The Trees of Beaverstown

Trees other than apple trees

By

Jim Flanagan with help from Pat Doolan January 2014

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Photos by Monika Flanagan and Jim Flanagan

INTRODUCTION

• Trees are the dominant life form on land making up about 90% of the plant biomass on earth. They replenish oxygen in the atmosphere and remove carbon dioxide thereby making the earth inhabitable. Trees have a special place on golf courses with multiple functions including an integral part of the difficulty designed into various holes, visual amenity and environmental impact.

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INTRODUCTION (contd)

•  There are at least 57 different species of trees to be found in Beaverstown. There are about 10 ha of apple orchards remaining and these contain fifteen varieties within the cultivated apple species. Some of these trees were planted many years ago as part of the development of the farm that became Lamb’s fruit farm. For example, the boundaries particularly to the north and west were planted with a mixture of Monterey cypress, Monterey pine, Lawson cypress and Sitka spruce. Many fine examples of poplar were planted along the canal banks. The wind breaks on the fruit farm were largely alder and the field boundary ditches had many whitethorns, ash, sitka spruce. sycamore and a few willow and oak. Many of these trees remain.

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INTRODUCTION (contd)

• The development of the Golf course saw many new trees introduced including oak, chestnut, maple, lime, birch, Douglas fir, sitka spruce, larch and five species of pine – Scots, Lodgepole, Corsican, Monterey and Maritime. A few exotic species were also introduced including a Ginko tree on the 9^th, a Coast Redwood at the back of the old compound and a Holm oak to the left of the 5^th up near the green.
• Recently some Giant Redwood have been sown in the nurseries and some Red oak to the right of the 16^th hole and along the entrance driveway.

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INTRODUCTION (contd)

• Beaverstown has a very good representative sample of the trees to be found in Ireland. However, there are a few species of native trees missing including juniper and yew. Almost all the native oak trees on the course are pedunculate with only one example of the second native sessile oak species. The sowing of specimens of these is suggested.

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Native Irish Trees

Native Irish trees

• The native oaks, Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur). ��Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) ��Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) ��The native birches, Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Downey Birch (Betula pubescens) ��Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) ��The native cherries, Common/Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) and �Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) ��Aspen or Trembling poplar (Populus tremula / tremuloides) ��The native willows, Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Grey Willow (Salix atrocinerea), Bay Willow (Salix pentandra) and Eared Willow (Salix aurita) ��Mountain Ash or Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) ��Whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica) ��Crab apple (Malus sylvestris) ��Yew (Taxus baccata) ��Juniper (Juniperus communis) ��Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) ��Blackthorn/Sloe (Prunus spinosa) ��Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) ��Killarney Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) ��

Old Irish Tree List (8^th century)�From “EARLY IRISH FARMING” by Fergus Kelly

• “Nobles of the wood”; oak, hazel, holly, yew, ash, Scots pine, wild apple
• “Commoners of the wood”; alder, willow, whitethorn, rowan, birch, elm, wild cherry
• “Lower divisions of the wood”; blackthorn, elder, spindle-tree, whitebeam, arbutus, aspen, juniper
• “Bushes of the wood”; bracken, bog-myrtle, furze, bramble, heather, broom, wild rose

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List of Tree Species in Beaverstown

• ALDER (Alnus glutinosa)
• APPLE (Malus domestica)
• ASH (Flaxinus excelsior
• BEECH (Fagus sylvatica)
• BIRCH, DOWNY (Betula pubescens)
• BIRCH, SILVER (Betula pendula)
• BIRCH, GREY (Betula populifolia)
• BLACKTHORN or SLOE (Prunus spinosa)
• BUCKTHORN, PURGING (Rhamnus cathartica)
• CEDAR, ATLAS (Cedrus atlantica)
• CEDAR , DEODAR (Cedrus deodara)
• CHERRY (Prunus avium)
• CHESTNUT, HORSE (Aesculus hippocastanum)
• CHESTNUT, RED HORSE (Aesculus x carnea)
• CORDYLINE / CABBAGE PALM / CABBAGE TREE (Cordyline australis)
• CRAB APPLE (Malus sylvestris)
• CYPRESS, LAWSON (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
• CYPRESS, LEYLAND (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
• CYPRESS, MONTEREY (Cupressus macrocarpa)
• DOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga menziesii )

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List of Tree Species (contd)

• ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra)
• EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus gunnii)
• GINKGO / MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba)
• GORSE / FURZE /WHIN (Ulex europaeus)
• HAWTHORN (Crataegus monogyna)
• HAZEL (Corylus avellana)
• HOLLY (Ilex aquifolium)
• HORNBEAM (Carpinus betulus)
• LABURNUM, COMMON (Laburnum anagyroides)
• LARCH, EUROPEAN (Larix decidua)
• LARCH, JAPANESE (Larix kaempteri)
• LILAC (Syringa vulgaris)
• LIME, COMMON (Tilia europea)
• MAPLE, NORWAY (Acer plantanoides)
• OAK, COMMON (PEDUNCULATE) (Quercus robur)
• OAK, RED (Quercus robur /borealis)
• OAK, HOLM/EVERGREEN (Quercus ilex)
• PEAR, WEEPING / WILLOWLEAF (Pyrus salicifolia var pendula)
• PEAR , WILD(Pyrus pyraster)

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List of Tree Species (contd)

• PINE, CONTORTA/ LODGEPOLE/SHORE (Pinus contorta)
• PINE, CORSICAN (Pinus nigra var. maritime)
• PINE, MARITIME (Pinus maritima)
• PINE, MONTEREY (Pinus radiata)
• PINE, SCOTS (Pinus sylvestris)
• PLUM (Prunus domestica)
• POPLAR, ASPEN (Populus tremula)
• POPLAR, BLACK (Populus nigra)
• POPLAR, LOMBARDY (Populus nigra, var italica)
• REDWOOD, COAST (Sequoia sempervirens)
• REDWOOD, GIANT/ WELLINGTONIA (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
• ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia)
• SPRUCE, SITKA (Picea sitchensis)
• SYCAMORE (Acer pseaudoplatanus)
• WHITEBEAM , COMMON (Sorbus aria)
• WHITEBEAM, FINNISH (Sorbus hybrida)
• WILLOW, ALMOND LEAVED (Salix triandra)
• WILLOW, WHITE (Salix alba)

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ALDER (Alnus glutinosa) FEARNOG Betulacaea (Birch family)�

• Alder is a native Irish tree. Many of the lines of shelter trees in the Lamb fruit farm were alders and many of these trees survive on the course. Alders grow well in wet conditions and can be seen growing on the sides of streams and in wet low-lying areas. It is able to grow in wet conditions where nitrogen is leached out of the soil as bacteria in its root nodules “fix” this important element that becomes available for the tree’s growth.

