UK Trees Directory

Ancient Wisdom: A Directory of UK Native Trees

At Tree2MyDoor, we believe trees are much more than just garden features; they are living links to our history, our folklore, and our shared future. This directory is born from over two decades of passion for the trees that shape our landscape around the British Isles and the stories that grow alongside them.

Whether you're researching a gift for a loved one or looking to understand the resident in your own garden, use these guides to explore the heritage of our native species. From the protective lore of the Rowan to the enduring strength of the Oak, every tree has a voice.

We are always learning. If you have a local story, a bit of family folklore, or a specific tree fact you’d like to see included, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.

UK Native Tree Guides

Alder Trees

Commonly found standing guard over riverbanks, the Alder is a pioneer of damp ground. It has a remarkable ability to improve soil quality, acting as a natural fertilizer for the ecosystems it inhabits.

Ash Trees

A giant of the British woodland, the Ash is prized for its pale, elastic wood. While currently facing the challenge of ash dieback, its place in our history—from tool-making to mythology—remains unshakable.

Aspen Trees

The "quaking" tree. Listen closely on a still day and you’ll hear the Aspen’s leaves whispering in the slightest breeze. In Celtic tradition, this shimmering movement was seen as a bridge for communication.

Beech Trees

Often called the 'Queen of British Trees,' the Beech creates majestic, cathedral-like canopies. Its smooth bark is a hallmark of ancient woods, symbolising wisdom and a quiet, enduring longevity.

Blackthorn Trees

A hardy guardian of the hedgerow. Famous for its early white blossom that braves the late winter frosts, and the bitter sloes that have been a staple of country kitchens for generations.

Oak Trees

The undisputed king of the forest. The Oak is a symbol of absolute strength and stewardship. A single tree can support hundreds of species, making it a true cornerstone of British wildlife.

Elder Trees

Steeped in more folklore than perhaps any other native tree, the Elder is a wild apothecary. From its fragrant summer flowers to its rich autumn berries, it has provided remedies and cordials for centuries.

Field Maple Trees

Our only truly native maple. It may be smaller than its cousins, but its autumn display of brilliant gold is second to none. A wonderful choice for smaller gardens and traditional hedgerows.

Grey Willow Trees

Known also as 'Sallow,' the Grey Willow is a lover of wetlands. It is often the first sign of life in the spring, with its 'pussy willow' catkins providing vital early pollen for bees.

Hawthorn Trees

The 'May-tree' is the heart of the British countryside. Its dense, thorny branches provide safe nesting for birds, while its blossoms have long been celebrated as the true herald of spring.

Hazel Trees

A tree of transformation and ancient utility. Historically used for everything from water divining to basket weaving, the Hazel remains a symbol of creative energy and hidden wisdom.

Holly Trees

A splash of evergreen life in the depths of winter. Beyond its festive associations, the Holly is a vital survival tree, offering shelter and food to birds when the rest of the forest is bare.

Horse Chestnut Trees

Though a later arrival to our shores, it is a beloved part of our parklands. Most know the Horse Chestnut for its conkers, but its magnificent 'candle' flowers are a sight to behold in late spring.

Native Lime Trees

The 'Linden' tree is a tree of community. Historically, villages would gather under the shade of a Lime. Its heart-shaped leaves and incredibly fragrant summer flowers make it a sensory delight.

Rowan Trees

Also known as the 'Mountain Ash,' the Rowan is a tree of protection. Its bright red berries and delicate leaves have made it a traditional guardian, often planted near homes to ward off negativity.

Scots Pine Trees

Our only native cone-bearing tree. Towering and resilient, the Scots Pine is the backbone of the Caledonian forest, offering a rugged, evergreen beauty that survives the harshest of winters.

Silver Birch Trees

Beloved for its shimmering white bark, the Silver Birch is the 'Lady of the Woods.' It is a pioneer species, the first to colonise empty land, symbolising new beginnings and renewal.

Sweet Chestnut Trees

Brought here by the Romans, the Sweet Chestnut is now an honorary native. It provides magnificent twisted timber and a generous harvest of nuts that have warmed many a winter evening.

Sycamore Trees

A tree of immense stamina. The Sycamore can grow almost anywhere, from windswept coastlines to city centres. Its 'helicopter' seeds are a familiar joy and a testament to nature's clever design.

Wild Cherry Trees

Our most beautiful native flowering tree. The Wild Cherry, or 'Gean,' lights up the woodland edge in spring with clouds of white blossom, followed by small fruits that provide a feast for local birds.

Yew Trees

The ancient sentinel. Yew trees are among the oldest living things in the UK, often found in churchyards where they have witnessed centuries of history. They represent the ultimate legacy—a life that spans millennia.