauca Lombartsi’ 41 ‘Lutescens’ 461
maxima 799
‘Glauca Fastigiata’ 149 ‘Golden King’ 46 medica 799 ‘Pendula Rosea’ 459
“Glauca Pendula’ 149 ‘Grayswood Pillar’ 41 nobilis 799
‘Rosea’ 461
brevifolia 153 “Green Hedger’ 47 reticulata 799
‘Stricta’ 459
deodara 151 ‘Green Pillar’ 51 sinensis 799
var. eriocarpa 461
‘Albospica’ 153 ‘Green Spire’ 49
vulgaris var. bigaradia 799
nigra 457
‘Argentea’ 151 ‘Henry Dinger’ 46 oresbia 463
Cladrastis
‘Aurea’ 151 ‘Hillier’ 41, 45 pedicellata 457
kentukea (lutea) 569
‘Gold Mound’ 153 “Hogger’ 51 pinnatifida 463
sinensis 569
‘Pendula’ 153 ‘Intertexta’ 49 prunifolia 461
“‘Robusta’ 153 “‘Kestonensis 49 Cordyline songorica 463
e\Vietuenllatarmley! ‘Kilmacurragh’ 46 australis 775 tanacetifolia 457
libani 147 ‘Lombartsi’ 41 indivisa 777 wilsonii 463
Glauca’ 147 ‘Lutea’ 49 ‘Rubra’ 777 x durobrivensis 463
‘Lutea Smithi’ 51 ‘Purpurea’ 777 x lavallet 457
Celtis
australis 417 ‘Lycopodioides’ 46 Cornus “Carrierer’ 457
bungeana 419 ‘Merrist Wood’ 51 alternifolia 747 Cryptomeria
caucasica 419 ‘Moerheimii’ 46 ‘Argentea’ 747 fortunei 99
koraiensis 419 ‘Naber’ 51 capitata 751 Japonica 95, 99
laevigata 417 ‘Pembury Blue’ 51 controversa 749 ‘Ashio-sugi’ 99
smallit 417 ‘Pendula’ 49 “Variegata’ 749 ‘Aurescens’ 95
occidentalis 417 ‘Potten’ 43 ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’ 747 ‘Compacta’ 97
var. cordata 417 ‘Silver Tap’ 47 florida 749 “Cristata’ 95
var. crassifolia 417 ‘Slocock’ 47 ‘Cherokee Chief 749 “‘Dacrydioides’ 99
sinensis 419 ‘Somerset’ 45 f. rubra 749 ‘Elegans’ 95
tournefortit 417 ‘Stardust’? 51 “Plenifolia’ 749 ‘Ikari-sugi’ 97
‘Stewartii’ 49 “White Cloud’ 749 “Kusari-sugi’ 97
Cephalotaxus
“Stet 945 kousa 751 ‘Lobbi’ 99
fortunei 33
*‘Stricta Glauca’ 43 var. chinensis 751
harringtonia 33 “Lycopodioides’ 97
“Tamariscifolia’ 47 macrophylla 751 ‘Pungens’ 99
var. drupacea 33
“Triompf van Boskoop’ 45 nuttallii 747 *Pyramidata’ 95
‘Fastigiata’ 33
“Westermann 43 ‘Gold Spot’ 747 “‘Sekkan’ 97
var. nana 33
“Winston Churchill’ 47 ‘Porlock’ 751 “Sekka-sugi’ 95
pedunculata 33
“Wisseli’ 45 waltert 751 ‘Selaginoides’ 97
Ceratonia “Youngi’ 45 Corylus var. radicans 99
siliqua 789 nootkatensis 55 i
avellana 33. >| “Viminalis’ 97
Cercidiphyllum “Pendula’ 55 ‘Aurea’ 3 a
22
“Yoshino? 95
japonicum 441 ‘Variegata’ 55 ‘Contorta’ 333
‘Pendulum’ 441 Cunninghamia
obtusa 57 ‘Heterophylla’ 333
var. magnificum 441 lanceolata 107
‘Argentea’ 57 *Pendula’ 333
var. sinense 441 “Glauca’ 107
‘Aurea’ 57 colurna 333
Cercis “Cnippsi’ 57 x Cupressocyparis
maxima 333
canadensis 571 ‘Filicoides’ 57 leylandii 59
‘Purpurea’ 333
‘Forest Pansy’ 571 ‘Lycopodioides’ 57 “Castlewellan’ 59
Cotoneaster ‘Golconda’ 59
racemosa 57\ “Tetragona Aurea’ 57
frigidus 455 ‘Haggerston Grey’ 59
stliquastrum 569 pisifera 53
X waterert 455
‘Bodnant’ 569 ‘Filifera’ 53 ‘Leighton Green’ 59
f. albida 569 ‘Filifera Aurea’ 53 Crataegus 457 ‘Naylor’s Blue’ 59
atrorubens 463 ‘Robinson’s Gold’ 59
Chamaecy paris ‘Golden Spangle’ 53
‘Plumosa’ 53 azarolus 457 ‘Silver Dust’ 59
formosensis 55 chlorosarca 463
lawsoniana 41 ‘Squarrosa’ 53 Cupressus
“Squarrosa Aurea’ 53
crus-galli 461 abramsiana 65
“Albo-spica’ 46 douglasit. 457
‘Alumni’ 43 ‘Strathmore’ 53 arizonica 69
thyoides 55 flabellata 463 var. stephensonit 65
‘Argenteovariegata’ 46, 51
“Glauca’ 55 laciniata 457 cashmeriana 61
‘Aurea’ 47
“Variegata’ 55 laevigata 459 forbesii 65
‘Blue Jacket’ 46 f. rosea 461
‘Chilworth Silver’ 47 Chionanthus funebris 61
‘“Gireoudn’ 461 glabra 69
“Columnaris’ 43 retusus 763
*Paul’s Scarlet’? 459

818
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

sConica, 69 Eucryphia ‘Juglandifolia’ 717 ‘Imperial’ 585

‘Pyramidalis’ 69 cordifolia Rosehill’ 717, 721 ‘Skyline’ 585
goveniana 61 ‘Ulmo’ 705 var. biltmoreana 719 ‘Sunburst’ 585
var. pygmaea 61 glutinosa 705 angustifolia 731 ‘Variegata’ 585
guadalupensis 65 ‘Plena’ 705 ‘Obliqua’ 731 x fexana 585
lusitanica 63 lucida 705 ‘Raywood’ 727, 731 Grevillea
°Glauca (63 milliganit 705 subsp. oxycarpa 727, 731 robusta 795
‘Glauca Pendula’ 63 ‘Penwith’ 705 subsp. syriaca 727 Griselinia
var. benthamii 63 x intermedia Veltheimu’ 731 littoralis 793
macrocarpa 67 ‘Rostrevor 705 chinensis 715 ‘Dixon’s Cream’ 793
‘Donard Gold’ 67 x nymansensis 705 ‘Ploribunda’ 715 ‘Variegata’ 793
“Goldcrest’ 67 Euodia subsp. riyncophylla 715 lucida 793
‘Horizontalis Aurea’ 67 hupehensis 591 var. acuminata 715
Gymnocladus
‘Lutea 67 excelsior 725
Fagus dioicus 589
nevadensis 63 “Aurea 729
crenata 347 ‘Variegata’ 589
nootkatensis 55 ‘Diversifolia Pendula’ 729
engleriana 347 Halesia
sargentit 63 ‘Elegantissuma’ 729
grandifolia 347 carolina 759
sempervirens 65 ‘Eureka’ 727
japonica 347 Idesia
‘Green Pencil’ 65 f. diversifolia 729
lucida 347 polycarpa 709
‘Greenspire’ 65 f. heterophylla 729
moesiaca 345
‘Swane’s Golden’ 65 f. monophylla 729 Tlex
orientalis 347
var. horizontalis 65 ‘Jaspidea’ 725 aquifolium 599
sylvatica 337
var. stricta 65 Name 727) ‘Alaska’ 601
‘Albovariegata’ 341
torulosa 61 ‘Pendula’ 725 ‘Amber 599
‘Ansorgei 343
‘Pendula Wentworthi’ 729 ‘Angustifolia’ 601
Cydonia ‘Argenteovariegata’ 341
‘Scolopendrifolia’ 729 ‘Argentea Marginata’ 599
oblonga 455 ‘Asplenufolia’ 343
greggli 715 ‘Argentea Marginata
Cytisus ‘Aurea Pendula’ 345
holotricha 713 Pendula’ 603
purpureus 587 ‘Cochleata’ 339
latifolia 723 ‘Aurea Marginata’ 599
Davidia ‘Cockleshell’ 345
mandshurica 715 ‘Aurifodina’ 601
involucrata 745 ‘Cristata’ 339
mariesii 713 ‘Bacciflava’ 599
var. vilmoriniana 745 ‘Dawyck 337
nigra 715 ‘Beetii’ 603
‘Dawyck Gold’ 345
Dicksonia oregona 723 ‘Cihata Major 603
‘Dawyck Purple’ 343 ‘Crassifolia’ 601
antartica 779 ornus 713
‘Grandidentata’ 345
Diospyros ‘Arie Peters’ 713 ‘Crispa’ 603
‘Luteovariegata’ 341 ‘Crispa Aurea Picta’ 599
kaki 765 oxycarpa 727, 731
‘Miltonensis’ 345
pallisae 731 ‘Donningtonensis’ 603
‘Hachiya’ 765 ‘Pendula’ 337
‘Lycopersicum’ 765 pennsylvanica 719, 721 ‘Ferox 599
‘Prince George of Crete’ ‘Ferox Argentea 599
‘Aucubifolia’ 721
lotus 765 345
virginiana 765 sCrspa 721 ‘Ferox Aurea’ 603
‘Purpurea Pendula’ 339 ‘Flavescens’ 599
‘Patmore 721
Dracaena ‘Purpurea Tricolor’ 341 var, subintegerrima 719 ‘Fox’ 603
draco 777 ‘Quercifolia’ 341 ‘Variegata’ 721 ‘Gold Flash’ 603
Drimys ‘Remillyensis’ 341
profunda 721 ‘Golden Milkboy’ 599
winter’ 781 ‘Riversi’ 343 quadrangulata 715 ‘Handsworth New Silver’ 599
‘Rohan Gold’ 339
Eleagnus texensis 723 ‘Hastata’ 603
angustifolia 795 ‘Rohan Pyramid’ 339 tomentosa 721 ‘Heterophylla’ 603
‘Rohanii’ 343 velutina 723 Gavan ToOlsGos
Eriobotrya ‘Roseomarginata’ 341
japonica 783 xanthoxylotdes 727 ‘Latispina’ 603
‘Rotundifolia’ 345 var. dumosa 727 ‘Laurifolia’ 601
Eucalyptus ‘Spaethiana’ 343
Genista ‘Lichtenthali’ 601
coccifera 737 ‘ortuosa |G52
aetnensis 573 ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ 601
cordata 741 ‘Tricolor 341 sOvata oo!
dalrympleana 737 ‘Zlatia SO S45 Ginkgo
*“Ovata Aurea 599
glaucescens 739 taurica 347 biloba 21
‘Pendula’ 603
globulus 741 ‘Sentry 21
Ficus ‘Pyramidalis’ 601
gomphocephala 791 ‘Variegata’ 21
carica 441 ‘Recurva 599
gunnit 741 elastica 785 Glyptostrobus ‘Scotica’ 601
subsp. archerti 741 sycomorus 785 pensilis 101 ciliosptnosa 605
johnstonii 743 macrophylla 785 Gleditsia cormuta 605
nitens 737 caspica 581
pauciflora Fitzroya crenata 605
cupressoides 69 horrida 583 ‘Shiro-Fukurin’ 605
subsp. niphophila 739 japonica 583
Fortunella dipyrena 607
perriniana 737 var. koraiensis 583
x crassifolia 799 kingiana 607
resinifera 791 sinensis 583 latifolia 607
robusta 791 margarita 799
triacanthos 583 ‘Lydia Morris’ 605
stellulata 743 Fraxinus ‘Bujoti’ 585 opaca 607
urmigera 739 americana 717 ‘Blegantissima’ 585 f. xanthocarpa 607
Eucommia ‘Ascidiata’ 717 f. inermis 583 pedunculosa 607
ulmoides 439 ‘Autumn Purple’ 717