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ALDER (Alnus glutinosa) contd

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An alder on the right of the 4^th fairway.

An alder on the left of the 15^th fairway up near the green

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ASH (Flaxinus excelsior) FUINSEOG Oleaceae (Olive family)�

• Ash is a native Irish tree that grows best on rich deep soils and can form pure woodlands on limestone. After birch and willow, it was one of the earliest hardwoods to establish itself following the retreat of the ice as it produces abundant seed that germinates freely. Ash coppices freely and regenerates from cut stumps. The wood is strong and pliable and used for making hurleys.

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ASH (Flaxinus excelsior) contd�

Ash tree in middle of the 14^th fairway, referred to as the “gabhlog” because of the forking of the trunk.

A variety of ash called “Romanian” ash on the right of the pathway from the 9^th to the 10^th hole.�

ASH (Flaxinus excelsior) contd�

A good example of coppicing of ash on the 5^th fairway with 6 trunks growing from the base of a felled ash tree.

An ash tree on the right of the 4^th fairway up near the green.

BEECH (Fagus sylvatica) FEA �Fagaceae (Beech family)�

• While Beech has a widespread distribution throughout Ireland. It is a fairly recent introduction with many of the mature trees we see today being planted during the 19^th and early 20th centuries. Varieties of beech include Copper Beech and Purple Beech so named because of their leaf colour.
• There are many beech trees scattered throughout the course.
• A beech tree between the clubhouse and the second green was planted to mark a significant birthday of the mother of a member Christy Knight who often visited the club.

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BEECH (Fagus sylvatica) contd�

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A fine example of a young beech tree on the left of the first fairway

A copper beech near the 14^th tee

BIRCH

• There are two native Irish birch species:
• Downy birch Betula pubescens
• Silver birch Betula pendula
• They are quite similar but have perhaps three distinguishing features:
• Downy has fine downy fur on the new twigs, rounder leaves with fairly even sized teeth and creamy brown bark
• Silver does not have the furry twigs, has more pointed oval leaves with some larger teeth and silvery white bark
• There are many birch trees throughout the course.

BIRCH contd

Left – leaf of Downy birch Right – leaf of Silver birch

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BIRCH contd

Left, a Silver birch; right a Downy birch to right front of 12 tee in winter. Notice difference in bark.

BIRCH DOWNY (Betula pubescens) BEITH CLUMHACH�Betulaceae (Birch family)

• Birch was one of the first deciduous trees to invade Ireland after the ice ages. Its small, light seeds enable it to spread rapidly and colonise disturbed or bare ground. It grows fast and is short-lived, helping to improve conditions for the more long-lived trees that follow. Birch occurs as two main species, silver birch that grows best on light soils in dryer areas and downy birch that grows best in wetter and cooler conditions.
• Downey birch is a native Irish species.
• There are only a few Downy birch in Beaverstown, three trees to the right front of the 12^th tee and a tree to the right of the 6^th fairway.

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BIRCH DOWNY (Betula pubescens) contd

The tree to the right is a Downy birch in winter, to the front fight of the 12^th tee

BIRCH SILVER (Betula pendula) BEITH GHEAL Betulaceae (Birch family)

• Coleridge christened the birch the “Lady of the Woods”. It is at once the most graceful, the hardiest and the most ubiquitous of forest trees. It casts off the outer layer of its silvery white bark in shreds from time to time.
• Birch bark is used for tanning certain kinds of leather.
• Most of the birch trees in Beaverstown are the Silver type.

BIRCH SILVER (Betula pendula)

A Silver birch in winter to the right front of the 13^th green

BIRCH SILVER (Betula pendula) contd

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A weeping birch tree on the left of the 2^nd green near the clubhouse

A birch tree on the 5^th fairway.

GREY Birch Betula populifolia�Betulaceae (Birch family)

• Native of Eastern North America. It is a narrow, columnar, single or multi-trunked tree 35-50 feet tall. The greyish white or chalky coloured non-peeling bark becomes darker with age. Dark green leaves turn yellow in Autumn. Pioneer tree on clearings, abandoned farms and burned areas. The wood is used for spools and other turned articles.
• The three trees on the north eastern corner of the putting re grey birch.

BLACKTHORN or SLOE (Prunus spinosa) DRAIGHEAN Rosaceae (Rose family)�

• The blackthorn is native to Ireland and is an ancestor of domestic plums. It is a small deciduous tree often multi-stemmed and reaching 6 m tall but may be a low sprawling shrub. In spring it produces clusters of small white flowers that appear before the leaves. It produces small plum-like fruits called sloes, “airne” in Irish, a word that appears in some well known place-names such as Cill Airne, (Church of the sloe tree).

BLACKTHORN or SLOE (Prunus spinosa) contd

A slow bush left of the bridge over the canal at the back of the 3^rd green

One of many Blackthorns along the canal between the 3^rd and 7^th greens

BLACKTHORN or SLOE (Prunus spinosa) contd

Blackthorn in flower beside the canal to left of 3^rd green

BUCKTHORN, PURGING (Rhamnus cathartica)�Rhamnaceae family

• Also known as Common Buckthorn. Native to Europe, NW Africa and W Asia
• Deciduous shrub or small tree. Grey brown bark and spiny branches. Leaves elliptical to oval, green turning yellow in Autumn. Flowers are yellowish green with 4 petals. Fruit is a globose black drupe 6-10 mm in diameter containing 2-4 seeds
• The only Buckthorn in Beaverstown is on the Island between the 15^th and 16^th holes.

