Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
30m 1
25m 5
33m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Irregular 1
At least 8m 2
Broadly columnar 3

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: High (311 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Open 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.:
High 19
Risk of outcompeting slower-growing tree species 6

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Potentially 200+ years 2, but usually less than 20-30 years 8

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Arable or pasture 1
Lowland 2

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Can be coppiced and pollarded 12

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Likely to require protection from herbivores 3
Easy to establish and fast-growing 5
Intolerant of weed competition 6
Will require protection from high herbivore pressure 6

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
Minimal or no pruning required 1
Strict pruning requirements for timber production 2

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Spring (late) to summer 1

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: –

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Timber (especially ssp. caerulea) 23, including plywood, pulpwood, posts 5
Max YC 8 4

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Fuelwood 25

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Tannins, edible truffles 5

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: –

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: 12-20 years (ssp. caerulea) 5

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low to moderate – shallow to moderate root depth, moderate canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Moderate
Medium-term (40 years): Moderate
Long-term (60 years): Relatively low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Long-established introduction (archaeophyte) – denizen 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Moderate 5
Highest value for pollen and nectar 5

Other environmental impactsiOther impacts such as water consumption and nutrient leaching:
High water consumption in wet conditions 1
High potential to reduce nutrient leaching 5