Salix fragilis - Crack willow

I found this crack willow in Highfield Park mid-winter. It is a large tree when mature, with a broadly domed crown. It has a dull grey-brown bark and branches that arise lower down towards the base. If found in Spring, it can be found to have male catkins; yellow, pendulous – and opening around the same time as the leaves. The female catkins are green, pendulous. The species is very widespread and can be found in damp lowland woodlands and along river and canal banks.

 

Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam

Commonly known as Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus is a large deciduous tree. I came across this particular Hornbeam in Manchester’s UMIST campus, however, have since discovered it in most public spaces – it is frequently planted in parks and gardens. It has a silvery grey bark with deep fissures lower down. I found this particular hornbeam early spring, however if spotted in autumn, they would be found to have yellow through orange to russet brown leaves.  Its branches are densely packed and rather twisted.  If planted in hedgerows, it will retain its leaves long into the winter. Hornbeam is tolerant of heavy clay soils.

 

Rubus fruticosus - Bramble

This bramble was one I came across in Highfield park in December. It has arching stems with various shaped prickles and roots when they touch the ground. It can usually be found in hedgerows and scrub. If found in May – August, it would be found to have white or pink flowers 2-3cm across and fruits of familiar blackberries. It thrives in sunlight and well drained, moist soils.

Impatiens glandulifera - Himalayan Balsam

Commonly known as Himalayan Balsam, Impatiens glandulifera is a distinctive annual with reddish stems. This particular Balsam was one I found in Highfield park mid-winter. However, usually it would be found along river banks and on damp waste ground - perhaps explaining the state of the one if found. The annual is expected to blossom July – October. The flowers are 3-4cm tall, pinkish purple with a short curved spur; on stalks in clusters.

Buddleia davidii - Butterfly-bush

Buddleia davidii (which is commonly known as Butterfly-bush) would usually be found to grow on waste and disturbed ground. The shrubby perennial blossoms from June to September, its flowers are pinkish purple, 4-lobed and 3-4mm across. Its scent is known to attract butterflies. The vigorous deciduous shrub grows to 5m tall. The plants in this genus are tough, quick growing, sun loving and salt tolerant. This particular Buddleia was one I found off Stockport road, mid-winter.

 

Box - Buxus sempervirens

This is was one I found (very well hidden) in Longford Park - Manchester, on a rather sunny day. The Buxus sempervirens is an evergreen tree, or large shrub as is the one I have photographed below. The shrub is small and very dense, and has a distinctively glossy distribution of leaves which are only around 2.5cm in length.
Information from Collins Complete Guide to British Trees

 

 

Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa

I came across this Blackthorn in Silverdale on an incredibly windy day - as can be expected closeby to the coast. Blackthorns are naturally very 'untidy' looking, and are densely branched. This spiny deciduous tree has dark blackish brown branches and have leaves that are pointed at the tip. The white flowers that are vaguely visible in the photographs below do in fact open before the leaves do.

Information from Collins Complete Guide to British Trees

 

 

Elder - Sambucus nigra

 

I found this Elder among the more rural locations within Longford Park, Manchester - on a particularly sunny day. The Elder is a small deciduous  tree or like the one I photographed - a large shrub. The leaves can are green throughout the summer, but can be expected to turn a deep plum red before falling in the Autumn.
Information from Collins Complete Guide to British Trees

 

Field maple - Acer campestre

 

This Field maple was among those I found in Longford park, Manchester. Unfortunately, the lack of leaves at this time of year did make the tree a difficult one to locate. However, it was clearly indentifyable from its grey-brown bark, with a slightly corky texture. Had the leaves been there at the time of my visit, they would have been lobed with tufts of hair in the axils of the veins underneath the leaf. The sequence of colour for the Field maple, begins with a pinkish tinge but soon turns to a dark green. Then to bright yellow and finally reddish brown in the Autumn.
Information from Collins Complete Guide to British Trees

 

Wild cherry - Prunus avium

 

I found this Wild cherrry in Longford park, Manchester. It is a large deciduous tree, and has very long pointy leaves. The white flowers come in clusters of around 2-6, opening just before the leaves.
Information from Collins Complete Guide to British Trees