Top 20 Most Common Trees in South Korea

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in South Korea

South Korea's climatic and soil conditions create a perfect environment for a variety of native trees to thrive. Three prominent tree species in this region include Japanese spicebush, Mongolian oak, and Japanese callicarpa. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within South Korea. Their majestic presence contributes to the vibrant natural landscape, providing habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Their importance extends beyond aesthetics, as they play crucial roles in air purification, soil conservation, and biodiversity conservation. Their preservation is instrumental in maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the region.

Most Common Trees

Japanese spicebush

1. Japanese spicebush

The japanese spicebush is a flowering herbaceous shrub that is endemic to several Asian countries. It is traditionally used as a medicinal herb in Southeast Asian countries. In early spring, it produces small, yellow flowers with a spicy aroma. The RHS awarded this plant the Garden Merit Award.

Mongolian oak

2. Mongolian oak

The Quercus mongolica is native to Japan, China, Korea, Mongolia and Siberia. It provides useful timber since the tree can grow to be 30 m tall. The mongolian oak is commonly used in furniture and finishing lumber. It's drought-tolerant but does prefer moist, well-drained soils.

Japanese red pine

3. Japanese red pine

The evergreen and conifer japanese red pine has thin, reddish bark and can grow up to 30 m tall. It has plumes of green needles, and as it grows older, the appearance may look like a flattened crown. The pine supports the larvae of the imperial moth that appear from spring to fall.

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Japanese callicarpa

4. Japanese callicarpa

Japanese callicarpa fruit is an important food source for deer and various bird species. This plant is grown ornamentally for its attractive flowers and fruit, and it is a good pioneer species that can be used to revegetate degraded soils.

Black locust

5. 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.

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.”

Japanese maple

7. 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.

Bao li

Quercus serrata is a deciduous oak tree reaching a height of 25 m. Leaves are up to 17 cm long by 9 cm wide leathery elliptical in shape with serrated margins. Petioles are short (3 cm). Flowers are pistillate inflorescences from 1.5 to 3 cm long occurring in spring. Seeds are oval shaped acorns 1.7 to 2 cm long and take 1 year to mature. Bark is grey or reddish-brown with longitudinal furrows.

Tartarian maple

9. Tartarian maple

Tartarian maple tree (Acer tataricum) gets its name from the Tatar people of southern Russia. It is found across the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It grows as either a shrub or tree and can reach heights of 12 m and generates winged seeds. Some farmers use the tartarian maple as a windbreak and it also serves as an ornamental tree.

Java brucea

10. Java brucea

Java brucea contains a host of biologically-active compounds in each part of the plant, making it excruciatingly bitter and even mildly toxic. Local peoples have used the bitter and oil-rich seeds and roots as a form of insecticide. You can find this tree growing in open areas and secondary forests throughout Asia and Australia.

Japanese zelkova

11. Japanese zelkova

This dense shade tree is particularly useful for planting near streets and in parking lots and lawns. It is also popularly used as a bonsai tree. Japanese zelkova is resistant to Dutch elm disease and has therefore been increasingly used in place of American elms.

Rubber tree

12. 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.

Japanese chestnut

13. Japanese chestnut

Japanese chestnut is a medium-sized chestnut tree that has been used in plant-disease resistance research due to its resistance to chestnut blight and ink disease. An important nut crop, the plant grows in the foothills of Japan and Korea, where the nuts are enjoyed as a sweet snack.

Mountain lacquer tree

14. Mountain lacquer tree

The leaves are odd-winged double leaves with 4-8 pairs of leaflets. The leaves are ring-shaped and the smaller the lower leaves. Hair grows densely on both sides of the leaf. The leaves of mature trees are rounded but the leaves of young trees have saw teeth. The petioles and leaf stems also have hair and are reddish. It turns red in the fall. It is a hermaphroditic strain with yellow-green flowers around spring. The fruit is tonsil-like and has stings on the surface.

Japanese cherry

15. Japanese cherry

The japanese cherry tradition, called Hanami, where people have picnics and outdoor parties under these trees, is a popular attraction. The excellent spring colors of the Prunus serrulata tree attract butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Its showy pink and white flowers are in full bloom in early to mid-spring, and some are fragrant.

