landscape element: VEGETATION plant file II maĂra oliveira larc design studio 2B . UCD . 2014
This work aims to file some native irish plants. the purpose is to understand the relationship between climate, region and other aspects with vegetation. As a foreign, it is important for me to learn and discovers differents aspects about the country that I am living. More than that, it aims to improve knowledge about landscape in Ireland through understanding about trees, shrubs, flowers and a diversity types of plants.
how it works?
basic information plant drawing
extra information
Arbutus is a small evergreen tree which in Ireland can grow to be a forest tree reaching heights of up to 15 meters. It is called the strawberry tree because of the distinct shape and colour of its fruit.
Flowers: white flowers in November and December Fruits: it takes 12 months to ripen (the tree carries both mature fruit and flowers at the same time). The fruit ripens in late autumn and early winter, and will drop off only when ripe.
Family: Ericaceae / Ericaceae Genus: Arbutus are evergreen trees and shrubs with small, bellshaped creamy-white or pink flowers, and red, strawberry-like fruits in autumn
Treatment:Â Seeds can be removed from the ripe fruits by careful maceration and the pulp washed away. Sowing:Â They must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and unshaded.
Species: A. unedo is a large evergreen shrub of bushy habit, with rough brown bark and dark green leathery leaves. Flowers urnshaped, white, appearing as the strawberry-like red fruits, from the previous years flowers, ripen
How it grow?
Arbutus - Caithne Arbutus unedo
Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil. Young plants are more frost-tender than mature plants
Popular names: Strawberry tree, Cane apple, Dalmatian strawberry, Killarney strawberry tree
Propagation: Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Environmental conditions: it has an usual distribution, as it only grows naturally throughout the Mediterranean and certeain parts of Ireland
Ultimate height 4-8 metres
Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Coastal Patio & Container Plants
Location: this species is found mainly in Co. Kerry especially in the Killarney district where it forms a large part of the natural forest on the islands and shores of the lakes. It is also found in unshaded parts of Glengariff Wood, Co. Cork and around Lough Gill in Co. Sligo.
Ultimate spread 4-8 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
TREES
common name irish name latin name
how it grow plant drawing
height/spread
plant drawing
Arbutus is a small evergreen tree which in Ireland can grow to be a forest tree reaching heights of up to 15 meters. It is called the strawberry tree because of the distinct shape and colour of its fruit.
Family: Ericaceae / Ericaceae Genus: Arbutus are evergreen trees and shrubs with small, bellshaped creamy-white or pink flowers, and red, strawberry-like fruits in autumn Species: A. unedo is a large evergreen shrub of bushy habit, with rough brown bark and dark green leathery leaves. Flowers urnshaped, white, appearing as the strawberry-like red fruits, from the previous years flowers, ripen
Arbutus - Caithne Arbutus unedo
Popular names: Strawberry tree, Cane apple, Dalmatian strawberry, Killarney strawberry tree Environmental conditions: it has an usual distribution, as it only grows naturally throughout the Mediterranean and certeain parts of Ireland
Ultimate height 4-8 metres
Location: this species is found mainly in Co. Kerry especially in the Killarney district where it forms a large part of the natural forest on the islands and shores of the lakes. It is also found in unshaded parts of Glengariff Wood, Co. Cork and around Lough Gill in Co. Sligo.
Ultimate spread 4-8 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
Flowers: white flowers in November and December. Fruits: it takes 12 months to ripen (the tree carries both mature fruit and flowers at the same time). The fruit ripens in late autumn and early winter, and will drop off only when ripe. Treatment:Â Seeds can be removed from the ripe fruits by careful maceration and the pulp washed away. Sowing:Â They must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and unshaded.
How it grow? Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil. Young plants are more frost-tender than mature plants Propagation: Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Coastal Patio & Container Plants
TREES
Ash is the commonest tree in Irish hedgerows, and is also a traditional woodland species. Family: Oleaceae / Oleaceae Genus: Fraxinus are medium-sized to large, mostly deciduous trees with attractive pinnate leaves, sometimes conspicuous flowers and autumn colour, and distinctive winged fruits Species: F. excelsior is a vigorous deciduous tree to 25m, with pale brown bark, dark green, pinnate leaves and small deep purple flowers, followed by conspicuous bunches of winged fruits in late summer and autumn Popular name: Ash, Ashe, Common ash European ash
Ash - Fuinseóg Fraxinus excelsior
Environmental conditions: It will grow in a range of soils, not acid, and prefers well-drained sites. Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres
Location: Ash woods are found in the Burren, Co Clare, and Hanging Rock in South Fermanagh.
Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
Flowers: very dark, almost black, and may be seen before the leaves develop - ash is one of the last trees to come into leaf and is one of the first to lose its leaves in autumn. Collection: Either collect ash keys when full-size but still green during August or September; or collect when fully ripe and brown in October and November . Storage: Stratify fully ripe seed for 16 - 18 months in sand. Sowing: Sow those collected in August immediately although germination the following spring can be erratic. Sow those stratified for 16 - 18 months in March or April. Ash requires a neutral soil for good growth.
How to grow? Cultivation: Excellent for woodland and coastal gardens where there is an alkaline or neutral soil and full sun Propagation: Propagate by seed or grafting Suggested planting locations and garden types; Low Maintenance
TREES
Aspen is very popular and it grow into a full sized tree. The leaves make a distinctive sound as they rattle gently in the wind, and they have a sweet smell in the spring. Family: Salicaceae / Salicaceae Genus: Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds. Species: P. tremula is a small deciduous tree with a broad crown, sometimes suckering freely. Rounded leaves, bronze when young, tremble in a light breeze and turn yellow in autumn. Male trees have woolly grey catkins Popular name: Aspen, Asp, Aps, Haps tree, Quaking aspen Trembling tree. Aspen - Crann creathach Populus tremula
Environmental conditions: Aspen can be found in wet areas and around lake edges Location: Glenveagh, Co. Donegal
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
Sowing:Â If you wish to grow aspen from seed, you must find a mix of aspen trees. Often a 'grove' has arisen by suckers from one tree and will all be of one sex, as aspen is a single sex tree. When both sexes are present, seeds are borne on the female catkins in May. These small seeds must be sown immediately after collection, on damp bare earth, pressed in gently but left uncovered (like birch). However, as the seed is only viable for about three days it is more feasible to grow it from suckers. How to grow? Cultivation: Easy to grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in vacinity of buildings due to vigorous root system. Very useful as a screen or as part of a shelter belt and grows very rapidly Propagation: Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter Suggested planting locations and garden types: Hedging & Screens Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens
TREES
The pedunculate or English oak is also considered to be a native tree. Once widespread throughout Ireland, centuries of harvesting, with few trees being replaced, means that truly native oak can be hard to find, though there are small woods in most counties. Very often, semi-natural oak woodlands contain a proportion of birch and ash, with hazel, holly and rowan scattered throughout the understorey. Oak has been harvested for its fine timber for centuries and is much prized for its visual qualities and durability. Family: Fagaceae / Fagaceae Genus: Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
Pedunculate Oak - Dair ghallda Quercus robur
Species: Q. robur is a large deciduous tree developing a magnificent, broad crown, the leaves with shallow, rounded lobes, turning reddish-brown in autumn. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins among the young leaves Popular name: Commom oak, English oak, Aac , Black oak, French oak
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres
Environmental conditions: t is generally associated with heavy lowland soils and can withstand wet soil in winter. Only on large sites; Suitable for Open Spaces; Suitable as an Individual tree. Location: Charleville, Co. Offaly and Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
Collection: there is not a good crop of acorns every year, so be patient. Acorns can be collected while still on the tree if they are ripe. They can be picked when the acorn has turned brown and comes away from the cup fairly easily. When the seed is fully ripe there is usually a big fall of seed.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grows well in most deep, fertile soils and is lime tolerant Propagation: Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance
TREES
One of the most attractive deciduous trees, with its white or very pale pink flowers in spring, followed by hanging cherries. The bark is also attractive, and the leaves provide autumn colour. Family: Rosaceae / Rosaceae Genus: Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark Species: P. avium is a medium-sized deciduous tree with nodding clusters of pure white flowers 2.5cm wide in late spring, followed by small, shiny red-purple cherries; leaves turn orange and red in autumn
Wild cherry - Crann silĂn fiĂĄin Prunus avium
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres Ultimate spread wider than 8 metres
Popular name: Wild cherry, Gean, Bird cherry, Cheshire merry tree, Crab cherry Environmental conditions: Cherry is often found in old field hedgerows where it may have been planted by man, but is also found in mixed deciduous woodland. Grows in a wide variety of soils; Suitable for Open Spaces; Streets & Confined Spaces; Suitable as an Individual tree. Location: Wild cherry is very common in St. Johns Wood, Co. Roscommon.
