sponsored by
The People’s Millennium Forests is the largest ever project in Ireland directed at the expansion and enhancement of our native woodlands. With the support of the AIB, the National Millennium Committee and the Forest Service of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, 16 forests have been restored to their former glory in a project managed by Coillte in partnership with Woodlands of Ireland. Over fifteen hundred acres of native Irish woodland have been designated as 'People’s Millennium Forets' and will be dedicated in perpetuity to the people of Ireland. The forests include newly planted areas using native Irish seed and the restoration of native woodlands that have been in existence for at least 200 years and probably longer. A native tree has been planted on behalf of every household in Ireland and the forest will form a lasting legacy for all to enjoy.
managed by in partnership with
Ancillary programme sponsored by A GUIDE TO GROWING IRELAND’S NATIVE TREES This edition for the Tree Council of Ireland was sponsored by the Woodlands of Ireland IN CELEBRATION OF A NEW MILLENNIUM Our Trees
A guide to growing Ireland’s native trees in celebration of a new Millennium
managed by in partnership with
Ancillary programme sponsored by
This edition for the Tree Council of Ireland was sponsored by the Woodlands of Ireland
1 Our Trees – A guide to growing Ireland’s native trees from seed is published in conjunction with the People’s Millennium Forests project. This project is the largest ever undertaken to restore native woodlands, and is sponsored by the National Millennium Committee and AIB bank, with the ancillary programme sponsored by the Forest Service of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. This book is based on ‘Our Trees: A Guide to growing Northern Ireland’s Native Trees’, compiled and edited by the late Dinah Browne and published by Conservation Volunteers, Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Trees of Time and Place Group. The original book was compiled with technical information from the CVNI tree nursery at the Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, and Neville McKee, Ulster Native Trees. The Northern Ireland Forest Service, Forestry Commission GB, and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers also supplied information. This edition was revised and edited by Dr. Marian Coll with help and advice from the following: John McLoughlin, Dr. Declan Little, Dr. Aileen Sullivan, Mick Doyle, and Pat Doody and Monica Murphy of the Coillte Nursery, Ballintemple. Special thanks to the late Dinah Browne who took time out to comment on our revisions, and to Mike Hartwell for all his help and wonderful photographs.
©The People’s Millenium Forests, 2000 Reprinted 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 ISBN 0-9518612-5-5
Acorns being transported to the Coillte nursery at Ballintemple, Co. Carlow. 900,000 acorns were collected on behalf of the People’s Millennium Forests in the autumn of 1999.
2 Contents
Page
Foreword 5
Introduction 6
Trees of ecological importance 7
Our woodland heritage 9
Chapter 1 The collection, storage, & sowing of seed Seed collection 13 Storage 13 Long term storage 14 Stratification 14 Maceration 14 Seed extraction 15 Sowing 15 Chapter 2 Trees Alder 17 Arbutus 18 Ash/Aspen 19 Birch, Downy and Silver 20 Cherry, Bird 21 Cherry, Wild 22 Crab apple 23 Elm 24 Hazel 25 Holly 26 Oak, Sessile 27 Oak, Pedunculate 28 Rowan 29 Scots Pine 30 Whitebeam 31 Willow 32 Yew 33 Chapter 3 Shrubs Blackthorn 35 Bramble/Broom 36 Buckthorn, Purging and Alder 37 Dog Rose 38 Elder 39 Gorse 40 Guelder Rose 41 Hawthorn 42 Honeysuckle/Ivy 43 Juniper 44 Spindle 45
3 Contents continued
Page
Chapter 4 Growing trees and shrubs Setting up a small tree nursery 47 Small scale tree rearing 47 Larger scale 48 Choosing the site 48 Site preparation 48 Planting seed 49 Dibbling 49 Broadcasting 49 Lining out 49 Root pruning 50 Looking after your seedlings 50 Growing from cuttings 51
Chapter 5 Planting 52 When and how to plant 53 Where to plant your trees 54 Care of young trees 54 Planning your woodland 55 Tree shelters and pests 56 Record keeping 56
Sources of further written information 59
Useful addresses & information 59 - 60
Glossary 61-62
Charts of information 63 - 72
4 Foreword
The People’s Millennium Concerted action needs to Forests is the largest ever involve a range of both public project in Ireland directed at and private bodies and the expansion and individuals, to ensure that our enhancement of our native native woodlands are woodlands. maintained in a viable and Once an intimate part of our sustainable condition into the culture, Ireland’s native new millennium. This book is designed woodlands are now in danger With the support of the AIB, specifically as part of this of becoming a lost legacy and the National Millennium project, as an aid to those this project is the first Committee and the Forest who wish to learn more significant attempt to redress Service of the Department of about growing native trees centuries of overexploitation the Marine and Natural from seed. In the preparation and neglect. Up to six Resources, 16 forests have of this guide, I would like to thousand years ago native been restored to their former acknowledge especially the forests of oak, ash, elm, birch, glory in a project managed by support of the late Dinah pine, alder and hazel trees Coillte in partnership with Browne who compiled the flourished across Ireland’s Woodlands of Ireland. Over original book for CVNI and landscape. By 1900, less than fifteen hundred acres of native Dr. Marian Coll, Outreach one percent of these Irish woodland have been Officer, the People’s woodlands remained, and designated as 'People's Millennium Forests, for her although progress has been Millennium Forests' and will work on this edition. made in restoring forest cover, be dedicated in perpetuity to Ireland stands today as one the people of Ireland. The of the least wooded countries forests include newly planted in Europe. areas using native Irish seed The native woodlands that and the restoration of native remain are important havens woodlands that have been in for our native flora and fauna existence for at least 200 years as well as being a potential and probably longer. A native timber resource for the future. tree has been planted on They require careful behalf of every household in management to protect them Ireland and the forests will from overgrazing and the form a lasting legacy for all to spread of non-native plants. enjoy. You can find out more It is widely recognised that about this project on our web there is an urgent need for site: focused action that will work www.millenniumforests.com. to protect, restore and expand our valuable native woodland John McLoughlin resource. Project Manager The People’s Millennium Forests
5 Introduction
There are many reasons why of wood, coal, oil, gas, petrol, of commercial buildings, we want to plant and grow etc. In addition, power reduce traffic noise, filter out trees. For their conservation stations and manufacturing dust in the atmosphere, and timber value, their beauty, processes pour carbon dioxide enhance our parks and for their value in the into the air. gardens. landscape, for shade and All plants use energy from Tree conservation is not only shelter, in general for the sunlight to combine this about individual trees but pleasure they give us. atmospheric carbon dioxide even more about conserving Trees are our largest green with water, absorbed through woodlands. Trees are an plants, and play a vital role in their roots, in the process of integral part of the natural the natural world. They photosynthesis. This chemical world and even a solitary tree support a multitude of other reaction produces the may support a wide range of life forms such as mammals, carbohydrates and proteins by wildlife. However, the greatest birds, insects and plants. They which plants grow. As a by- conservation value is in long also provide a clean air service product, it releases oxygen - established woodlands of for us, filtering pollutants and literally the breath of life that native species. A whole range absorbing carbon dioxide we use in respiration. of plants and animals have from the atmosphere around Trees may bring a touch of evolved to live in woodland us, all of which come from the country into cities. They and literally cannot survive sources such as the burning may soften the harsh outlines without their tree cover. Ever since our ancestors started to clear land for homes Native Irish oak seedlings, grown in Coillte's nursery in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, ready to be planted in the People's Millennium Forests. and farmsteads, trees have been felled. They have provided fuel, fencing, charcoal, building material for houses and ships. Rising human populations, more intensive agriculture, growth of towns and roads, have all caused increasing loss of trees. By the turn of the last century, less than one percent of Ireland’s native woodlands remained. It is up to all of us to replace and increase tree numbers. It is not difficult, can be great fun and is very rewarding. The trees provide their own seed, which anyone can collect and grow. You just need to follow some simple guidelines, as you would with any other seed.
6 Trees of Ecological Importance
Much emphasis is put by intervention whilst those that started to establish itself. This conservationists on the use of have been introduced are seen in its turn was swamped on “native species” as opposed to as distinct from the natural the drier ground by a great the use of species from other vegetation. In Ireland, our wave of hazel, which by 9,000 countries in the management native vegetation is years ago covered Ireland from of the countryside for wildlife. comparatively young, for end to end. These rapidly Why bother with the 15,000 years ago most of the spreading trees relied on the distinction? Does it really land surface had just been production of vast quantities Mistlethrush matter what we plant? To released from the grip of the of seed dispersed by wind, as understand the question and last ice age and was beginning is the case of willows and to be able to formulate an to recover as the temperatures birch, or animals as in the case answer we need to look back warmed up. If we could have of hazel. They could also in history for a moment....to stood anywhere in Ireland for produce the seed when they understand what is meant by the next 2,000 years we would were relatively young, unlike a native species and why from have seen an ever changing the big forest trees such as a conservation point of view scene, with advancing waves oak. However, the longer lived this is something important of plants and animals high forest trees eventually to understand. migrating back into Ireland arrived, so that by 8,000 years from the warmer parts of ago pine dominated on the NATIVES Europe over the land that later western sea board, oaks on Today, none of our native became drowned under the the drier, free draining acid woodlands have remained English channel and Irish Sea. soils (sessile oak) and heavier untouched by human Acorns being planted by schoolchildren at The south-west of Ireland was lowland clays (pedunculate Coillte’s nursery in Aughrim, Co Wicklow. influence and all are now also linked to Brittany by a oak), whilst ash and wych elm considered to be semi-natural. landbridge, which was flourished where the soil was They are composed primarily subsequently submerged. The more alkaline over the major or wholly of local native first woody plants to appear, central parts of Ireland. In species of trees and shrubs hardly big enough to be called wetter and boggy areas, alder that are derived from natural trees, colonised the grasslands and birch were dominant. regeneration, coppicing or and lake edges that had Apart from the wetlands, from mature plantations. developed over the poorly woodland covered most of Often managed and nearly developed soils and gravels Ireland. always influenced by human left behind by the ice. activities such as grazing, 7,000 years ago, the Today, these first plants, dwarf most of these woodlands are landbridges were flooded and willows and junipers, now relatively recent in origin, Ireland became an island, hang on only in places where established by natural halting the arrival of further the environment makes it colonisation in the last few tree species. Some species that difficult for other taller trees decades, whilst some are grow well here are regarded to grow, such as the Burren, much older, ancient semi- as native to Britain and or on mountain cliffs. Over natural woodlands. continental Europe but can much of the country they Native tree species are not be considered to be native were rapidly crowded out by generally seen to be those to Ireland. taller birches, willows, aspens species that managed to arrive and bird cherry when Beech is one; limes, field in a location naturally, woodland as we know it maples and hornbeams are without any human others.
7 During the re-colonisation of native insects. For example, the land by woodland, all the beech supports 98 species, other components of what whilst sycamore supports makes a woodland a very only 43. They are both complex community of plants beautiful trees but the and animals spread with chances are that only a small them. Each species of tree amount of the associated carried with it a baggage of baggage arrived with them. snails, insects, lichens, birds So generally speaking species and fungi as well as herbs and from other places definitely plants that grew in its shade do not support such a and in the soil it created. diversity of other wildlife as Insects, in particular, form do native species. In very complex webs of life, addition, both beech and with things that eat leaves, sycamore cast very dense buds, flowers, roots, then shade and are in leaf for a things that eat those, or much longer season than the parasitise them. All these native species, which kills off make good food in their turn most of the Irish woodland for birds, mice and other flowers with the exception mammals. It is not surprising of bluebells. They can also then to realise that trees such out compete native trees, as oak and willows have thereby excluding them from developed a large number of the forest community insects that feed only on them, altogether. over 450 species. Birches For this reason the People’s support over 300, and alder, Millennium Forests project elm and hazel over 100 each. concentrates solely on the They are therefore supporting natural regeneration and a wide range of wildlife in planting of native tree and their own right. shrub species. Forests comprising only native species SPECIES FROM OTHER will support a wider variety PLACES of our native flora and fauna Over the last few hundred than those made up of years, many different species introduced trees. of trees and shrubs have been introduced into Ireland, familiar species such as beech, horse chestnut and sycamore. Although these trees have become a familiar and much loved part of our landscape, they are not natives and as such do not support as wide a variety of
8 Our Woodland Heritage
Our native tree species have trees played in every day life. been linked with Irish culture It is thought that this and society from the earliest alphabet, called Ogham was times. Trees were of the invented around the fourth greatest importance, not only century and that it was for the obvious practical designed specifically for the reasons but also for spiritual Irish language. Where it was reasons. Imagine what the invented and by whom is not ancient woods of Ireland known. We can still see some must have been like for our examples on carved standing ancestors. Every tree had its stones in old monastic sites, uses; ash for hurleys, alder in the National Museum of for shields, hazel for Ireland and in the Ulster construction. The most Museum.
