Unidentified tree to ID

[chrishorak]

Anyone know what this tree could be?

It is large, but very bushy.



If these photos don't help to ID the tree, then any idea what else I should photograph or take note of?

Thanks

[Hedge Witch]

Hi, it's a Sweet Bay, Laurus nobilis, I think.
If you crush the leaves, they should give off a pleasant aroma.

[KeenTeen17]

I'll have to agree to that one! good job HW

[chrishorak]

Thank you - I had no idea that they grew to that size, but it seems they get even bigger.

[chrishorak]

I walked past this tree again and had a closer look at crushed a leaf to smell it. It didn't seem to have any smell.

I took another photo because there are a few leaves that have a holly leaf shape. I've never noticed a tree like that that has different shaped leaves.



Does this still seem like Sweet Bay, Laurus nobilis - or does the new photo point to something else?

[The Woodman]

I think your new photo points to one of the Hollies. The flower buds in the leaf stem joint did it for me in one of the first pics. There are some holly experts out there that should be able to give you a species.

[Hedge Witch]

LOL, yes definitely a holly - but what do I know

[The Woodman]

There was a superficial resemblance to Sweet Bay HW, similar leaf shape.

[chrishorak]

I didn't even realise there were different types of Hollies.

[The Woodman]

There are about 300 species of Holly in the world but only one in Britain, the Common Holly Ilex aquifolium. This native tree has many forms and hybrids. Some trees have spinless leaves at the bottom and spiny leaves at the top. Berry colour can also be variable. The leaves are also arranged alternatively.