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
Collect the berries as soon as they ripen from late July but in some places the birds eat them all. To collect cherries you have to find a group of fertile trees. Cherries are selfsterile and in a hedgerow or small copse all may have grown by suckers from one original tree, so they will not yield fruit. The easiest way to pick up cherry stones is from beneath the tree itself. Good big cherry trees yield the best crop. Fruits: In autumn can be purple or red Flowers: white in winter
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun Propagation: Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful. Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden
TREES
There are two types of birch in Ireland, downy and silver. The most usual is the downy birch, which like silver birch is a delicate tree with fine branches and small leaves. The springtime flowers are catkins which stay on the tree and contain the mature seed by autumn. Family: Betulaceae / Betulaceae Genus: Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring Species: B. pendula is an elegant medium-sized deciduous tree with slender drooping twigs. Bark white, becoming black and rugged at base. Leaves ovate, yellow in autumn. Flowers in catkins Popular name: Silver birch, Bed wen, Birk tree , Common birch
Birch - Beith chlĂşmhach Betula tremula Ultimate height: Higher than 12 metres
Environmental conditions: Birch will grow in poor soils, but likes a sunny position. Downy birch is tolerant of wet sites, but silver birch needs good drainage. Birch is typically associated with the Sperrins, growing in peat at the edge of bogs, and on the light sand and gravel soils. Grows in a wide variety of soils; Location: Birch woods occur widely, especially on marginal soils, lake edges, such as Lough Ennell Co. Westmeath, fens and on dried out bogs such as Ardkill Bog, Co. Kildare.
Ultimate spread: wider than 8 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
TREES
It is a good ornamental garden tree, as it does not grow too large. Like alder, its seeds are popular with small seed-eating birds such as siskin and redpoll. In early times toghers or walkways, usually across bog land were made from birch. Nowadays, it is more commonly used in making plywood.
How to grow? Cultivation: Will grow in a wide range of situations. Effective when planted in small groups or as a multi-stemmed specimen Propagation: Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens
TREES
Juniper is an unusual shrub found in rocky areas, one of few native evergreens and it is generally found on limestone. Family: Cupressaceae / Cupressaceae Genus: Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits Species: J. communis is an evergreen dioecious shrub, varying from spreading to columnar or bushy in habit, with aromatic, needle-like grey-green leaves and small ovoid green fruits ripening to black Popular names: Common juniper, Juniper Environmental conditions: It will thrive in other soils and could be introduced to areas outside its natural distribution, however, this may not be considered desirable. In good conditions it may grow to be small tree size.
Juniper - Aiteal Juniperus communis
Location: Burren and West Donegal, and often at woodland edges. Ultimate height 4-8 metres Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
SHRUBS
Leafs and flowers: juniper is evergreen and bears flowers of different sexes on different plants. The bushes are small and usually low growing, Fruit: black and it can be grown from seed. The berries are used commercially to flavour gin. Propagation:Â Juniper will grow from its berries but is easily grown from cuttings.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in any well-drained soil. Junipers need little if any pruning. Useful in hot sunny sites Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens
SHRUBS
Broom is sometimes confused with gorse, because the yellow flowers are a similar shape. However, broom has a few soft leaves on the long straight stems, not spines. Family: Papilionaceae / Papilionaceae Genus: Cytisus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, ranging from prostrate to erect and almost tree-like, with small, simple or 3-parted leaves and pea-like flowers spring or summer Species: C. scoparius is an erect deciduous shrub with slender green shoots bearing small, ternate leaves and axillary clusters of pea-like bright yellow flowers in late spring Broom - Giolcach slĂŠibhe Cytisus scoparius
Popular name: Broom Environmental conditions: it grows on light sandy soils; On the right soil, broom can spread rapidly, for example disused sand and gravel quarries. On light soils, it is a good shrub component of woodland on a sunny south facing bank.