chas The Heritage Service.Courtesy of D ú chas important tree of all was the The letters of the Ogham Ogham stone mighty oak, which was alphabet were all assigned considered chief among the names, which may have airig fedo or nobles of the started out as examples for forest. Woodland was a teaching purposes. Unlike resource used by everyone, letters in the English and the importance of alphabet, these letter names woodlands is reflected in the were meaningful words. laws created to protect them. Originally eight letters were In pre-Christian times, named after trees – birch, Brehons or judges were alder, willow, oak, hazel, pine, responsible for the law and ash and yew. In the middle some of these laws dealt ages, scholars read other tree specifically with trees. The names into the remaining penalty for damaging letters, resulting in a tree particular trees was a fine, alphabet. usually exacted not in money but livestock. For example, An eighth century description if you cut down an oak or a of how Ogham is read again hazel tree, you could be fined shows how the lore of trees two and a half cows while had become mingled with the fine for cutting down an writing: ‘Ogham is climbed Fairy thorn elm or birch tree would be (read) as a tree is climbed, one cow! The different treading on the root of the penalties reflected the relative tree first with one’s right hand importance of each tree. before one and one’s left hand last’. This indicates that When it came to translating Ogham should be read as it spoken Irish into the written is inscribed on upright stones, word the ancient Irish came from the bottom up. up with a system that reflected the special role that There was more than just a
9 practical and economic value derivation of dair (oak), such The Tree Alphabet placed on trees and as dare or derry B (beith) Birch woodlands. The ancient Irish With the arrival of Christianity, L (luis) Rowan were a spiritual people who many trees and groves that lived in harmony with nature. F (fearn) Alder were sacred in pagan times They saw magic and were taken over and adapted S (saille) Willow enchantment all around them for Christian worship. This N (nin) Ash and especially in trees. Many can often be seen today in the H (huath) Hawthorn species of tree such as yew, presence of ancient yew trees hazel, hawthorn, elder and D (dair) Oak within church grounds or the rowan were considered to combination of the word cill T (tinne) Holly have magical properties. Very or church with tree names i.e C (coll) Hazel often a single hawthorn can Cill Dara or Kildare. We also be seen, standing alone Q (quert) Apple know that many of the early guarding a special place. Irish saints had favourite trees; M (muin) Bramble These trees are regarded as St. Kevin had a favourite yew G (gort) Ivy fairy thorns, a meeting place tree at Glendalough while St. Ng (ngetal) Reed for fairies or sidhe. Hawthorn Bridget had a special oak in trees are also associated with Ss (straif) Blackthorn Kildare. holy wells, where hanging R (ruis) Elder strips of cloth or rags After centuries of exploitation, A (ailm) Scots Pine sometimes marks their we have lost much of our O (onn) Gorse presence. Such trees are natural woodlands along with known as rag trees. Rowan the lore that was so much part U (ura) Heather trees too are associated with of them. Some traditions still E (eadha) Aspen the fairy host, while its berries persist; lone fairy thorns can were used as a protection still be seen dotted around the I (iodha) Yew against evil. landscape, especially around ringforts and Individual trees that stood raths, whilst out in the landscape as being occasionally one may remarkable, perhaps for their come across a rag tree size or shape, or the place in or bush. which they grew, were of Although much of our particular importance and woodland traditions are were known as bile. This gone forever, we can at word still exists in Irish place least strive to restore names such as Rathvilly in our native woodlands Co. Carlow and Moville in to their former glory Co. Donegal. Many place and find a place of Rag tree names in Ireland incorporate relevance for them in the other tree names. Of the modern world. approximately 62,000 townland names in Ireland, 13,000 mention trees while 1,600 mention some
10 11 Chapter One - The collection, storage, treatment and sowing of seed CHAPTER ONE THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT & SOWING OF SEED
The collection, storage, treatment and sowing of seed
Seed Collection rowan trees growing out in the problems with birds, mice and Seed may be collected as soon country, perhaps on rocky shrews eating them over winter. as it ripens on the tree or shrub, ground which has never been Most need to be stratified: or you may wait for it to fall - cleared for agriculture. stratification is a cool damp much easier than trying to reach storage period which allows the If you know where the final trees acorns high on a mature oak seed to prepare for germination. will be planted, try to take seed tree! It is a simulation of natural from that area. Not only will the winter conditions. In general, seeds turn colour as genetic match be good, but these they ripen and are easier to pick, are also likely to grow more It is sensible to get the seeds into so you can tell when they are successfully - after all, they have the seedbed, or start stratifying, ready. Guidance is given for each adapted to grow in those as soon as possible after You will need special equipment species in the individual notes. conditions. collecting them. However, if seed for these unreacheable seeds! Some trees always bear more has to be kept temporarily, leave If you intend to plant beside a seed than others of the same it in suitable containers in a cool nature reserve or special area of species, and many vary in yield dark place - a weatherproof conservation (SAC), the best in different years. garden shed is fine. plan is to ask permission to You may choose seed from a collect seed within the scheduled Pine cones, alder cones and birch healthy looking specimen which area and then grow on trees from catkins may be stored entire, and is well grown, but some mis- that local stock. the seed shaken out immediately shapen trees are the result of That way you can be sure of prior to sowing. Do not remove poor soil or excess wind rather planting the right trees. the flesh from berries until you than any genetic weakness. are ready to stratify or sow the Certainly avoid trees which look Storage seed, or plan long term storage, diseased, for example with You will need a container when as these kernels are vulnerable Avoid taking seeds from trees canker (lumps on trunk or you first collect the seed. Hessian to drying out. with diseases such as canker. branches). Try to take seed from or open mesh bags are good, or as many specimens as possible open baskets for large seeds like so as to achieve maximum acorns. If seeds cannot breathe genetic diversity. they may become damp and overheated which reduces Seed must be fertile if it is to chances of successful germinate successfully, so it is germination, and the seeds may best to collect seed where there even go mouldy. is a group of trees, when cross- In general, avoid polythene or pollination and fertilisation are plastic bags which do not allow likely. A solitary tree may be too True native trees air to circulate, but these may are rarely found in far away from others of its own road-side planting. be used for berries which can be kind. kept in open polythene bags for For native species, choose trees up to a month before which look as if they are part of stratification. If the flesh begins Instead, take seed from the countryside. For example, to rot this will not harm the trees that grow in the do not choose rowan trees in a seeds. wild. park or beside the road, which Some seeds may be sown straight are probably imported, but away, although there are
13 CHAPTER ONE THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT & SOWING OF SEED
Long Term Storage as small plastic drums, of germination. This is If you wish to store seed for buckets, or shallow calf feeder especially important if there more than a few weeks, for type buckets may be used. has been a mild spell of example saving part of a good These need to have holes weather (over 10° C). The year's harvest to plant in drilled in their base and a layer seeds will look swollen and future years, first extract the of broken crocks or large the tip of the radicle (first seeds/stones from their cone, stones for drainage. root) will begin to show. seed pod or fruit/berry flesh Seeds should be mixed with Once germination begins in as necessary. Once clean and sand plus leaf mould, ground the containers it cannot be dry, put them into polythene bark, or a peat substitute - a stopped. Seed development bags, squeeze out as much air free draining mix - about one is rapid, so it is a matter of as possible and seal firmly. part seeds to three parts sand urgency to get the seeds out Then store in a refrigerator at mixture. The best sand to use of stratification and into the between 2° and 3° C. is sharp sand, from a builders seed bed in a day or two - Seed may be kept in this way supplier. This is free draining you cannot leave them for for several years and will and the sharpness deters mice longer, because the growing remain viable. When you are from digging out and eating radicle is fragile and it must ready to use it, stratify in the your seeds. Never use sand not be damaged when correct way for that species from the seashore, which planting out. and sow in the spring. would be salty. If in doubt, sow early rather Stratification The containers are filled with than waiting too long! Under natural conditions, the seed/sand mix and a layer Maceration very few seeds would of sand put on top. They This treatment of seeds germinate as soon as they fall should stand out of doors in before stratification removes from the parent tree. Most natural conditions, preferably Stratification - make holes in your the flesh and skin which buckets and crocks for drainage. will spend the winter in a in a shaded area and it is maintain dormancy and dormant state and this period necessary to make sure they inhibit germination. is actually necessary to prepare never dry out. Below a north Experience has shown that the seed for germination and wall is ideal. the process increases the growth. Some berries may be Stratification is needed by germination rate of eaten by birds and the seeds most seeds, each species hawthorn, holly and rowan. voided in droppings - this is having its own requirements. Although it is a bit of extra very effective assistance to For berries, it stimulates work, it is recommended to germination. natural decomposition of the maximise your return on To grow trees or shrubs in flesh, the presence of which collecting berries but it is not controlled conditions, it is actually inhibits germination. essential: most berry seeds necessary to provide this Many seeds need a cold period will germinate after preparatory period by before they can germinate. stratification with or without stratification. Containers such As you approach sowing time, preliminary maceration. Stratification drums should be left in February, you must check well-drained and outdoors in natural conditions. the stratified seeds for signs
14 CHAPTER ONE THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT & SOWING OF SEED
First obtain a strong water- Seed Extraction tight container. A strong flat After maceration, the entire bottomed bucket is usually mass of pulp, skin and berries adequate. Next you need a may be sown, but extraction pulverising tool e.g. a large of the seed makes the whole potato masher or a rounded process more exact. It also three inch pole. Half fill the releases the seed from the bucket with berries and add inhibiting effects of the two pints of water. An up and pigments contained within down gentle pounding action the pulp and skin. with the pole or masher will Vigorous washing of the damp reduce the berries to mush. mass with hose pressure and The addition of the water will stirring causes the pulp and Maceration separates the fleshy reduce the tendency for the Applying the float test to hazel nuts. pulp from the seeds. skin to rise to the top, when mixture to stick to the masher. it can be poured off. The The resulting mass of pulp, viable seed, being heavier, will When seeds are stratified skin and exposed seed may sink to the bottom and can under controlled conditions then be stratified in the usual easily be separated. Discard few are lost and germination way or the seeds may be seeds that float, which are is more even and reliable. separated out. infertile (this float test is also Maceration and extraction Using a rounded pole about a good check for viability of help some species even more. 1 1 /2 metres long saves having hazel nuts). There are other problems to bend over the container Extraction is particularly with sowing straight away - and the weight of the pole beneficial for rowan, but seed may seem to us to be helps with the pulverising. It hawthorn and holly also hidden under the ground, is easier if the berries are fully benefit although these are still but there are plenty of birds ripe or crushing them can be slow to germinate, needing and small mammals that can difficult. Hosing aids the separation. two to three seasons. smell it out and make a good meal. Sowing If seed is sown straight away So seed losses may be high, after collection, it will stratify seed will be occupying naturally in the ground. ground when space is short, However, some species need and you will have a crop of a really cold winter to break uneven age young trees. On dormancy, some take two or a small scale this may not three years to develop, and in matter too much, but if you general germination is slower are producing trees in any and more variable without quantity it adds to the labour, proper preparation by which is not desirable. stratifying. More advice is given after the individual accounts. Non-viable seeds float to the top. On a small scale, extract seeds by hand.
15 Chapter Two -Trees CHAPTER TWO TREES
Alder - Fearnóg (Alnus glutinosa)
One of Ireland's most traditional and widely distributed trees, alders may be found in damp areas, beside freshwater loughs and along river banks, where their strong fibrous roots may help to keep the bank in place. Alder woodlands are found in Ross Island, Killarney, Co Kerry and the Gearagh, Co. Cork, while Grantstown wood, Co. Laois is a rare example of wet woodland on an alkaline soil. Like most trees, alder flowers before the leaves are out, with attractive reddish catkins and small cones that contain the seeds. Alder will grow in most soils, and likes wet sites. Given rich damp soil alder will grow rapidly and is a really productive tree for timber. In ancient Ireland sections of alder trunks were used as round shields. Later, it was used for making clogs and also in the furniture trade where it was known as 'Irish mahogany'. As it is resistant to decay when submerged in water, alder is used to make sluice gates and other structures along streams, rivers and canals.
Collection to have proper contact with Collect alder seeds by the soil. Lightly cover with gathering ripe cones in coarse sand using a riddle. autumn. When dried the Ensure that the seed bed does cones will open and can be not dry out during shaken, in a bag or tin box, to germination. help release the seeds. Separate On a smaller scale sow by seeds from the cones using a sprinkling thinly onto a well riddle or a large sieve. moistened general purpose Storage seed compost in seed trays or Store the seed in a cool dry pots. Do not cover the seeds place in a natural fibre (hessian with soil. If you want you can is best choice) bag. Never store cover the seed trays with glass fresh seed in a plastic bag to prevent the seed bed drying because it excludes air and out. Leave it outdoors in the causes the seed to heat up shade (make sure it is not in thereby lessening its viability. direct sunlight). Again ensure They should be stratified for the seed tray never dries out. one month prior to sowing, When the seeds have in a mixture of sand and peat germinated the seedlings can substitute. be treated as you would any vegetable or flower seed. Prick Sowing out the seedlings, holding Seeds may be sown in the them by the two coytledons spring, either in seed beds for (the first green leaves which larger scale production or on develop from the seed). The a smaller scale in seed trays. seedlings may be planted into For a large seedbed, broadcast pots, plug trays, or prepared the seed onto the soil. Roll the open ground. Young trees can seed bed to fix the seed to the then be planted out after one bed. It is crucial for the seed year's growth but it is usually safer to wait for two years. 17 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Arbutus, the Strawberry tree – Caithne (Arbutus unedo)
Arbutus or the strawberry tree is a small evergreen tree, which in Ireland can grow to be a forest tree reaching heights of up to 15 metres. It has an unusual distribution, as it only grows naturally throughout the Mediterranean and certain parts of Ireland. Unlike many of our other native trees, which reached us via Great Britain, Arbutus is thought to have spread here over the land bridge from Brittany. Called the strawberry tree because of the distinct shape and colour of its fruit, this species is found mainly in Co. Kerry especially in the Killarney district where it forms a large part of the natural forest on the islands and shores of the lakes. It is also found in unshaded parts of Glengariff Wood, Co. Cork and around Lough Gill in Co. Sligo. Arbutus produces masses of white flowers in November and December. Since the fruit takes 12 months to ripen, the tree carries both mature fruit and flowers at the same time. The fruit itsef is edible, but as the Latin name unedo – ‘eat only once’ – implies, it is not very palatable.
Arbutus in Killarney National Park, Co Kerry Collection The fruit ripens in late autumn and early winter, and will drop off only when ripe.
Treatment Seeds can be removed from the ripe fruits by careful maceration and the pulp
Photographs courtesy of Dúchas, The Heritage Service Photographs courtesy of Dúchas, washed away.
Sowing They must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and unshaded.