819
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

perado oxycedrus 77 Liquidambar ‘Peter Veitch’ 429

subsp. platyphylla 607 recurva 77 formosana 445 Malus
permyi 607 ‘Castlewellan’ 77 orientalis 445 baccata 501
‘Drace’ 607 var. coxil 77 styraciflua 445 ‘Jacki’ 501
‘Indian Chief 607 rigida 75 ‘Golden Treasure’ 445 var. himalaica 503
var. veitchii 607 scopulorum ‘Lane Roberts’ 445 var. mandshurica 501
x altaclerensis 601, 605, 607 ‘Skyrocket’ 79 ‘Moonbeam’ 445 brevipes 493
‘Atkinson’ 605 squamata 79 ‘Silver King’ 445 ‘Butterball’ 509
‘Balearica’ 607 ‘Meyeri’ 79 ‘Variegata’ 445 ‘Coralburst’ 511
‘Belgica Aurea’ 605 var. fargesii 79 “Worplesdon’ 445 coronaria 495
‘Camelliifolia’ 601 virginiana 81 Liriodendron “Charlottae’ 495
‘Golden King’ 601 ‘Burki’ 81 chinense 437 ‘Cnittenden’ 509
‘Hendersonii’ 601 ‘Canaerti’ 81 tulipifera 437 ‘Dartmouth’ 509
‘Hodginsi’ 601 “Cupressifolia’ 81 ‘Aureomarginatum’ 437 domestica 491
‘Howick’ 607 ‘Glauca’ 81 ‘Fastigiatum’ 437 ‘Eleyi’ 509
‘Lawsoniana 6()7 ‘Globosa’ 81 Luma florentina 505
‘Mundy’ 605 ‘Pendula’ 81 floribunda 495
apiculata 791
‘Nigrescens’ 605 ‘Pseudocupressus’ 81 fusca 497, 499
‘Purple Shaft’ 607 wallichiana 77 Maackia
chinensis 587
“Golden Hornet’ 509
‘Wilson’ 601 x media 79 halliana 493
‘W.J. Bean’ 605 ‘Blaauw’ 79 Maclura
hupehensis 495
x beanti 605 ‘Blue and Gold’ 79 pomifera 425
“Rosea’ 495
x koehneana 607 Kalopanax Magnolia toensis 505
Jacaranda pictus 709 acuminata 427 ‘Plena’ 505
mimosifolia 803 septemlobus 709 campbellit 435 ‘John Downie’ 509
Jubaea var, maximowitczit 709 var. alba 435 kirghisorum 493
chilensis 777 Koelreuteria cordata 431 “Lady Northcliffe’ 501
bipinnata 711 delavayi 427 lancifolia 499
Juglans
denudata 433
atlanthifolia 297 integrifolia 711 ‘Laxton’s Red’ 507
paniculata 711 fraseri 435 ‘Lemoinei’ 507
var. cordiformis 297
‘Fastigiata’ 711 globosa 431 ‘Liset’ 507
cathayensis 297
grandiflora 427 ‘Magdeburgensis’ 497
cinerea 297 var. apiculata 711
‘Variegata 711 ‘Exmouth’ 427 “Mary Potter’ 511
elaeopyron 297
‘Goliath’ 427 orthocarpa 499
major 297 +Laburnocytisus
“Heaven Scent’ 429 praecox 49]
mandshurica 297 adamti 587
hypoleuca 427 prattii 499
microcarpa 297 Laburnum kobus ‘Profusion’ 507
nigra 295 alpinum 587 var. borealis 433 prunifolia 505
regia 295 anagyroides 587 liliiflora 433 var. rinki 503
jlacumatal 295 ‘Aureum’ 587 ‘Nigra’ 433 “Red Jade’ 511
‘Monophylla’ 295 x waterert 587 macrophylla 427 ‘Red Sentinal’ 511
Juniperus Larix officinalis ‘Royalty’ 511
chinensis 73 decidua 155 var. biloba 427 sargentit, 503
‘Albovariegata’ 73 subsp. polonica 155 salicifolia 433 steboldit 505
‘Argentea’ 73 gmelinii 163 sargentiana 431 sieversit 491
‘Aurea’ 73 var. japonica 163 var. robusta 431 spectabilis 499
‘Blaauw’ 79 var. principis-rupprechtit 163 sinensis 431 “Riversi’ 493
‘Iowa’ 73 griffithiana 163 sprengeri sylvestris 491
‘Jacobiana’ 73 kaempferi 157 var. diva 433
‘Kaizuka’ 73 subsp. mitis 491
‘Dervaes 163 var. elongata 433
‘Keteleeri’ 73 transitoria 497
“Pendula’ 157 stellata
Weeana 73 trilobata 497
laricina 159 ‘Norman Gould’ 431
‘Obelisk’ 73 tschonoskii_ 497
lyallii 159 tripetala 435
‘Variegata’ 73 ‘Van Eseltine’ 511
occidentalis 161 virginiana 435 yunnanensis 505
communis 71 potaninit, 163 “Wada’s Memory’ 429
f. suecica 71 var. veitchit 505
var, macrocarpa 163 wilsonit. 435 x hartwigti 503
‘Graciosa’ 71 russica 165 x loebneri 431
‘Hibernica’ 71 x purpurea 507
x enrolepis 157 ‘Leonard Messel’ 431
‘Oblonga Pendula’ 71 “Aldenhamensis’ 507
x marschlinsii 157 ‘Merrill’ 431
‘Pyramidalis’ 71 x robusta 493
x pendula 161 x soulangiana 429
‘Seil Island’ 71 ‘Joan’ 493
Laurus ‘Brozzoniu’ 429
deppeana 79 “Yellow Siberian’ 493
nobilis 439 ‘Lennei’ 433 x sublobata 503
var. pachyphlaea 79 ‘Lennei Alba’ 433
‘Angustitolia’ 439 x Dum
drupacea 75 ‘Picture’ 429
‘Aurea’ 439 var. calocarpa 493
excelsa 75 “Rustica Rubra’ 429
flaccida 75 Ligustrum Melia
lucidum 761 ‘Sayonara’ 429
indica 77 x thompsoniana 431
azedarach 797
monosperma 79 ‘Excelsior Superbum’ 761
x veitchit 427 Mespilus
‘Tricolor’ 761
occidentalis 79 germanica 455
‘Peppermint Stick’ 429

820
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

Metasequoia theophrasti 775 Picrasma pinaster 215

glyptostroboides 101 Photinia quassioides 593 subsp. atlantica 215
x fraseri 787 Pinus pinea 205
Morus
alba 421 ‘Red Robin’ 787 albicaulis 223 ponderosa 241
‘Pendula’ 421 glabra 787 aristata 207 pumila
‘Pyramidalis’ 421 serratifolia 787 var. longaeva 207 ‘Compacta’ 205
‘Venosa 421 armandit 209 radiata 253
Phytolacca resinosa 253
cathayana 423 dioica 783 attenuata 259
ayacahuite 217 rigida 251
mongolica 421 Picea
var. veitchti 217 rudis 257
var. diabolica 421 abies 175
balfouriana 207 sabiniana 259
nigra 423 ‘Argentea 175
banksiana 249 sibirica 221
Musa ‘Cincinnata’ 175 strobiformis 237
x paradisiaca 803 bhutanica 221
‘Cranstoni’ 175 strobus 219
basjoo 803 brutia 231
‘Cupressina’ 175 ‘Contorta’ 219
bungeana 213
Myoporum ‘Finedonensis’ 175 ‘Fastigiata’ 219
canariensis 779
insulare 803 TInversa’ 175 ‘Radiata’ 219
caribaea 779
Myrtus axa: Sn sylvestris 227
cembra 205
communis 793 “‘Pendula’ 175 f. aurea 229
“Aureovariegata’ 205
‘Flore Pleno’ 793 ‘Pendula Major’ 175 ‘Fastigiata 229
var. chlorocarpa 205
‘Microphylla’ 793 ‘Pyramidata’ 175 subsp. scotica 229
cembroides 223
luma 791 “Tuberculata’ 175 var. engadinensis 227
contorta 255
‘Viminalis’ 175 var. lapponica 227
Nicotiana var. bolanden 255
‘Will’s Zwerg’ 175 var. mongolica 229
glauca 801 var. latifolia 255
alcoquiana 183 tabulifornis 209
Nothofagus var. murrayana 255
asperata 173 taiwanensis 225
betuloides 335 coopert 259
balfouriana 193 thunbergit 239
dombeyi 335 coulteri 237
bicolor 183
densata 209 uncinata 231
nervosa 335 var. acicularis 183 var. rotundata 231
obliqua 335 densiflora 225
brachytyla 173 veitchit 217
procera 335 “Aurea 225
var. complanata 173 virginiana 249
‘Oculus-draconis’ 225
Nyssa breweriana 187 wallichiana 221
“Umbraculifera’ 225
aquatica 735 engelmannit washoensis 245
durangensis 249
ogeche 735 ‘Glauca’ 189 x holfordiana 247
echinata 245
sinensis 735 var. mexicana 169 x schwerinit 219
x rigida 245
sylvatica 735 glauca Pistacia
edulis 223
var. biflora 735 var. albertiana 185 lentiscus 797
engelmannit 241
Olea jezoensis terebinthus 797
excelsa 221
europaea 761 var. hondoensis 181 vera 797
flexilis 207
Osmanthus koyamai 181
gerardiana 239 Pittosporum
likiangensis 193
americanus 801 gregii 237 crassifolium 787
fragrans 801 var. yunnanensis 193
griffithii 221 ralphti_ 733
mariana 187
Ostrya halepensis 231 tenutfolium 733
maximowiczil 169
carpinifolia 331 hartwegli 257 ‘Abbotsbury Gold’ 733
var. senanensis 169
Oxydendrum heldreichit 205 ‘Eila Keightley’ 733
montigena 171
arboreum 757
var. leucodermis 247 ‘Garnett’ 733
morrisonicola 181 ‘Irene Paterson’ 733
hwangshanensis 221
Paliurus obovata 171
jeffreyi 243 ‘Purpureum’ 733
spina-christi 795 omorika 179
koraiensis 239 ‘Variegatum’ 733, 787
Parrotia orientalis 179 lambertiana 211 ‘Warnham Gold’ 733
persica 447 ‘Aurea’ 179
monophylla 223 undulatum 787
‘Pendula’ 447 ‘Gracilis’ 179
montezumae 257 Platanus
polita 171
Paulownia monticola 211 ‘Augustine Henry’ 451
pungens 189
fortune’ 773 mugo 231 occidentalis 453
‘Endtz’ 189 muricata 251
tomentosa 773 orientalis 453
‘Coreana’ 773
f. glauca 189 nelsonit 237 ‘Mirkovec’ 451
‘Koster 189
var. lanata 773 nigra x hispanica 449
‘Moerheim’ 189 subsp. laricio 233
Persea ‘Cantabrigiensis’ 451
purpurea 193 subsp. nigra 235
americana 781 ‘Pyramidalis’ 451
rubens 185 subsp. pallasiana 233
borbonia 781 ‘Suttnen’ 449
shirasawae 183 subsp. salzmannti 235
Phellodendron ‘Tremonia 451
schrenkiana 167 var. caramanica 233
amurense 591 sitchensis 191 Podocarpus
var. maritima 233
var. lavallei 591 smithiana 167 acutifolius 35
parviflora 213 andinus 35
japonicum 591 var. nepalensis 167 *Glanca 213
Phillyrea spinulosa 169 hallii 35
‘Saphir’ 213
latifolia 763 wilsonti 169 macrophyllus 35
‘Tempelhof 213 var. maki 35
Phoenix x fennica 171 patula 243
x hurstii 187 nubigenus 35
canariensis 775 peuce 215
dactylifera 777 x lutzii 171
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

