Small Leaved Lime and Large Leaved Lime
The silver lime is a native of south-eastern Europe, where it occurs in the Balkan Peninsula and as far cast as the southern Ukraine. It is found in oak forests, and frequently on limestone hills. It has moderate requirements of soil properties and moisture, and has done very well in the parks and streets of western and central European cities; it has also proved to be far more tolerant of the dry and smoky atmosphere of the cities than the local species of lime.
It grows to a height of 25 to 30 metres and, under forest competition, develops a long, straight bole; open-grown forms have a short, stout trunk with large, broadly ovoid crown. It may live to an age of 500 to 800 years. Centuries-old solitary trees in the country afford not only shade and respite from the heat, but also a lovely sight for the eyes to feast on. The small-leaved lime is one of the latest-flowering trees.
The common ash is widely distributed in southern, central and western Europe, the northern boundary of its range extending from Great Britain across Scandinavia to Leningrad and the Volga River. It is most plentiful in lowland forests on alluvial river deposits, and alongside streams. It is. also found growing in scree woods in hilly country and high up in the mountains, even at elevations above 1000 metres. It requires rich, moist soil to do really well and often occurs in damp gullies and near streams, though it does not tolerate water-logged situations.
Despite this, the common ash is tolerant of soil and situation and, in Britain at least, it often occurs on thin limestone or chalk soils. Although shade-tolerant when young, older trees require abundant light.
The common ash reaches a height of 30 to 35 metres or more under forest conditions, and develops a slender, straight bole with high set crown. It is sensitive to late spring frosts and, when the terminal shoot is damaged, often develops twin stems.
The horse-chestnut thrives best in rich, moist soil, but is tolerant of poor light and pollution. In severe winters it can be slightly damaged by frost. The wood is not considered of much value.