BUCKTHORN, PURGING (contd)

Purging Buckthorn on island between 15^th and 16th

CEDAR species

There are three main Cedar species found in Ireland

Atlas Cedar

Deodar Cedar

Cedar of Lebanon

These can be distinguished by the branches:

Atlas has branches that incline upwards

Deodar branches are largely horizontal with ends of branches drooping a little

Lebanon branches droop

We have examples of the first two in Beaverstown.

There is a fine specimen of Cedar of Lebanon in the garden of the Church near the Botanic Gardens.

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CEDAR, ATLAS (Cedrus atlantica)�Pinacea Pine family

• Atlas cedar comes from the Atlas mountains of Morocco and Algeria and is very similar to the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani). Atlas cedar tends to have ascending branches while Cedar of Lebanon usually has drooping branches. Cedars like hot, dry conditions and grow rather slowly in Ireland. Some magnificent trees with great spreading branches occur particularly in lawns of houses where they make striking features. Atlas cedar is one of the oldest ingredients used in ancient incense making. The Egyptians used cedar wood oil in mummification and used the wood for ship building and in making sarcophagi.

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CEDAR, ATLAS (Cedrus atlantica)�

A second Atlas cedar on the right of the 18^th fairway.

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These are the only two Atlas Cedars in Beaverstown

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An Atlas cedar in front of the clubhouse entrance, This is of the “glaucous” green type

CEDAR , DEODAR (Cedrus deodara) Pinaceae Pine family

• Also known as Indian Cedar
• Deodar cedar comes from the mountains of north west India where it forms forests at various altitudes above 3,500 feet. Deodar timber is very durable, being compact and even grained, not liable to warp or split.
• Deodar was introduced to Britain in 1831

CEDAR , DEODAR (Cedrus deodara)�

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Deodar Cedar to the left of the 18^th fairway.

The only one on the course.

Note that branches are generally horizontal but may droop at the ends

CHERRY (Prunus avium) CRANN SILINI FIAIN Rosaceae (Rose family)�

• The wild cherry is easily recognised by its white blossom and is a common woodland tree especially in oak and beech woods. The fruit is bitter and is taken by birds and animals. The edible cherry was derived from the wild cherry. There are many improved flowering forms developed for planting in gardens and on roadsides.

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CHERRY (Prunus avium) contd

type.

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The cultivated cherry tree in flower in early spring.

A cultivated cherry tree on the 15^th fairway that produces red cherries of the sour type

CHERRY (Prunus avium) contd

Two ornamental cherry trees in the vicinity of the Clubhouse

CHESTNUT, HORSE (Aesculus hippocastanum) CRANN CNO CAPAILL Hippocastanaceae (Horse-chestnut family)

• Horse chestnut with its “candles” of flowers in the spring and its “conkers” in the autumn is a familiar tree to everybody. It is not a native species being introduced into Britain from the Balkans in 1616 as an ornamental tree for use in formal avenues. It has naturalised itself in many parts of the country as it produces fertile seeds freely.
• The conkers of the horse chestnut are not edible. Edible chestnuts are produced by different trees such as the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). It is a slow growing tree in Ireland
• There are about a dozen horse chestnut trees around the course

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CHESTNUT, HORSE (Aesculus hippocastanum) contd

A horse chestnut tree to the left of the 5^th fairway, just past the ditch

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CHESTNUT, HORSE (Aesculus hippocastanum) contd

A horse chestnut tree to right of the 5^th in flower, sponsored by Noel Ryan, one of the initial group of trustees

CHESTNUT, RED HORSE (Aesculus x carnea) �Hippocastanaceae (Horse-chestnut family)

• Red horse chestnut is a hybrid between A. hippocastaneum and A. parvia (Red buckeye). It has rose pink flowers borne in 6-8 inch long panicles that appear from May to June. Its seeds breed true. It grows to a height of 15-20 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet.
• There is one Red horse chestnut in Beaverstown to the left of the 12^th fairway.

CORDYLINE / CABBAGE PALM / CABBAGE TREE (Cordyline australis)�Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)

•  Cordyline comes from New Zealand and is from an order of plants known as “monocotyledons” which includes all the grasses. It is not a true palm. It has been used as a traditional food source by the Maori, hence the name “cabbage tree”. The trunk and root material can be twisted into ropes and the leaves can be woven for clothing and fabrics.

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CORDYLINE / CABBAGE PALM / CABBAGE TREE (Cordyline australis) contd�

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Two cordyline trees at the back of the 17^th green

CRAB APPLE (Malus sylvestris) CRANN FIA-ULL Rosaceae (Rose family)

• The true wild crab apple is a relatively rare tree. Most crab apple trees growing wild in hedgerows trace back to an edible cultivated apple. The crab apple has a rather bitter fruit that is used for making preserves such as crab apple jelly. The fruit is an important source of food for wildlife being sought after by birds, badgers, mice, deer and squirrels when ripe in the autumn. Cultivated apples derive from the crab apple and other wild apple species, as do many of the ornamental crabs that are grown for their attractive flowers and fruit.

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CRAB APPLE (Malus sylvestris) contd

Crab apple in flower behind 13^th green

Red Crab apple to left of 12th

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CRAB APPLE (Malus sylvestris) contd

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Two crab apple trees bearing a heavy crop of fruit in the spinney between the 5^th tee and the 14^th tee

One of the two wild crab apple trees on the island between the 15^th and 16^th holes.

CYPRESS, LAWSON (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) Cupressacaea (Cypress family)�

• Lawson cypress is one of the fine conifers from north west America that are very suited to conditions in Ireland. It was introduced into Britain by the Lawson company in 1854 and distributed widely. It is a common garden conifer with many different varieties exhibiting a wide variety of colours and shapes.

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CYPRESS, LAWSON (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) contd

Left – a lawson cypress in the line of trees between the 3^rd and 9^th fairways near the ninth green.