salignus 35 Prunus mume 533 x hillieri

totara 35 ‘Accolade’ 541 ‘Alphandi’ 533 ‘Spire’ 541
Poncirus ‘Amanogawa’ 553 ‘Benishidori’ 533 x juddii 555
trifoliata 801 americana 527 ‘Omoi-no-moma’ 533 x schmittit 535
‘Ariake’ 557 nipponica 555 x yedoensis 545
Populus
armeniaca 531 ‘Oshokun’ 561 ‘Shidare Yoshino’ 545
acuminata 273
‘Asano’ 543 padus 523 “Tokyo Cherry’ 545
adenopoda 267
avium 529 ‘Coloratais523 ‘Tsu Yoshino’ 545
afghanica 275
‘Decumana’ 529 ‘Plena’ 523 Pseudolarix
‘Vaniegata’ 275
alba 263
Wana’ 529 ‘Purple Queen’ 537 amabilis 165
‘Pendula’ 529 subsp. borealis 523
‘Pyramidalis’ 263 Pseudotsuga
‘Plena’ 529 var. commutata 537
‘Rachardiv’ 263 Japonica 201
‘Rubrifolia’ 529 “Waterert’ 523
balsamifera 271 macrocarpa 203
‘Salicifolia’ 529 ‘Pandora’ 555
‘Balsam Spire’ 271 menziestt 201, 203
canadensis cerasifera 525 pennsylvanica 543
‘Brevifolia’ 203
‘Lloydii’ 273 ‘Lindsayae’ 525 persica 533 f. caesia 203
canescens ‘Nigra’ 525 “Albo Plena’ 533
‘Fretsu’ 203
‘Macrophylla’ 263 Pissanciiee S25) ‘Klara Mayer’ 533 ‘Stairn’ 201
cathayana 269 ‘Rosea’ 525 “Kurokawa-yaguchi’ 533 var. glauca 203
deltoides 281 var. divaricata 525 ‘Prince Charming’ 53 es) var. menziestt 201
lasiocarpa 271 cerasus 527 ‘Sagami-shidare’ 533
“Rhexi’ 527 Ptelea
maximowtczit 267 ‘stellata 533
trifoliata 801
‘Androscoggin’ 267 ‘Cheal’s Weeping’ 553 var. nectarina 533
cornuta 537 var. bailey 801
nigra ‘Pink Perfection’ 559
cuthbertit 537 sargentit 535 Pterocarya
‘Elegans’ 277
domestica 523 ‘Columnaris’ 537 fraxinifolia 293
‘Ttalica foemina’ 277
subsp. insititia 531 ‘Rancho’ 537 rhoifolia 293
nlvalncay 2777;
dulcis 531 Spire 537 stenoptera 293
‘Lombardy Gold’ 277
‘Albaplena’ 531 serotina 527 x rehderiana 293
‘Plantierensis’ 277
‘Variegata’ 275 ‘Roseoplana’ 531 ‘Pendula’ 527 Pterostyrax
‘Vereecken’ 275 “Hatazakura’ 565 var. salicifolia 527 hispida 759
subsp. afghanica 277 ‘Hokusai’ 563 serrula 547 Punica
subsp. betulifolia 275 “Horinji’ 563 serrulata granatum 793
var. thevestina 275 ‘Ichiyo’ 563 var. hupehensis 547 Pyrus
‘Oxford’ 267 ilicifolia 543 var. pubenscens 547 amygdaliformis 513
purdomti 267 incisa 535 var. spontanea 547
balansae 521
simon 269 “Umineko’ 535 ‘Shimidsu Zakura’ 557, 561
betulifolia 513
‘Fastigiata’ 269 insititia 531 ‘Shirofugen’ 565
bretschneideri 515
‘Pendula’ 269 ‘Mirabelle’ 531 ‘Shirotae’ 559
calleryana 519
szechuanica subsp. italica 531 ‘Shogetsu’ 557
‘Bradford’ 519
var. tibetica 269 subsp. syriaca 531 speciosa 545
‘Chanticleer’ 519
tremula 265 ‘Jo-nior 561 spinosa 523
communis 519
‘Pendula’ 265 KanvanessDo) ‘Purpurea’ 523
‘Beech Hill’ 519
tremuloides 265 ‘Kiku Shidare Zakura’ 553 subhirtella 539
cordata 519
trichocarpa 271 kurilensis X sargentti “Autumnalis’ 541
cossonti 515
‘Fritzi Pauley’ 271 “Kursar’ 543 “Autummnalis Rosea’ 541
elaeagrifolia 513
‘Scott Pauley’ 271 lannesiana ‘Flore Pleno’ 539
fauriei 521
wilsonit 269 ‘Beni-Shigure’ 551 ‘Fukubana’ 541
korshinskyi 521
yunnanensis 267 ‘Beni-tama-nishiki’ 551 ‘Fukubana Higan Zakura’
longipes 515
x berolinensis 277 ‘Beni-yutaka’ 551 541
nivalis 515
x canadensis f. contorta 549 ‘Omoigawa’ 539
pashia 521
‘Eugenei 281 ‘Pukurokuju’ 549 *Pendula’ 539
var. kumaoni 521
‘Florence Biondi’ 283 “Hanagasa’ 551 *Pendula Rosea’ De 39
pyraster 513,519
“Marilandica’ 281 pSatasa aa5 ‘Pendula Rubra’ 5 39 pyrifolia 521
“Regenerata’ 279 ‘Shizuka’ 549 ‘Stellata’ 539
‘Kieffer’ 521
‘Robusta’ 281 “Tsukubane’ 549 “Tai-haku’ 565
var. culta 521
‘Serotina Aurea’ 279 “Tsyu-kosade’ 55] *Takasago’ 563
var. lecontei 52
‘Serotina’ 279 “Yaebeni-Ohshima’ 549 triloba
regelii 513
x candicans 271 laurocerasus 567 ‘Multiplex’ 543
salicifolia 517
‘Aurora 271 ‘Bruantit 567 “Petzoldir’ 543
serrulata 513
x canescens 263 ‘Camellufolia’ 567 ‘Ukon’ 559
ussuriensis 517
x generosa 273 “Magnoliufolia’ 567 ‘Umeniko’ 555
var. hondoensis 517
‘Beaupre’ 273 ‘Otini’ 567 virginiana 543
var. ovoidea 517
‘Boelare’ 273 ‘Rotundifolia’ 567 ‘Schubert’ 543
X canescens 517
‘Interamericana’ 273 ‘Schipkaensis’ 567 “Washi-no-o’ 557
Sérbica 567 x blireana 525 Quercus
Prumnopitys acutissima 353
maackiit 535 x campanulata
andina 35 agrifolia 373
mahaleb 527 ‘Okame’ 543
‘Mikuruma-gaeshi’ 557 x fontanesiana 537 alba 389
var. latifolia 389

822
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

aliena 353 s@rstauoo 7 x holdtti 577 americana

var. acuteserrata 353 f. fastigiata 383 ‘Britzensis’ 581 ‘Belmonte’ 469
alnifolia 379 ‘Fastigiata Grange’ 387 x slavinii 579 amurensis
bicolor 391 ‘Filicifolia’ 385 ‘Hillier’ 579 var. rota 469
brachyphylla 375 ‘“Granbyana’ 387 Salix anglica 489
canariensis 375 ‘Holophylla’ 387 acutifolia 289 aria 483

castaneifolia 365 ‘Hungarian’ 383 alba 291 ‘Decaisneana’ 483

x macranthera 365 ‘Pendula’ 387 ‘Britzensis’ 291 ‘Lutescens’ 483
cerris 369 WRaloe, Shei) f. argentea 291 ‘Magnifica’ 483
f. laciniata 369 ‘Strypemonde’ 385 var. caerulea 291 ‘Majestica’ 483
subsp. fournefortii 369 “Tortuosa’ 383 var. sericea 291 aronioides 471
var. austriaca 369 rubra 363 babylonica 287, 289 aucuparia 465
‘Variegata’ 369 ‘Aurea’ 363 ‘Crispa’ 289 ‘Aspleniifolia’ 465
coccifera 781 semicarpifolia 781 “Tortuosa’ 289 ‘Beissneri’ 465
subsp. calliprinos 781 shumardit. 357 caprea 285 ‘Fastigiata’ 465
var. texana 357 ‘Hilling’s Spire’ 471
coccinea 361 ‘Kilmarnock’ 285
‘Splendens’ 361 stellata 355 cinerea 285
subsp. sibirica 469
suber 367 daphnoides 285 ‘Xanthocarpa’ 465
dentata 353
trojana 367 bristoliensis 489
ellipsoidalis 357 elaeagnos 289
variabilis 353 fragilis 287 caloneura 467
falcata 357
cashmiriana 473
var. pagodifolia 357 velutina 359 irrorata 289
‘Magnifica’ 359 commixta 469
frainetto 377 matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ 289
‘Hungarian Crown’ 377 ‘Nobilis’ 359 oleifolia 285 ‘Embley’ 475
virgiliana 375 pentandra 285 ‘Jermyns’ 473
garryana 393
warburgii 365 rosmarinifolia 289 cuspidata 485
haas 387
x bushit 355 decora 477, 479
iberica 781 triandra 285
x falcata devoniensis 489
ilex 373 viminalis 289
var. friloba 355 domestica 481
‘Fordir’ 373 violacea 289
x heterophylla 355 x pendulina
var. pomifera 481
subsp. rotundifolia 373
x hispanica ‘Blanda 237) var. pyrifera 481
imbricaria 359
‘Ambrozyana’ 367 ‘Elegantissima’ 287 esserteauiana
ithaburensis 353
‘Fulhamensis’ 367, 371 x rubens 287 ‘Flava’ 473
kelloggii 357
‘Lucombeana’ 371 ‘Basfordiana’ 287 folgneri 479
lanuginosa 353
x leana 359 x sepulcralis forrestii 475
laurifolia 357
x Iudoviciana 351 ‘Chrysocoma’ 287 ‘Ghose’ 471
libani 367
x rosacea 385 ‘Erythroflexuosa’ 289 graeca 485
var. pinnata 367
x schochiana 351 ‘Salamon’ 287
hajastana 487
lobata 391
x turnert 373 harrowiana 473
lyrata 355 Sassafras hupehensis 475
‘Macon’ 379 Rhododendron albidum 443
‘November Pink’ 475
macranthera 379 arboreum 757 var. molle 443
‘Rufus’ 475
macrocarpa 389 ‘Album’ 757 Saxegothaea var. obtusa 475
macrolepis 353 ‘Blood Red’ 757 conspicua 39 insignis 473
marilandica 357 ‘Roseum’ 757
Schinus intermedia 489
michauxti 393 Rhus molle 797 japonica 467
mongolica 353 glabra 595 ‘Pagoda Red’ 467
Sciadopitys
var. grosseserrata 353 potaninit 595 var. calocarpa 467
verticillata 107
muehlenbergit 355 typhina 595 ‘Joseph Rock’ 475
myrsinifolia 353 ‘Dissecta’ 595
Sequoia
sempervirens 91 keissleri 471
myrtifolia 781 verniciflua 595 lancifolia 479
nigra 355 ‘Adpressa’ 91
Robinia ‘Cantab’ 91 latifolia 489
palustris 361 ‘Bella Rosea’ 581 ‘Leonard Messel’ 477
pedunculiflora 387 Sequoiadendron megalocarpa 477
hispida 577
petraea 381 giganteum 93
var. macrophylla 577 meliosmifolia 479
‘Columna’ 381 ‘Aureovariegatum’ 93
‘Tdahoensis’ 581 mougeotil 485
‘Insecata’ 381 ‘Pendulum’ 93
pseudoacacia 575 pohuashanensis 467
‘Laciniata’ 381 ‘Appalachia’ 581 Sophora randaiensis 477
‘Mespilifolia’ 381 ‘Aurea’ 579 japonica 585 rupicola 467
phellos 351 ‘Bessoniana 581 ‘Pendula’ 585 sargentiana 475
‘Pondaim’ 379 ‘Coluteoides’ 579 ‘Pyramidalis’ 585 scalaris 473
pontica 379 ‘Frisia 575 microphylla 789 serotina 465
prinus 393 ‘Glaucescens’ 579 ‘Sun King’ 789 ‘Signalman’ 471
pubescens 375 ‘Monophylla Fastigiata’ 579 tetraptera 789 ‘Sunshine’ 477
subsp. palensis 375 ‘Pyramidalis’ 575 ‘Grandiflora’ 789 takhtajantt 487
pyrenaica 377 ‘Rehderi’ 581 Sorbus tamamschjanae 479
Pendula’ 377 ‘Rozynskyana’ 575 alnifolia 487 thibetica
robur 383 ‘Tortuosa’ 575 var. longifolia 487 ‘John Mitchell’ 485
‘Argenteovariegata’ 385 ‘Umbraculifera’ 577 var. macrophylla 487 torminalis 489
‘Atropurpurea’ 385 ‘Unifolia’ 577 var. submollis 487 ‘Tundra’ 477
‘Concordia’ 385 viscosa 577
 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