Emerald tree

16. Emerald tree

A fairly new plant to the houseplant scene, the emerald tree grows in the shape of a tree but remains compact. Radermachera sinica plants thrive in four to five hours of bright indirect light per day with moist but well-draining soil. Despite their finicky nature, Radermachera sinica is becoming increasingly popular as a houseplant.

Kousa dogwood

17. Kousa dogwood

The kousa dogwood is known for its ornamental appeal. The showy flowers and bark, as well as the lovely fall foliage, make this vase-shaped tree a great addition to your patio, yard, or lawn. The tree matures to about 9 m high and is often just as wide.

Keijo maple

18. Keijo maple

Keijo maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum) is a small maple tree. This plant is cultivated as an ornamental due to its stunning shape and foliage that can change into shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. The tree is also equipped with pretty white and purple flowers and winged fruits. This species is a magnificent shrub for parks and woodland gardens.

Chinese ash

19. Chinese ash

Chinese ash is a species of flowering tree common to China. This deciduous tree is often grown for the wax scales that cover its bark. It can grow up to 15 m tall.

Japanese angelica tree

20. Japanese angelica tree

Japanese angelica tree is an exotic looking plant. It is considered an invasive species in America where it was introduced in 1830 as an ornamental landscape plant. It has been prohibited in New York state because it can be threatening to native plant communities with its aggressive growth pattern. It spreads by suckers and self-seeding, creating thickets of Angel trees.

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Most Common Toxic Plants

South Korea's temperate climate, marked by high rainfall and fertile soil, offers an environment conducive to the growth of a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of , , and within this region, poses potential risks to both humans and wildlife. Environmental vigilance is necessary to manage and mitigate the impacts of these hazardous botanical species.

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Most Common Flowers

South Korea boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, creating a conducive environment for native flowers to bloom in abundance. Among these blossoms are the exquisite , , and . These flowers are not only visually stunning, but also hold great symbolic and ecological significance in the region. Precise information about these characteristic local flowers can be validated from trusted sources, highlighting their beauty and importance in South Korea.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As South Korea shakes off winter's chill, Spring breathes life into its landscape, painting it with fresh blossoms. The early blooms of , symbolic of renewal, punctuate the countryside, followed by the vibrant hues of , which represent grace. The organic tapestry culminates with the delicate , a ubiquitous adornment in traditional celebrations. These flowers not only signify the season's arrival but also embody the nation's enduring appreciation of natural beauty.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in South Korea blankets the landscape in a vibrant quilt of blossoms, signaling a time of renewal and growth. Amidst the gentle warmth and frequent rains, fruit plants like , , and awaken from their winter slumber to reach harvest. The juicy freshness of these fruits captivates locals and visitors alike, symbolizing the season's essence and its generous bounty.

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Most Common Fruits

South Korea's temperate climate, marked by clear seasonal changes, and fertile, well-drained soil create a robust environment for local fruit cultivation. Fruit plants such as , , and thrive in these conditions and are culturally significant, often celebrated in festivals and cuisine. Their importance is not just in agricultural success but also in the heritage and daily lives of Koreans.

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Most Common Weeds

South Korea's temperate climate with its distinct monsoon season fosters a variety of plant life, including invasive garden weeds. Notable among these are , , and , which are commonly found wreaking havoc in both private and public landscapes. These weeds pose a continuous battle for gardeners, as they adapt quickly to various soil types and compete aggressively with cultivated flora for resources.

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Most Common Tall Trees

South Korea's temperate climate and diverse terrains, from mountainous regions to coastal areas, create an ideal setting for grand arboreal specimens to flourish. Among these, the trees reaching skyward include the majestic , substantial in both ecological presence and cultural significance. The soaring punctuates the landscape with its towering legacy. Likewise, the robust ascends towards the heavens, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity. These pillars of nature stand as natural monuments within South Korea's verdant expanses.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

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Most Common Plants

In South Korea, you can find Asiatic dayflower, Soybean, Annual fleabane, Japanese false nettle, Japanese spicebush, 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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