Right – a Lawson cypress behind the 3^rd green

CYPRESS, LEYLAND (Cupressocyparis leylandii)�Cupressacaea (Cypress family)�

• Leyland cypress is a hybrid of two different but closely related genera - Nootka cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) from north western America and Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) from the Monterey Peninsula in California. Natural crosses occurred at least twice when these trees were grown together in an estate in Wales, producing a remarkably vigorous hybrid, with very dense foliage, that grows very much faster than either parent adding 4 to 6 feet height a year. It is now a very popular hedging and screening tree.

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CYPRESS, LEYLAND (Cupressocyparis leylandii) contd

Spinney of leylandii to the left of the 7^th tee.

CYPRESS, MONTEREY (Cupressus macrocarpa) �Cupressacaea (Cypress family)�

• The Cypress family is characterised by its opposite leaves that are usually small, adpressed (hugging the twig) and scale like. The Monterey cypress can reach a height of 70 ft. It is usually pyramidal in form but may become flat topped. There are many Monterey cypress on the boundary of Beaverstown mixed with some Monterey pines and Sitka spruce. There are some younger trees to the front right of the fifth tee that grew from seed in situ.

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CYPRESS, MONTEREY (Cupressus macrocarpa)

Examples of Cupressus macrocarpa trees behind the first green beside Rogerstown estuary.

DOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga menziesii )�Pinaceae Pine family

• Douglas fir is the most valuable tree on the Pacific coast of Canada and the USA. It was introduced to the British Isles in 1827 and shows excellent growth. The cones are green at first becoming brown with characteristic long, protruding three-pronged bracts.
•  Douglas fir produces excellent timber.
• A Douglas Fir along Powerscourt River Walk has been officially recognised as the tallest tree in Ireland since records began. The tree stands at 61.5 metres, or 202 ft, towering above well-known landmarks including Dublin's Liberty Hall - which is just 59.5 metres. But the tree is still a mere shrub beside the world's tallest tree in California - which topped out at 155 metres or 379 feet.

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DOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga menziesii / taxifolia?)�

Douglas fir on the left of the first fairway. There are several Douglas Fir among the trees between the first and second fairways.

ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra) TROM Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)

• A native deciduous tree or more frequently a bushy shrub up to 10 metres tall. It has creamy white flowers in umbrella like clusters. The fruit is a juicy berry with 3-5 seeds becoming black when ripe. Birds gorge themselves on the ripe berries. According to folk traditions the elder is an evil tree not to be burned on the fire lest you see the devil in the flame. The berries can be fermented to yield a dry red wine.

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ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra)contd �

An elderberry tree to the right of the 1^st fairway on the railway boundary.

Fruits of the elderberry

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus gunnii)�Myrtaceae Myrtle family

• The eucalyptus is a native tree of Australia. The genus comprises over 700 species and accounts for over two thirds of Australia’s vegetation. It is a fast growing tree sown in south west Europe as an ornamental, for timber and also for shelter and soil conservation. Eucalyptus leaves are a traditional Aboriginal herbal remedy. The essential oil found in the leaves is a powerful antiseptic and is used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections. The essential oil is a common ingredient in many over the counter cold remedies.

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EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus gunnii) contd�

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Eucalyptus gunnii tree at the entrance to the island between the 15^th and 16^th fairways. A second gunnii has recently been sown in the south west corner of the practice green in front of the clubhouse.

GINKGO / MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba)�Ginkgoaceae Ginkgo family

• The ginkgo tree is a native of China and is one of the world’s oldest living trees, a species whose existence can be traced back over 250 million years. It is often referred to as a “living fossil”. It is only remotely related to other plants. It is now endangered in the wild. The fan-shaped leaves and other plant parts are widely used in herbal remedies and medicines.

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GINKGO / MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba)�

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A ginkgo tree on the right of the 9^th fairway, near the green, planted in memory of Harry Dowling former manager of the Lamb fruit farm and a “corner boy” for many years in Beaverstown

GORSE / FURZE /WHIN (Ulex europaeus) AITEANN � Fabaceae Legume family�

• Gorse is native to central and western Europe where it has long been cultivated for hedgerows. It is an evergreen, leguminous, spiny shrub that produces dense masses of yellow pea-like flowers in spring and sporadically throughout the year. In Ireland the presence of furze in fields was seen as indicating good quality land. It is also considered an invasive species that is difficult to control.

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GORSE / FURZE /WHIN (Ulex europaeus)�

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Gorse between the 3^rd and 9^th fairways

Gorse in flower between 4^th and 9^th fairways

GORSE / FURZE /WHIN (Ulex europaeus) contd

Invasive gorse to the right of the entrance roadway

HAWTHORN (Crataegus monogyna) SCEACH GHEAL Rosaceae (Rose family)

• Hawthorn is one of the most abundant small trees in Ireland. It grows almost everywhere even at high altitudes. It is a vigorous coloniser soon invading uncultivated and cleared land. The flowers are white and sometimes pinkish, occurring in clusters and give the tree a characteristic distinctive look in May/June. This gives rise to the common name of “whitethorn”. The red “haws” are eaten by birds and the seeds spread in their droppings. The thorns prevent damage to young trees by browsing animals. Hawthorns have long been used for hedging and the very dense nature of the hedge when cut and layered makes it suitable for enclosing land.

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HAWTHORN (Crataegus monogyna)

A hawthorn between the 4^th and 8^th fairways.

A Hawthorne near the second green

HAZEL (Corylus avellana) COLL Betulaceae (Birch family)�

• Hazel is a native Irish tree. It reappeared in Ireland after the last glacial period about 9,500 years ago. It is deciduous and usually multi-stemmed. It produces hazelnuts in clusters of 2 to 4. Hazel nuts are rich in fatty oils and vitamins. Hazel is an important tree in Irish mythology. It represented the letter “coll” which was the ninth letter of the Ogham alphabet. It was considered the tree of knowledge in Irish traditions. Hazel nuts formed an important part of the diet of the early Irish hunter / gatherers and in the diet of the later settled Irish rural dwellers. Hazel likes alkaline soils as demonstrated by several superb wildwoods of hazel and ash in the Burren in Co. Clare.