Ultimate height 1-1.5 metres Ultimate spread 1-1.5 metres Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
SHRUBS
Flowers: it only flowers in mid summer. The flowers are followed by seeds in miniature pea pods which dry and split open to scatter the seeds. If it is to be grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens, it needs to be cut back or after a few years becomes too leggy and tends to collapse. Collection:Â Pick the dry seed pods in late summer/autumn.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in a well-drained shrub border in full sun. Resents transplanting Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Wildflower meadow
SHRUBS
Spindle is an inconspicuous shrub with pale bark, smooth and pointed leaves, and small pale flowers. Young twigs are green and four sided. Genus: Euonymus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, often with fine autumn colour, and small flowers followed by colourful fruits Family: Celastraceae / Celastraceae Species: E. europaeus is a spreading deciduous shrub to 3m, with narrowly ovate leaves turning yellow or red in autumn, and panicles of small yellow flowers followed by 4-lobed red fruits which split to reveal orange seeds Spindle - Feoras Euonymous europaeus
Popular names: Other common names, Spindle, Spindle tree, Ananbeam, Cat tree, Catwood, Common spindle tree, Dogwood, Gatten tree Gatter tree, Louseberry tree, Pegwood, Prick timber, Prickwood, Skewerwood
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres
Environmental conditions: it is common on limestone soils though it is tolerant of a range of non-acid soils.
Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
SHRUBS
Flowers: It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Sep to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects Fruits: It is the fruits that are amazingly colourful with bright pink cases that split open to reveal hard orange seeds.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Hedging & Screens Low Maintenance Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens
SHRUBS
Spiny shrub of roadside and hedgerow, blackthorn forms dense scrub cover where it is left untrimmed and ungrazed. It bears dense clusters of small white flowers, which contrast with the dark bark of its twigs, very early in the year. Blackthorn hedges can appear to be covered in white. Genus: Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark Family: Rosaceae / Rosaceae
Blackthorn - Draighean Prunus spinosa
Species: P. spinosa is a small thorny deciduous tree with dark green, ovate leaves, and small white flowers in early spring, followed by ovoid, bloomy black fruits 1.5cm across Popular names: Blackthorn , Sloe, Sloe plum, Buckthorn
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres
Environmental conditions: Grows in a wide variety of soils; Invasive; Suitable for Open Spaces; Suitable for Hedging; Tolerates smoke or pollution Location: Co Wicklow; Co Wexford
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
SHRUBS
Flowers: from March to May the shrub carries the white, 5-petalled flowers (10-15mm) in short dense spikes which usually appear before the leaves which are oval and slightly toothed. Fruits: known as sloes, are bitter blue-black berries like tiny plums. Collection: It is easier to collect sloes in late September/October when the leaves have fallen and the fruits are more visible.
How to grow? Cultivation: Easy to grow native shrub or small tree, that can be used for hedging. Grows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat or propagate by seed Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Wildflower meadow Wildlife Gardens Coastal
SHRUBS
The evergreen holly is a native species which forms the shrub layer in some of our oldest woods. It is another visually attractive small tree or shrub very suitable for gardens as a specimen tree or as a hedge, slow growing and very dense. Only the female can bear berries, so it is always worth planting several holly trees together. Both sexes bear small creamy flowers. Genus: Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn Family: Aquifoliaceae / Aquifoliaceae
Common holly - Cuileann Ilex aquifolium
Species: I. aquifolium is a medium-sized evergreen tree, slow-growing when young, with dark, glossy green, undulate and usually strongly spiny leaves. Small, dull white flowers in spring are followed by bright red berries, on pollinated female plants Popular names: Common holly; English holly; Holly; Holm
Ultimate height higher than 12 metres
Environmental conditions: Grows in a wide variety of soils; Suitable for Open Spaces; Suitable for Streets & Confined Spaces; Suitable for Hedging; Tolerates Shade; Tolerates smoke or pollution
Ultimate spread 4-8 metres
Location: woodland or in the narrow gullies of the Sperrins or Donegal uplands
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
SHRUBS