umbellata 487 Lutea’ 23 miqueliana 697 davidiana 413

var. cretica 485 ‘Neidpathensis’ 27 mongolica 691 ‘Dodoens’ 405
vestita 485 seanilinia 27, ‘Mrs Stenson’ 689 glabra 399
vexans 485 ‘Rushmore’ 27 oliveri 697 ‘Camperdownii’ 401
vilmorinit. 473 ‘Semperaurea’ 26 paucicostata 697 ‘Crispa’ 401
wardit 471 ‘Standishii’ 26 platyphyllos 677 ‘Exoniensis’ 401
wilfordiana 469 ‘Summergold’ 26 ‘Aspleniifolia’ 677 ‘Horizontalis’ 399
“Wilfrid Fox’ 483 “Xanthocarpa’ 23 ‘Aurea’ 679 ‘Lutescens’ 401
“Winter Cheer’ 477 canadensis 28 ‘Corallina’ 677 ‘Nana’ 401
xanthoneura 467 “Variegata’ 28 ‘Fastigiata’ 679 japonica 411
zahlbruckneri 487 chinensis 28 ‘Daciniata (677 ‘Jacon’ 411
x decipiens 485 cuspidata 28 ‘Orebro’ 679 ‘Karagatch’ 409
x hybrida x hunnewelliana 25 ‘Princes Street’ 679 laciniata 413
‘Gibbsii’ 479 x media 29 ‘Rubra’ 677 laevis 395
x kewensis 475 ‘Hatfieldi’ 28 subsp. cordifolia 679 ‘Lobel’ 409
x paucicrenata 485 “Hicksii’ 29 subsp. pseudorubra 679 macrocarpa 413
x thuringiaca 481 ‘Kelseyi’ 29 “Tortuosa’ 677 minor
‘Fastigiata’ 481 ‘Sargent’ 29 var. vitifolia 677 ‘Dicksonu’ 407
x vagensis 489 ‘Skalborg’ 29 tomentosa 699 ‘Louis van Houtte’ 395
Stewartia wallichiana 29 ‘Brabant’ 699 ‘Sarniensis 407
malacodendron 707 Tetracentron “Green Mountain’ 699 ‘Silver Gem’ 395
monadelpha 707 sinense 439 ‘Petiolaris’ 695, 699 subsp. minor 407
pseudocamellia 707 Tetradium ‘Princeton’ 699 var. cornubiensis 407
pteropetiolata daniellii 591 ‘Sterling Silver’ 699 var. diversifolia 405
var. koreana 707 Thuja ‘Szeleste’ 699 var. lockii 407
sinensis 70O7 koraiensis 87 “Varsaviensis 689 var. vulgaris 395
Styrax occidentalis 85, 89 x euchlora 681 ‘Viminalis’ 395
hemsleyana 759 ‘Douglasii Pyramidalis’ 85 x europaea 683 “Viminalis Aurea’ 395
japonica 759 ‘Fastigiata’ 85 ‘Greenspire’ 687 montana 399
obassia 759 ‘Filiformis’ 89 ‘Pallida’ 687 parvifolia 411
officinale 787 ‘Holmstrup Yellow’ 85 ‘Redmond’ 693 *Planyin’ 405
Taiwania “‘Lutea’ 85 “Wratislavensis’ 687 *Pinnato-ramosa’ 409
cryptomerioides 101 ‘Spiralis’ 85 “Zwarte Linde’ 687 procera 395

Tamarix 703 “Wareana Lutescens’ 89 x flaccida 701 pumila 411

africana 787 “Waxen’ 85 ‘Diversifolia’ 701 var. arborea 409
orientalis 85, 89 x flavescens 701 racemosa 397
canariensis 703
dalmatica 787 ‘Bonita’ 85 ‘Dropmore’ 701 rubra 397
gallica 703 ‘Elegantissima’ 89 ‘“Glenleven’ 701 ‘Sapporo Autumn Gold’ 411
pentandra 703 ‘Flagelliformis’ 89 “Wascana’ 701 thomasii 397
ramosissima 703 plicata 83
x moltket 695 villosa 409
“Rosea’ 703 “Aurea 63 Toona x hollandica
‘Rubra’ 703 ‘Fastigiata’ 83 sinensis 709 ‘Dampier’ 403
‘Summer Glow’ 703 ‘Stoneham Gold’ 83 ‘Flamingo’ 709 “‘Dampieri Aurea’ 403
tetrandra 703 FOteta eo Torreya “Groenveldt’ 405
Taxodium ‘Zebrina’ 83 californica 31 “Major 403
ascendens 103 “Zebrina Extra Gold’ 83 grandis 31 ‘Vegeta’ 403

“‘Nutans’ 103 standishtt 87 nucifera 31 Umbellularia

distichum 103 Thujopsis Trachycarpus californica 443
var. nutans 103 dolabrata 87 fortunei 775 Washingtonia
mucronatum 779 ‘Aurea’ 87 filifera 777
Tsuga
Taxus “Variegata’ 87 Xanthocyparis
albertiana 195
baccata 23 Tilia nootkatensis 55
canadensis 197
‘Adpressa’ 25 americana 693 Yucca
‘Aurea’ 197
“Adpressa Aurea’ 25 ‘Dentata’ 693 aloifolia
‘Fremdi’ 197
‘Adpressa Variegata’ 25 amurensis 697
‘Macrophylla’ 197 subsp. draconis 777
‘“Aldenhamensis’ 27 begoniifolia 681 elephantipes
‘Microphylla’ 197
‘Aurea’ 23 caucasica 697 gloriosa. 777
‘Sargenti’ 197
‘Aureovariegata’ 26 chinensis 689 Zelkova
“Taxifolia’ 197
“Bleharoyanle 25) cordata 685 abelicea 415
caroliniana 195
‘Brevifolia’ 25 ‘Pyramidalis’ 685 carpinifolia 415
chinensis 199
‘Cheshuntensis’ 27 ‘Rancho’ 687
diversifolia 199 serrata 415
“‘Dovastoniana’ 25 ‘Harold Hillier’ 701 subsp. stipulacea 415
dumosa 199
‘Dovastonu Aurea’ 25 henryana 694 sinica 415
heterophylla 195
‘Erecta, 26 heterophylla 691 x verschaffeltii 415
Ulmus
‘Fastigiata’ 23 insularis 681 Ziziphus
americana 397
‘Fastigiata Aurea’ 23 japonica 689 jujuba 795
bergmanniana 413
‘Fastigiata kittsiana 689
carpinifolia 405, 407 lotus 795
Aureomarginata’ 23 lactevirens 681 vulgaris 795
castaneifolia 413
maxtmowicziana 701

824
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES
The English names of cultivars are also included in the index of scientific names (pp. 816-24)

‘Charlottae’ 495 One-leaved 729 ‘Prince George of Crete’

Acacia
Toringo 505 Oregon 723 345
Mop-head 577
Oregon Crab 499 Pumpkin 721 ‘Purpurea Pendula’ 339
Rose 577 ‘Purpurea Tricolor 341
Orchard 491 Syrian 727
Alder 317 Texas 723 ‘Quercifolia’ 341
Pillar 497
Caucasian 321 Velvet 723 ‘Remillyensis’ 341
Common 317 Apricot 531 ‘Raversii’ 343
Water 721
“Aurea 319 Japanese 533 ‘Rohan Gold’ 339
Weeping 725 709
‘Fastigiata’ 319 ‘Alphandi’ 533 ‘Rohan Pyramid’ 339
White 717
‘Imperialis’ 317 ‘Benishidon’ 533 ‘Rohanii’ 343
“Ascidiata’ 717
‘Incisa’ 319 ‘Omoi-no-moma’ 533 ‘Roseomarginata’ 341
‘Autumn Purple’ 717
‘Taciniata 3117 Apuka 793 ‘Juglanditolia’ 717 ‘Rotundifolia’ 345
‘Pyramidalis’ 319 ‘Rosehill’? 717, 721 ‘Spaethiana’ 343
Arbor-vitae
‘Quercifolia’ 317 ‘Tortuosa’ 339
American 85 Aspen 265 ‘Tricolor 341
Green 321 ‘Douglasii Pyramidalis’ 85 Chinese 267 "Llatia 337, 045
Grey 323 ‘Fastigiata’ 85 European 265
‘Angustissima’ 323
‘Filiformis’ 89
Copper 343
Quaking 265
‘Aurea’ 323 Cut-leaved 341
‘Holmstrup Yellow’ 85 Weeping 265
‘Laciniata’ 323 Engler 347
douteas no
‘Pendula’ 323 Australian Banyan Tree Fern-leaved 343
‘Spiralis’ 85
‘Ramulus Coccineis’ 323 ‘Wareana Lutescens’ 89
785 Golden 345
Italian 321 Avocado Pear 781 Japanese 347
‘Waxen 85
Red 323 Oriental 347
False 87 Azarole 457
Sitka 319 Oval-leaved Southern 335
Japanese 87
Balm of Gilead 271 Purple 343
Allegheny Moss 579 Korean 87
Banana 803 Roble 335
Almond 531 Ash 713 Siebold’s 347
Japanese 803
‘Albaplena’ 531 Afghan 727 Water 329
‘Roseoplana’ 531 Arizona 723 Basswood Weeping Purple 359
Biltmore 719 White 691
Apple Beetree Linden 691
‘Aldenhamensis’ 507 Blackeye) Bay Tree 439
Blue 715 ‘Angustifolia’ 439 Birch 303
‘Butterball’ 509
Caucasian 727 ‘Aurea 439 Asian Black 305
‘Coralburst’ 511
Chinese 715 Blue 303
‘Crittenden’ 509 Bay
‘Floribunda’ 715 Canoe 315
‘Dartmouth’ 509 Willow-leaved 439
Chinese Flowering 713 Cherry 309
‘Eley? 509 ‘Angustifolia’ 439
Common 725 Common 315
‘Golden Hornet’ 509 ‘Aurea 439
‘Aurea’ 729 Dwarf 307
‘Joan’ 493
‘Diversifolia Pendula’ 729 Bean Tree Erman’s 303
‘John Downie’ 509 ‘Grayswood Hill’ 303
‘Elegantissima’ 729 Indian 767
‘Rosea’ 495 Grey 309
‘Eureka’ 727 Beech 335
‘Lady Northcliffe’ 501 Himalayan 305
‘Jaspidea’ TIS American 347
‘Laxton’s Red’ 507
‘Nana 727 ‘Doorenbos’ 305
‘Lemoinei 507 Blue 329
‘Pendula’ 725 Chinese 347
‘Grayswood Ghost’ 305
‘Liset’ 507 ‘Inverleith’ 305
497 ‘Pendula Wentworthi’ Cockscomb 339
‘Magdeburgensis’ ‘Jermyns’ 305
W2e) Common 337
‘Mary Potter’ 511 ‘Moonbeany 305
‘Scolopendrifolia’ 729 ‘Albovariegata’ 341
‘Plena’ 505 ‘Silver Queen’ 305
‘Profusion’ 507
Flowering 713 ‘Ansorger 343
Golden 725 ‘Argenteovariegata’ 341 ‘Silver Shadow? 305
‘Red Jade’ 511 Japanese 305
‘Red Sentinal’ 511
Green 719 ‘Aspleniifolia’ 343
‘Acubifolia’ 721 ‘Aurea Pendula’ 345 Japanese Cherry 305
‘Royalty’ 511 Manchurian 307
‘Crispa’ 721 ‘Cochleata’ 339
‘Riversu’ 493 ‘Whitespire’ 307
‘Patmore’ 721 ‘Cockleshell? 345
‘Van Eseltine’ 511 Monarch 303
‘Variegata’ 721 "Grastavaeooo
‘Yellow Siberian’ 493 Paper 315
Gregg 715 ‘Dawyck’ 337
Crab 491 Raver 309
Manchurian 715 ‘Dawyck Gold’ 345
Bechtel 505 Silver 311
Manna 713 ‘Dawyck Purple’ 343
Chinese 493, 499 ‘Birkalensis’ 313
‘Arie Peters’ 713 ‘Grandidentata’ 345
Japanese 495 Dalecarlica’ 311
Narrow-leaved 731 ‘Luteovariegata’ 341
Oregon 497 ‘Dentata Viscosa’ 313
‘Obliqua’ 731 ‘Miltonensis’ 345
Siberian 501 ‘Fastigiata’ 313
‘Raywood’ FO, WOM ‘Pendula’ 337
‘Jacki’ 501 ‘GtaGilissmoile
‘Veltheimii’ 731
Sweet 495
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