1818 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Ash – Fuinseóg (Fraxinus excelsior)
Ash is the commonest tree in Irish hedgerows, and is also a traditional woodland species. It will grow in a range of soils, not acid, and prefers well-drained sites. Ash woods are found in the Burren, Co Clare, and Hanging Rock in South Fermanagh. The flowers are very dark, almost black, and may be seen before the leaves develop - ash is one of the last trees to come into leaf and is one of the first to lose its leaves in autumn. The seeds are clumps of winged keys. The pale dense timber makes good firewood and is also used for hurley sticks, snooker cues and furniture.
Collection Sowing Either collect ash keys when Sow those collected in August full-size but still green during immediately although August or September; or germination the following collect when fully ripe and spring can be erratic. brown in October and Sow those stratified for 16 - November. 18 months in March or April. Storage Ash requires a neutral soil for Stratify fully ripe seed for 16 good growth. - 18 months in sand.
Ash (on the left) should not be confused with Rowan, or mountain ash (on the right)
Aspen – Crann creathach
(Populus tremula) Growing from seed If you wish to grow aspen The one definitely native poplar is aspen (all other from seed, you must find a poplars may be assumed to be introduced, although mix of aspen trees. Often a the black poplar is still being argued about). Aspen 'grove' has arisen by suckers will grow into a full sized tree. The leaves make a from one tree and will all be distinctive sound as they rattle gently in the wind, of one sex, as aspen is a single and they have a sweet smell in the spring. Aspen can sex tree. When both sexes are be found in wet areas and around lake edges such as present, seeds are borne on in Glenveagh, Co. Donegal. Poplars produce seeds the female catkins in May. on catkins, but also spread vegetatively by suckers These small seeds must be i.e. new shoots growing up from the roots. It is sown immediately after easiest to propagate aspen by cutting through roots collection, on damp bare and transplanting a sucker. A warning should be earth, pressed in gently but given about planting aspen in damp sites with good left uncovered (like birch). soil. They sucker very readily and may spread too However, as the seed is only far, taking over too great an area. Choose aspen if viable for about three days it you don't mind an invasion! is more feasible to grow it from suckers.
19 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Birch - Downy - Beith chlúmhach (Betula pubescens) Silver - Beith gheal (Betula pendula)
There are two types of birch in Ireland, downy and silver. The most usual is the downy birch, which like silver birch is a delicate tree with fine branches and small leaves. The springtime flowers are catkins which stay on the tree and contain the mature seed by autumn. Birch will grow in poor soils, but likes a sunny position. Downy birch is tolerant of wet sites, but silver birch needs good drainage. Birch woods occur widely, especially on marginal soils, lake edges, such as Lough Ennell Co. Westmeath, fens and on dried out bogs such as Ardkill Bog, Co. Kildare. Birch is typically associated with the Sperrins, growing in peat at the edge of bogs, and on the light sand and gravel soils. It makes a good ornamental garden tree, as it does not grow too large. Like alder, its seeds are popular with small seed-eating birds such as siskin and redpoll. In early times toghers or walkways, usually across bog land were made from birch. Nowadays, it is more commonly used in making plywood.
Collection The seeds and catkin scales Gather ripe catkins when they should be sown thinly over are dry and are about to the seed bed or seed tray. disintegrate. Begin testing Roll the seed bed because the them in August. The catkins seed is very sensitive to will dry and fall apart releasing seedbed surface conditions. the seeds and catkin scales. Cover with a light layer of Collect seeds from native sand to help hold moisture. woods. Do not choose birch It must be a very thin layer as trees in gardens, parks, or the seed is light sensitive and Birch wood planted roadsides as these are will not germinate if the layer probably imported stock. of sand is too thick. Some recommend no coverage at all. Storage Store the seeds and catkin scales in a cool airy place. It is essential to keep the seed They are best stored in a bed moist throughout the natural fibre sack. Shake the germination period and for bag regularly to disturb the two weeks after germination. seeds and encourage air Even if the bed dries out for circulation. a couple of hours all the seeds/seedlings can die. Sowing However, birch seedlings grow Birch can be raised from seed rapidly when they are given although silver birch is harder ideal growing conditions. to germinate than downy birch.
20 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Bird Cherry – Donnroisc (Prunus padus)
This species is most frequently found in the northwest, for example around Churchill and Lough Gartan, Co. Donegal. It is most easily spotted in the spring, around May, when the flowers are out. The creamy-white flowers are borne in rows along flower stalks about 10cm. long, and are quite obvious above the green foliage. The dark berries or small cherries ripen in August, when the trees may be more difficult to locate, so you have to remember where you spotted them in the spring, (if you search for cherries after the 15th you may be too late!). It may be possible to mark them with a tie around the trunk. Bird cherry is worth the effort as it is an attractive small tree with true flowers and grows willingly, preferring good soil and a sheltered site. Treat bird cherry fruit as common wild cherry.
21 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Wild Cherry or Gean – Crann silín fiáin (Prunus avium)
One of our most attractive trees, with its white or very pale pink flowers in spring, followed by hanging cherries. The bark is also attractive, and the leaves provide autumn colour. Wild cherry is very common in St. Johns Wood, Co. Roscommon.
Cherry is often found in old field hedgerows where it may have been planted by man, but is also found in mixed deciduous woodland. The old farm trees may not be native in the sense of ancient woodland, but they are part of our rural history, like crab apple and old varieties of apple, pear, plum and damson, once grown in gardens and small orchards throughout the country. It is often used as a decorative wood in joinery and furniture making.
Cherry blossom Collection Storage Collect the berries as soon as Seeds can be sown they ripen from late July but immediately after collection in some places the birds eat but are very vulnerable to them all. To collect cherries attack by mice and you have to find a group of chaffinches. They are best fertile trees. Cherries are self- stratified in moist sand mix sterile and in a hedgerow or until early March/April. small copse all may have If seed has to be stored it grown by suckers from one should be in an airtight original tree, so they will not container in a cool place from yield fruit. The easiest way the time of extraction to the to pick up cherry stones is time of stratification which from beneath the tree itself. needs to start in October. Good big cherry trees yield the best crop. Sowing Sow them in shallow drills to Treatment the depth of the seed itself Remove the flesh from the and cover with a layer of seed - if in small numbers coarse grit or sand. Do not volunteer collectors often disturb seedlings until the remove the flesh by eating it! following winter. Removing the flesh and cleaning the stones prevents Wild cherry may be grown by stringent dormancy. If lifting rooted suckers, but ask gathered while still hard store the landowner's permission them in polythene bags until first! Remember you need a soft or even partially rotten. mix for fertile trees, so Then wash off the pulp. Once transplant suckers from more the flesh has been removed than one source. seed should be stratified or sown straight away.
22 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Crab Apple – Crann fia-úll (Malus sylvestris)
Like the wild cherry, crab apple has been deliberately grown around old farmsteads (and the fruit used for crab apple jelly) but is also a truly native species found in old woodland. Crab apple is found in hedgerows throughout the country. Unlike modern hybrid apples, crab apples grow true from the apple pips. It is a small tree, very suitable for gardens. It bears attractive pink/white apple blossom in the spring, while the apples provide an autumn feature in the garden, as well as a useful crop.
Collection Sowing Pick the apples as soon as they Pips should be sown in appear ripe, usually in February in a sheltered site or October. The pips should be even cold greenhouse or poly- extracted from the apples and tunnel, as the seedlings are stratified straight away. vulnerable to frost. They should be sown in a shallow depression and just lightly covered with soil or sand.
23 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Wych Elm – Leamhán sléibhe (Ulmus glabra)
The wych elm is native, but many varieties of wych elm and smooth leaved elm have been introduced and planted in Ireland in the past, mostly for timber. Wych elm is chiefly found in mountain glens in the northwest of the country. English elm was mainly planted in demesnes. In recent years many of these trees have died as a result of Dutch elm disease. English elms will re-grow from stumps and will form suckers in woodland or hedgerows - these may be used for propagation. The Irish wych elm, which is less common, appears more resistant to disease. It does not produce suckers and must be grown from seed. Leaves are rough to the touch, oval with toothed margins. The flowers, as with many trees, appear before the leaves. They are reddish clusters borne directly on the twigs, and are not obvious until they mature into pale green seeds which almost look like leaves, except they ripen and fall soon after the real leaves appear.
Collection Seeds may be collected as soon as they ripen and begin to fall, in May /early June.
Sowing They should be sown immediately, watered into place before covering lightly with soil, and then kept moist. They germinate very quickly and make significant growth in their first year.
24 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Hazel – Coll (Corylus avellana)
A native species with many uses and an ancient history. Hazel nuts are one of the foods associated with the very earliest human settlements in Ireland of Mesolithic man, who also used hazel as the strong flexible timber for his huts. Hazel bushes may be coppiced i.e. cut right back to a stump, and will re-grow. The slender timber poles that result from coppicing were used in the construction of wattle and daub, and fences. Hazel is also a traditional material in the construction of eel and lobster traps. Hazel grows as an under storey in oak and ash woodlands or as pure hazel woods. Hazel scrub woodland covers extensive areas of limestone, particularly on the Burren plateaus of north Clare and soils derived from limestone in the Glens of Antrim. It is often associated with a rich ground flora of woodland flowers. Hazel is well known for its yellow 'lambs tail' catkins in spring, but the nuts grow from small bud-like structures with a tuft of red - the stigma of the female flowers.
Collection seed is viable and which is away. If you must store them Collect from the wilder areas. not. Drop the seed onto the temporarily, do so up to 4 The nuts are up to 2 cm long, water surface of a bucket of weeks in a hessian bag, plastic pale green at first, ripening to water; if the seed floats it is onion sack, or basket which pale brown and are borne non viable and should be allows air to circulate. Place usually in pairs, each between discarded. Only nuts which in a cool dark environment. two overlapping light green sink contain viable seeds. It is important not to let them bracts or husks. The first seeds heat up - try never to store Stratification shed by the tree are usually them to a depth greater than Hazel should be stratified for non-viable. 15cm. If you have to store 5 - 6 months before sowing It is best to collect the nuts 15cm or more turn the seed (they can be sown directly from the tree when regularly (i.e. shake the hessian immediately but are always they begin to turn brown. Use bag). under danger of being eaten a tool of some sort to pull by mice, squirrels or birds). Sowing down the branches e.g. a rake The shells will then be ready Use the broadcast method for or use a specialised extending to split naturally and can be growing a large quantity and claw. When they are fully ripe transferred to the seed bed. then cover the nuts. they will fall to the ground If they are beginning to Otherwise use a dibber and (or the tree can be shaken) germinate you may be able to plant to a depth of the nut and the nuts are then collected see the bright sulphur yellow itself in a pot, container or a from the ground. But you colour of the radicle through seed bed. It is crucial the sown need to be quick - it is the split shell. Check regularly nuts are protected from mice amazing how fast wildlife will from February onwards. and game birds. The nutshell clean the woodland floor of splits upon germination and all fallen nuts. Storage pheasants can sniff them out Treatment Remove the nuts from the and dig up the nut. Use the flotation seed testing husk (the "involucre"). It is method to ascertain which best to stratify them straight
25 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Holly – Cuileann (Ilex aquifolium)
The evergreen holly is a native species which forms the shrub layer in some of our oldest woods. You may look for it in woodland, or in the narrow gullies of the Sperrins or Donegal uplands, where holly and rowan can survive the harsh upland conditions. It is another visually attractive small tree very suitable for gardens as a specimen tree or as a hedge, slow growing and very dense. Holly trees are either male or female - only the female can bear berries, so it is always worth planting several holly trees together. Both sexes bear small creamy flowers. Although they drop their spiny leaves all the year round, especially in the heat of summer, they are green all year, and along with ivy were traditionally used for mid- winter or Christmas decorations, as a sign of green life to come. In some areas it is considered unlucky to cut down holly, and it may be left as standards along a hedgerow. The hard pale wood is valued for wood carving.
Collection The young plants do not Collect berries anytime over transplant happily, so there is the winter (use tough gloves) a case for growing them from from trees in wild woods. seed on their final growing site, or in pots after their first year. Storage/Stratification It is difficult to remove the Propagation flesh from holly berries. They It is possible to take cuttings should be stratified in damp from holly. A small side shoot sand and kept in a cool place about 15 cm with the 'heel' for a year and sown in the where it joins the main branch second spring. should be selected and grown in a suitable sand/loam mix. Sowing September is the best time to After a full year of take cuttings, which are best stratification, sow thinly in grown under shelter. rows 15 - 20 cm apart and cover to protect from mice Seedlings or cuttings should and birds. The following year be moved once they are well transplant and grow for a established (but under 20cm further 1-2 years before setting tall) and when the soil is warm. out in a permanent site. They both need to be protected from frost damage. If seeds are sown without They are also at risk from stratification, they may take grazing live stock. Although 2 - 3 years to germinate. Even spiny, holly is liked by most with stratification, farm animals. germination can be erratic.
26 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Oak – Dair (Quercus spp.)
Once widespread throughout Ireland, centuries of harvesting, with few trees being replaced, means that truly native oak can be hard to find, though there are small woods in most counties. Very often, semi-natural oak woodlands contain a proportion of birch and ash, with hazel, holly and rowan scattered throughout the understorey. Oak has been harvested for its fine timber for centuries and is much prized for its visual qualities and durability. It is commonly used in the making of furniture, for veneers and in the manufacture of casks.The male flowers of oak are borne on rather inconspicuous catkins, which come out just before the leaves, but the seeds - acorns - are far more obvious. Oak trees do not produce a good crop every year, so it is worth gathering plenty in a good year.