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HAZEL (Corylus avellana) (contd)

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The only hazel nut in Beaverstown is the dark leaved cluster of trees in the centre of the spinney to the left front of the 17^th tee

Hazel (Corylus avellana) (contd)

The bunch of Hazels in October 2014. More exposed than before by removal of some of the shrubs around it.

HOLLY (Ilex aquifolium) CUILEANN Aquifoliceae (Holly family)�

• Holly is a common evergreen tree native to Ireland, occurring naturally in woodland but is also planted extensively in gardens and hedgerows. There are male trees and female trees. Only the latter produce berries. Its scarlet berries are eaten by birds but are often left until late in the winter when more palatable fruits are no longer available. Twigs of holly usually with berries are used as Christmas decorations.

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HOLLY (Ilex aquifolium)�

A holly tree as part of the spinney to the left front of the 17^th tee.

A variegated variety of holly tree between the 7^th green and 8^th tee. There are a small number of other holly trees scattered throughout the course.

HORNBEAM (Carpinus betulus) CRANN SLEAMHAIN Betulaceae (Birch family)�

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• Hornbeam is not indigenous to Ireland. It is native to Europe and Asia Minor. “Horn” means hard and refers to the tough hard wood and “beam” was an old English word for “tree”. The wood was often used to make spokes, cogwheels, mallets, plains, handles, wooden screws, striking hammers in pianos, butchers chopping blocks, balls and skittles.

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HORNBEAM (Carpinus betulus)�

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Hornbeam trees at the back of the 8^th green, part of a group of six in this location

LABURNUM, COMMON (Laburnum anagyroides)�Fabaceae Legume family�

• Common Laburnum is also called Golden Chain. It is a small deciduous tree native to the mountains of south east Europe and Asia Minor. Leaves are trifoliate somewhat like clover. Flowers are yellow in pendulous racemes. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The wood was historically used for cabinet making and inlay as well as for making musical instruments including recorders, flutes and bagpipes.
• There is a Laburnum tree in the margins of the practice putting green

LABURNUM, COMMON (Laburnum anagyroides)

A Laburnum tree in the margins of the practice putting green

LARCH, EUROPEAN (Larix decidua) Pinaceae Pine family �

• The European larch was introduced to the British Isles in the 17^th century followed by the more vigorous Japanese larch in the 18^th century. These have hybridised and hybrid larch is even more vigorous than its Japanese parent. Very few of the larch trees in Beaverstown are European, perhaps only one.
• Larch wood is very durable, larch bark is used for tanning and turpentine is a product of the tree.

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LARCH, EUROPEAN (Larix decidua) contd

Left: Cone of European larch Right: Cone of Japanese larch

Note the reflexed scales of the Japanese larch.

Larch, European (contd)

European larch to the right of the 10^th fairway

LARCH JAPANESE (Larix kaempteri) Pinaceae Pine family

• Japanese larch was introduced to Britain in the 18^th century. It has hybridised with the European larch and hybrid larch is even more vigorous than its Japanese parent. The Japanese larch has reflexed scales on its cone which distinguishes it from the European larch.
• Most of the larch trees in Beaverstown are Japanese or hybrids and these are mostly to the right of the 13^th fairway.

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LARCH JAPANESE (Larix kaempteri) contd

Larch trees to the right of the 13^th fairway

A Japanese larch to the left of the 5^th fairway

LILAC Syringa vulgaris�Oleaceae Olive family�

• Lilac is a large deciduous shrub or multi stemmed small tree. It is native to the Balkan peninsula. Lilac is particularly noted for its late spring flowers which are often fragrant.

LILAC Syringa vulgaris contd�

A lilac tree/bush at the back of the 17^th green.

A Lilac tree between the practice putting green and the first tee

LIME, COMMON (Tilia europea) Tiliaceae (Lime family)�

•  The common lime is probably an introduced hybrid derived from two species, the small leaved lime and the rarer large leaved lime, both native to the British Isles. Limes are common trees especially in gardens, parks and avenues. The leaves are heart shaped with a toothed margin and are borne on stalks up to 3 cms long. They are delicate pale green and have a soft texture.

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LIME, COMMON (Tilia europea) contd

A lime tree on the right of the 10th fairway.

A lime tree to the left of the 8^th fairway up near the green.

LIME, COMMON (Tilia europea) contd

A weeping lime tree in the island between the 15^th and 16th

MAPLE, NORWAY (Acer plantanoides) Aceraceae (Maple family)�

• Maple is an introduced species in Ireland. It is the national tree of Canada and is used for the production of syrup and produces high quality wood. It is noted for its autumn colours varying from red to yellow. Acer saccharum is the sugar maple. All of the maples in Beaverstown are Norway maple. Sycamore is closely related to maple and is often called a maple. There are also some sycamore trees in Beaverstown

MAPLE, NORWAY (Acer plantanoides) contd

A Norway maple tree on the 1^st fairway near the clubhouse.

A Norway maple in autumn on the left of the 8^th fairway.

MAPLE, NORWAY (Acer plantanoides) contd

A copper maple left of 6^th tee

A Norway maple on the right of the 9^th fairway

OAK, COMMON (Quercus robur) DAIR GHALLDA Fagaceae (Beech family) �

• Common or pedunculate oak is considered a native species and occurs naturally on deep fertile loam soils. It is slow-growing but produces high quality timber much used for shipbuilding in the past and was a favoured timber for producing stakes for farm fencing. The fruit is a distinctive chestnut brown “acorn” produced in pairs on stalks. Acorns provided food for animals and especially in the past for pigs reared in the oak forests.
• An oak tree originally planted in the name of Noel Walley, Captain in 1994, was later transplanted to the back of the old compound and moved again to the right of the 6^th up near the green. Helen O’Brien Lady Captain the same year was also involved in planting an oak tree.

