Please could someone ID these for me?

[Toby_2008]

Hi,

I'm new to bush craft, just been for a wander with the dog today and just wanted to have you guys ID these bits a pieces for me.

1: I think this is a damson, it had a powdery coating on it which got rubbed of in the pocket, quite a similar appearance to a sloe only larger and more oval. - please confirm : http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/...sh Craft/?action=view&current=17082009099.jpg


2: Is this Beech? : http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/...sh Craft/?action=view&current=17082009098.jpg


3: Is this Beech? if so then why does it have those seeds rather than the normal spiny nuts? : http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/...sh Craft/?action=view&current=17082009101.jpg

4: What is this? Willow perhaps? : http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/...sh Craft/?action=view&current=17082009100.jpg

Cheers guys,

Toby

 

[Mesquite]

The first 3 are a bit difficult to ID from your pictures. 4 isn't willow but looks like Ash

 

[Toby_2008]

thanks, yer im sorry about the pics but its the best my phone could manage

 

[Toby_2008]

is anybody able to ID the possible Damson (number 1)

 

[chickenofthewoods]

You'll be hard pressed to get anyone to commit to an id with those pictures I think. Going by the size of the fruit in the 1st pic it could be either a dark skinned cherry plum (we have some like this in our area), or possibly a damson but it really is very hard to say. If you can get back and get a clearer pic which includes some foliage so that we can see the leaf size & shape it' be a big help. I could be being over-cautious but don't try it till you can be really sure what you have.

For the leaves, not Beech for sure, it could be Alder, but looking at the seeds I'd say Hornbeam. The other leaf could indeed be ash - look out for the elongated oval/teardrop shaped seed pods like the ones shown here: http://www.english-country-garden.com/trees/tree-identifier.htm

 

[Peter_t]

no 2 and 3 are definately hornbeem, the leaves are similar to beech but the edges are toothed not smooth. also you have the winged seeds

no 4 could be ash but it doesnt look quite right to me, maby rowan (mountain ash)

pete

 

[dwardo]

I agree with the hornbeam due to the seeds, if it were gray alder it would have catkins. Can tbe sure on the fruit either. One tip when after an id is to take pictures of the whole tree/plant, the bark, the fruit/seed and the leaves attached to the branch.

There are lots of trees that look superficialy the same but its the key little things like seeds that give them away.

 

[Colin.W]

I agree with the verdict hornbeam and possible rowan also the 1st pic is way to blured to make any accurate ID.
Years ago my dad bought me a pocket book of plants and trees because of my keen interest in knowing about our natural world I was always asking questions some of which he didnt know the answer to. Along with a book I bought myself a few years later "natures larder" through my teens and 20s I took these books on every walk and camping trip.

 

[harryhaller]

Along with a book I bought myself a few years later "natures larder" through my teens and 20s I took these books on every walk and camping trip.

Can you give more details about the book "nature's larder"? I've tried googling but not had much luck.

 

[Colin.W]

Unfortunately I no longer have that book and I cant remember who published it I bought it new around 1968 or 69, it was a pocket size hardback (although the pockets then must have been bigger then than they are now or my hands were smaller) The book I have now to replace it is "food for free by Richard Maybey" published by Collins isbn 0-00-220159-3 in my opinion not as good as the one I lost but still quite good