Its evergreen, glossy leaves are stiff and leathery with spiny margins, the upper side being dark green, the lower side a paler green. These leaves – together with those of Ivy – is the larval foodplant of the Holly Blue Butterfly. Holly is a native plant belonging to the family Aquifoliaceae. Flowers: It has small white, four-petalled flowers (6-10mm) in clusters from May to July Fruits: familiar bright scarlet berries in late autumn
How to grow? Cultivation: Easy to grow in a well-drained soil in a sunny position Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Hedging & Screens City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Cottage & Informal Garden
SHRUBS
Perhaps the best known and most widely distributed of our native shrubs, gorse is also known as whin or furze. There are two types, the common or European gorse, and the western or mountain gorse. The common gorse is a very suitable shrub component along the edge of new woodland, and also makes an excellent hedge. Gorse is well known for flowering almost all the year round, and its spiny ‘leaves’ are evergreen. Genus: Ulex are spiny evergreen shrubs with very spiny branches bearing small, simple leaves that soon fall, and often fragrant, yellow, pea-like flowers Family: Papilionaceae / Papilionaceae
Common gorse - Aiteann gallda Ulex europaeus
Ultimate height 1.5-2.5 metres Ultimate spread 1.5-2.5 metres Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
Species: U. europaeus is a bushy evergreen shrub with very spiny much-branched stems and solitary coconut-scented bright yellow flowers 2cm in length, mainly in winter and spring, followed by slender black seed-pods Popular names: Common gorse; European furze; French furze; Furze; Gorse Environmental conditions: Gorse supports many insects and spiders, which in turn provide food for small birds, which may nest in the excellent shelter provided by these dense spiny bushes. It is often under-estimated as a wildlife resource. Gorse seedlings are frost sensitive and prefer well drained sandy/acid soil. Location: These shrubs form very many hedgerows around fields, they line country roads; Co Wicklow
SHRUBS
The leaves have been modified over centuries into rigid and furrowed thorns which withstand the harsh conditions of winters at higher altitudes, making the entire bush one mass of prickles and spines. Flowers: The 15-20mm long flowers, with their wonderful aroma of coconut, are borne on stems of spiny bluish-green spikes.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in poor sandy soil in full sun. Will become leggy in rich soils Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Drought Resistant Flower borders and beds Hedging & Screens Low Maintenance Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens
SHRUBS
Bramble is a tough colonising plant and is notorious for rapid growth of stems, which reach out from a hedgerow to colonise new ground - they are unusual in that when they touch the ground the tips can form new roots and start a new plant. These rooted branches are called ‘stolons’. It is easier to cut off and transplant a rooted section rather than to grow plants from seed. Family: Rosaceae / Rosaceae Genus: Rubus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, often scrambling with bristly or prickly stems bearing simple, lobed, palmate or pinnate leaves and 5-petalled flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible fruits
Bramble Rubus fruticosus
Species: 'Loch Ness' is a not very vigorous blackberry with fairly upright thornless canes. Flowers white; fruit black; ‘Fantasia’ is a vigorous, blackberry with long arching, thorny canes, spreading up to 8m in width. Flowers white; fruit black. Popular names: Blackberry ‘Fantasia’, Blackberry ‘Loch Ness’, Bramble, Dris.
Ultimate height 1.5-2.5 metres Ultimate spread 4-8 metres Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
CLIMBERS
Brambles have flowers that are attractive to insects, and the blackberries provide food for insects, birds, and mammals.
CLIMBERS
Family: Rosaceae / Rosaceae Genus: Rosa can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or scrambling climbers, with usually thorny stems bearing pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered, 5-petalled flowers followed by showy red or purple fruits Species: R. canina is a vigorous arching deciduous shrub with mid-green foliage and pale pink or white flowers 5cm across, either solitary or in small clusters, in early summer, followed by ovoid red fruits Popular name: Dog rose, Bird briar, Briar rose, Buckieberries, Canker flower Canker rose, Choop tree, Dog briar, Dog brier, Hep rose, Rumex acetosella Wild rose
Dog Rose Rosa canina
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres Ultimate spread 1.5-2.5 metres Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
CLIMBERS
Flowers: typically found in long established hedges where they enliven our roadsides with their large blooms, which vary in colour from white to deep pink. In autumn the rose hips develop, colourful red containers for the small seeds within.
