Top 20 Most Common Trees in Italy

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Trees in Italy

Italy's diverse climatic and soil conditions create a favorable environment for a variety of native trees. Among the emblematic trees of this territory are the Oleander, Olive, and European nettle tree. These trees hold great cultural and ecological value within the region. Their significance lies in their contribution to Italy's rich biodiversity, their role in shaping the landscape, and their cultural symbolism in local traditions and practices. Their presence underscores the deep connection between nature and the Italian identity.

Most Common Trees

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Olive

Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.

Indian Laurel

3. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

European nettle tree

4. European nettle tree

European nettle tree (Celtis australis) is a tall and sturdy deciduous tree - growing from 12 to 21 m in height. It's unique because it blooms with both male and female flowers. Berries appear in summer, ripening to a dark purple in fall. A variety of birds are attracted to the fruit, helping to disperse the seeds. The european nettle tree is considered a great choice to create shade or as a street tree.

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 fig

Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.

Black locust

7. 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.

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.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

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.”

Field maple

12. Field maple

Field maple (Acer campestre) is a deciduous flowering plant species native to continental Europe and western Asia. Field maple grows in plains, hills and along rivers. This species is grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Its wood is used to make flooring and musical instruments.

Cherry plum

13. Cherry plum

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous small tree or shrub native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is one of the most common wild fruits of its native region, producing numerous rounded, yellow, red, or burgundy-colored sweet juicy fruit in summer and autumn. Cherry plum is also used as an ornamental tree and as rootstock for other Prunus species.

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.

Common hazel

15. 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.

Common hawthorn

16. 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.

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.

Common holly

18. 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.

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.

Strawberry tree

20. Strawberry tree

Arbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub or a small tree native to Europe. It is colloquially called strawberry tree because its bright red fruits somewhat resemble strawberries. The fruits of this lovely plant are very nutritious and full of sugar, which is why they are mostly used for making jams, pastries, fruit yogurts, and alcoholic beverages.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Italy

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Italy's diverse climate, from Mediterranean coasts to Alpine peaks, creates an ideal territory for a variety of flora, including toxic species. Factors like warm temperatures, sufficient rainfall, and rich soils contribute to the proliferation of poisonous vegetation. Concerns arise with the presence of toxic plants such as , , and , posing risks to humans, livestock, and native ecosystems.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Italy's diverse climate and fertile soil nourish a vibrant array of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out as quintessentially Italian blooms. These flowers add visual splendor to the landscape, hold symbolic significance, and play a crucial role in the region's ecosystems. Trustworthy sources confirm the presence and importance of these characteristic flowers, making Italy a captivating destination for flower enthusiasts.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's warm embrace, Italy's landscape is revitalized, bringing forth a radiant array of blossoms. Flowers such as , , and start blooming, each adding a unique hue and symbolism to the season's tapestry. These floral harbingers not only signify the rebirth of nature but also infuse the air with their enchanting fragrances and vibrant beauty, marking the beginning of a fertile and lush period.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

Italy in Spring is a symphony of blooming landscapes and gentle warmth, an ideal incubator for a plethora of fruit plants. Among them, unfolds its ripe promises as vibrant as the season itself. The tender blossoms of transform into juicy gifts, while , with its refreshing flavor, captures the essence of Italian Spring. These fruits embody the exquisite freshness and bountiful harvest that define the season's generosity.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Italy's diverse microclimates, rich volcanic soil, and Mediterranean weather present an ideal environment for fruit cultivation. The prominence of , , and is rooted in their adaptability to these conditions, underscoring their cultural significance. These fruits not only enrich the local cuisine but also play a pivotal role in traditions and the agricultural economy. Each fruit plant embodies a fragment of Italy's horticultural heritage and culinary identity.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

Italy's warm Mediterranean climate nurtures an array of flora, yet inevitably sanctions the spread of tenacious garden weeds. In this fertile setting, , , and emerge as prevalent contenders, often outcompeting cultivated plants. Gardening enthusiasts continue to grapple with these invasive species, requiring consistent efforts to curtail their proliferation and protect the diversity of Italian gardens.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Italy's diverse landscapes, from the sun-kissed Mediterranean coasts to the Alpine heights, create ideal conditions for a range of towering trees. Amidst this scenery, , , and are illustrious for reaching skyward, each contributing uniquely to Italy's rich arboreal tapestry. These giants testify to the vitality of Italy's ecosystems, standing as natural monuments that echo the country's storied past and biodiversity.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Italy may bring a serene and cold environment, but it also allows certain flowers to bloom. In this frosty season, you can find the resilience and beauty of , , and flowers. Despite the chill, these winter blossoms bring a sense of symbolic depth, showcasing nature's ability to thrive even in challenging conditions.

Mask group

Most Common Plants

In Italy, you can find English ivy, Oleander, Pokeweed, Golden pothos, Pepper, 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.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.