Sessile Oak – Dair ghaelach (Quercus petraea)
The traditional Irish oak is the sessile oak. It is the main species to be found in Ireland’s most familiar woodlands. Sessile oak is found more commonly on poor acid soils, often in hilly regions. These woodlands can be found in Killarney, Co. Kerry, the Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow and Glenveagh, Co. Donegal, to name but a few. They are important ecologically as habitats for hundreds of invertebrate species along with many species of birds and mammals. Sessile means that the acorns have no stalk while those of the pedunculate oak hang from long stalks.
27 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Pedunculate Oak – Dair ghallda (Quercus robur)
The pedunculate or English oak is also considered to be a native tree. It is generally associated with heavy lowland soils and can withstand wet soil in winter. These oak woods are found in Charleville, Co. Offaly and Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
Collection Shake the bag gently, every so Remember there is not a good often, if collection is on a large crop of acorns every year, so be scale to prevent the acorns patient. Acorns can be heating up. It is also very collected while still on the tree important that they are not if they are ripe. They can be allowed to dry out as they lose picked when the acorn has viability rapidly. In the New turned brown and comes away Year check every so often to from the cup fairly easily. see they are not beginning to When the seed is fully ripe shrivel. If the first signs are there is usually a big fall of observed the seeds should be seed. It often happens on the sprinkled with water to keep morning following the first them plump until they are frost. In tree nurseries you can sown in the spring. often hear the question "has Sowing the big fall happened yet?" One method is to sow acorns It is also important to note that soon after collection to a with oak (as with hazel and depth of 10cm, leave them beech) there is a gradual fall of over winter, and then in non-viable seed before the "big March rake off the top 5cm fall". to leave a 5cm covering. This protects them from being Storage eaten, and they should shoot Sow straight away if possible in May. Otherwise store and as stored seed may lose viability. plant in late March. Allow If necessary store in a cool, plenty of space for the well ventilated place in a seedlings which have big hessian bag. Protect against leaves even when very young. being eaten by mice.
28 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Rowan - Caorthann (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan adds colour to woodland throughout Ireland, especially in the hills where it will grow at a high altitude even on rocky ground: its other common name is mountain ash. The creamy flowers ripen into scarlet berries which colour early in the season and provide food for thrushes through the winter. A mistle thrush will defend a rowan tree or holly as its territory, not for nesting, but through the winter as its feeding territory. Rowan is an attractive garden tree: it likes well drained sites but will thrive in most soils.
Collection speed up the germination Collect from native woods or process. If you want to sow in from isolated upland areas. the first spring and maximise The berries are best collected your chances of germination from the tree itself, before the it is important to gather the birds eat them. Macerate the fruits early, just as they are berries and then wash the pulp beginning to turn scarlet. and skin from the seed. At Germination inhibitors are this stage the viable seed will present in the red pigment. sink to the bottom of the Stratification should begin container whereas non-viable immediately and they will seed will rise to the surface germinate in the first spring. along with the pulp and skin. If you gather late, dormancy Stratification/Sowing is enhanced and the percentage If you extract the seed from of seeds germinating in the the berry by macerating or first spring decreases. Sow the fermenting and then wash the seed that has been treated as seed, removing all the red above in March in the first pigment, it may be planted in spring. the first spring. Experience Rowan can also be stratified has shown that total whole and planted out 18 extraction of rowan seed does months later at the beginning of the second spring - this gives the most successful even germination.
29 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Scots Pine - Péine albanach (Pinus sylvestris)
Originally a native tree. Pollen found in soil samples from bogs indicates that Scots pine was widespread in Ireland thousands of years ago. Human impact and the gradual change to a warmer, wetter climate led to its decline, and it may even have died out completely. Pine stumps have been found in bogs, standing where they grew, 7,000 years ago, before the formation of the peat. Most of the pines around the countryside now were imported from Scotland and planted over the last 150 years. Efforts have been made to reintroduce this once native species as in some situations it is fitting that Scots pine be encouraged. It can be grown on marginal land where other species of tree would not survive. It also matures quicker and produces more versatile wood than broadleaf trees. Even though it is a coniferous tree, it nonetheless supports a wide variety of wildlife as habitat diversity changes in line with canopy closure. Our native red squirrel prefers the seeds of this tree than any other.
Collection Storage/Sowing It is possible to grow pine Store seed dry in the fridge in from seed - the seeds are small a sealed polythene bag. Mix with a single wing and fall with sand mixture for easily from between the stratification one month sections of ripe pine cones. before you wish to sow in the Only collect cones in forests spring and return to the fridge if you are sure they are Scots to stratify for one month. pine - most commercially Then sow in fine soil, covering grown conifers are not native the seeds lightly. These must species. be kept damp but pine seedlings do not like to be waterlogged.
30 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Whitebeam - Fionncholl (Sorbus spp.)
These are small trees, quite unusual in the wild, and many imported specimens have been planted in towns and parks, along roads etc. If you want the truly native tree you may have to search - it is most common in the south of the country. Whitebeam leaves have a pale under surface, which explains its name, while the cream flowers ripen to red berries. The hard pale wood was traditionally used for small furniture such as the legs of stools. There are several whitebeam species native to Ireland that may be found in wild woods or cliffs where they have escaped grazing. It can also be found in hedges. The most widespread is Sorbus aria, the common European whitebeam, which is most frequent in Co. Galway. Also found is S. rupicola, especially on cliffs, and S. devoniensis, and its distribution is restricted to Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford. The distribution of a further three species is limited to certain parts of the country – S. latifolia, with broadleaves; S. anglica, which is found only in Co. Kerry and the only one unique to Ireland, S. hibernica, found on limestone across the midlands and in Glenveagh, Co. Donegal.
Collection If you do find trees growing in wild woodland or cliffs collect the berries as soon as they ripen in autumn.
Stratification Whitebeam berries, like hawthorn and rowan, need to have the red flesh removed and the seed extracted as soon as possible. If the seeds are stratified, chances of germination are improved. (See instructions for rowan).
31 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Willows - Saileach (Salix spp.)
There are several varieties of willow native to Ireland. All grow in damp soil, have catkins or 'pussy willows' that produce seeds, but are most easily grown from cuttings, which root very readily. The most widespread willow species are the goat willow, the rusty or grey willow (both known as 'sallies'), and the eared willow. While these generally grow on damp ground, the goat willow will also colonise rough and disturbed ground in drier areas. The bay leaved willow, with glossy green leaves, is found beside small rivers and ditches.
Osiers, with long fine leaves, do not develop into large trees. They were often grown and managed by cutting right back to the base to encourage long flexible shoots used for baskets. Now this species may be grown for biomass and provide a renewable energy source. All willows are rich in insects and so provide a good food source for insect eating birds in summer, notably for the willow warbler.
Seeds of creeping willow.
Propagation Willow establishes easily by wind blown seed and can also be propagated by taking cuttings approx 8 inches long from stems between half an inch and one and a half inches during dormancy, which are simply pushed into the soil to a depth of 4 inches max.
32 CHAPTER TWO TREES
Yew - Iúr (Taxus baccata)
The yew is native and may be found in old woods although it is often seen in the artificial surroundings of estates or churchyards. An evergreen conifer (although an unusual one), yew is a dramatic tree with its dark foliage and red berries encasing a single seed. Reenadina wood on the Muckross Peninsula, Co. Kerry is Ireland’s only native yew wood. A sport (unique form) of the Irish yew (Taxus baccata 'fastigata') with very upright growth was originally found growing on Yew topiary rocky limestone hills in Co. Fermanagh. This was cultivated at Florencecourt, and subsequently in many gardens and churchyards. Many yews are single sex, but most Irish yews are female and so bear fruit. Even if the flesh is removed, these may be slow to germinate. The best seeds are those that have been eaten by birds and have passed through them; such bare seeds may be collected from under yew trees. There are ornamental garden varieties, some with yellow fruit or even golden foliage - these have to be propagated by cuttings. Yew trees do not need rich soil but they do need a well drained site, preferably not too exposed to wind or frost. The leaves are poisonous to most livestock, and the seeds are also toxic, so care must be taken in planting it where animals and children are not at risk. The fruit can be eaten safely by birds, and yew is in fact a good tree for wildlife as birds roost and nest in it.
Collection Sowing Fruits may be gathered as soon Sow in early spring after the as they are ripe and brightly second winter of stratification. coloured. It is best to collect Seedlings are slow growing seeds from a group of yew and can be left on site for two trees in woodland. For a small years, then lined out at 30cm number of seeds, you could apart for a further two years try collecting under the trees before placing in permanent for those left in bird sites. droppings. Propagation Stratification Yew can be propagated by Remove the flesh. Seeds may cuttings, taken in September be sown straight away but but this is generally used for germination is uneven. They garden species which are not are better stratified for at least fertile. two seasons.
33 Chapter Three - Shrubs CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Blackthorn - Draighean (Prunus spinosa)
Spiny shrub of roadside and hedgerow, blackthorn forms dense scrub cover where it is left untrimmed and ungrazed. It bears dense clusters of small white flowers, which contrast with the dark bark of its twigs, very early in the year. Blackthorn hedges can appear to be covered in white. After the flowers, the small oval leaves appear, and then in autumn the harvest of sloes develops. These look like small damsons, but are very sour and are not eaten directly by people, although birds take them. Sloes have traditionally been used for flavouring gin or poteen. The use of blackthorn wood is mainly decorative, for example the manufacture of shillelagh walking sticks and tourist souvenirs.
Storage/Stratification Remove flesh/partially rot if necessary. Store stones in moist sand, outdoors, protected from mice. Sowing Sow in nursery rows in late winter/early spring and allow seedlings to grow undisturbed until the autumn. Chaffinches are notoriously fond of the tasty cotyledons! Plant out at Collection one year old 25 - 30 cm It is easier to collect sloes in spacing apart and they will be late September/October when ready for permanent sites in the leaves have fallen and the one more year. Blackthorn is fruits are more visible. Use easy to grow on any well- gloves if collecting by hand. drained soil, and prefers a It is possible to collect from sunny position. It is best the ground after shaking the planted out young as many tree once the fruits are fail at the transplanting stage. blue/black. Only collect from your local area in old hedgerows.
35 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Bramble - Dris (Rubus fructicosus)
Bramble is a tough colonising new plant. the blackberries provide food plant and is notorious for These rooted branches are for insects, birds, and rapid growth of stems, which called 'stolons'. It is easier to mammals (including reach out from a hedgerow to cut off and transplant a rooted humans!). If you need to cover colonise new ground - they section rather than to grow rough ground, which cannot are unusual in that when they plants from seed. be cultivated, brambles are an touch the ground the tips can Brambles have flowers that excellent choice. form new roots and start a are attractive to insects, and Broom - Giolcach sléibhe (Cytisus scoparius)
Broom is sometimes confused with gorse, because the yellow flowers are a similar shape. However, broom has a few soft leaves on the long straight stems, not spines; it grows on light sandy soils, and it only flowers in mid summer. The flowers are followed by seeds in miniature pea pods which dry and split open to scatter the seeds. On the right soil, broom can spread rapidly, for example disused sand and gravel quarries. On light soils, it is a good shrub component of woodland on a sunny south facing bank. If it is to be grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens, it needs to be cut back or after a few years becomes too leggy and tends to collapse.
Collection rub them with sand paper or Pick the dry seed pods in late rough emery board until you summer/autumn. can just see the paler material inside the dark seed coat. It Storage only needs to be breached on Seeds may be taken out of the one spot. seed cases and sown straight away or stored dry in an Alternatively, seeds may be airtight container over winter. treated by pouring boiling water over them and leaving Treatment/Sowing to cool. The seeds have a particularly Once the seeds have been hard seed coat, and to achieve treated, plant them successful germination this individually in pots or plug has to be breached. One way trays in light soil. is to take individual seeds and
36 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Buckthorn - Paide bréan Purging (Rhamnus cathartic) Alder (Frangula alnus) Purging B. An uncommon shrub, which grows at lakesides often on limestone soil around the shores of Upper Lough Erne and the Shannon, Lough Neagh and Lough Beg. It is not tolerant of heavy shade under trees or very dry sites. There is some resemblance to dogwood (it is sometimes called 'black dogwood'), but the oval leaves have an unusual pattern of almost parallel veins. The inconspicuous white-green flowers (not unlike spindle flowers) are borne close to the dark branches and are followed by clusters of black berries on the female bushes only. This buckthorn is single sex, with about seven female bushes to each male.
Collection/Sowing Pick the berries as soon as they are ripe in October, extract the seed, and stratify immediately. Some bushes crop much more heavily than others. In order to ensure your own crop of berries, you need both sexes present: because of the odd ratio of females to males, you need to plant a dozen or so bushes.
Alder B. Alder buckthorn was once common, coppiced and the wood used for charcoal. It is a bush of wet, though not waterlogged sites and is found around the shores of Lough Ree. It has a very long flowering season and long fruiting season from July to November. Collection/Sowing Pick berries as soon as they are ripe, extract the seed and stratify until March when they should be sown shallowly. Keep the seedbed moist.
37 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Dog Rose - Feirdhris (Rosa canina)
The Wild Rose of Summer celebrated in song and verse, the flowers are typically found in long established hedges where they enliven our roadsides with their large blooms, which vary in colour from white to deep pink. In autumn the rose hips develop, colourful red containers for the small seeds within. Small birds are able to extract the seeds, in spite of irritating protective hairs within the rose hip. Other species, and small mammals such as field mice, eat the flesh of the rose hip itself. Traditionally, they were harvested and used for rose hip cordial, syrup or wine. Rose hips are a rich source of vitamin C. There are a number of other less common species widely distributed around the country. Among these are the Burnet rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia), a small wild rose, is found on coastal sand dunes and at a few inland sites also. It has a cream flower followed by very dark hips. It can be grown in free-draining sites in gardens, but should perhaps not be introduced outside its normal habitat.
Collection straight away but they will Wild rose hips may be not germinate for two winters. collected from hedgerows in They need to be stratified over the autumn, though gloves two winters before they will are essential! germinate.
