This is the ultimate reference guide and identifier to 550 of the most spectacular, best-loved and unusual trees. It includes a comprehensive collection of indigenous and collected species, such as oaks, yews, junipers, larches, birches, alders, limes, hornbeams and poplars. Beautiful watercolour artworks show both summer and winter profiles of the trees, together with identifying details such as bark, flowers and and fruit, with maps illustrating the region in which each tree can be found. Each entry contains details of the tree's growth habits, average height, leaf size and shape, texture of bark, bud development, fruit colouring and dimensions. There is an extensive introduction that provides a fascinating insight into the origins of trees, the way they have adapted and evolved, their constituent parts and life cycle, and the different habitats and environments in which the various species are found. An expertly written, beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of the most spectacular and best-loved trees of Britain and Europe, this is a fantastic addition to any family reference library. This superbly illustrated book is a comprehensive identification reference to over 500 of the most important and best-known trees of Britain and Europe. A detailed introduction looks at the origins of trees, their evolution over time and the ways in which they have adapted to suit the variety of terrains in which they thrive. Each of a tree's constituent parts - bark, trunk, leaves, needles, cones, flowers, and fruit - is looked at in detail and the author discusses the role each plays in the tree's survival. The book then presents an extensive illustrated encyclopedia of the most common, popular, prolific or unusual trees found in Britain and Europe. Each illustrated entry includes details such as bark texture and colour, leaf shape and size, flowering time and special features, so that trees can be easily identified. With over 1600 colour photographs, artworks, illustrations and maps, this encyclopedic resourcebook is perfect for home or school study.