(Obelisk eis Cedar 147 Cherry Laurel 567 Flag 565

‘Purpurea’ 311 Atlas 149 ‘Bruantii’ 567 Fuji 535
‘Tristis’ 313 Blue 149 ‘Camellifolia’ 567 ‘Umineko’ 535
*“Viscosa’ 313 ‘Aurea’ 149 ‘Magnoliifolia’ 567 Great White 565
‘Youngii’ 311 ‘Glauca Fastigiata’ 149 ‘Otini’ 567 Hill Cherry
Transcaucasian 307 “Glauca Pendula’ 149 ‘Rotundifolia’ 567 Chinese 547
Weeping Silver 313 Chilean 39 “Schipkaensis’ 567 Japanese 547
White 315 Chinese 709 ‘Serbica’ 567 Korean 547
Yellow 309 Cyprian 153 Himalayan Bird 537
Cherry
Young’s Weeping 311 Deodar 151 Holly-leaved 543
‘Accolade’ 541
Bitternut 301 “‘Albospica’ 153
‘Amanogawa’ 553 ‘Multiplex’ 543
‘Argentea’ 151 cAniake 9557) “Petzoldi’ 543
Black Sally 573
Texioureen ilfeyil
‘Asano’ 543 Japanese Alpine 555
Blackthorn 523 ‘Gold Mound’ 153 Manchurian 535
‘Purpurea’ 523 ‘Beni-Shigure’ 551
‘Pendula’ 153 Matsumae 551
“‘Beni-tama-nishiki’ 551
Blackwood 573 ‘Robusta’ 153 Mount Fuji 559
‘Beni-yutaka’ 551
‘Verticillata’ 151 Myrobalan Plum 545
Boobyalla 803 ‘Cheal’s Weeping’ 553
Incense 39
‘Fukurokuju’ 549
‘Lindsayae’ 525
Bottlebrush ‘Aureovariegata’ 39 ‘Nigra’ 525
Crimson 793 ‘Hanagasa’ 551
Japanese 95, 99 ‘Pissardil’ 525
Weeping 793 ‘“Hatazakura’ 565
‘Ashio-sugi’ 99 “Rosea’ 525
‘Hokusai’ 563
Box 597 “Aurescens’ 95 Oshima 545
‘Horinji’ 563
Balearic 597 “Compacta’ 97 ‘Ichiyo’ 563 Pin 543
Common 597 “Crista 95
‘Jo-nior 561 Purple-leaved 525
‘Angustifolia’ 597 ‘Dacrydioides’ 99 Rum 527
Kanan: eo)
‘Aureovariegata’ 597 ‘Elegans’ 95 Sargent’s 535
“Kiku Shidare Zakura’
‘Gold Tip’ 597 ‘Ikari-sugi’ 97 ‘Columnaris’ 537
553
‘Latifolia’ 597 ‘Kusari-sugr 97 ‘Rancho’ 537
“Kursar’ 543
‘Latifolia Bullata’ 597 ‘Lobbiv’ 99 ropire 537
‘Mikuruma-gaeshi’ 557
‘Latifolia Maculata’ 597 ‘Lycopodioides’ 97 Spring 539
“Okame’ 543
‘Marginata’ 597 ‘Pungens’ 99 “Autumnalis’ 541
‘Oshokun’ 561
*Pendula’ 597 ‘Pyramidata’ 95 “Autumnalis Rosea’ 541
‘Pandora’ 555
‘Pyramidalis’ 597 ‘Sekkan’ 97 ‘Flore Pleno’ 539
“Pink Perfection’ 559
“Rosmarinifolia’ 597 ‘Sekka-sugi’ 95 “Fukubana’ 541
“Sanasas Ooi
‘Rotundifolia’ 597 ‘Selaginoides’ 97 ‘Fukubana Higan Zakura’
‘Shimidsu Zakura’ 557,
Dwarf 597 “Viminalis’ 97 541
561
Himalayan 597 “Yoshino’ 95
‘Shirofugen’ 565 ‘Omoigawa’ 539
Victorian 787 of Goa 63 *Pendula’ 539
‘Shirotae’ 559
of Lebanon 147 *Pendula Rosea’ 5:4c
Broadleaf 793 ‘Shizuka’ 549
“Glauca’ 147 ‘Pendula Rubra’ 5234C )
“Dixon’s Cream’ 793 ‘Shogetsu’ 557
Pencil 81 “Stellata’ 539
‘Variegata’ 793 ‘Spire’ 541
‘Burki’ 81 St Lucie 527
Broom “Tai-haku’ 565
“Canaerti’ 81 Tibetan 547
Mount Etna 573 “Takasago’ 563
‘Cupressifolia’ 81
“Tsukubane’ 549 Tobacco-leaved 529

Buckeye ‘“Glauca’ 81
“Tsyu-kosade’ 551 Tokyo 545
Ohio 673 “Globosa’ 81 Wild 529
‘Ukon’ 559
Red 669 ‘Pendula’ 81 “‘Decumana’ 529
‘Umeniko’ 555
Sweet 671 ‘Pseudocupressus’ 81 ‘Nana’ 529
“Washi-no-o’ 557
Texas 667 Salt, 703 *Pendula’ 529
“Yaebeni-Ohshima’ 549
Yellow 671 Smooth Tasmanian 105 ‘Plena’ 529
Apple Blossom 553
Summit 105 ‘Rubrifolia’ 529
Bullace 531 Black 527
Tasmanian 105 ‘Salicifolia’ 529
Bunya-Bunya 37 ‘Pendula’ 527
Western Red 83 Yoshino 545
Bullace 531
Butternut 297 ‘Aurea’ 83
Capulin Black 527 *‘Shidare Yoshino’ 545
‘Fastigiata’ 83 “Tokyo Cherry’ 5
Buttonwood 453 Cherry Plum 545
‘Stoneham Gold’ 83 “Tsu Yoshino’ 54!
Cabbage Tree 777 ‘Lindsayae’ 525
SSthiGta soo
‘Nigra’ 525 Chestnut, Horse
Camellia “Zebrina’ 83
*Pissardi’ 5 Chinese 675
Silky 707 ‘Zebrina Extra Gold’ 83
“Rosea’ 525 Common 663
White 85 69
Carob 789 Choke 543 ‘Baumannii’ 663
‘Douglasii Pyramidalis’ 85
Caster-oil Tree ‘Schubert’ 543 “‘Digitata’ 665
‘Fastigiata’ 85
Prickly 709 Double Sour 527 ‘Flore Pleno’ 663
“Filiformis’ 89
‘Rhexii’ 527 ‘Hampton Court Gold’
Catalpa 767 ‘Holmstrup Yellow? 85
Double White 529 667
Farge’s 769 ‘Lutea’ 85
European Bird 523 “Laciniata’ 665
Golden 767 ‘Spiralis’ 85
‘Colorata’ 523 ‘Memmingeri’ 667
Western 769 “Wareana Lutescens’ 89
‘Plena’ 523 *Pendula’ 665
Yellow 771 “Waxen’ 85
‘Purple Queen’ 537 “‘Pumila’ 665
“Watereri’ 523 ‘Pyramidalis’ 665

826
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Camperdown 401
65 Leyland 59 47
<a 667 Guadalupe Caucasian 415
‘Castlewellan’ 59
667 Hinoki 37 413
D Hi is ‘Golconda’ 59 Chestnut-leaved
<a Ee eas Begone 37 Chinese 411
Aurea 57 ‘Haggerston Grey’ 59
wa
‘Crippsi’ 57 ‘Leighton Green’ 59 Cornish 407
ae ae oe
‘Naylor’s Blue’ 59 Dutch 403
ydney Pearce’ 671 Filicoides’ 57
‘Lycopodiodes’ 57 ‘Robinson’s Gold’ 59 English 395
Lee 673 407
Tetragona Aurea’ 5/7 ‘Silver Dust’ 59 ‘Dicksoniv’
. 669 ee 395
Mendocino 61 ‘Louis van Houtte’
ae ec 6o Italian 65 ‘Sarniensis’ 407
65 Mexican 63
S er e Green Pencil ‘Silver Gem’ 395
as 673 Greenspire’ 65 “Glauca’ 63
‘Swane’s Golden’ 65 ‘Glauca Pendula’ 63 ‘Viminalis’ 395
rythroblastos 673
Kashmir 61 Monterey 67 ‘Viminalis Aurea’ 395
Wilson's 667 395
‘Donard Gold’ 67 European White
Chestnut, Sweet 349 a 41
‘Goldcrest’ 67 Exeter 401
‘Albomarginata’ 349 ‘Albo-spica’ 46
‘Horizontalis Aurea’ 67 Field 407
‘Heterophylla’ 349 ‘Alumni’ 43
Tunica. (5)/ Fluttering 395
Cutleaved 349 ‘Argenteovariegata’ 46,
779 Golden Cornish 407
51 ; Montezuma
China Tree 711
47 Mourning 61 Golden Wych 401
: ; Aurea’
Nootka 55 Guernsey 407
795 ‘Blue Jacket’ 46
p Chinese Date
‘Chilworth Silver! 47 ‘Pendula’ 55 Huntingdon 403
Chinese Flame Tree 711 ‘Dampier’ 403
mans Sil
Coluyensis - ‘Variegata’ 55 ‘Dampieri Aurea’ 403
585 se
Chine Scholar Tree ‘Darle Patagonian 69
Piute 63 ‘Groenveldt’ 405
‘i~ Elegantissima’ 47
787 ‘Ellwood’si Gold’ 47 Pond 103 yor’’ 40403
‘Major
Christmas Berry ‘Vegeta’ 403
os ‘Ellwoodi’ 43 ‘Nutans’ 103
‘Red Robin’ 787 Japanese 411
“Erecta Aurea’ 46 Rough-barked 69
Citrus fruits 799 Santa Cruz 65 ‘Jacon’ 411
Bitter Orange 799 ‘Erecta Filiformis’ 49 Large-fruited 413
‘Erecta Glauca’ 43 Sargent 63
Gieon 799° Lock’s 407
“Erecta Vinidis’ 43 Sawara 53
Clementine 799 ‘Filifera’ 53 Plot’s 407
Florida Orange 799 “Filiformis’ 49 53 Rock 397
duleteinert > ‘Filifera Aurea’
Grapefruit 799 ‘Fraser’ 51 ‘Golden Spangle’ 53 Scotch 399
King Mandarin 799
‘Plumosa’ 53 Siberian 411
Kumquat 799 ee Lombartsit’ a Slippery 397
‘Squarrosa’ 53
Golden King’ 46 Smooth-leaved 405, 407
Lemon 799 ‘Grayswood Pillar 41 “Squarrosa Aurea 53
lime 799 53 Soito97
‘Green Hedge r 47 ‘Strathmore’ ; : one
meen ae 69 Weeping Wych 399
Mandarin 799
Gicen Pillar’ 5yll Smooth-barked Arizona
Pampelmousse 799 onic 69 } Wheatley 407
Pomicle-799 eos Spire a
Pyramidalis’ 69 White 397
‘Henzy Dinger 46 Wych 399
Satsuma 799 Swamp 103
A Thert” e 25 ‘Camperdownii’ 401
Seville Orange 799 51 _ Chinese 101
Shaddock 799 Hogger’ 55 ‘Crispa’ 401
Tntertexta’ 49 Taiwan
Sweet Oranse 799 ‘Exoniensis’ 401
49 Tecate 65
Tangerine 799 Kestonensis’ West Himalayan 61 ‘Horizontalis’ 399
‘Kilmacurragh’ 46
oie
Corks T oe ‘Lombartsi’ 41
as White 55 ‘Lutescens’ 401
"Gauci 5 ‘Nana 401
‘Lutea’ 49 75°
mur 371
‘Variegata’ 55 Eoaulettenrrees
Japanese 591 ‘Lutea Smithi’ 51
D amson 534 P
Lycopodioides’ 46 5- Eucaplyptus 737
Cornel 51 ? :
Bentham’s 751 ‘Merrist Wood’
46 Devil Wood 801 Eucryphia
Gtoneaster ‘Moerheimi’
‘Penwith’? 705
‘Naber’ 51 Dogwood
455 Alternate-leaved 747 ‘Plena’ 705
alayaan Tree
Himalay a ‘Pembury Blue’ 51
Flowering 749 ‘Rostrevor’ 705
Cottonwood 271 ‘Pendula’ 49 705
Pacific 747; ‘Ulmo’
Eastern 281 ‘Pottenii’ 43
: Slat pe
Silver Tap
;
47 Pagoda Tay Euodia or Evodia 591
Lance-l eaf 273 ee
47 Table 749
‘Slocock’
Crab 491 i=
Sy 1¢
cc a He
Dove Tree 745 Sycamore 785
Cucumber Tree 427 eee ats &
Filbert 333
Earleaf
ee 435a pecrantns
Saarse e 40 Dragon Tree 777
El m 305 GorePurpureaentree
’ 333
arge-leaved 427 PaaS 395
Vellow 431 Stricta’ 43 Fir
43 ‘Dodoens’ 405
; ‘Stricta Glauca’
‘Karagatch’ 409 Algerian 131
Cypress 39 ‘Tamariscifolia’ 47
‘Triompf van Boskoop’ ‘Lobel’ 409 Alpie 139
Arizona 69 a 409 Cc bt, 139
45 ‘Pinnato-ramos a
/ompact Bs
Bentham 63 ier i ae 8 tp ; =
ninee Wee 61
Westermanni 43 Plantyin’ 405 Balsam 141
hinese ping
‘Sapporo Autumn Gold’ Bomummeller 135
Cuyamaca 65 “Winston Churchill’ 47
Golden Hinoki 57 ‘Wisselir’ 45 41] Brideconte ey"
‘Youngn’ 45 American 397 Cioran het ni2s
Gowen 61