How to grow? Cultivation: Easy to grow on most moist but well-drained soils. Prefers full sun Propagation: Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Wildflower meadow Wildlife Gardens
CLIMBERS
This is an evergreen climber which clings by means of tiny stem roots to masonry, trees, cliffs and rocks and which carpets the ground in dense shade and under hedges. Also found less commonly in Ireland is Hedera helix, with some small differences but best differentiated from Hedera hibernica by having whitish rather than light brown hairs on growing tips. Family: Araliaceae / Araliaceae Genus: Hedera are evergreen climbing shrubs clinging by aerial roots. Clusters of small yellow-green flowers are followed by usually black berries. Foliage of flowering shoots is often less deeply lobed than that of the sterile, climbing shoots
Atlantic ivy Hedera hibernica
Species: H. hibernica is a vigorous large evergreen climber with broad, 5-lobed dark green leaves to 12cm in width. Small greenish flowers in umbels are followed by black berries Popular name: Atlantic ivy, Irish ivy Location: Co Dublin, Co Wexford
Ultimate height 8-12 metres Ultimate spread 4-8 metres Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
CLIMBERS
Flowers: little yellow-green flowers (8–10 mm across) with five pointed lobes and five prominent stamens, are borne in umbels Fruits: In the following spring, the berries develop, ripening purple-black. These are poisonous if eaten in quantity and it might be useful to know that the sap contains an irritant to the skin which can induce dermatitis.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic soils Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer Suggested planting locations and garden types: Banks and Slopes Flower borders and beds Ground Cover Low Maintenance Wall-side Borders City & Courtyard Gardens Cottage & Informal Garden
CLIMBERS
A climber rather than a shrub, honeysuckle is a common component of native deciduous woodlands. The heads of pink and golden trumpet shaped flowers have a powerful sweet scent attractive to moths, which take the nectar. Family: Caprifoliaceae Genus: Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries Species: L. periclymenum is a large, vigorous twining deciduous climber with broadly elliptic leaves. Very fragrant tubular white flowers soon turning yellow. Popular name: Honeysuckle; Woodbine Environmental conditions: found in native deciduous woodlands. Honeysuckle may be grown on a fence or over dead timber, or up the wall of a building with the help of wire supports. Suitable for Open Spaces Location: Co Wexford, Co Wicklow Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum
Ultimate height 4-8 metres Ultimate spread 1-1.5 metres Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
CLIMBERS
Flowers: From June to October it has distinctive creamy flowers which become pale yellow after pollination, often reddish outside. They are 3-5cm long, tubular, two-lipped and arranged in a whorl on stems which become silver-grey as the summer progresses. Fruits: In autumn the scarlet berries appear in the hedgerows in clusters. The leaves are grey-green and lanceolate.
How to grow? Cultivation: Best in partial shade but tolerates full sun, thrives in any moist but well-drained soil Propagation: Propagate by layering, hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings Suggested planting locations and garden types: Wall-side Borders Coasta
CLIMBERS
Also known as Epilobium angustifolium, this beautiful, tall, vigorous, showy perennial can reach a height of almost 2 metres. Family: Onagraceae / Onagraceae Genus: Chamaenerion can be annuals or perennials, sometimes invasive, with erect stems bearing willowy leaves and showy, 4-petalled flowers in terminal racemes Species: 'Album' is a fast-growing perennial forming an extensive patch of erect stems with white flowers 2cm across from mid-summer to early autumn Popular name: White rosebay willowherb Environmental conditions: margins of woodland, bogs, railway embankments and roadsides from June to September Location: This plant is native to part of Ireland and has been introduced to other areas. White rosebay Chamaenerion angustifolium Ultimate height 1-1.5 metres Ultimate spread 1.5-2.5 metres Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
HERBS
Flowers: It has slightly unequal, notched, four-petalled deep pinkish-purple flowers (15-25mm across) growing up a long spike. A hairy plant, it has oblong to lanceolate, coarsely toothed leaves. In autumn the downy seed pods split into four and releasing numerous long plumes of cottony hairs with tiny light seeds. Rosebay Willow-herb has been used in a few areas of medicine. The powdered root was said to stop internal bleeding and an infusion of its leaves is sometimes used to treat asthma. Â
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade; can be invasive so site with care Propagation: Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by softwood cuttings from side shoots in spring. Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens Wildflower meadow Prairie Planting
HERBS
This tall graceful perennial is found throughout the country Family:Valerianaceae Genus: Valeriana Species: Valeriana officinalis Popular name: Common Valerian Environmental conditions: beside rivers, canals and in meadows; the flowering period is from Jone to september. It is happy in both damp and dry soil conditions but grows to a greater height (up to 2m) in damp places. Location: Co Clare, Co Wexford
Valerian Valeriana officinalis Ultimate height 2m
HERBS
Flowers: The pale pink flowers (3-4mm long) are borne in dense, rounded clusters on thick, erect stems, blooming from June to September. Each corolla is tubular with 5 lobes and 3 long stamens. Leaves: The lanceolate leaves are pinnate and toothed and the plant is branched in its upper half. Fruit: A 1-seeded nut. Used as a medicinal herb for many centuries, the properties of Valeriana officinalis are used in preparations for insomnia. It is also commonly known as Wild Valerian.