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OAK, COMMON (Quercus robur) contd�

Two Common oak to the left of the 1^st fairway .

�OAK, HOLM/EVERGREEN (Quercus ilex)� Fagaceae (Beech family)�

• Holm oak is native to the Mediterranean region. It is evergreen, broad domed and often multi- stemmed. A mulch of holm oak leaves repels slugs, grubs etc.
• There is only one Holm oak in Beaverstown

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OAK, HOLM/EVERGREEN (Quercus ilex)

The only Holm oak on the left of the 6^th fairway sown as part of group of trees sponsored by Noel Ryan, one of the original group of Trustees

OAK, RED (Quercus rubra /borealis) DAIR Fagaceae (Beech family)

• Red oak comes from the eastern regions of the North America. The name “red” comes from its very red autumn foliage which is true for its native America but less so in Europe. It is not a timber tree of the quality of European oaks as it does not grow to the same size nor is the wood as durable. Its acorns are bitter and not as attractive to wildlife as acorns of European oak.
• Red oak has been planted around some of the maple trees along the entrance avenue and to the right of the 16^th hole.

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OAK, RED (Quercus rubra /borealis)

A young red oak to the right of the entrance roadway in autumn

OAK, SESSILE (Quercus petraea) Dair ghaelach Fagaceae (Beech family)�

• 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. It is commonly used in the making of furniture, for veneers and in the manufacture of casks. The male flowers of oak are borne on rather inconspicuous catkins, which come out just before the leaves, but the seeds - acorns - are far more obvious. Oak trees do not produce a good crop every year, so it is worth gathering plenty in a good year. The traditional Irish oak is the sessile oak. It is the main species to be found in Ireland’s most familiar woodlands. Sessile oak is found more commonly on poor acid soils, often in hilly regions. These woodlands can be found in Killarney, Co. Kerry, the Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow and Glenveagh, Co. Donegal, to name but a few. They are important ecologically as habitats for hundreds of invertebrate species along with�many species of birds and mammals. Sessile means that the acorns have no stalk while those of the pedunculate oak hang from long stalks. Copyright © 2010 Tree Council of Ireland

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OAK, SESSILE (contd)

The only Sessile oak in Beaverstown is near the boundary to the right of the 14^th down near the corner. It is hidden behind the line of Leylandii and is crowded by trees around it.

PEAR, WEEPING / WILLOWLEAF PEAR (Pyrus salicifolia var pendula)�Rosaceae Rose family

• Native to the Middle East, this is a small deciduous tree that bears pendulous , silvery foliage, superficially similar to a weeping willow. It is widely grown as an ornamental tree.

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PEAR , WEEPING / WILLOWLEAF PEAR (Pyrus salicifolia var pendula)�

A weeping pear tree on the island between the 15^th and 16^th fairways.

PEAR, WILD (Pyrus pyraster) PIORRA FIAIN Rosaceae (Rose family)�

• A deciduous tree to 15 metres tall, occasionally a shrub. The wild pear is not a common tree and is not native to Ireland. Wild pear trees are probably descended from pears long ago planted in orchards or gardens.

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PEAR, WILD (Pyrus pyraster) contd

Wild pear tree to the left of the 7^th green that produces abundant crops of small “pear” shaped fruits that are not nice to eat.

PINE species

• There are five pine species represented in Beaverstown:
• Contorta/Lodgepole/Shore (Pinus contorta)
• Corsican (Pinus nigra var maritime)
• Maritime (Pinus maritima)
• Monterey (Pinus radiata)
• Scots (Pinus sylvestre)
• Pines species can be distinguished by number of needles in a cluster (2,3 or 5), needle length, bark, cones and buds.

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PINE, CONTORTA/LODGEPOLE/SHORE (Pinus contorta) Pinaceae Pine family�

Lodgepole pine to right of 11^th tee

PINE, CONTORTA/LODGEPOLE/SHORE (Pinus contorta) contd

Two contorta pines on the right of the 1^st fairway

PINE, CORSICAN (Pinus nigra var. maritime) Pinaceae Pine family�

• Corsican pine is a variety of the black pine of Europe. It grows into large and vigorous trees that are able to withstand salt winds and it has been used extensively to provide shelter, particularly on the coast. It is a 2 needle pine.

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PINE, CORSICAN (Pinus nigra var. maritime) Pinaceae Pine family�

A Corsican pine to the back of the 13^th green

A Corsican pine to left of 16^th

PINE, MARITIME (Pinus maritima)�Pinaceae Pine family

• Maritime is a two needle pine. It has large cones often in groups of three.
• There is only one Maritime in Beaverstown, to the right of the 13^th green.

PINE, MARITIME (Pinus maritima) contd�

The only Maritime pine to the right of the 13^th green

PINE, MONTEREY (Pinus radiata)�Pinaceae Pine family

• Monterey is a three needle pine.
• There are many Monterey pines in Beaverstown - on the boundary mixed with Monterey cypress and Sitka spruce and in new areas to the right of the 1^st tee down near the estuary and at the back of the 12^th green.

PINE, MONTEREY (Pinus radiata) contd�

A Monterey pine on the left of the entrance to the carpark.

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A pair of trees behind the 2^nd green on the boundary of Broadmeadow estuary. The tree on the left is a Monterey pine. The one on the right is a Monterey cyprus

PINE, SCOTS (Pinus sylvestris) Pinaceae Pine family

• Scots pine is the only native conifer in the British Isles of timber size. Scots pine stumps have been found in Irish bogs where they grew 7,000 years ago. It has leaves in pairs on short shoots. It has been used extensively in plantations often mixed with European larch and Norway spruce but has now largely been replaced by faster growing exotic conifers. Pine martins, crested tits and the large capercaillie (woodgrouse) are unique to Scots pine forests.
• There are many Scots pine scattered around the course.

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PINE, SCOTS (Pinus sylvestris) contd

Scots pine to the back of the 13^th green

Typical Scots pine with orange bark

PLUM (Prunus domestica) �Rosaceae (Rose family)�

• There are a number of plum trees in Beaverstown, mostly producing greengage type plums. A cluster of plum trees on the right of the 16^th fairways produces delicious purple coloured plums much appreciated by members. These are a remnant of the fruit trees in the Lamb fruit farm.

