Top 20 Most Common Trees in Norway

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Norway

Norway's climatic and soil conditions create a favorable environment for a variety of indigenous trees to thrive. Among the most emblematic local trees are the European ash, European mountain-ash, and Scots pine. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. They are cherished for their beauty, resilience, and contribution to the local ecosystem. Their presence serves as a symbol of Norway's rich natural heritage and the importance of preserving its native flora.

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.

European mountain-ash

2. 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.

Norway spruce

3. Norway spruce

The fastest-growing of all spruces, the norway spruce (Picea abies) makes for a good roosting spot for owls and hawks. Its wood is used for paper, construction lumber, and musical instruments, and its needles can be used to brew spruce beer. It is also a popular choice for Christmas trees.

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Scots pine

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a native Eurasian pine plant that grows on nutrient-poor, dry, rocky soils. Given the name, it should come as no surprise that scots pine is the national tree of Scotland. It is also important within the forestry industry due to its use for wood pulp and timber.

European aspen

5. European aspen

European aspen (Populus tremula) is a poplar tree species native to Europe, Asia, and Iceland. It's a dioecious species, which means that individual flowers are either female or male. However, only flowers of a single-sex are found on each individual plant. The tree depends on the wind for pollination.

Norway maple

6. 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.

Common hazel

7. 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.

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.

Downy birch

Downy birch is a pioneer species of deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia. The bark of the tree is used to make canoes and roofing materials, rope, and oil paper. Historically, the bark was also used as emergency food in times of famine.

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.”

Wych elm

You don't see wych elm (Ulmus glabra) much anymore because Dutch elm disease wiped out much of its population. The caterpillar form of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly depends on this tree for nutritional sustenance, so it's also in decline. In medieval magical beliefs, elm trees supposedly had the power to give you prophetic dreams.

Sweet cherry

12. 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.

Common lilac

13. Common lilac

Common lilac is a shrub native to the Balkan Peninsula that blooms with a fragrant blossom. It grows on rocky terrain and has a suckering habit. The blossoms are used to flavor honey, sugars, food, and other delights and farmed for its fragrant flowers in the spring.

Rubber tree

14. 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.

Silver birch

15. 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.

Bird cherry

16. Bird cherry

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) is a small deciduous cherry tree in the subgenus Padus. This species is native to Europe, where it is also known as the Mayday tree because of its historical importance in spring (May Day) festivals. The bird cherry is pollinated by bees and flies. The leaves, stems, and fruits of this species can be toxic to some mammals. In the past, the bark of this tree was traditionally placed near doorways as a spiritual gesture to ward off the plague.

Indian Laurel

17. 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.

Common yew

Common yew (Taxus baccata) is a medium-sized evergreen tree. Every part of this tree is poisonous and consumption can result in death. Common yew is native to Europe, as well as parts of Africa, Iran, and southwest Asia. Historically, wood from this species was used to make English longbows - important weapons in medieval tactical warfare.

Gray alder

Gray alder is a deciduous, perennial tree that produces fruiting cones with winged seeds. These cones are pollinated, and the seeds are dispersed by the wind. This tree is valuable to the environment as its root nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which improves and restores the quality of the soil. It is a fast-growing shrub-like tree with a relatively short lifespan.

Black alder

20. 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.

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Norway's varied climate, from coastal areas with mild winters to inland regions with colder temperatures, provides diverse habitats that can support different toxic plants. With a landscape rich in forests, mountains, and wetlands, conditions are suitable for poisonous flora. This includes species like , , and , all of which are a concern for public safety and indigenous wildlife in the area.

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Most Common Flowers

Norway's climate and soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers to bloom resplendently. Among these, three characteristic blossoms stand out: , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region but also hold great symbolism and ecological importance. Validating the trustworthiness of sources, it is evident that these flowers thrive in Norway's unique natural habitat, enhancing the country's enchanting landscapes.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the snow thaws and daylight lengthens in Norway, Spring awakens nature with subtle warmth, nurturing a patchwork of floral life. Amongst the first to announce Spring's arrival are the luminous , the hardy , and the emblematic . Their blossoming not only blankets Norway's landscapes in color but also symbolizes the rejuvenation and enduring resilience of nature after the dark, cold winter.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Norway, with its brightening skies and increasingly mild air, creates an idyllic setting for awakening fruits. It's a time when nature revives, and local fruit plants like , , and reach their harvest. These fruits, bathed in extended daylight, embody freshness, offering a taste of the season's essence and marking the return of local produce to Norwegian tables.

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Most Common Fruits

Norway's unique climatic conditions, including long daylight hours during summer, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil, create a niche for fruit cultivation. Noteworthy among local produce are , , and , which have adapted to thrive in this environment. These plants not only provide fresh fruits but hold cultural significance, being an integral part of traditional Norwegian cuisine and festivities. Their successful growth symbolizes the harmony between Norway's agriculture and its challenging climate.

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Most Common Weeds

Norway, with its varied climate zones from temperate coastal areas to colder inland regions, provides a diverse environment conducive to a range of garden weeds. Among the most common, , , and pose significant challenges for gardeners and landscapers. As these weeds adeptly take advantage of Norway's long summer days and moist conditions, they demand diligent management to prevent them from overwhelming other flora.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Norway's diverse climate, ranging from coastal to inland areas, and its varied topography, characterized by expansive boreal forests and mountainous landscapes, provide a nurturing ground for majestic trees. Among the species that stand as natural skyscrapers are , , and . These arboreal giants underscore the country's rich ecological tapestry and resonate with historical significance, serving as silent sentinels that have witnessed the passage of countless seasons.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Norway is a frosty wonderland that surprisingly provides a haven for certain flowers. Despite the cold, , , and manage to bloom and bring beauty to the serene landscape. These resilient winter flowers showcase the ability of nature to thrive even in the harshest conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Norway, you can find Common coleus, Swiss cheese plant, Canada goldenrod, Garden lupine, Common mugwort, 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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