HERBS
This is one of those plants regarded by most people as a weed. Not a flower for picking and putting in a vase, it is basically a tall (60–100 cm) Family: Polygonaceae / Polygonaceae Genus: Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits Species: R. acetosa is an erect perennial with edible, sour-tasting oblong leaves arrow-shaped at the base, and small reddish flowers in a narrow panicle or raceme Popular name: Common sorrel, Sorrel, Garden sorrel , Green sauce Environmental conditions: It is found in a variety of habitats from the sides of our motorways to coastal shingle and arable ground; and in free-draining acid soils that may be dry or humid, but not waterlogged.
Common sorrel Rumex acetosa
Location: Roundwood, County Wicklow; Dalkey, County Dublin
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres Ultimate spread 0-0.1 metre Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
HERBS
Identified by its distinctive leaves (4–7 cm long) which are deep green and arrow-shaped, with a sharp, vinegary taste. The lobes of the leaves point backwards slightly, the upper leaves clasping the stem. The seeds are reddish and oval. “Culpeper’s Complete Herbal discusses Sorrel as follows: ‘Sorrel is prevalent in all hot diseases, to cool any inflammation and heat of blood in agues pestilential or choleric, or sickness and fainting, arising from heat, and to refresh the overspent spirits with the violence of furious or fiety fits of agues; to quench thirst, and procure an appetite in fainting or decay in stomachs’.”
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in any well-drained soil, in full sun, self-seeds and can be difficult to eradicate or control Propagation: Propagate by seed Suggested planting locations and garden types: Cottage & Informal Garden Wildflower meadow Wildlife Gardens
HERBS
Another pretty little Speedwell, this one bears its little pale-lilac-blue flowers in a small, tapering, vertical spike, reaching to about 10 cm high. Family: Veronicaceae Genus: Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes Species: V, officinalis Popular name: Heath Speedwell Environmental conditions: Unimproved or semi-improved grassland that occurs on free-draining acid soils that may be dry or humid, but not waterlogged. This type of grassland mainly occurs on mineral rich or peaty podzols in upland areas or on low-lying siliceous soils. Heath Speedwell - Lus crĂŠ Veronica officinalis
Location: Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park
Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
HERBS
Each corolla (6–8 mm) has four veined lobes, the lower being narrower than the other three. It’s a hairy plant, creeping on grassland, pastures and mostly acid soils, rooting at nodes. It has oval, toothed leaves which are hairy on both sides, the lower leaves being stalked. The flowering stem rises from an opposite pair of these leaves, the flowers blooming from May to August. “No longer used in medicine, the juice of this plant was once recommended as a cure for earache. When a plant has the word ‘officinalis’ as its species name, this denotes its use (current or in the past) as a culinary or medical herb.“
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade Propagation: Propagate by division in autumn or spring Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Garden Edging Ground Cover Cottage & Informal Garden
HERBS
Also known as Three-cornered Leek, it is a spring-flowering bulb. Family: Liliaceae Genus: Allium Species: triquetrum Popular name: Three-cornered Garlic Environmental conditions: flowering period is from March to June along roadsides, in hedges, banks and other shady places. Location: Co Wicklow, Co Wexford; This plant is thought to have introduced into Ireland some three-hundred years ago and it has become naturalised in many counties.Â
Garlic Allium triquetrum Ultimate height 30cm
BULBS
Flowers: carries 2cm long bell-like white flowers (10-18mm) on stems which are three-sided and about 30cm high. Along the centre of each petal is a narrow green line and between 3 and 15 flowers are arranged in a drooping one-sided umbel not unlike that of a Bluebell. Leaves: very markedly angled, coming three to a plant from the base.
Although Allium triquetrum is a form of garlic, we usually use its close relation Allium sativum in cooking. In the late 19th century Louis Pasteur observed its antibacterial properties and it was used in both World Wars as a measure of prevention of gangrene. It is still used by many as a cure for the common cold. How effective it is I don't know but a Garlic soup is a sure way of producing a lot of sweat.
