Journal — species

Identification Large tree with distinctive lobed leaves. Also, commonly appears in hedgerows. The two varieties of oak that are native to the UK can be distinguished their acorns. The fruit, acorns, appear in mast years, occurring every 3-10 years. Sessile oak Quercus petraea. aka Cornish, Welsh, or Irish oakAcorn has: bumpy cap, short stem Pedunculate oak Quercus robur. aka English oak.Acorn has: bumpy cap, long stem Hairy oak A third species is also needed for the marble galls that we use in our practice. This was imported to the UK in 1735: the hairy oak. Quercus cerris. aka Turkey or...

Identification Alternating leaves, which are usually long and slender. Buds are often fuzzy. Catkins look like enlarged buds, standing upright, and away from the tree. Seeds are light and float like dandelion heads. Botany Enjoys wet soil and river banks. It is common for willow trees to hybridise, so identification to the species level can be quite difficult. Lore Willow was known as the muse to poets in Ancient Greece. How to make willow ink As I write this, the willow tree behind our village pub is just starting its budburst. The sheath that has been protecting the buds is...

Identification Based entirely on appearance, stinging nettles should be part of the mint family. Square stem, leaves in opposite pairs, sometimes-purple tinged. If you look closely at stinging nettles, you’ll also see they look a bit hairy. These hairs are tiny hypodermic needles filled with histamine, and formic acid. Botany Thrives in many locations, including grassland, hedgerows, riverbanks, woodland clearings, and wasteland. Part of the plant to use Full plant. No one is going to mind if you even uproot it. The root will give darker tones. For brighter colours, use only the leaves. Uses Infinitely useful to make rope,...

Identification Its smooth bark is grey-brown and its leaves are complex – or pinnate in scientific terms. The leaf itself comprises 11-19 toothed, oblong leaflets, paired but with a terminating leaflet. The leaflets have no stalk of their own. Rowan trees flower in May and have bright red berries come autumn. Sometimes earlier. Lore One of the most revered trees, being called the Tree of Inspiration, the Tree of Life, and the Wizard’s Tree. It whispers inspiration into our heart, and acts as a protector against enchantment. Botany The rowan tree does not form forests of its own. It likes...