Top 20 Most Common Trees in Ireland

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Ireland

Ireland's temperate maritime climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic local trees include the European ash, Common hawthorn, and European beech. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

Most Common Trees

European ash

1. 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.

Common hawthorn

2. 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.

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.

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European beech

4. 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 holly

5. 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.

Common hazel

6. 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.

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.

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.

Sweet cherry

10. 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.

Grey willow

11. Grey willow

Grey willow (Salix cinerea) is a deciduous tree that will grow from 5 to 10 m tall. It is considered invasive. Produces catkin-like flowers in spring before leaves return in spring. Seeds ripen from spring to summer and require pollination by bees. Mature fluffy seeds are dispersed by wind. Prefers moist well-drained soil.

Japanese maple

12. Japanese maple

A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Silver birch

13. 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.

English oak

14. 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.

Horse Chestnut

15. Horse Chestnut

The horse Chestnut was the tree that Anne Frank mentioned in her diary. While the original tree fell down in 2010, there have been new trees planted around the world from the original seeds. Horse Chestnut 's seeds resemble chestnuts, but they are inedible and toxic.

Apple

Apple is the most widely cultivated tree fruit around the globe. The three top apple-producing countries are China, the United States, and Poland with an economic impact of $3.55 billion in 2017. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples throughout the world.

Rubber tree

17. Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Norway maple

18. Norway maple

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Weeping fig

19. Weeping fig

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Bay laurel

The leaf of the bay laurel is widely known around the world and is used to season dishes, especially Mediterranean dishes. The aromatic whole bay leaves can be added during food preparation for flavor and then are typically removed before serving. Dried ground bay leaf can be used as a seasoning within the dish and is often added to soups and stews.

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Ireland's mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create a conducive environment for diverse flora, including toxic species. Concerns arise from the prevalence of such plants, as , , and thrive across the nation. Monitoring and management efforts are critical to mitigate risks associated with these potentially dangerous native and invasive plants.

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Most Common Flowers

Ireland's favorable climate and soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers to flourish. Among these resplendent blossoms are , , and . These flowers contribute to the visual beauty of the region, hold significant symbolism, and play a crucial ecological role. Trustworthy sources validate this information, ensuring the accuracy of their importance in the Irish environment.

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Most Common Fruits

Ireland's temperate maritime climate, paired with fertile soil, especially in the river valleys and coastal areas, creates a hospitable environment for various local fruit plants. Renowned for the , the lush Irish countryside also nurtures the and the culturally significant . These fruits hold a cherished place in regional diets and traditions, reflecting Ireland's rich horticultural heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Ireland's temperate maritime climate, with its ample rainfall and mild seasons, creates an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Among the numerous invasive species, , , and stand out as some of the most common weeds invading gardens and challenging green-thumbed enthusiasts. These opportunistic plants quickly colonize both cultivated and wild landscapes, necessitating persistent weeding efforts to manage their growth and prevent them from overtaking desired flora.

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Most Common Plants

In Ireland, you can find European ash, Common hawthorn, Sycamore, English ivy, Elder, 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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