827
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Caucasian 135 Foxglove Tree 773 Eastern Hymalayan 199 ‘Nigrescens’ 605
Cheng 121 Oli 01 Himalayan 199 ‘Purple Shaft’ 607
Chinese 107 praeraue ives Hybrid American 197 “Wilsoni’ 601
‘Glauca’ 107 Fringe Tree 763 Japanese “‘W.J.Bean’ 605
Cilician 109 Chinese 763 Northern 199 Himalayan 607
Colorado White 143 Ginkgo 21 Southern 199 Japanese 605
‘Candicans’ 143 ‘Sentry’ 21 Mountain 197 ‘Shiro-Fukurin’ 605
‘Violacea’ 143 ‘Variegata’ 21 Western 195 Moonlight 599
‘Wattezir 143 : 5 Perny’s 607
Hiba 87
Corkbark 139 Wales aT ‘Drace’ 607
@uimennnales Golden Chestnut 783 Hickory 299 ‘Indian Chief 607
Delavay 117 Golden Rain Tree 711 Shagbark 301
Perry’s Silver Weeping 603
Douglas 201 Greengage 531 Shellbark 299
Saw-leaved 601
‘Brevifolia’ 203 Holly 599 Weeping 603
‘Fretsi’ 203 Gum ‘Lydia Morris’ 605 Yellow-fruited 599
‘Stair’ 201 Alpine Snow 739 American 607
Bigcone 203 Black 735 Hop Tree 801
Box-leaved 605
Blue 203 Blue 737, 741 ‘Aurea’ 801
Canary Island 605, 607 ‘Fastigiata’ 801
Fraser River 203 Cider 741 Common 599
Japanese 201 Mountain 737 ‘Alaska’ 601 Hornbeam 325
East Himalayan 127 Shining 737 ‘Amber’ 599 American 329
East Siberian 133 Silver 741 ‘Angustifolia’ 601 Common 325
Faber 117, Spinning 737 ‘Argentea Marginata’ 599 ‘Columnanis’ 327
Farges’s 119 Tasmanian Blue 741 “Argentea Marginata ‘Fastigiata’ 327
Flaky 129 Tasmanian Yellow 743 Pendula’ 603 “Frans Fontaine’ 327
Fraser's 125 Tingiringi 739 ‘Aurea Marginata’ 599 indisa’ S27
Gamble 119 Urn 739 “Aurifodina’ 601 ‘Pendula’ 327
Grand 141 White 737 ‘Bacciflava’ 599 ‘Pyramidalis’ 327
Greek 131 Gutta-percha Tree 439 “‘Beetit’ 603 ‘Quercifolia’ 327
‘Ciliata Major’ 603 European Hop 331
Pele et Hackberry 417
‘Crassifolia’ 601 Japanese 331
sae
aa eeeae we Japanese 419
King Boris 109 Misisippi 417 ‘Cnspa’ 603 Oak-leaved 327
Korean 119 ‘Crispa Aurea Picta’ 599 Oniental 331
Low’s 143 Handkerchief
Tree 745 ‘Donningtonensis’ 603 Weeping 327
Manchurian 123 Hawthorn ‘Ferox® 599 Horse-tail She Oak 781
Maries’ 113 Black 457 ‘Ferox Argentea’ 599
Min 113 Indian Bead Tree 797
Common 459 ‘Ferox Aurea’ 603
Momi 121 “Aurea 461 ‘Flavescens’ 599 Jacaranda 803
Mandina 1211 ‘Bicolor’ 461 ‘Foxu’ 603 Jerusalem Thorn 795
Nikko 123 ‘Lutescens’ 461 ‘Gold Flash’ 603
“Tomomi’ 123 Judas Tree 569
“Pendula Rosea’ 459 ‘Golden Milkboy’ 599
Noble 125 125 ‘Bodnant’ 569
‘Rosea’ 461 ‘Handsworth New Silver’
Pindrow 129 “Stricta’ 459 599 Jujube
Red 125 Downy 457 ‘Hastata’ 6038 Common 795
Rocky Mountain 139 Hungarian 457 “Heterophylla’ 603 Juniper 71
Sacred 115 Midland 459 Gy van Tol? 60! Alligator 79
Sakhalin 109 ‘“Gireoudin’ 461 “Latispina’ 603 Black 77
Salween 111 “Paul’s Scarlet’ 459 ‘Laurifolia’ 601 Chinese 73
Santa Lucia 139 ‘Plena’ 461 ‘Lichtenthalit’ 601 ‘Albovariegata’ 73
Shensi 111 “Punicea’ 461 ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ 601 ‘Argentea’ 73
Siberian 109 ‘Rosea Flore Plena’ 459 “Ovata’ 599 ‘Aurea’ 73
Sicilian 133 “Ovata Aurea’ 599
Hazel 333 ‘Blaauw’ 79
Silver 111 *Pendula’ 603
Aurea’ 333 ‘Iowa’ 73
European 137 ‘Pyramidalis’ 601
‘Contorta’ 333 ‘Jacobiana’ 73
‘Columnaris’ 137 “Recurva’ 599
‘Heterophylla’ 333 “Kaizuka’ 73
‘Pyramidalis’ 137 ‘Scotica’ 601
Pendula’ 333 ‘Keteleeri’ 73
Forests 117 Golden Hedgehog 603
Corkscrew 333 ‘Leeana’ 73
Pacific 125 Hedgehog 599
Turkish 333 ‘Obelisk’ 73
Veitch’s 111 Highclere 601 “Variegata’ 73
Spanish 133 Hemlock 195 ‘Atkinsonii’ 605 Common 71
‘Glauca’ 133 Carolina 195 ‘Balearica’ 607 “Graciosa’ 71
Subalpine 139 Chinese 199 ‘Belgica Aurea’ 605 “‘Hibernica’ 71
Taiwan 119 Eastern 197 “Camellifolia’ 601 ‘Oblongata Pendula’ 71
Tienshan 109 “Aurea 197 ‘Golden King’ 601
Trojan 131 ‘Fremdii’ 197 ‘Pyramidalis’ 71
‘Hendersonii’ 601 ‘Seil Island’ 71
Vejar 115 ‘Macrophylla’ 197
‘Hodginsii’ 601 Drooping 77
Vilmorin’s 133 ‘Microphylla’ 197 ‘Howick’ 607 “Castlewellan’ 77
West Himalayan 129 ‘Sargent’ 197 “Lawsoniana’ 607 Flaky 77 59
“Taxifolia’ 197
‘Mundyi’ 605 ‘Meyer’ 79
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Grecian 75 “Camelliifolia’ 567 ‘Bessoniana’ 581 Maple 609