Storage Propagation The hips may be stored over Rose plants may literally be winter, but will need to be split to form several plants. checked to ensure they do not They will grow suckers if cut go mouldy. back to the roots and these The seeds must be extracted suckers may be transplanted. from the hips (which may be It is also possible to drop or squashed) and then sown layer branches, which will root, or to take cuttings.
38 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Elder - Tromán (Sambucus nigra)
Sometimes known as the Bour tree, this is a common shrub around the countryside and often found beside old farmhouses or byres, especially associated with old refuse tips or middens where it appreciates the extra nutrients in the soil. In the wild, it may be associated with badger setts. The idea of deliberately planting elder trees - which grow again if they are chopped down, and spread rapidly on waste ground - may seem incredible to older country people. However, elder is a very good wildlife species, with its wide heads of creamy flowers followed by hanging clusters of dark red/black berries. As with all other species, the truly native variety has the most wildlife value (ornamental varieties are used in landscape planting). Elder seeds germinate willingly, and the tree will grow in most soils. Both elder flowers and berries may be used in cooking and for making wine. The branches have a soft pithy centre that can be removed and a section used for homemade flute or whistle. In nature, such hollow branches provide nest chambers for bumble bee larvae, and shelter for hibernating insects.
Collection Collect berries as soon as they are ripe, usually in October.
Treatment The berries may be soaked and macerated or fermented to remove the flesh and release the small dark seeds. Sowing The seeds should be sown immediately after extraction and lightly covered with soil or stratified until March.
39 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Gorse - Aiteann (Ulex europaeus and Ulex gallii)
Perhaps the best known and most widely distributed of our native shrubs, gorse is also known as whin or furze. There are two types, the common or European gorse, and the western or mountain gorse. The common gorse is a very suitable shrub component along the edge of new woodland, and also makes an excellent hedge. Gorse is well known for flowering almost all the year round, and its spiny 'leaves' are evergreen. Gorse supports many insects and spiders, which in turn provide food for small birds, which may nest in the excellent shelter provided by these dense spiny bushes. It is often under-estimated as a wildlife resource. The flowers were traditionally used to colour Easter eggs, and may even be used for wine.
Collection Gorse seeds may easily be harvested by picking the soft brown seed pods in late summer.
Sowing The seeds should be extracted from the pods and treated as for broom. They are best sown in a prepared seedbed on their final site, or grown in pots - bare root seedlings do not transplant well. Gorse seedlings are frost sensitive and prefer well drained sandy/acid soil.
40 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Guelder Rose - Caorchon (Viburnum opulus)
Not a rose at all, but this is certainly one of our most attractive wayside shrubs. Guelder rose is usually found in hedges or at the edge of fields and small woods beside a drain - it needs damp. The flowers are a disc of creamy blossoms, larger at the outer edge. These are followed by translucent bright red berries, which colour early in the autumn, which is when this shrub is most obvious.
Collection Sowing Ideally, gather fruits before Instead, sow seeds they are fully ripe, red and immediately after cleaning in soft, otherwise they can seed trays or a sheltered become a bit mushy. Collect seedbed and cover with 2cm the fruits by hand picking or light soil. Never allow them stripping branches. to dry out. Germination is variable, erratic and Storage/Stratification unpredictable and some Store fruit in polythene bags seedlings may not emerge for until over-ripe or rotten. 3 springs following sowing or Separate flesh from seeds and they may germinate straight clean in water. Because of away! their variable germination time, they are difficult to Line out 15 - 20 cm apart the stratify in the usual way. following autumn after emergence.
41 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Hawthorn - Sceach gheal (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn or white thorn was planted in hedges throughout our countryside. Its sweet smelling 'May' blossom is a feature in that month, and in autumn and winter the deep red haws colour the bare twigs. They are among the berries most favoured by birds. Only untrimmed hawthorn can flower and fruit freely, but hedges have to be cut to keep them stock proof. Hawthorn hedges may be trimmed regularly, or left for several years and then laid by cutting part way through the main stems and laying these horizontally through the hedge. Even old hawthorn hedges will regenerate if trunks are cut back to base and left to sprout again, but these must be fenced off so that farm livestock cannot reach the tasty young shoots and eat them. Like many other shrubs, hawthorn also grows in woodland where there is enough light - in open glades, along 'rides' through the woodland, or along the edge. A single tree may be left in a field as a 'fairy thorn', especially where there may be an archaeological site.
Collection Sowing Hawthorn is abundant in Stratified seeds should be most areas. Haws should be sown thinly in nursery rows collected as soon as they are and the resulting seedlings left ripe (use gloves). for 1 - 2 years until ready to Stratification transplant and grow for a further 1 - 2 years before Remove the pith from around setting out in permanent the stone by hand or by sites. rubbing with a heavy object on a flat surface. Stratify for 16 months. If seed is not stratified, but sown straight away, it will not germinate until the second, or even third spring.
May blossom
42 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Honeysuckle - Féithleann (Lonicera periclymenum)
A climber rather than a shrub, by birds such as coal tits. cuttings. Best of all is to 'layer' honeysuckle is a common Honeysuckle may be grown a branch i.e. peg it down into component of native deciduous on a fence or over dead the soil while still attached to woodlands. The heads of pink timber, or up the wall of a the parent plant - it will sprout and golden trumpet shaped building with the help of wire roots and may then be cut off flowers have a powerful sweet supports. It may be cut back and transplanted. scent attractive to moths, and trimmed hard in a hedge which take the nectar. The without ill effects. flowers mature to bright red Honeysuckle will grow from berries that are much enjoyed berries and also from
Ivy - Eidhneán (Hedera helix)
Another climber, this one need to be controlled in evergreen and self supporting, woodland. Ivy is not a parasite and so even better than and will not directly kill a tree, honeysuckle for screening but its sheer weight may make unattractive fences and a tree more liable to wind blow. buildings. Ivy produces its pale Ivy grows easily from yellow flowers in winter, food berries and small for the few winter-flying insects, and its berries ripen in rooted branches may spring when they are an also be transplanted. important food for blackbirds and thrushes. A good wildlife plant, it may
43 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS
Juniper - Aiteal (Juniperus communis)
An unusual shrub found in rocky areas, especially on the Burren and in West Donegal, and often at woodland edges. One of our few native evergreens, juniper is generally found on limestone. It will thrive in other soils and could be introduced to areas outside its natural distribution, however, this may not be considered desirable. In good conditions it may grow to be small tree size. Like holly, juniper is evergreen and bears flowers of different sexes on different plants. The bushes are small and usually low growing, the fruit black, and it can be grown from seed. The berries are used commercially to flavour gin.
Propagation Juniper will grow from its berries but is easily grown from cuttings.
Juniper growing on limestone, Co Donegal.
44 CHAPTER THREE SHRUBS Spindle - Feoras (Euonymous europaeus)
Another bush more common on limestone soils though it is tolerant of a range of non-acid soils. It shares its most common areas of distribution with the guelder rose. It is an inconspicuous shrub with pale bark, smooth and pointed leaves, and small pale flowers. Young twigs are green and four sided. It is the fruits that are amazingly colourful with bright pink cases that split open to reveal hard orange seeds. It will grow from seed but may also be propagated by cuttings. The hard pale wood was used for making spindles for spinning wheels and looms - hence the name.
Collection Sowing Collect the brightly coloured Sow immediately after fruits in autumn either by collection or in March picking or gently shaking the following stratification. Cover tree. with a thin layer of coarse sand. Germination is Treatment/Stratification extremely variable. Wait and Discard the pink fruit and hope! gently rub off the orange seed coat by hand before sowing. Propagation This is tedious but means that Spindle may also be seeds may be sown straight propagated from cuttings away and germination is more although it is not very ready reliable than after to root (see advice for holly). stratification. However, if you have a lot of seed and hand preparation is too time consuming, the seeds should be stratified for six months.
45 Chapter 4 - Growing trees and shrubs CHAPTER FOUR GROWING TREES AND SHRUBS
Growing trees and shrubs
Setting up a Small Tree Nursery. Setting up a mini tree nursery, After a few months, the trees cell is now also available. whether in your back garden will outgrow their pots and Rootrainers arrive flat and or on a window sill, is a will need more space and opened out. They should be particularly interesting and depth for their roots. At that closed and placed in rewarding pastime. Before you stage you will need to plant 36x21x9cm trays ready for start, decide how much time them out into a prepared bed filling and sowing. The and space you want to or into larger pots/containers. number of books per tray dedicate to the project. Your The young trees could even varies between 8 and 14. nursery may initially be a few be moved into cleared ground Your first 'nursery' may be a few pots on the 3. Another good way kitchen window sill. flower pots or seed trays, a at their final site, so long as Collect your seeds, stratify as section of vegetable plot or the young plants will be necessary (see advice for each flower bed, or in a prepared looked after - weeded, watered species) and sow in shallow seed bed. and protected from being seed trays using a peat eaten. This is good for species Small Scale Tree Rearing substitute potting compost. such as holly, blackthorn and 1. Just a few trees gorse, which are not very Once these have germinated Most people start on a small successful when transplanted and grown a little, pick out scale - even a yoghurt pot on Rootrainer (Sherwood size) 'book' as larger seedlings. individual seedlings - handle shown opened out. a window sill. You need some with care, preferably lifting simple pots, preferably with If your aim is to produce them by the cotyledons, the small holes for drainage or a relatively small numbers of first green 'leaves' - and seed tray. The soil should be good young trees, and you transplant into plug trays free-draining; most garden soil have accesss to a cool (available from garden is improved by mixing in sand greenhouse or poly tunnel, suppliers) one seedling in and compost or leaf mould, here are two good systems. each plug section. or you can buy potting 2. A tried and tested system compost (referably peat-free Keep the seed trays and plug Rootrainers. These are to save our bogs). trays in your unheated moulded plastic pots or cells greenhouse or poly tunnel. Fill your pots with compost which come four or five to the 8 Sherwood-size Rootrainer 'books' and sow a few seeds not too set, or 'book'. Because the In summer, the seed trays fitted into tray, shown after sowing. deep (see advice for each books are hinged and can be should be taken outside to species). Keep them sheltered, opened out, it is possible to harden off for at least one not too hot or cold, and observe soil condition and month. They are then ready remember to water them on root systems without harming to be planted on site. The a regular basis. the seedlings and to remove use of plug trays the plants easily when they seems to give Once the seeds germinate, are ready. The lengthwise seedlings a really keep watering and weed grooves in each cell promote good fast growing carefully once you are sure straight root development. start. which are weeds and which They range in size from 8- are young trees! 20cm in depth and 65-350ml in volume; a 1000ml-volume
47 CHAPTER FOUR GROWING TREES AND SHRUBS
4. Plant 'on the spot'. Larger S cale Tree Site Preparation. There is one more option, Rearing. Preparation of the site can which is that seed may be If you have suitable land, and be the most time consuming sown directly on the site enough time and energy, you part of growing trees from where you want your final tree may consider a full scale tree seed, but it is absolutely or bush. This avoids any nursery. Even a small nursery worthwhile. The better the problem with moving young can yield hundreds of trees site preparation, the better plants. Prepare the site as you each year. the germination and growth Using seed trays to germinate rowan. would any seed bed and plant of young trees. Choosing the Site several seeds - this should When choosing the site, keep Once the site has been ensure that at least one in mind these important selected, it must be cleared germinates successfully. Later factors. of grass and weeds. Remove you can select out the best the grass by paring away the young plant to grow on, and 1. The site should not be top three inches of soil and move the others. waterlogged - a raised bed grass roots. Stack these with coarse grit Remember to put in a marker shallow sods off to the side incorporated in the soil and ideally cover the sites with as next year this will be a fine will provide adequate wire or other mesh to mark compost for a seed bed. drainage. Acorns are fine for planting on the spot. and protect it. Keep watering Perennial weeds such as - don't forget about your tiny 2. Water will be required for dandelion and dock must be seedlings! summer watering. removed from the soil, otherwise they will grow up 3. Shelter is needed from through your seedlings, the morning sun and smothering and starving strong wind on frozen them. foliage. Do not use an east facing slope. Dig over the soil to a minimum depth of 25 cm, 4. Protection against removing larger stones and morning sun on dewy Digging the bed. weed roots. If this is done in leaves is essential as the the autumn the winter frost scorch can kill seedlings. will break up the soil further. 5. Protection from dogs, Should the soil be heavy and Compacting soil removes any air pockets. children, footballs and sticky, dig in some sharp sand rabbits. If a rabbit proof or grit. This will aid drainage fence is required use a and render the soil more 31 mm gauge wire and workable. If the soil is sandy Raking is very important. bury the bottom 30 cm incorporate well rotted old under ground level. manure or compost to give a firmer texture and help it retain moisture. With the site selected, fenced and dug over,
The finished bed ready to plant.
