30 Best British Trees and Shrubs and How to Identify Them

Britain and Ireland have between 32 and 35 native tree species. Numbers differ depending on how many individual species of elms and whitebeam are included, whether hybrids are listed, and which species are counted as trees and which as shrubs.

‘Native trees’ (or indigenous trees) are considered to be those that arrived in Britain and Ireland through natural processes after the last Ice Age. Species introduced before 1500 are referred to as ‘archaeophytes’ and those introduced after this date are called ‘neophytes’. Many of these introduced species are now naturalised, which means they are capable of reproducing by seed in the UK, such as sycamore and white poplar. Some British trees are not suitable for gardens, as they grow too large, but some of the smaller species are ideal in native hedging, for clipping, or as specimen trees.

There are several ways to identify common British trees, depending on the season. When trees are in flower, usually in spring, the timing, colour and arrangement of the blossom can offer clues. Once deciduous trees are in leaf, you can examine the size, shape and colour of the foliage. Fruits and seeds are also useful – the type of fruit or seed is a good starting point. Does the tree have nuts, winged seeds, stone fruits, berries, pods, cones, capsules or a fleshy fruit, such as an apple? In late autumn, winter and early spring, leaf buds, bark, location and the form of the tree can all help with identification.

Evergreen identification is more consistent throughout the year – leaves (or needles) and form are always helpful, while cones (in conifers) and fruits (in plants such as holly and box) can also be used to help distinguish different species. A good