Himalayan 77 ‘Magniliifolia’ 567 ‘Coluteoides’ 579 Amur 627
Hollywood 73 [Otinil —5oy7 Tevalsiey [Sy/P5) Ashleaf 661
Mexican 75 ‘Rotundifolia’ 567 ‘“Glaucescens’ 579 ‘Auratum’ 661
Mexican Weeping 75 ‘Schipkaensis’ 567 ‘Monophylla Fastigiata’ ‘Elegans’ 661
One-seed 79 ‘Serbica’ 567 579 ‘Flamingo’ 661
Pencil Cedar 81 ‘Pyramidalis’ 575 ‘Giganteum’ 661
Leam 399
‘Burki’ 81 ‘Rehderi’ 581 ‘Variegatum’ 661
‘Canaertii’ 81
Lily Tree 433 ‘Rozynskyana’ 575 ‘Violaceum’ 661
‘Cupressifolia’ 81 Lime 677 SMoOTeUOsaiolo Balkan 631
‘Glauca’ 81 ‘Diversifolia’ 701 ‘Umbraculifera’ 577 Bigtooth 631
‘Globosa’ 81 ‘Dropmore’ 701 “Unitolia 95/7 Birch-leaved 641
‘Pendula’ 81 ‘Glenleven’ 701 Caspian 581 Black Sugar 629
‘Pseudocupressus’ 81 ‘Harold Hillier 701 Clammy 577 Bosnian 627
“Mrs Stenson’ 689 Honey 583 Boxelder 661
Prickly 77
Rocky Mountain 79 “Wascana’ 701 ‘Bujoti’ 585 Cappadocian 621
American 693 ‘Elegantissima’ 585 ‘Aureum’ 621
‘Skyrocket’ 79
‘Dentata’ 693 ‘Imperial’ 585 ‘Rubrum’ 621
Swedish 71
‘Redmond’ 693 ‘Skyline’ 585 Chalk 631
Syrian 75
Amur 697 ‘Sunburst’ 585 Cork-barked 647
Temple 75
Wallich 77 Begonia-leaved 681 ‘Variegata’ 585 Cretan 627
Caucasian 697 Chinese 583 Devil’s 619
Kaki 765 Japanese 583 Field 625
Chinese 689
‘Hachiya’ 765 Moss 577 ‘Elsrijk? 613
Chinese White 697
‘Lycopersicum’ 765 One-leaved Black 577 ‘Nanum’ 641
Common 683
Karo 787 ‘Greenspire’ 687 Sweet 583 ‘Postelense’ 625
“‘Pallida’ 687 Weeping Black 575 ‘Pulverulentum’ 625
Katsura Tree 441
‘Wratislavensis 687 ‘Schwerinii’ 625
‘Pendulum’ 441 Loquat 783
‘Zwarte Linde’ 687 Florida 655
Keaki 415 Luma 791 Full Moon 643
Cnmean 681
Kentucky Coffee Tree Henry's 691 Madrona 753 ‘Aconitifolium’ 643
‘Aureum’ 643
589 Japanese 689 Madrone
‘Variegata’ 589 Large-leaved 677 ‘Viufolium’ 643
Pacific 753
‘Aspleniifolia’ 677 Golden Japanese 643
Kiwi Fruit 783 Magnolia 427 Greek 637
‘Aurea’ 679
Kohuhu 733 ‘Brozzonii’ 429 Hawthorn-leaved 639, 641
‘Corallina’ 677
‘Heaven Scent’ 429 ‘Veitchi’ 641
Kowhai 789 ‘Fastigiata’ 679
‘Lennei’ 433 Henry’s 645
‘Grandiflora’ 789 ‘Laciniata’ 677
‘Lennei Alba’ 433 Her’s 651
Laburnum 587 ‘Orebro’ 679 ‘Leonard Messel’ 431 Hornbeam-leaved 649
‘Princes Street’ 679
Adam’s 587 ‘Merrill’ 431 Horned 619
‘Rubra’ 677
Common 587 ‘Nigra’ 433 Italian 627
‘Tortuosa’ 677 ‘Norman Gould’ 431
‘Aureum’ 587 Korean 643
Golden-leaved 587 Miquel’s 697 ‘Peppermint Stick’ 429 Lime-leaved 639
Moltke’s 695
Scotch 587 ‘Peter Veitch’ 429 Lobel 621
Mongolian 691 ‘Picture’ 429
Voss’s 587 Manitoba 661
Oliver’s 697 ‘Rustica Rubra’ 429
Latch 155 Miyabe 617
Red-twigged 677 ‘Sayonara’ 429
Carpathian 155 Montpellier 617
Silver 699 ‘Wada’s Memory 429
Chinese 163 Moosewood 651
‘Brabant’ 699
Bull Bay 427 ‘Erythrocladum’ 651
Dahurian 163 ‘Green Mountain’ 699 ‘Exmouth’ 427 Nikko 617
European 155 ‘Petiolaris’ 695, 699
‘Gohath’ 427 Nippon 659
Golden 165 ‘Princeton’ 699
Chinese Evergreen 427 Norway 609
Hackmatack 159, 161 ‘Sterling Silver’ 699
Fraser 435 ‘Cleveland’ 609
Himalayan 163 ‘Szeleste’ 699 Japanese Big-leaf 427 ‘Columnare’ 609
Hybrid 157 ‘Varsaviensis 689
Japanese 157 Japanese Willow-leaf 433 ‘Crimson King’ 611
Silver Pendent 695 North Japanese 433
‘Dervaes’ 163 ‘Crimson Sentry’ 613
Small-leaved 685 Sweet Bay 435
‘Pendula’ 157 ‘Cucullatum’ 611
‘Pyramidalis’ 685
Umbrella 435 ‘Deborah’ 613
Kurile 163 ‘Rancho’ 687 Veitch’s Hybrid 427 ‘Dilaceratum’ 611
Siberian 165
Littleleaf 715 Wilson’s 435 ‘Dissectum’ 611
Subalpine 159
Tamarack 159 Locust Mahogany ‘Drummondu oll
Weeping 161 ‘Bella Rosea’ 581 Red 791 ‘Erectum’ 613
Western 161 ‘Britzensis’ 581 Swamp 791 ‘Globosum’ 611
‘Tdahoensis’ 581 ‘Goldsworth Purple’ 611
Laurel 439 Maidenhair Tree 2!
‘Hillier’ 579 ‘Heterophyllum
Bay 439 ‘Sentry 21
Black 575 Aureo-variegatum’ 611
Californian 443 ‘Variegata’ 21
‘Appalachia’ 581 ‘Laciniatum’ 611, 615
Cherry 567 ‘Maculatum’ 615
‘Aurea’ 579
‘Bruanti’ 567

829
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

‘Meyering’ 613 Mastic Tree 797 “Cristata’ 387 Oleaster 795

‘Oekonomierat Stoll’ 611 ‘Fastigiata Granger 387
May Tree 459 Olive 761
‘Olmsted’ 613 ‘Filicifolia’ 385
‘Pyramidale Nanum’ 615 Medlar 455 ‘Granbyana’ 387 Ombu Tree 783
‘Reitenbachii’ 615 Mediterranean 457 ‘Holophylla’ 387 Orange, Bitter 801
‘Schwedlen’ 611 Mimosa 573, 789 ‘Hungarian’ 383
‘Summershade’ 615
Osage Orange 425
Mirabelle 531 “Pendula’ 387
‘Superform’ 613 ‘Raba’ 383 Osier
“Walderseei’ 611 Mockernut 299 ‘Strypemonde’ 385 Common 289
Oregon 631 635 Monkey Puzzle Tree 37 “Tortuosa’ 383 Pagoda Tree 585
‘Seattle Sentinel’ 655 Cork 367 ‘Pendula’ 585
Moosewood 651
“Tricolor 655 Daimio 353 ‘Pyramidalis’ 585
‘Erythrocladum’ 651
Painted 623 Downy 375
Paperbark 617 Moreton Bay Fig 785 Palm
Fulham 367, 371
Pére-David’s 651 Cabbage 775
Mountain Ash Golden 385
‘Madeleine Spitta’ 649 Canary Island 775
Chinese 475 Golden Oak of Cyprus 379
Red 653 Chilean Wine 777
“November Pink’ 475 Himalayan 781
‘Columnare’ 653 Date 777
‘Rufus’ 475 Holm 373
‘October Glory’ 655 Desert Fan 777
Ornamental 477 Foxdit 37/3
“Red Sunset’ 655 Fan 775
Showy 477 459 Hungarian 377
‘Scanlon’ 653 Petticoat 777
Mulberry 421 ‘Hungarian Crown’ 377
‘Schlesingeri’ 653 Kermes 781 Palm Lily 777
Black 423
Red Snake-bark 651 Laurel 357 Paulownia
Chinese 423
Redbud 637 Lea’s Hybrid 359
Paper 425 “‘Coreana’ 773
Rock 631 Lebanon 367
White 421 Peach 533
Rough-barked 617 Lucombe 371
‘Pendula’ 421 ‘Albo Plena’ 5 She,
Shandong 619 Ludwig's 351
‘Pyramidalis’ 421 ‘Klara Mayer’ 533
Shirasawa 645 Macedonian 367
“‘Venosa’ 421 “Kurokawa-yaguc hi’
‘Aureum’ 643 Mirbeck 375
Silver 657 Myrtle 793 ‘Prince Charming’ 5:
Mongolian 353
‘Laciniatum’ 657 ‘Flore Pleno’ 793 *“Sagami-shidare’ 533
Mossycup 389
‘Laciniatum Wieri’ 657 ‘Microphylla’ 793 “Stellata’ 533
Myrtle 781
‘Silver Vein’ 649 Nettle Tree 417 Northern Pin 357 Pear
Smooth Japanese 645 Caucasian 419 Oregon White 285 ‘Bradford’ 519
‘Atropurpureum’ 647 Overcup 355 ‘Chanticleer’ 519
Nutmeg
‘Butterfly’ 645 Pim Soi Common 519
Californian 31
‘Cuneatum’ 647 Possum 355 “Beech Hill’ 519
Japanese 31
“‘Dissectum’ 647 Post) 355 Manchurian 517
Spice 31
‘Dissectum Rubrifolium’ Pyrenean 377 Onental 521
647 Oak 351 ‘Pendula’ 377 ‘Kieffer’ 521
‘Heptalobum’ 647 ‘Ambrozyana’ 367 Quercitron 359 Plymouth 519
‘Katsura’ 645 ‘Fulhamensis’ 367, 371 Red 363 Sand 521
‘Linearilobum’ 647 “‘Lucombeana’ 371 ‘Aurea’ 363 ‘Kieffer’ 521
‘Nicholsonii’ 645 ‘Macon’ 379 Snow 515
Sawtooth 353
“Ornatum’ 647 ‘Pondaim’ 379 Scarlet 361 Wild 513
“Osakazuki’ 647 Algerian 375 ‘Splendens’ 361 Willow-leaved 517
‘Oshio Beni’ 647 Armenian 379 Sessile 381
Bamboo-leaved 353
Pecan 299
‘Sangokaku’ 647 ‘Columna’ 381
‘Seiryu’ 645 Bartram’s 355 ‘Insecata’ 381
Pepper Tree 797
‘Shishigashira’ 645 Basket 285 ‘Laciniata’ 381 Peppermint
“Tana 645 Black 359 ‘Mespilifolia’ 381 Mount Wellington
‘Volubile’ 645 ‘Magnifica’ 359 Shingle 359
‘Nobilis’ 359
Pepperwood 443
Striped 651 Shumard 357
Sugar 629 Blackjack 357 Spanish 357 343 Persian Ironwood 447
“Newton Sentry’ 629 Bottomland Red 357, 363 Stave 389
‘Pendula’ 447
‘Temple's Upright’ 629 Burr 389 Persian Lilac 797
Swamp Chestnut 285
Tatarian 631 Californian Black 357 Swamp White 391
Cambridge 365 Persimmon 765
Trident 639 Texas 357
Caucasian 379 Chinese 765
van Volxem’s 637 Turkey 369
Velvet 623 Cherrybark 357 ‘Variegata’ 369
Phillyrea 763
Vine 643 Chestnut 285 Turner’s 373 Picrasma 593
Vineleaf 617 Chestnut-leaved 365 Valley 39
Vine-leaved Japanese 643 Chinese Cork 353 Pignut 299
Water 355
Wilson’s 619 Chinkapin 355 Weeping 387 Pine 205
Zoeschen 637 639 Coast-Live 373 White 389 Akamatzu 225
‘“Annae’ 659 Common 383
Willow 351 Aleppo 231
‘Elongatum’ 659 ‘Argenteovariegata’ 385 Yellow 359 Apache 241
‘Atropurpurea’ 385 Arolla 205
‘Concordia’ 385 “Aureovariegata’ 205
‘Compacta’ 205
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Scots, 227, 209 ‘Eugenei 281 ‘Ghose’ 471