48 CHAPTER FOUR GROWING TREES AND SHRUBS
the next stage is the growing Planting Seed be used or better still a fabric beds. This is simply soil raised Dibbling mesh such as Mallardworth to approx. 10 cm above Hazel and oak are suitable for black 1in. stretch netting. ground level, flat topped, this method. Large seed can This can be spread over wire about 1m wide and as long as be planted by piercing a hole, hoops well down into the your enclosure allows. Be sure with a round nosed dibber, ground and pinned down at to leave a narrow path around twice the depth of the seed. the sides with short stakes. each raised bed for easy access Drop the seed into the hole It is necessary to have a good and weeding. and cover with sieved sand or seal at the side and ends of "Dibbling". soil. Firmly compact the the rows, especially if mice Shape the bed by putting a medium to eliminate air are your problem! string line where you want pockets. the edge of the bed to be. Cut Lining Out a flat bottomed channel down Broadcasting After one year in the seed one side of the line and Small seeds are planted in a bed, the small tree seedlings deposit the soil on the similar manner to grass seed, will have grown substantially. opposite side of the line. A i.e. scattered evenly by hand They will appear crowded, path has just been created! on the surface of the seed bed. especially if they have grown Shape the bed. Level the soil. This is then followed by from small seeds which were Walk over the surface of the rolling the bed and covering originally broadcast quite bed on your heels, or roll it, the seed with 2mm sand. thickly. Broadcasting with birch seed. then rake the bed's surface. Birch is sometimes uncovered It is necessary to move them Repeat this process until the as it is light sensitive. Treat on to the transplant bed, surface is firm and fine. This stratified seed in the same way prepared and weeded as will ensure the bed does not as seed sown fresh. recommended in 'site sink and sag due to there If weeds appear on the seed preparation'. The little tree being air pockets present. You bed gently remove them by seedlings should be lifted are now ready to plant seed. snipping or slicing the root gently from the seedbed If the bed is made earlier in under the soil surface with a without damaging the roots, the season, weeds can be sharp knife. If you have any and transferred as quickly as eliminated before sowing in doubts as to whether it is a possible to their new area. If Rolling the broadcast bed. the autumn or spring. Some weed or a tree postpone they have to be left for a short nurseries use herbicide and/or weeding! time, cover the roots - damp soil pesticides. newspaper is a good idea. Protection Seeds and seedlings are vulnerable to being eaten. In the seed bed they can be protected by erecting a frame over the lines of seeds/ seedlings. Small mesh wire netting may
Lining out.
49 CHAPTER FOUR GROWING TREES AND SHRUBS
Make a hole with a 'dibber' Root pruning is carried out Looking after your for each seedling, place it when the young seedling is Seedlings. gently in the hole and press lifted from the seed bed. The Attention must be paid to soil around to the same level roots are trimmed, using large their general state of as it was growing before - too scissors or secateurs, just development. Check for deep or too shallow will check cutting across the largest roots mildew and aphid infestation growth and may even cause so that the tree is left with a regularly, and use chemicals the young tree to fail. Plant more even length of main if you need to. Oak and in a straight row and leave roots. This encourages the hawthorn are especially regular spaces of about 30cm. cut roots to send out side vulnerable to grey leaf mould between seedlings - which will roots, in the same way that a infections. make clear why this process cut branch above ground will Water beds if it has not been of planting on is known as send out side shoots. raining for a few days. (Daily 'lining out'. Protection for hazel is vital to In commercial forestry keep out mice & birds. for birch when very young). If the seeds were originally nurseries the young tree In the autumn defoliation sown well spaced out - acorns, seedlings have their roots occurs and dormancy for example - the tree seedlings pruned by a cutter bar when commences. This is the time may be left for two years in they are still in place in the to transplant seedlings - the seed bed and then lined seed bed. On a smaller scale, gently. out. we can lift and trim roots of a small bunch of tree seedlings At the base of each seedling The transfer of tree seedlings held together, but you may there is a colour difference. is normally carried out in the wish to carry out a precision This is the planting depth for autumn and winter, not in job on each individual each seedling. spring when they are actively seedling - it is up to you how growing and even more If planted too deep the much time you wish to spend vulnerable to disturbance. seedling will die. on this task. There is one exception - holly Dibber or trowel planting is Root pruning promotes healthy growth. seedlings actually like to be Root pruning is not necessary used at this stage. Do not moved in the summer, when for seedlings which have been "corkscrew" the roots into the the soil has warmed up! grown in individual pots or hole or the tree roots will plug trays, but it does assist Root Pruning become twisted and distorted. seedlings grown on a larger When tree seedlings have been The planting season generally nursery scale to make good grown under crowded finishes at the end of March. growth subsequently. The conditions in the seed bed, Seedlings can be moved at result is a large root surface their root systems may be too other times if they are re- and a comparatively small 'up and down' and not planted rapidly without the shoot. This favourable sufficiently all-round. To fine roots drying out. The colour difference at the base of a seedling root/shoot ratio is ideal for encourage bushy root growth, marks the depth for planting. transplants. It may look which leads to a healthier and severe but it is for their own more stable tree in the long good in the end! term, young seedlings may be 'root pruned'.
50 CHAPTER FOUR GROWING TREES AND SHRUBS
Growing from cuttings
Most species may be grown two years and therefore ten The 'pegs' can be planted from seed, but we have or so cuttings from each one straight away. The flat base end mentioned some which is possible. Each branch is is pushed into the soil to half propagate easily from cuttings removed by executing a or two thirds the depth of the or by layering shoots: these straight cut, just below a bud, 'peg'. Mulching is easy with are forms of vegetative at its base. cuttings as it can be carried out reproduction. Unlike sexual Next any old leaf growth or before planting if required (see reproduction from seeds, side branches are cleared section on Care of Young which is the union of pollen neatly from the shoot. Trees). Cuttings can be 'heeled (male) and ovule (female), Growth thinner than pencil in' as a storage method if vegetative reproduction allows thickness at the top of the required: damp coarse sand is no genetic mixing or diversity. branch is removed, being too ideal for this. All the young plants are thin to be suitable. Cuttings Note: The use of one pointed Cutting a shoot. genetically identical to the can be from 15 - 24 cms long, end and one flat surface is parent. making sure each one has at generally accepted, but some least three buds on it. Cuttings are often used for nursery men use them the garden species which may not Proceeding from the base of other way round - the pointed be fertile, for example plants the branch upwards a straight end is pushed into the soil so which do not grow naturally cut is made just under a bud; you are pressing on the flat in our climate, or when it is then six or nine inches up a end, which is pushed in at an important that all plants slanted cut is made just above angle so that it will shed rain. should be exactly the same. a bud. Following each top cut It doesn't matter which way a short piece of waste wood you choose to do it, so long as For some of our native species, is removed when moving up you get the cutting the right it is the easiest way to to the next base cut. The way up, i.e. with buds ready to propagate large numbers and slanted cut at the top serves a grow upwards! is especially used for willows. few purposes among which To take cuttings first cut a "Pegging out". are - young branch, one or two years growth, from your 1. making it obvious parent tree or bush. This is which is the bottom end generally done in autumn or when planting. winter. 2. prevents water lying on A strong sharp pair of pruners top of the cutting which is essential for good quality can cause rot. cuttings. In a nursery set-up this task is carried out indoors on wet days when other work would be awkward. A branch or shoot of willow can be up to 2.5 metres long in one or
Willow
51 Chapter 5 - Planting trees CHAPTER FIVE PLANTING Planting trees
Some species transplant easily We tend to think of roots as - others, such as gorse, holly big strong parts of the tree and blackthorn do not which anchor it to the transplant well and are best ground, but as with other sown on site or moved to their plants, it is the fine delicate final site as very small root tips and root hairs which seedlings. Moving young trees do the main job of absorbing is always stressful for them - water and nutrients - if they the faster it can be done the are damaged or cut, the tree better, without damaging the cannot grow as well. (When tiny root hairs or allowing root pruning only the longest them to dry out. roots are cut, leaving the side roots to form a healthy mass The normal planting season of new rootlets which extends from October till the increases this absorbtive end of March. Do not area). transplant in heavy frost, and take extra care in cool, drying If the trees are left for four east winds. years or more in their nursery beds, they get beyond the When and how to plant Transplanting is stressful for stage of easy transplanting Most tree and shrub seedlings all young plants. They should and the chances of moving will spend their first year in be replanted in prepared soil, them successfully decrease the seedbed - more if then well firmed in at the sharply. Some species are germination is delayed or same level as they were before more tolerant than others. growth very variable or slow. i.e. the same position between Birch should be moved After replanting in the roots and trunk - there will young, oak and rowan seem transplant bed, where they be a colour change to guide to be able to survive later have more space, the trees may you. Dig a good sized hole moves. be left for a further one or two and spread the roots out, not seasons, depending on growth leaving them squashed or The same principles apply to and size, which is usually twisted. cuttings, which should be related to the type of tree i.e. moved carefully taking soil If your young trees have been the species. with the roots if possible. grown in pots or containers, Willows are often planted on they may be left until they are the final site, directly into older and planted out keeping wet ground, which means the complete mass of roots they do not have to be moved and soil together. Do not leave The root hairs absorb the nutrients. at all - the easiest way! them in pots too long, or the Always water young trees and roots become cramped and cuttings soon after re- there is real growth check planting. before the roots spread out in their new site, which allows growth to begin again.
53 CHAPTER FIVE PLANTING
Where to plant your You need to plan for how long good top soil in a pit around trees a tree will last and how much the roots to get them started. You may be growing trees it will grow - do not plant If you have to plant into from seed with a clear idea of close to walls, buildings or dense grassland, clear or kill where you want to plant historic monuments, as all a small area before you put them. In many ways this is these may be damaged by tree the trees in place. ideal, as you can choose the roots. Always over estimate Use of a mulch - dark plastic species most suitable for the the space trees will need above or organic matter such as site you have in mind. You ground and below, because wood chips - around the Trees planted with guards and supports. may be growing trees in order roots spread beyond the trunk will keep the ground to supply other people, canopy in order to collect rain clear of competing vegetation schools, community groups, dripping off leaves all around and help conserve moisture. or local nature reserves, in the tree. Once planted, tree Even in Ireland, many young which case local provenance roots should not be disturbed. trees die from lack of has a particular value. moisture. Water young trees Care of young trees at planting and keep on Always check that the area Young trees do best if they are watering during the first you have in mind is not given a good start. After all summer in dry weather. important for conservation as your care in collecting seed it is, in which case trees might and rearing young trees, it is Grass and other small plants actually detract from the all too easy to lose them once compete for water and wildlife value. Peatland and the time comes to plant them nutrients.The worst thing bogs should mainly be left out in their final site. To avoid you can do is to cut grass unplanted. this disheartening outcome, around young trees as this will encourage the grass to Remember to loosen the ties. We have tried to suggest spend some time on site re-grow and take even more which species are more preparation just as you did for from the soil. Never use suitable for small spaces or the seeds and keep an eye on strimmers near trees - they gardens, where you will only the young trees. are most effective at 'ring need a few trees or even one Good soil can be improved by barking' small trees so killing specimen tree. Even if you cultivation, thorough digging them. only want one to last, it is and mixing in compost or worth planting several and farmyard manure if available. So long as growth of grass then selecting out the best Thick grass and weeds should and other plants is not too while transplanting the rest. be cleared from the planting vigorous, trees should site, either by cultivation or outgrow the competition. use of herbicide, which if it is But remember to clear long-lasting will also prevent around trunks while they are re-growth around the young getting started, to allow the tree. trees to grow straight and true. If you care for your trees Planting into good soil, Ring barking - strimmers kill trees! in the early stages, they will already cleared of other repay you by growing well. vegetation, is ideal. If trees are to be planted in sub soil or rubble, provide them with
54 CHAPTER FIVE PLANTING
Trees do not generally need Some woods consist of very If you are planting next to fertiliser - after all, they are few tree species. Birch woods an existing wood, the natural vegetation and should on acid soils, ash woods on woodland plant species will be able to grow naturally. If limestone, are examples of naturally colonise. Areas you do think it is needed, low woods which are almost single under trees are increasingly nitrogen types like potato species. If you are planting a shaded as the trees grow, so fertiliser are best. difficult site, very wet, or with that meadow grasses and acid soil, your choice of trees plants are shaded out and They do need the soil to suit will be restricted. only early flowering or shade them: alder and willow can A mixed woodland always tolerant woodland species tolerate very wet conditions, However, on better soils you provides the most variety of colour and wildlife. will be able to thrive. You birch grows on acid soils, have more choice. Aim for a can speed this process by shrubs such as spindle, guelder mixture of trees to give final transferring a few spadefulls rose and buckthorn seem to height such as oak and ash, of woodland soil in winter prefer limestone soils, rowan with shrub species for variety time, complete with roots and gorse need well drained - hazel, hawthorn, etc. Allow and bulbs. Or ask permission ground. plenty of space between trees to take some plants from and shrubs, because shrubs Always consider the another existing wood on cannot thrive in heavy shade. 'appropriateness of place' similar soil: bluebells, wood If there are any trees and when considering what trees sorrel, wood anemone, lesser shrubs present on the site to to plant where. Seek advice if celandine etc. begin with, try to keep these you are unsure. and incorporate them in the Planting young trees close Planning your woodland new planting. They may together encourages better If you are fortunate to have provide shelter for your new growth rates and straight enough ground to plant a young trees. trunks, but it does mean number of trees, for thinning in 15 - 20 years If you have poor spindly trees conservation reasons you time. However, it is possible on site, for example ash or should aim to create a to plant in several groups, hawthorn, these can always woodland as close as possible leaving open land between if be coppiced - cut back to the to natural woods in your area. you can afford the space, or stump and allowed to re-grow. Take a look around, and see to leave generous open glades This will give young bushy what grows there naturally. or rides within a single Wood anemones - a beautiful wood is not growth and re-juvenates the complete without a carpet of spring flowers. You have probably done this planted area. trees. to begin with, in order to identify trees from which to Ideally, a wood should have collect seed. trees, shrubs, and flowering plants below.