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PLUM (Prunus domestica) contd

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Plum trees that produce greengage plums on the left of the 16^th fairway just past the ditch in front of the tee

A cluster of plum trees that produce purple plums to the right of the 16^th fairway. In summer this looks like one tree! See next

PLUM (Prunus domestica) (contd)

Cluster of Plum trees to right of 16th

PLUM (Prunus domestica) contd

Greengage plum in flower to the right of 15^th fairway

POPLAR species

• Six kinds of poplars are commonly grown in the British Isles. The Aspen (P. tremula), the Grey poplar (P. canescens) and the Black poplar (P. nigra) are considered indigenous species. The White poplar (P. alba), the Lombardy poplar (P. nigra variety italica) and the Black Italian poplar (P. serotina) are introduced species.
• Poplars are closely related to willow.
• Hybridisation continues to be common in the genus, with several hybrids between species in different sections known. For example, Grey poplar is a hybrid (P. tremula X P. alba)
• The most common poplar introduced to Ireland is the Black poplar but many hybrid poplars have been planted often as fast growing wind-breaks along field boundaries and for screening buildings. Poplar grows quickly but has poor quality timber.
• There are many poplars in Beaverstown, mostly along the canal and on the boundaries. Most of these are Lombardy or Black but also other species and hybrids not easy to determine.

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POPLAR, ASPEN (Populus tremula) CRANN CREATHACH Salicacaea (Willow family)�

• Aspen is considered a true native poplar. Pollen grains found in peat suggest that aspen re-colonized in Ireland soon after the last glacial period 13,000 years ago. The chattering of flickering aspen leaves in the breeze is one of the most delightful sounds of summer. The leaves have such flattened stalks that almost any breath of wind will set them quivering, scattering sunlight, and the sound comes from the leaves hitting their neighbours. Aspen is not a common tree in Ireland. It yields relatively soft timber used for making matches.

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POPLAR, ASPEN (Populus tremula) contd

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Aspen trees on the 9^th fairway at the canal crossing

POPLAR, BLACK (Populus nigra) � Salicaceae Willow family

• The Black poplar is so called not for reasons of blackness of its leaf or bark but because of the absence of any white or grey down on the underside of its leaves. Its bark is grey. Its growth is erect with some horizontal branches and leaves that vary in shape from triangular to almost circular with rounded teeth on the margins.

POPLAR, BLACK (Populus nigra) contd

A group of Black poplar trees to the right of the 16^th fairway in winter

POPLAR, LOMBARDY (Populus nigra var italica)�Salicaceae Willow family

• Lombardy poplar is so called because it appeared in Italy about the middle of the 18^th century. It leaves are typical of the Black poplar but its branches grow upwards rather than spreading giving it a spire shape only found otherwise among coniferous trees. It grows rapidly particularly in its first 20 years

POPLAR, LOMBARDY (Populus nigra var italica) contd�

Two Lombardy poplar trees to the left of the 5^th green.

REDWOOD, COAST (Sequoia sempervirens)�Cupressaceae Cypress family

• Coast redwood is native to the coast ranges of California where it grows to great heights and include the tallest trees in the world which are over 107 metres and the oldest with a few being 2500 years old. It grows well in Ireland and likes moisture and some shelter.
• There is only one Coast redwood in Beaverstown 

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REDWOOD, COAST (Sequoia sempervirens) contd

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The only coast redwood in Beaverstown is between the 12^th and 13^th fairways behind the old compound

REDWOOD, GIANT/ WELLINGTONIA (Sequoiadendron giganteum) �Cupressaceae Cypress family

• The giant redwood is native to the central and southern Sierra Nevada in eastern California. It is famous for its huge dimensions and the great age it grows to. The holder of the record for volume is “General Sherman” which in 1931 had a height of 83 metres, a girth of 24 metres and a volume of 1,406 cu. m. It is one of the oldest living trees surviving up to 4,000 years. It is widely planted as an ornamental but is not an important commercial tree.

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REDWOOD, GIANT/ WELLINGTONIA (Sequoiadendron giganteum) contd�

A Giant redwood in the new nursery behind the 12th green

GIANT REDWOOD (contd)

A Giant redwood to the right of the 14^th fairway near the corner

ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia) CAORTHANN Rosaceae (Rose family)

• Rowan is a native Irish tree. It is most commonly found on the more acid soils and in wetter areas. Rowan is a very hardy tree resistant to the wind, surviving higher up mountain sides than any other deciduous tree. It is often referred to as “mountain ash”. It has rather distinctive berries in heads than turn yellow, orange or red when ripe. These are attractive to birds.

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ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia) contd

ROWAN (Sorbus aucuparia) contd

SPRUCE, SITKA (Picea sitchensis)�Pinaceae Pine family

• Sitka spruce has proved to be the most successful of the large number of American conifers introduced for forestry plantation in the 20^th century. It thrives on lowland sites with reasonable rainfall producing large trees. It has good tolerance to high wind speeds with associated low temperatures and desiccation and has played a major role in afforestation including drumlins and impoverished upland sites. It produces the highest yield of good quality timber of all the trees grown in Ireland.
• There are many Sitka trees in Beaverstown, notably old trees mixed with Monterey pine and Monterey cypress on the boundaries and fences, and in the plantation between the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th famously referred to as “bonzai” by a member, Rory Kelly when they were small.

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SPRUCE, SITKA (Picea sitchensis) contd

branches.

A sitka spruce surrounded by golden leylandii on the left of the 5^th fairway. This tree has a heavy crop of cones on the upper part.