BULBS
One of the first flowers to dare to show its head in January and February, the Snowdrop is one of our best known spring bulbs. Family: Amaryllidaceae / Amaryllidaceae Genus: Galanthus are dwarf bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves, and solitary, often honey-scented, nodding flowers with 3 white outer tepals and 3 smaller inner ones often marked with green Species: G. nivalis is a perennial to 15cm, with narrow, grey-green leaves and solitary, nodding, fragrant white flowers 2.5cm in length, the inner segments marked with green at the tip Common snowdrop - PlĂşirĂn sneachta Galanthus nivalis
Popular name: Common snowdrop, Candlemas bells, Candlemas lily
Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres
Environmental conditions: A low-growing perennial which is found growing beside streams, on roadsides and in damp woods, this plant is a garden escape which has naturalised in the eastern side of the country. Location: Co Wicklow, Ballitore, Co Kildare
Ultimate spread 0-0.1 metre Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
BULBS
The Latin genus name – Galanthus comes from the Greek gala meaning milk and anthos meaning flower. Flowers: The familiar little flowers have three white outer ‘petals’ (15-25mm long) - in reality these are sepals - and three white inner petals, each of these having a cleft with a green patch around it. These sweet-scented flowers are borne, solitarily, on leafless stems, nodding below a terminal bract. Leaves: There are two or three blue-green narrow linear leaves to each bulb.
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer Propagation: Propagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs Cottage & Informal Garden Rock Garden Wildflower meadow
BULBS
Also known as Dog daisy and Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. The name Daisy comes from the Old English ‘dæges ēage’ or day’s eye, as the flower opened up as the sun came up Family: Asteraceae / Asteraceae Genus: Leucanthemum are robust herbaceous perennials with narrowly oblong leaves and daisy-like flower-heads with white rays Species: L. vulgare is a rhizomatous perennial with dark green spoon-shaped leaves and solitary white, daisy-like flowerheads with yellow disk florets, in late spring and early summer Popular name: Ox-eye daisy, Marguerite, Big daisy, Dog daisy, Herb Margaret, Love-me, Love-me-not, Mathes, Moon flower, White cap Environmental conditions: brightens our grass verges, meadows and many motorway embankments from May to September Location: Killiney, Co Dublin Marguerite Leucanthemum vulgare
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
GRASS
Flowers: (25-50mm) are borne on strong, erect, ridged stems (to 80cm high) and have white spreading rays (like petals) and a prominent yellow centre of disc florets. Leaves: the dark green leaves are spoon-shaped, stalked and form a rosette, the stem leaves are alternate, lanceolate and sessile.Â
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; plants may need support Propagation: Propagate by seed or division Suggested planting locations and garden types: Low Maintenance Wildflower meadow Wildlife Gardens
GRASS
Also known as Devil’s Parsley, possibly because of its resemblance to the highly poisonous Hemlock, this plant occurs in accounts of withcraft practices. From April to June this tall, downy perennial stands gracefully, reaching up to 1 metre at times. Family: Apiaceae Genus: Anthriscus can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with fern-like leaves and umbels of tiny white flowers Species: A. sylvestris Popular name: Cow parsley, Cow weed, Deil’s meal Environmental conditions: found in On roadsides, woodland margins, in hedgerows and shady places Location: Dundrum, Co Dublin; Co Wexford Cow parsley - Peirsil bhó Anthriscus sylvestris
Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres Time to ultimate height 1-2 years
GRASS
The seeds are black and elongated. Flowers: It has a stout, hollow, grooved and unspotted stem on which it bears long-stalked terminal umbels of white 5-petalled flowers. These inflorsecences have 8–12 stalks and are without bracts. Leaves: The bright green leaves are quite large, triangular and 2-3 times pinnate.Â
How to grow? Cultivation: Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Water regularly in dry spells to inhibit bolting Propagation: Propagate by seed sown in spring and early summer Suggested planting locations and garden types: Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden
GRASS
references
W i l d F l ow e rs of Irel an d , 2 014. A vaiable at < w w w .w ildf low e rsof ire land.ne t > E c ol a n d s c a pes , 2 014. A va i a bl e at < w w w .e colandscape s.ie > R S H U K , 2 014. A va i a bl e at <www.apps.rh s.org.u k /plantse le ctor>