55 CHAPTER FIVE PLANTING
If you leave more space a marker to remind you about natural control and a balance between trees you will have small trees, and to deter of pests/predators should to do more weeding to ensure rabbits, a common cause of become established. good growth, but it will destruction. Shelters are very Record Keeping reduce the necessity to thin worthwhile for a few young Do keep records of all that out your planting in future trees. Oak seems to benefit you do - when and where you years - people dislike particularly, but some species, collect the seeds, how you destroying trees they have such as birch, do not thrive treat them, how well they Trees need protection from grazing deer. grown and planted, but the in shelters. germinate and grow. The timber may be useful for If you are planting a larger records will prove valuable firewood, fencing, etc. area, it is worth erecting rabbit to you in accumulating The purpose of open glades proof fencing around the knowledge and may provide is not only to allow extra room perimeter rather than buying useful guidance for other for tree growth, but also to lots of tree shelters. Hares may people. encourage plants that need also be a problem, and they Perhaps because our the extra light. These attract require 15 cm shelters rather woodland tradition in Ireland insects, birds, and mammals. than the usual 10 cm to is not strong, we have lost Research has shown that it is protect the trees. some of the older skill in the woodland edge which is If you have deer locally, you rearing trees. This guide most used by birds rather than may have real difficulty in reflects the experience of the centre of thick woodland. establishing trees. One way is several groups and Rabbit-proof fencing: netting overlapped If you walk along forest paths to plant one of their individuals, but we all have horizontally in the direction of attack. you will often see traces of favourites, such as willow, in a lot more to learn - you can badgers and foxes, although a dense band all around the make a real contribution. their setts or earths may be outside of the planted area - hidden within the wood. this is a 'sacrifice crop' which Tree Shelters and Pests should protect your final Tree shelters are made from woodland in the centre. Deer various materials in a variety are not generally a problem of forms, square or rounded: in gardens here, but they do some are manufactured locally. restrict regeneration of Shelters are used as protection woodland where they are against wind and weather, as present, and will feed some distance from their home forest or estates. Grey squirrels can be a problem and are very difficult to exclude! Insect pests have to be Remember to label your seedlings! watched for in nursery situations, but once your trees are planted out as woodland,
56
Sources of Further Written Information SOURCES OF FURTHER WRITTEN INFORMATION Sources of Further Written Information
An Irish Flora 1996 D.A. Webb. Dundalgan Press Ltd, Dundalk.
Trees of Ireland: 1993 Charles Nelson & Wendy Walsh. Lilliput Press, native & naturalised Dublin. Has a section on propagation for each species.
The Irish Landscape F. Mitchell. London, Collins.
The Irish Woods Since 1971 E M McCracken. Tudor Times
ENFO Action Sheets - Tree Planting, Hedge Management, Managing Small Woods, Basic Tree Surveys, Trees and Development Sites.
Trees on the Farm 1992 Michael Bulfin. Tree Council of Ireland.
Tree Projects for Schools Richard Webb, An Foras Forbatha.
Wild Woods of Ireland Catherine O’Connell, Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
Growing Broadleaves Silvicultural Guidelines for Ash, Sycamore, Wild Cherry, Beech and Oak in Ireland. 1998 Padraic M. Joyce, Coford.
Native Trees & Forests David Hickie, Gill & Macmillan, 2002. of Ireland
Releasing Quality Wood Silvicultural Guidelines for Wood Production in the context of from Ireland’s Native the Native woodland Scheme. Woodlands of Ireland. Dublin Woodlands 2005 Little, D.J. & Cross J.R.
Woodlands of Ireland Native Woodland Scheme Information Notes. In support of the 2007 native woodland Scheme. Woodlands of Ireland. Dublin Useful Addresses
COFORD National Parks www.coford.ie & Wildlife Service Arena House, www.heritageireland.ie Arena Road, Ely Court, Sandyford, Ely Place, DUBLIN 18 DUBLIN 2 Tel: 01 213 0725 Fax: 01 213 0611 Tel:01 6472300 Email: [email protected]
Coillte – The Irish Forestry Board ENFO www.coillte.ie www.enfo.ie Dublin Road, 17 St Andrew’s St Newtownmountkennedy, DUBLIN 2 CO. WICKLOW Tel:01 6793144 Tel: 01 201 1111 Fax: 01 201 1199 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected]
Crann Environmental Protection Agency www.crann.ie www.epa.ie P.O.Box 860, P.O.Box 3000, Celbridge, Co Kildare Johnstown Castle Estate, Tel: 01 627 5075 CO. WEXFORD Email: [email protected] Tel: 053 60600 Fax: 053 60699 Email:[email protected]
Forest Service Forest Service www.agriculture.gov.ie www.agriculture.gov.ie Department of Agriculture & Food, 3 West, Department of Agriculture, Johnstown Castle Estate, Fisheries and Food, Kildare St., CO. WEXFORD DUBLIN 2 Tel: 053 91 60200 Lo Call: 1890 200223 Tel: 01 607 2000 Fax: 053 91 43834/5/6 Fax: 01 607 2545 59 SOURCES OF FURTHER WRITTEN INFORMATION
Useful Addresses cont’d
Groundwork Irish Wildlife Trust www.groundwork.ie www.iwt.ie Sigmund Business Centre Sigmund Business Centre 93a Lagan Road 93a Lagan Road Dublin Industrial Estate Dublin Industrial Estate Glasnevin Glasnevin DUBLIN 11 DUBLIN 11 Tel 01 8602839 Tel: 01 8602839 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Heritage Council Society of Irish Foresters www.heritagecouncil.ie Enterprise Centre, KILKENNY BALLINTOGHER, Co. Kilkenny Co. Sligo Tel: 01 7770777 Tel: 071 9164434 Fax: 071 9134904 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.societyofirishforesters.ie Irish Deer Society C/o Killarney U.D.C. Te a gasc Town Hall Kinseally Research Centre KILLARNEY Malahide Road Tel: 064 31023 DUBLIN 17 Tel: 018460644 Fax: 01 8460524 Irish Forest Industry Chain IBEC Tree Council of Ireland 84/86 Baggot Street www.treecouncil.ie DUBLIN 2 Seismograph House, Tel: 01 6601011 Fax: 01 6601717 Rathfarnham Castle, DUBLIN 14 Irish Peatland Conservation Council Tel: 01 4931313 Fax: 01 4931317 www.ipcc.ie Email: [email protected] Lullymore, Rathdangan, Woodlands of Ireland CO KILDARE Seismograph House, Tel: 045 860133 Fax: 045 860481 Rathfarnham Castle, Email: [email protected] DUBLIN 14 Tel: 087 668 5823 Irish Timber Council Email: [email protected] 1 Heatherbrook www.woodlandsofireland.com St. Marlton Road WICKLOW VOICE – Voice of Irish Concern Co. Wicklow for the Environment Tel: 0404 62488 Fax: 0404 61111 www.voice.buz.org Email: [email protected] 9 Upper Camden Street, DUBLIN 2 Irish Timber Growers Association Tel: 01 642 5741 17 Castle Street, Email: [email protected] Dalkey, CO. DUBLIN Tel: 01 235 0988 Fax: 01 235 0416 E-mail: [email protected]
Irish Tree Society Tullynally CASTLEPOLLARD Co. Westmeath.
60 GLOSSARY
Glossary
Afforestation: the growing of trees in an area that has lacked forest cover for a very long time or has never been forested. Atmosphere: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth. Atmospheric: material found in the atmosphere.
Ancient Woods: those occupying sites that have been wooded continuously for several hundred years at least since the time when the first reliable maps were made.
Biodiversity: a concept that refers to the variety of all life forms at all levels including genetic diversity, species diversity and landscape diversity within an ecosystem. Maintaining biodiversity is crucial to sustaining the interrelated web of life of any ecosystem.
Biomass: the dry weight of all organic matter in a given ecosystem. Also refers to plant material that can be burnt as fuel.
Broadleaves: generally deciduous hardwood trees. Their leaves are flattened and usually broad in shape with a network vein pattern and are mostly light green and soft to the touch. Oak and ash are examples of broadleaves. Canopy: the forest cover of branches and foliage formed by tree crowns.
Canopy closure: the lessening of space between the crowns of trees as they spread sideways or laterally. This increases canopy cover.
Carbohydrates: organic compounds such as sugars and starches composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Carbon dioxide (CO2): a gas that is present in the atmosphere and is formed during respiration. An essential ingredient in the process of photosynthesis.
Community: all the living organisms in an area at a particular time that affect one another as a part of the food web or through their various influences on the physical environment.
Conifers: evergreen, softwood trees. All conifers produce seed bearing cones. Their leaves are needle shaped or arranged as scales along the shoot and are usually dark green and hard to the touch. Pines, firs and spruces are all conifers.
Cross pollination: the transfer of pollen from the male part of one flower to the female part of another. Deciduous: shedding leaves at the onset of winter. Most broadleaves are deciduous. Disperse: to spread seed away from the parent tree. Evergreen: keeping leaves throughout the year. Evolution: the process of development from a simple to a more complex form.
Fungi: a mushroom, toadstool or one of the similar plants such as mould. They have no chlorophyll and obtain food from living or dead organic matter. Germination: the beginnings of growth or the putting forth of shoots.
61 GLOSSARY
Glossary cont’d
Habitat: any place or type of place where an organism or community of organisms normally lives and thrives.
Ice Age: period when much of the northern hemisphere was covered with glaciers. The last ice age lasted roughly from 100,000BC to 15,000 BC.
Lichens: a combination of fungus and alga growing together.
Native forests: the term for the original natural forests of a region, even if they subsequently become semi-natural in their reliance on some form of human intervention
Parasite: an animal or plant that lives in or on another organism and gains nourishment from it.
Photosynthesis: the chemical process that occurs in the leaf by which water and carbon dioxide are combined to produce carbohydrates and oxygen.
Pollination: fertilisation by pollen. The transfer of pollen from the male organ where it is formed to the receptive region of the female organ.
Provenance: the place of origin of a species, subspecies or variety.
Re-colonisation: the reestablishment of vegetation on an area which has been stripped of plants.
Semi-natural Woods: woods that have a high degree of naturalness. Composed primarily or wholly of local native species of trees and shrubs that are derived from natural regeneration, coppicing or from mature plantations (19th Century or older). Often managed and nearly always influenced by human activities i.e. grazing, fragmentation and underplanting with non-natives. Most are relatively recent in origin or established by natural colonisation in the last few decades, whilst some are much older woodlands.
Suckers: new shoots produced from the base or underground roots of an established plant.
Understorey: any plants or shrubs growing under a tree canopy.
Viable: able to live and grow. Grants for Native Woods
Afforestation grants are available from the Forest Service of the Department of the Marine and Natural resources. The precise rates are determined by the type of land and the species planted. Grants are available under the Native Woodland Scheme, where the emphasis is placed on the conservation and biodiversity of native woodlands. Under the NeighbourWood Scheme, funding is available to support the establishment or development, by local authorities, of woodlands in or near centres of population for the purpose of public enjoyment and recreation. Grants are subject to certain conditions. For further information contact the Forest Service, Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford. Tel: 053 60200 LoCall:1890 200 223 Fax 053 43834/5/6 www.marine.gov.ie
62 SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
TREES
Alder E/F Prefers wet ground & stream Does not like dry sandy Early flowering, good for 90 Enriches soil with nitrogen Alnus glutinosa banks. Will tolerate ground. insects. Seeds last long, Fast growing but short lived. some winter flooding. Useful for good for tits, siskins & Coppices well. Good for very wet sites. redpolls. Esp. good for stabilising river banks. red squirrels. Small to medium tree
Ash F Prefers well drained Does not like waterlogged Gives only light shade so 41 Very common in hedgerows. Fraxinus excelsior neutral to alkaline soils. Will sites. Farmers don't like it good for ground flora. Good withstand exposed sites/ planted beside cultivated for insects. Seeds good for windswept coastal areas. land because of its birds, small mammals and shallow rooting system. red squirrels. Good for lichens.
Birches E/f Prefers light infertile soils. Downy Does not do well in Casts light shade so good 229 Does not transplant well. Betula pubescens birch does particularly well on shade. for ground flora. Seeds Therefore can be difficult to Betula pendula wet, poorly drained peat. Silver good for birds/red squirrels. establish although in natural birch, however, needs good very good for insects/fungi conditions is a pioneer drainage and a sunny position. Good for dead wood species and can be invasive. Fast growing/short lived.
Cherry, Bird E Prefers damp fertile soils. Early flowering. Very good Found in mixed deciduous Prunus padus Tolerant of more acid sandy Does not like exposed for insects. Fruit good for woodland. soils. sites birds.
Cherry Wild/Gean L/f Prefers fertile woodland soils Early flowering good for Often found in old hedgerows Prunus avium but tolerates clay as well. Dislikes wet sites. insects. Fruits excellent for Tolerates some shade. May Shallow rooting. birds (and seed collectors!) be grown by lifting rooted suckers.
Crab apple L/f Prefers neutral to alkaline soils, Early flowering good for 93 Unlike modern hybrid Malus pumila but thrives in all fertile including insects. Fruits good for apples, crab apples grow heavy soils. insects and birds. true from the apple pips. SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
Elm, Wych F No particular preference but Does not like very dry sites. Early flowers are very 82 English elm is the most Ulmus glabra thrives in fertile free draining important for insects. Seeds prone to Dutch Elm disease soils. important for red squirrels. but it does affect wych elm.
Hazel E/S Prefers heavier fertile soils. Does not like acid soils Associated with a rich 73 An ideal understory species. Corylus avellana Will tolerate some shade. Ideal ground flora. Very good Coppices well. for hillsides and steep banks. for insects, nuts eaten by Shade tolerant. many mammals and birds good lichen tree, esp. old stems.
Holly E/S A very hardy species. Tolerant of Does not like wet, poorly Berries important for 7 Slow growing. Useful in Ilex aquifolium exposed sites and shade. Prefers drained sites. thrushes. Foodplant of the hedges and screens. Shade neutral to acid peaty soils. holly blue butterfly. Good tolerant. Coppices well. roost site for birds in Can be difficult to establish. winter. Only females produce berries.
Oak,Sessile F Tolerates poorer, lighter, more Does not like badly drained Excellent for many forms 284 Excellent tree for wildlife. Quercus petraea acid soils than robur. More shade infertile soils. Must have of wildlife, insects, bird Often a major component of tolerant than robur, also more plenty of space. nesting cover, dead wood, woodland plantings. Very tolerant of frost. fungi, lichens, wind firm. Very long living. Oak, Pendunculate F Prefers clay soils and damp as for Q.petraea as for Q.petraea 284 as for Q.petraea. Quercus robur lowlands but generally tolerant. A high density of moth caterpillars.