Austrian 235
‘Fastigiata’ 229 ‘Florence Biondi’ 283 ‘Gibbsiv’ 479
Bhutan 221
Scrub 249 ‘Marilandica’ 281 ‘Hilling’s Spire’ 471
Big-cone 237
Shore 255 ‘Regenerata’ 279 ‘Joseph Rock’ 475
Bishop 251
Shortleaf 245 ‘Robusta’ 281 ‘Leonard Messel’ 477
Blackjack 241
Siberian Stone 221 SSexoumene2 77) ‘Pagoda Red’ 467
Blue 221
Single-leaf Pinyon 223 ‘Serotina Aurea’ 279 ‘Signalman’ 471
Bosnian 247
South-western White 237 ‘Serotina de Champagne’ ‘Sunshine’ 477
Bristlecone 207
Stone 205 279 ‘Tundra’ 477
Calabrian 231
Sugar 211 ‘Serotina de Selys’ 279 ‘Winter Cheer’ 477
Canary Island 779
Swiss Stone 205 Bolle’s 263 ‘Xanthocarpa’ 465
Caribbean 779
Taiwan Black 225 Canadian 279 American 469
Chilgoza 239
Umbrella 205 Chinese Necklace 271 ‘Belmonte’ 469
Chinese Red 209
Washoe 245 Grey 263 Japanese 469
Chinese White 209
Western Himalayan 221 ‘Macrophylla’ 263 ‘Embley’ 475
Colorado Pinyon 223
Western White 211 Japanese Balsam 267 ‘Jermyns’ 473
Cooper 259
Western Yellow 241, 243 ‘Androscoggin’ 267 Kashmir 473
Gowsswlaless
Weymouth 219 Lombardy 277 Sargent’s 475
Corsican 233
Cnmean 233 "Gontonta e219 ‘Elegans’ 277 Rubber Tree 785
Cuban 779 ‘Fastigiata’ 219 ‘Ttalica Foemina 277
Sallee
Digger 259 ‘Radiata’ 2119 italicame/a)
Black 743
Dragon’s-eye 225 Whitebark 223 ‘Lombardy Gold’ 277
Yunnan 209 Picart’s 263 Sallow
Durango 249
Prince Eugene’s 281 Grey 285
Dwarf Mountain 231 Pistachio 797
Eastern White 219 Swiss 279 Sapodilla Plum 787
Plane 449 Western Balsam 271
‘Contorta’ 219
‘Augustine Henry’ 451 Sassafras 443
‘Fastigiata’ 219
‘Pritzi Pauley’ 271
Cambridge 451 ‘Scot Pauley 27/1 Service Tree
‘Radiata 219 of Fontainebleau 489
Cyprian 453 White 263
Endlicher 257
London 449 ‘Pyramidalis’ 263 True 481
Foxtail 207
‘Cantabrigiensis’ 451 ‘Richard’ 263 Wild 489
Gaoshan 209
‘Pyramidalis’ 451 Silk Tree (Albizia) 571
Gregg 237 Pride of India 711
‘Suttneri 449 ‘Rosea’ 571
Hartweg 257 ‘Fastigiata’ 711
‘Tremonia 451
Heidreich 205 ‘Variegata’ 711 Silky Oak 795
Oniental 453
Holford’s 247 Privet Silverbell Tree 759
‘Mirkovec’ 451
Huon 35 Chinese 761
Jack 249 Plum Sloe 523
‘Excelsior Superbum’ 761
Japanese Black 239 American Red 527 ‘Purpurea’ 523
‘Tricolor 761
Japanese Red 225 Cherry 525 Snowbell Tree 759
Date 765 Quince
‘Aurea 225 Snowdrop Tree 759
Garden 523 Common 455
“Oculus-draconis’ 225
‘Umbraculifera’ 225 Myrobalan 525 Rauli 335 Soft Tree Fern 779
Japanese Umbrella 107 Plum Yew 33 Red Bay 781 Sophora, Evergreen 789
Japanese White 213 ‘Fastigiata’ 33 ‘Sun King 789
Red Powder Puff Tree
‘Glauca’ 213 Chinese 33 Sorrel Tree 757
789
‘Saphir’ 213 Podocarp Spanish Bayonet 777
‘Tempelhof 213 Redbud
Chilean 35
Jeffrey 243 Eastern 571 Spanish Dagger 777
Large-leaved 35
King Wilham 105 ‘Forest Pansy’ 571 Spruce 167
Willow-leaf 35
Knobcone 259 Redwood Alberta White 185
Korean 239 Pomegranate 793
Coast 911 Alcock’s 183
Lacebark 213 Poplar 263 ‘Adpressa’ 91 Balfour 193
Limber 207 ‘Beaupre’ 273 *Cantab’ 91 Black 187
Lodgepole 255 ‘Boelare’ 273 Dawn 101 Blue Engelmann 189
Macedonian 215 ‘Fastigiata’ 269 Sierra 93 Brewer 187
Maritime 215 ‘Interamericana’ 273 ‘Aureovariegatum’ 93 Candelabra 171
Mexican Pinyon 223 ‘Lloydii’ 273 ‘Pendulum’ 93 Colorado 189
Mexican Weeping 243 ‘Oxford’ 267 ‘Endtz 189
Rhododendron
Mexican White 217 ‘Pendula’ 269 ‘Koster’ 189
Tree 757
Mongolian Scots 229 Balm of Gilead 271 ‘Moerheim’ 189
‘Album’ 757
Monterey 253 ‘Aurora’ 271 Dragon 173
‘Blood Red’ 757
Montezuma 257 Balsam 271 Eastern 185
‘Roseum’ 757
Mountain 231 ‘Balsam Spire’ 271 Hondo 181
Nelson Pinyon 237 Berlin 277 Rowan 465 Hybrid 187
Norfolk Island 37 Black 275 ‘Aspleniifolia’ 465 Hybrid American 171
Pitch 251 ‘Plantierensis’ 277 ‘Beissnert’ 465 Japanese Bush 169
Ponderosa 241 ‘Variegata’ 275 ‘Dirkeni’ 465
Koyama 181
Pyrenean 235 ‘Vereecken’ 275 ‘Fastigiata’ 465, 481 Likiang 193
Red 253 Black Italian 279 ‘Flava’ 473

831
 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Maximowicz 169 Oriental 445 Varnish Tree 595 Chinese 293

Mexican 169 Hybrid 293
Sweet Tea 801 Victorian Box 787
Morinda 167 Japanese 293
Sycamore 633 ‘Variegatum’ 787
Northern Sargent 173 Winter’s Bark 781
Norway 175
‘Atropurpureum’ 635 Walnut 295
‘Bnilliantissimum’ 635 Arizona 297 Wirilda 789
“Argentea’ 175
‘Erectum’ 633 Black 295 Yellow-wood 569
‘Cincinnata’ 175
'@ranstomileiy.5
‘Leopoldii’ 635 Chinese 297 Chinese 569
‘Cupressina’ 175 ‘Negenia’ 635 Common 295
Yew
‘Finedonensis’ 175
‘Nizeti’ 635 ‘Laciniata’ 295
Canadian 25, 28
‘Inversa’ 175
‘Prinz Handjery’ 635 ‘Monophylla’ 295
Chinese 28
‘Simon Louis Freres’ 635 Cut-leaved 295
Taxa “175 Common 23
‘Pendula’ 175 ‘Variegatum’ 633 615 Japanese 297
“Adpressa’ 25
‘Pendula Major’ 175 ‘Worley’ 635 Manchurian 297
‘Adpressa Aurea’ 25
‘Pyramidata’ 175 American 453 One-leaved 295
‘Adpressa Variegata’ 25
“Tuberculata’ 175 Tacamahacca 271 Wattle ‘Aldenhamensis’ 27
‘Viminalis’ 175 Tamarisk 703 Black 789 ‘Aurea’ 23
“Will's Zwerg 175 ‘Rosea’ 703 Golden Wreath 789 ‘Aureovariegata’ 26
Oriental 179 ‘Rubra’ 703 Green 573 ‘Barronu’ 25
‘Aurea 179 ‘Summer Glow’ 703 Pale Hickory 573 ‘Brevifolia’ 25
‘Gracilis’ 179 African 787 Silver 573 ‘Dovastoniana’ 25
Purple-cone 193 French 703 Swamp 789 ‘Cheshuntensis’ 27
Red 185 Sydney Golden 789 ‘Dovastoniana’ 25
Serbian 179 Tarajo 607
Wellingtonia 93 ‘Dovastonii Aurea’ 25
Schrenk 167 Thorn 457 ‘Aureovariegatum’ 93 ‘Erecta’ 26
Siberian 171 Broad-leaved Cockspur ‘Fastigiata’ 23
‘Pendulum’ 93
Sikkim 169 461 ‘Fastigiata Aurea’ 23
Sitka 191 Cockspur 461 Whitebeam 483
‘Fastigiata
Taiwan 181 Hybrid Cockspur 457 ‘Decaisneana’ 483
Aureomarginata’ 23
Tigertail 171 ‘Carriere 457 ‘John Mitchell’ 485
‘Lutea’ 23
Wilson 169 Oriental 457 ‘Lutescens’ 483
“Neidpathensis’ 27
Yellow 185 Scarlet 457 ‘Magnifica’ 483
‘Paulina’ 27
Tansy-leaved 457 “Majestica’ 483
Spur Leaf 439 ‘Wilfrid Fox’ 483
‘Rushmore’ 27
White 457 ‘Semperaurea’ 26
Stewartia 707 Greek 485
Chinese 707 Thuja ‘Standishii’ 26
Himalayan 485
Japanese 707 Chinese 85, 89 ‘Summergold’ 26
Swedish 489
Korean 707 ‘Bonita’ 85 “Xanthocarpa’ 23
‘Elegantissima’ 89 Willow Golden 23, 25
Tall 707
‘Flagelliformis’ 89 Almond-leaved 285 Fulham 26
Storax 787 Korean 87 Bay 285 Himalayan 29
Bigleaf 759 Caspian 289 Hybrid 29
Hemsley’s 759 Toona
Coral-bark 291 ‘Hatfieldii’ 28
‘Flamingo’ 709
Strawberry Tree 753 Corkscrew 289 “‘Hicksii’ 29
‘Integerrima’ 753 Totara 35 Crack 287 ‘Kelsyer’ 29
"Raubra’ 75S Acute-leaved 35 ‘Basfordiana’ 287 ‘Sargent’ 29
Canary Island 755 Tree of Heaven 593 Cricket Bat 291 ‘Skalborg’ 29
Cyprus 755 Downy 593 Goat 285
Irish 23
Grecian 755 ‘Kalmarnock’ 285 Japanese 25, 28
Tree Tobacco 801
Hybrid 755 Golden 287 Kelsey ple
)
Japanese 751 Trifoliate Orange 801 Hoary 289 22
Plum -‘ oie)
Tuart 791 Silver 291 ‘Fastigiata’ 33
Sumach
Violet 285 Chinese 33
Potanin’s 595 Tulip Tree 437
Weeping 287 Plum-truited 35
Smooth 595 “Aureomarginatum’ 437
‘Blanda’ 287 Prince Albert’s 39
Stag’s-horn 595 ‘Fastigiatum’ 437
‘Crispa’ 289
“‘Dissecta’ 595 Chinese 437 Westfelton 25
‘Chrysocoma’ 287
Swampbay 435 Tupelo 735 ‘Elegantissima’ 287
Yulan 433
Sweet Gum 445 Ogeechee 735 ‘Erythroflexuosa’ 289 Zelkova 415
‘Golden Treasure’ 445 Swamp 735 ‘Salamoni’ 287 Chinese 415
‘Lane Roberts’ 445 Water 735 “Tortuosa’ 289 Cretan 415
‘Moonbeam’ 445 Turpentine Tree 797 White 291 Cut-leaved 415
‘Silver King’ 445 ‘Britzensis’ 291
Umbrella Tree
‘Variegata’ 445 Earleaf 435 Wing Nut 293
‘Worplesdon’ 445 Caucasian 293
Chinese 445
‘Without doubt one of the most important books ever
produced on trees. It covers in meticulous detail all the
trees native to western and northern Europe and the
majority of those introduced from other parts of the
world, as well as innumerable cultivars.
The text is highly informative, with descriptions of
characteristics, stature, hardiness, choice and value in
the garden and elsewhere, and wood details.
Even this is overwhelmed by the sheer quantity
and quality of the paintings, a remarkable series of
exceptional quality and sheer artistry. From whole-tree
portraits to details of leaves, flowers, bugs and twigs,
they provide all the information that anyone could wish
Fe we The Plantsman

THE, ARTIST
David More was born in 1954 in Dingwall, Scotland, and
educated in Kent. After training as an artist, he worked in
the cartographic service of the Royal Navy, an oil company,
and the Department of the Environment, before leaving to
make painting a full-time career. He worked briefly as an art
teacher in London, and quickly received commissions from
institutions as varied as the BBC, Oxford Univeristy Press,
the Walt Disney Corporation and the Irish Electricity Board.
But the study of trees had always been a particular passion
for him, and he illustrated or contributed to several books
before privately embarking on the present work — a project
so ambitious that he feared no publisher would undertake it.
For many years he spent all the time he could at Kew and
other great tree collections, drawing and gathering material
for this remarkable book.

THE AUTHOR
John White was born in Knebworth, Hertfordshire in
1941, leaving school at the age of 13 on a scholarship to
the Harrow College of Art. After completing the initial
three-year course there, at the age of 16, he transferred to
the Forestry Commission’s Training College at Ben More in
Argyllshire, to study botany and dendrology. He remained
with the Forestry Commission, joining their research division
in 1962 and following the late Alan Mitchell as Research
Dendrologist. He retired in 1996. He has contributed to
many publications on the subject of northern hemisphere
trees, and illustrated his own Forest and Woodland Trees for
Oxford University Press in 1995.

‘An extraordinary tome . . . this book is unmatched

by anything on the market today.’
Fine Gardening (USA)
 A superb illustrated record and guide to nearly 2000 trees,
species and cultivars, native and introduced, common and rare.
‘This book is outstanding. I can see it becoming the first resort of salesmen
in garden centres and tree nurseries . . . and to demonstrate the rich variety
of trees that it is possible to grow in British gardens, parks and urban
landscapes.’ ROY LANCASTER

‘Incredibly detailed colour illustrations of foliage, fruits, flowers and bark,

— so much clearer and more detailed than photographs. The outlines of
trees show how they actually grow . . . It is like taking a walk through the
arboretum at Kew.’ TONY KIRKHAM

www.bloomsbury.com
ISBN 978-1-4081-2366- 9
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