Flat-needled Conifers
What are they?
Although the species on this page are all conifers, they are not all closely related or even in the same family. However, all these species appear rather similar due to their leaves, which are not needle-like in the way that spruces or pines are, but which are flattened out and carried in pairs or alternately along the young stems. This groups includes some very familiar species such as European Yew, plus a few ornamentals which may be less well known.
Where are they found?
Yew trees are a familiar site in churchyards and cemeteries as well as in shelterbelts and woodland. The other are more likely to be found on the lawns of larger parks or estates.
Identification
Identification of this group is relatively straightforward. Note the overall size and shape of the tree, whether the branching is opposite or alternate and what the fruits/cones look like.
European Yew Taxus baccata
Native in parts of the UK on chalk soils, but only an introduction in the UK. Widespread and common in churchyards, parks, shelterbelts and woodland and readily self-seeds. Can grow to great size and great age, usually not getting particularly tall (typically to around 20-25m) but spreading widely and developing massive, deeply ridged trunks. Leaves evergreen, dark green with light green undersides, carried densely on the tree. Male and female flowers are carried on separate trees, the female flowers resulting in green seeds contained with a fleshy 'aril' which turns bright red when ripe. Churchyards often contain the upright, cultivated form 'Fastigiata', which is often called Irish Yew.
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Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervirens
Introduced from western North America. Rare, but occasionally seen in parkland and on old estates. Eventually grows into an immense, evergreen, columnar tree to 40m or more in height with fibrous, red-brown bark. Leaves deep green with whitish lines beneath. Female cones small, 18-25mm across.
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Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Introduced from China. Rare, but occasionally seen in parkland or cemeteries. A relatively fast-growing, deciduous, upright tree with fibrous, light brown bark. Leaves bright green without whitish lines beneath, carried in opposite pairs. Female cones long-stalked, small, 15-20mm across.
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Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum
(Swamp Cypress) Introduced from southern North America. Uncommon, but occasionally seen in parkland or cemeteries. Naturally grows in seasonally flooded land and so is often planted on damp ground near ponds and lakes. A deciduous, upright tree with fibrous, light brown bark. Leaves bright green without whitish lines beneath, carried in alternate pairs. Female cones short-stalked, small, 25-30mm across.
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