Rowan E/S Grows in poor thin acid soils. Does not like wet sites Good insect tree. Important 28 Can grow up to an altitude Sorbus aucuparia Very hardy. Tolerant of exposed berry crop. of 1000m. A good size for a sites. small garden.
Scots Pine F/E Prefers light sandy soils/also Does not like chalk/limestone Good nesting tree. Cones 91 The best known and best Pinus sylvestris peaty acid soils. soils or exposure to sea winds. excellent for red squirrels. loved of our native conifers. Does well on dry sites. Roost site for winter birds. SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
Strawberry Tree Nutrient rich, well drained soil Does not like cold, drying A rare species native in only Each berry takes a full 12 Arbutus unedo in sun or semi-shade. winds. three counties in Ireland and months to mature. Therefore throughout the both blossom and berries are Mediterranean. found at the same time.
Whitebeam, Irish E Prefers alkaline soils but grows in Does not like very wet sites. Good insect tree, important Best suited to hedgerows Sorbus hibernica a wide range of soils.Tolerates berry crop. Tolerates shade. coastal exposure, rocky ground and fairly damp sites
Yew E/F Prefers well drained alkaline soils. Does not like very wet Berries good for birds. 4 Poisonous leaves, very slow Taxus baccata Tolerates shade. sites. growing.
SHRUBS
Blackthorn/Sloe E/S Prefers open, sunny conditions. Does not like very wet Early flowering, very good 109 Dense and thorny, makes an Prunus spinosa Tolerates a wide range of soils. conditions. for insects. Good nesting ideal barrier against stock/ Can grow in exposed and cover. Berries excellent for people. Spreads by suckers. windswept coastal conditions. birds. Good for a hedge.
Broom E Grows best on light, dry, acid Does not like wet conditions. Good for insects. Foodplant Suitable for dry sunny Cytisus scoparius soils. of the green hairstreak banks. butterfly.
Buckthorn, Purging Largely confined to calcareous Not tolerant of heavy Foodplant of the brimstone 27 An uncommon shrub, often Rhammus soils. shade under trees or of butterfly. growing at lakesides on catharticus very dry sites. limestone soils.
Buckthorn, Alder S A shrub of wet, though not water- A very long flowering Once common, coppiced and Frangula alnus logged, sites. Grows on peaty season. A long fruiting the wood used for firewood. soils. season from July to Nov. Foodplant of brimstone butterfly. SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
Dog-rose Tolerates a wide range of soils but Does not like wet soils or Good for insects. Hips c100 Famous for its rose-hips Rosa canina prefers calcareous to neutral exposed sites. good for small birds and Found in long-established soils. Can tolerate poor fertility. small mammals. hedges and thickets.
Elder E/S Prefers nutrient rich soils. Good for insects and birds. 19 A common shrub around Sambucus nigra Hardy. Useful for extremely An important berry crop. the countryside. Associated chalky sites. with old refuse tips and middens where it appreciates the extra nutrients in the soil.
Gorse E Prefers dry and neutral soils. Does not like poorly drained Good for insects. Provides 17 Can grow in exposed sites. Ulex europaeus heavy clay soils. excellent nesting cover. Withstands salty winds. Does not like shallow Food-plant of the green Provides shelter in coastal chalky soils. hairstreak butterfly. areas.
Guelder Rose E/S Prefers alkaline fertile Does not like acid soils. Good for insects, fruit good 149 Usually found in hedges Viburnum opulus clay soils. Also likes neutral wet for birds. or at the edge of fields and soils. small woods beside a drain, also on inland loughs.
Hawthorn E/f Tolerates a wide range of soils. Does not thrive in wet Excellent for wildlife. Early 20 The commonest and best Crataegus monogyna Among hardiest and most sites or very acid soils. flowering good for insects. hedgerow species. adaptable trees, growing well in Fruits good for insects and Withstands cutting and industrial areas/exposed sites. birds. Good cover for hedge-laying. nesting and roosting birds.
Juniper L Grows in rocky areas. Also on Juniperus mountain heaths. Very tolerant communis of exposure.
Spindle E/S Prefers alkaline soils but tolerates Good for insects. Shares its most common Euonymus a wide range of non-acid soils. areas of distribution with europaeus Good on chalk but grows almost the guelder rose. Its wood anywhere. was used for making spindles for spinning wheels. SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
SPECIES FROM CUTTINGS
Aspen E Suitable for damp clay soils. Does not like very dry Good for insects, foodplant 97 Fast growing. A pioneer Populus tremula Tolerates wet conditions. sites. of the hairstreak butterfly. species that can tolerate harsh conditions.
Bramble C Tolerates a wide range of soils. Excellent for insects, esp. Excellent cover for nesting Rubus fonticosa late flowers & fruit for birds birds. and mammals.
Honeysuckle C Prefers neutral to light acid soils. Flowers excellent for big A common component of Lonicera periclymenum moths. native decidous woodland Will grow from berries/ cuttings but best of all is to ‘layer’ it.
Ivy C Tolerates a wide range of soils. Very good for insects as it A good wildlife plant. There Hedera helix is very late-flowering. Good is a lot of debate as to nesting sites. Late berry whether it needs to be crop important. controlled in woodland. It is not a parasite of trees.
Willow, all E/f Prefer damp/wet soils.Ideal for Do not like dry sites or Excellent for many forms 266 Fast growing. Easily streambanks. acid soils. of wildlife, esp. insects & established from cuttings. nesting birds. Early flowers Useful for stabilising river important for bees. and stream banks.
Bayleaved willow E Prefers heavy ground. Does not like sandy sites. see Willow, all. Salix pentandra
Creeping willow Prefers mountain & west coast Salix repens sites. SPECIES TYPE PREFERRED SITE UNSUITABLE SITES CONSERVATION INSECTS COMMENTS VALUE SUPPORTED
Goat/Pussy willow E Tolerates a wide range of sites, Do not like dry sites or see Willow, all. Found in woodland and Salix caprea even grows in dry places. acid soils. drier sites.
Grey willow E Prefers damp/wet soils. Ideal for Does not like dry sites or see Willow, all. Low dense structure makes Salix cinerea streambanks. acid soils. it good for screening in wetter sites.
Purple Osier E Prefers medium to wet sites. Healthiest on limestone. A low bush with fine twigs. Salix purpurea
Osier E Prefers damp/wet soils. Ideal for Does not like dry sites or Nest sites for coots and Grows well in shallow Salix viminalis the water's edge. acid soils. grebes. standing water.
Sally E Mainly found in upland sites. Does not like dry sites or see Willow,all. Salix atrocinerea acid soils.
Eared willow E Prefers limestone or upland sites. Does not like dry sites or see Willow,all. A very small bush. Salix aurita acid soils.
KEY F =high forest tree; f = minor forest tree E =edge plants suitable for open woods, woodland edges or hedges L =loners suitable for spot planting S =plants for shrub layer under high forest trees C=climbers, will tolerate shade SPECIES TIME OF TIME OF SEED INTERVAL SOW STRAIGHT AWAY PREPARE/STRATIFY PROPAGATE COMMENTS FLOWERS COLLECTION BETWEEN CUTTINGS/ GOOD SEED LAYERING CROPS SUCKERS (YEARS) TREES
ALDER March September 2-3 No Sow in Spring. Store as Pick when strobiles (sections of Alnus glutinosa onwards directed in notes. cone) are opening on the trees. from September onwards.
ASH April - May September 3-5 Seed collected green in Aug. Spring sown seed must be Spring sown seed will give more Fraxinus excelsior onwards may be sown immediately, but pretreated for 10 months complete germination. germination the following before sowing in March/April. spring erratic.
ASPEN March May/June - yes Avoid Best method 3" Difficult from seed. Collect Populus tremula root cuttings. catkins when white down appears.
BIRCH, SILVER May September to 1-3 yes Store in a dry sealed container Pick catkins shortly before they Betula pendula December before sowing March/early ripen and when they are still April intact.
BIRCH, DOWNY May August to 1-3 or as Alder as above Betula pubescens November
CHERRY, BIRD May-June August 1-3 Can be sown immediately but Stratify for 6 months and Collect from the tree when the Prunus padus protect from mice. sow in March/early April fruit is black, before the birds! It is best to clean the seeds of all pulp and juice as soon as possible.
CHERRY, WILD May Late July - 1-3 as above Stratifying can be delayed Collect before the birds! Seeds Prunus avium August until October & sowing should be kept in an airtight should be in Feb/Mar. container in a cool place between the time of extraction and sowing or stratification.
CRAB APPLE June October 2-4 Extract the seed from the fruit Best stratified. Extract the seed Seedlings vulnerable to frost Malus sylvestris and sow immediately. and stratify straight away. Sow because they germinate early. in late February. SPECIES TIME OF TIME OF SEED INTERVAL SOW STRAIGHT AWAY PREPARE/STRATIFY PROPAGATE COMMENTS FLOWERS COLLECTION BETWEEN CUTTINGS/ GOOD SEED LAYERING CROPS SUCKERS (YEARS)
ELM, WYCH March/April June 1-2 Sow immediately after Avoid storage. Possible by Pick before natural dispersion Ulmus glabra collection, the same day if suckers and (when green pigment disappears possible. some cuttings from wing.) Sow same day. do strike.
HAWTHORN May - June Two winters ie. 18mths. Cratageus monogyna
HAZEL February - October 2-3 Can be sown in autumn but Best to stratify for 6 months Some recommend soaking in Corylus avellana March vulnerable to being eaten by and sow in early April. water for 2 days before autumn mice/birds. sowing. Best if it has been stored.
HOLLY May - June December/July 2-4 Stratify in sand for 16 months Cuttings/ Pick fully ripe berries. Lift plants Ilex aquilifolia perhaps even a third winter. layering when roots are actively growing. May be propagated by rooting in heated frames.
OAK, SESSILE May October 2-5 May be sown in autumn if Alternatively spring sow. Pick from the ground after the Quercus petraea soil well drained and seeds are Storage not easy. first frost. Laying down protected from predation. Moulds if damp, dies if dry. taurpaulins can be helpful. Cover with 3-4" extra soil and Store at -2° /-3° C. remove in March.
OAK, PENDUNCULATE May October 3-5 as above as above as above Quercus robur
ROWAN May Early September 2-3 Macerate berries and separate Pick fully ripe berries. If seed Sorbus aucuparia seed from fruit. Stratify for not separated from fruit it may one winter if extracted, for remain dormant for an two winters if not extracted. additional year.
YEW February October -November 2-3 winters Mist Propagator The seed (not the flesh) and the Taxus baccata for cuttings. foliage are poisonous.
WHITEBEAM June September-October 2-3 Yes, for one winter sometimes Pick fully ripe berries. Sorbus aria two. Check 1st Feb - March. SPECIES TIME OF TIME OF SEED INTERVAL SOW STRAIGHT AWAY PREPARE/STRATIFY PROPAGATE COMMENTS FLOWERS COLLECTION BETWEEN CUTTINGS/ GOOD SEED LAYERING CROPS SUCKERS (YEARS)
SCOT’S PINE May-June September/ Seed can be stored short term, Only collect cones from forests Pinus sylvestris October in a fridge at 2° C in a sealed if you are sure they are Scots polythene bag. pine.
STAWBERRY TREE September- September/ Yes Extract seed from pulp of Seedlings must be kept moist Arbutus unedo December October fruit before sowing. and shaded. Susceptible to frost. SHRUB SPECIES BRAMBLE From June on September For one winter. Yes Rubus fonticosa
BLACKTHORN February - November 1-2 Yes, for two winters Pick when fruit blue black. It is Prunus spinosa March if not extracted. desirable to clean the seeds of all pulp & juice after collection.
BROOM May - June August onwards 1 Can be sown straight away. Alternatively store in a Pick pods when black. The seeds Cystis scoparius Scarify at sowing. dry airtight container have a very hard seed coat - over winter and sow end breach it by scarifying or try of March /early April. pouring boiling water over them.
BUCKTHORN June October Spring sow after treatment Pick two weeks before fully ripe. Rhamnus catharticus Extract and stratify immediately.
ALDER May - Sept. July - November As above. BUCKTHORN Frangula alnus
DOG ROSE June September - Spring sow after treatment. Collect when fruits turn red. Rosa canina December Often stays dormant for 18mths.
ELDER June September - 1 Spring sow after treatment. The berries may be soaked and Sambucus nigra October macerated or fermented to remove the flesh and release the tiny seeds. SPECIES TIME OF TIME OF SEED INTERVAL SOW STRAIGHT AWAY PREPARE/STRATIFY PROPAGATE COMMENTS FLOWERS COLLECTION BETWEEN CUTTINGS/ GOOD SEED LAYERING CROPS SUCKERS (YEARS)
GORSE January on From May on Can be sown straight away. Store dry in a dry air-tight Pick the pods before they burst. Ulex europaeus Scarify at sowing. container over winter.
GUELDER ROSE September 1 Extract and stratify. Collect when fruits are red and Viburnum opulus October soft.
HAWTHORN May - June October 1-2 Stratify for 9-10 months. Best Pick fully ripe berries. Stratify Cratageus monogyna extract seed first but berries over two full winters. can be stratified whole.
HONEYSUCKLE June October Yes, over one winter. From cuttings or Lonicera periclymenum by layering.
IVY December July - August Or stratify to the next spring. From cuttings. Hedera helix Yes
JUNIPER Winter Stratify to 2nd spring. Best grown from Juniperus communis cuttings.
SPINDLE June October/November 2-4 Extract and stratify over one Easily grown Fruits are colourful. Euonymus europaeus winter. from cuttings.
WILLOW February/ May - June 1 Best grown from Salix. spp March Yes cuttings