Norway maple and Sycamore

• Norway Maple and Sycamore are both in the maple genus. They may be distinguished by leaf shape and fruiting body (“helicopter”) shape.
• See pictures in the following :

Norway maple and Sycamore

Left: leaf of Norway maple. Right: leaf of Sycamore, both in autumn. Note the blackish patch frequently seen on sycamore leaves, caused by the fungus Rhytisma acerinum

Left: helicopter of Norway maple Right: helicopter of Sycamore

SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus) SEICEAMOIR Aceraceae (Maple family)�

• Sycamore is naturalised in Ireland but it is a native of high ground in southern and central Europe. It is the largest tree of the maple family in Europe. The bunches of fertilised flowers develop into winged seeds often called “helicopters” which are viable. Sycamore produces a high quality wood used in furniture making, in various rollers, in veneers, in railway cabins and ship’s cabins and in musical instruments. The O’Carolan harp in the National Museum is made entirely of sycamore.
• The most visible Sycamore tree in Beaverstown is to the right of the 1^st tee on the boundary. However, a number of Sycamores were sown along the entrance avenue. There are also several Sycamores on the boundary to the right of the 14^th hidden by the line of Leylandii cypress.

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SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus) contd

A forked sycamore tree to the right of the 1^st tee rear the bridge in Autumn

WHITEBEAM, COMMON (Sorbus aria) Fionncholl Rosaceae Rose Family

• Whitebeam grows best on limestone and in dry areas. It has been used as a street and roadside tree in many areas and its hairy thick leaves reduce water loss. Cultivars have been developed for ornamental planting, for their attractive leaves and fruits. The berries are eaten by birds and the seeds when dropped germinate.
• Also known as Oakleaf Mountain Ash

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WHITEBEAM (Sorbus aria) contd

Whitebeam in flower 14th

WHITEBEAM, FINNISH (Sorbus hybrida) Rosaceae Rose Family

• Three Whitebeam trees on the Island between the 15^th and 16^th fairways are Finnish Whitebeam which is distinguished by the two lower parts of the compound leaf being separated from the rest of the leaf.

Whitebeam, Finnish (contd)

Finnish Whitebeam on the island between the 15^th and 16^th holes

WILLOW, WHITE (Salix alba) �Salicaceae Willow family

• Willow occurs in many forms. The white willow and the similar crack willow occur naturally by rivers, in wetlands and in damp woods. Crosses among willows occur giving rise to many forms. Among these is a cricket bat willow grown specifically to produce timber for making cricket bats, and many ornamental types such as the attractive yellow twigged weeping willow.

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WILLOW, WHITE (Salix alba) contd

A large willow on the course boundary near the original 17^th tee.

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A willow tree to the right of the 16^th fairway

WILLOW, ALMOND LEAVED Salix triandra�Salicaceae Willow family

• The almond-leaved willow is a small tree about twenty feet high distinguished by its bark being thrown off in flakes. Its slender lance shaped leaves are smooth, green above and glaucous beneath , two to four inches long and with heart shaped stipules. Its habitats are the banks of rivers and streams. It produces long, straight shoots when the tree is cut down, used in wicker-work.

WILLOW, ALMOND LEAVED Salix triandra contd

The only Almond leaved willow to the front left of the 15^th tee

Ornamentals

Tree trunk to the right of the second made very pretty by Noel Reynolds using the creeper clematis

Clematis on a frame over a stone bench constructed by his friends in memory of Jimmy Dodd, a member who died.

Lady Captain trees on the Island

• The Lady Captain in 1995, Gaye O’Brien, with support from the 1994 Lady Captain, Helen O’Brien initiated a plan for lady captains to sponsor trees on the Island between the 15^th and 16^th fairways. Lady Captains to date donated money which was used to purchase and plant trees on the Island. There was a hope that the island might have been called “Lady Island” but this never happened.
• The island has many different kinds of trees including: a Eucalyptus, a weeping pear, 2 wild apple, 5 lime, 11 birch, 3 Finnish white beam, a buckthorn, an alder, 3 willow, 7 rowan and one other. The location of the 36 trees on the island is given on the next slide.

Location of the trees on the Island

Scattering of ashes of members

• The ashes of two distinguished members were scattered on the Beaverstown course at their expressed wishes:
• The ashes of Michael Mulreid, a very prominent member of the Wednesday Society, were scattered down the middle of the first where he dearly loved to be every time he played golf.
• The ashes of Bernard Maher were scattered on the old 10^th from where he got the only eagle he had in his golf playing career.

Avenue Trees

• The trees to the right side of the avenue into Beaverstown were planted in 1997. The idea to plant the avenue was driven by John McKenna who was Captain in 1996 and Jim Hender, Captain 1997. The design was developed by Pat Doolan.
• Plants consisted of standards of sycamore and maple 10 to 12 feet tall and spaced 27 to 30 feet apart. Around each standard forming a semi-circle, were planted up to five bare rooted broadleaved transplants about 3 feet tall and 3 feet apart. The transplants comprised alder, rowan, lime, red oak and birch.
• In the early years after planting the bare rooted stock performed best and indeed the alder outperformed the maple and sycamore standards. However, over the fullness of time, it is expected that the maple and sycamore will dominate the tree line along the avenue up to the railway line. This planting needs to be managed.

Tree planting by Members

• After the course redesign by Peter McEvoy in 2000, securing the course boundaries was tackled. The boundary to the right of the new 15^th was the first to done. Aidan O’Kennedy, Greens Committee chairman and Christy Farren, Head Greenkeeper undertook preparatory work by ploughing an area about 4 acres along the right side boundary from the elbow at the junction of the 14^th and 15^th holes to the 15^th green. Up to 7,000 trees were required.
• On a bright spring day in 2001 John Graham, a leading corner boy, and Florrie Clinton travelled to Ballintemple nursery in County Wexford to collect the trees. Volunteers were organised by John Walsh, Captain to help plant the trees. It was a sight to relish to see groups of 8 to 10 club members with broken down spades planting trees on the 15^th of a spring evening. Christy Farren and his course staff finished the job.

Other tree planting in 2001

• Planting of trees took place elsewhere throughout the course in 2001 especially:
• In the area to the left of the 14^th between the windbreaks
• To the right of the 18^th fairway close to the railway line about 100 yards back from the green
• Some smaller areas throughout the course