Here is the third of a series of posts to help you identify some common trees in Winter. To see the others click here: Winter Tree Identification , Winter Tree Identification 2
Winter tree identification is based on the twigs, buds and bark so here is a simple guide to the twigs of some trees you should see in a woodland: Twig ID or look online for Winter Tree ID Guides.
ASH
Ash can grow up to 35m tall. It is usually found in woods but can also be seen as individual trees in parks and fields. It is currently a common tree but due to Ash Dieback disease it is now under threat. The ends of it’s shoots and branches tend to curl up and twigs and branches grow in opposite pairs.
The bark is pale brown to grey and tends to fissure as it gets older. It is often found with lichens and mosses growing on it. The bark can be mistaken for other trees but it’s distinctive buds are the main clue to it’s identity.
The tree has smooth, slightly flattened twigs, which are green or grey. The buds are a very distinctive black colour and are in pairs on the twig with a large bud at the end, often surrounded by smaller buds.
HAWTHORN
Hawthorn is a smaller tree which can grow to 15m but is often found in hedges as a more shrubby plant. It’s dense thorny foliage makes it an excellent hedge plant and shelter for nesting birds.
The bark is brown-grey and knotted and fissured, although in younger trees it tends to be grey and smoother. It has thorns on it’s twigs so can be confused with Blackthorn. You may see red fruits on it and also dead leaves which are heavily lobed.
Hawthorn has small buds which usually emerge from the base of a thorn and are sometimes on the end of wrinkled shoots. This helps tell it apart from Blackthorn which tends to have longer thorns and buds which grow from the thorn.
So get out and visit local woodlands, see what trees you can find and we’ll be putting some more tree ID tips up soon. We are developing a woodland website for Hyndburn and are interested in your local wood so if you’d like to take pictures of the trees you see or tell me about your local wood then you can email me at roger.plum@prospectsfoundation.org.uk and for more information on how to get involved with Prospects and activities you can do, then visit our website www.prospectsfoundation.org.uk