Top 20 Most Common Trees in Belgium

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Belgium

Belgium's climate and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic trees in Belgium include Sycamore, English oak, and European ash. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. They contribute to the biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, and have historical importance. Belgium's native trees are cherished for their beauty and play an essential role in the country's natural heritage.

Most Common Trees

Sycamore

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

English oak

The english oak (*Quercus robur*) is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It is a very long-lived tree; the oldest known specimens have been living for more than a thousand years. It is commonly represented in European mythologies as a symbol of strength, longevity, nobility, morale, and knowledge.

Common hazel

3. Common hazel

Common hazel (Corylus avellana) is a deciduous shrub species that is cultivated for its edible nuts. Hazelnuts can refer to the nut from any Corylus species, but it most often refers to Corylus avellana. The nuts from common hazel are eaten straight or used in making confectionary. Common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia.

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European ash

4. European ash

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a large deciduous tree featured in Norse mythology and Scottish folklore. European ash is native to mainland Europe. This species is susceptible to the disease Ash dieback which is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. European ash often grows in basic soils on calcareous substrates.

European beech

5. European beech

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a large deciduous tree often used for ornamental purposes. European beech tends to out-compete other tree species, due to its dense canopy and tolerance to shade. Its wood is highly valued and has a very diverse use, including making furniture, musical instruments, for construction, as firewood, charcoal, and plywood.

Common hawthorn

6. Common hawthorn

Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a flowering tree that is actually part of the rose family. It is not unusual in garden settings and arranged as hedges. Examples of famous common hawthorn trees include the apocryphal oldest tree in France, and a well-known hawthorn in England that stood out for flowering three times a year.

Sweet cherry

7. Sweet cherry

Sweet cherry is a well-known species to fruit lovers worldwide. This stone fruit varies in flavor from sweet to tart, depending on the specific cultivar. Sweet cherry is also used for lumber and is a preferred wood type for furniture.

European mountain-ash

8. European mountain-ash

Sorbus aucuparia, also known as european mountain-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It grows a slim trunk with upward-curving branches as it matures. Its admirable upright and dense branching gives the plant an oval crown. The juicy and soft clustered fruits are an excellent source of food for birds, while its yellow to plum foliage adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Black alder

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is indigenous to almost all of continental Europe. It’s used commercially in papermaking, in the manufacture of fiberboard, and in energy production. The bark of black alder has been used for hundreds of years in dyeing and tanning. The leaves of this species are so sticky, some people put them on the floor of their homes to trap fleas.

Silver birch

10. Silver birch

The silver birch is native to Europe, Siberia, and China. It can grow between 15 m and 25 m, with a potential to reach 31 m. Its distinct bark is white and eventually becomes flaky. The leaves are pale green during summer and yellow during fall.

Common hornbeam

11. Common hornbeam

Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a deciduous small to medium-size tree that commonly grows in scree forests on mountainside cliffs. Common hornbeam often has a fluted and crooked trunk. The bark is smooth and greenish-grey, even in old trees. Common hornbeam is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks in northwestern Europe.

Black cherry

12. Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Black locust

13. Black locust

While the black locust may have a bad reputation in many areas of the US due to its opportunistic and rapid growth, there are benefits to this tree. The black locust is an important food source for honey bees and is a good choice for windbreaks since it grows so quickly (91 to 122 cm per year). Its wood also resists rot, so it is used in fenceposts. The plant is highly toxic, though, and should never be consumed.

Sweet chestnut

14. Sweet chestnut

Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) is a chestnut tree native to the southern region of Europe. The seeds of sweet chestnut are one of the most ancient foods. Sweet chestnut grows well in weathered soil at an acidic pH.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a large deciduous shrub species that is also commonly called a sloe. Blackthorn is indigenous to Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Britain, this species is used to make a liquor called sloe gin. In Ireland, its wood is made into walking sticks.

Common holly

16. Common holly

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

English walnut

17. English walnut

The english walnut is a large deciduous tree. There are many superstitious beliefs tied to it, one of which originates from the island of Skopelos: people believe that the planter of a walnut tree will die once the english walnut grows tall enough to see the sea.

Northern red oak

18. Northern red oak

Arguably the most popular hardwood in the US, lumber from northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is used for cabinets, flooring, veneers, trim, and more. When growing, the tree reaches a height of 15 to 23 m. The foliage on this tree is stunning, with dark green leaves in summer giving way to brilliant red in the fall.

Rose of sharon

19. Rose of sharon

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils create a conducive environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. While the region supports abundant plant life, concerns regarding the proliferation of toxic varieties such as , , and persist. These plants pose risks to human and animal health, requiring awareness and management to mitigate potential adverse effects.

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Most Common Flowers

Belgium's climate and soil provide an ideal setting for native flowers to thrive. Among these resplendent blooms are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region, but also hold significant symbolism and ecological importance. Precise and trustworthy sources confirm the abundance of these characteristic flowers in Belgium.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's embrace, Belgium's landscapes transform as warmer temperatures and lengthening days invite a floral spectacle. The vivid bursts onto the scene, a symbol of rejuvenation, alongside the delicately fragrant , heralding the season's freshness. Meanwhile, the iconic adds a kaleidoscope of color, each bloom celebrating the country's rich botanical heritage and the promise of new beginnings.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Belgium unfurls with mild temperatures and gentle rains, creating a verdant tapestry ideal for fruit cultivation. During this season, , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, succulent fruits that embody the essence of springtime renewal. These fruits, celebrated for their flavor and nutritional value, become staples at local markets, signifying the vibrant agricultural heart of the region.

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Most Common Fruits

Belgium's temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and ample rainfall, along with fertile loam soils, presents an advantageous environment for the cultivation of various local fruit plants. Key staples such as , , and not only thrive here but hold substantial cultural importance. These fruits are integral to Belgian gastronomy and are celebrated through numerous regional festivals, symbolizing the rich horticultural heritage of the country.

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Most Common Weeds

Belgium's temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, creates a nurturing environment for various garden weeds. The moist conditions, especially in rural and suburban areas, spell an ongoing battle for gardeners against invasive species. Among the numerous unwanted plants, , , and are notably pervasive, often requiring persistent weeding efforts to manage their encroachment in both private and public landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils in regions like the Ardennes offer ideal conditions for tall trees to flourish. Among the titanic flora, , , and stand as natural skyscrapers. These species command respect for their impressive height and play significant roles, whether in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, or historical reverence within the landscape.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Belgium is a frosty environment, but it is surprisingly a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chill, , , and bravely bloom, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers bring a touch of color and symbolic depth to the serene cold of Belgium.

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Most Common Plants

In Belgium, you can find Stinging nettle, English ivy, Common yarrow, Sycamore, Swiss cheese plant, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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