Plants
Introduction to the Plant Photographs
The following are photographs of some of the plants and plant-associated groups that occur in and around Wanstead Park. Use the menu below to choose a particular group.
Names of flowering plants, both scientific and English, are generally those used in "New Flora of the British Isles" 2nd edition, by Clive Stace. (CUP), although in some cases the English name may differ. The numbers after the name relate to the page number on which that species is referred to in "New Flora"
The large scale photographs have been labeled with the date photographed and the location.
All of the photographs have been taken "in the field", and all actually in the area to which the plant refers, hence if a photograph appears in the section of plants of Wanstead Park, then it was taken in the Park!
For Flowering Plants, click here
For Plant Galls, click here
For Algae & Lichens, click here
For Fungi, click here
For Liverworts & Mosses, click here
The Trees of Wanstead Flats - 1979
Wanstead Flats forms the southernmost extent of Epping Forest and comprises about 135 Hectares, mostly of open grassland and football pitches.
The overall impression one gets of the area is just that - flat, open grassland. But in fact there are a large number of trees to be found here, hundreds of specimens of some 36 species. These are present typically in planted copses and as roadside plantings, or - in the case for example of Hawthorn - in either small groups or as isolated specimens.
A survey of the trees of Wanstead Flats was made in 1979 as an addition to the general plant survey of Wanstead Flats (Ferris, 1981), and covers the same area.
Each separate 0.25 x 0.25Km. square of the plant survey map (Map) was investigated and the species present therein listed (Table 1). The trees found in each square were listed alphabetically using the scientific name. The number of specimens of each species should generally be treated as approximate, especially in the larger groups of trees where counting precisely is more difficult.
The term 'tree' should be taken to include some of the smaller types that may in fact be little more than shrubs. This is particularly true of elder (Sambucus nigra).
36 species were recorded on 1979, although some of these - particularly Elm, Birch and the single Alder (Alnus glutinosa) - were in poor condition or dying.
A list of the 36 species in alphabetical order is included in Appendix 1.
P. R. Ferris
Trees recorded from Wanstead Flats listed alphabetically by species per grid square.
(specs. = specimens)
D3/D4 (Wood by Harrow Road)
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 3 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Quercus robur 2 specs.
Sambucus nigra 1 spec.
Ulmus sp. 4 specs.
D4
Populus nigra 'italica' 1 spec. by houses at edge of Flats
D5 (Edge of Flats)
Platanus x hybrida A line of trees
(Wood opposite school)
Crataegus monogyna The predominant species
Sambucus nigra 1 spec.
(Group of trees near Ferndale Rd.; inc. part of D6)
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Populus x canadensis A number of fine trees
Tilia x europaea 5 specs. amongst poplars
(S.W. edge of tree avenue (Evelyn's Avenue) leading to Bush Wood)
Platanus x hybrida Forming part of Evelyn's Avenue
Populus x canadensis
D6
Populus tremula One tree at edge of Flats opp. Stanmore Road.
E3
Platanus x hybrida Lining Harrow Road
E4 No trees except possibly two Crataegus monogyna in S.E. corner of square
E5
Platanus x hybrida Comprising tree avenue (Evelyn's Avenue)
Populus x canadensis
E6 (Avenue of trees)
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Tilia x europaea Main avenue of trees
(Lining Bushwood)
Platanus x hybrida
(Wood by Bushwood)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna Some in wood; a few elsewhere
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Quercus robur Predominant species
F2
Platanus x hybrida Lining Dames Road and Sidney Road
F3
Acer pseudoplatanus A few specs. on old toilet site
Crataegus monogyna Numerous specs.
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec. on site of old toilets
Platanus x hybrida Lining S. side of Lake House and Dames Roads
Populus nigra 'italica' 1 spec on old toilet site.
F4 (Lining Lake House Road; west side)
Platanus x hybrida A number of trees
Populus x canadensis 6 specs.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
(Edge of Flats by houses)
Acer campestre 3 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Betula sp. A few specs.
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Abundant
Ilex aquifolium Some bushes
Platanus x hybrida Comprise most of tree avenue
Populus x canadensis
Quercus robur 2 specs.
Tilia x europaea 2 specs.
Ulmus sp. 2 trees; many suckers
F4 (S.E. side of Lake House Road)
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida Lining Lake House Road
Tilia cordata A few specs. in copse
Tilia x europaea Dominant species in copse
F5
Acer campestre 1 spec.
Betula sp. 2 specs.
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida Forming avenue of trees by houses
Populus x canadensis
Tilia x europaea
F6
This square includes part of Bush Wood, dealt with separately. Only those trees
that are S.W. of the footpath between Belgrave Road and Bushwood are included here.
Crataegus monogyna Abundant
Ilex aquifolium Abundant
Platanus x hybrida Lining Bushwood
Quercus robur Abundant
Tilia x europaea Tree avenue
G2 (By houses in Woodford Road and Sidney Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum
Acer campestre
Acer platanoides 1 spec.
Acer pseudoplatanus
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Ilex aquifolium
Quercus robur
Tilia x europaea
Ulmus sp. Unidentified elm
Ulmus glabra
(Lining Sydney Road)
Platanus x hybrida
G2 (By Centre Road)
Crataegus monogyna 1 spec.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
G3 (By Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna
Tilia x europaea 2 specs
G3 (Copse to W. of Centre Road)
Carpinus betulus 3 specs
Crataegus monogyna
Quercus borealis 5 specs.
Quercus robur 8 specs.
(Elsewhere)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered on Flats
G4 (Roadside)
Crataegus monogyna
Malus sp. 1 spec. by Lake House Road
Quercus robur 3 specs. by Lake House Road
Sambucus nigra
Tilia x europaea 2 specs. by Centre Road
(Copse east edge of F4)
Crataegus monogyna
Tilia x europaea Dominant species
G5
Acer pseudoplatanus One small tree by Lake House Road
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec. in dip E. side of Centre Road
Ilex aquifolium 2 specs.
Laburnum anagyroides 1 spec.
Platanus x hybrida Lining E. side of Centre Road
Populus tremula 1 spec.
Sambucus nigra Approx. 3 specs.
Sorbus aucuparia A sapling near Lake House Road
Tilia cordata 1 spec.
Ulmus glabra 1 spec.
H1 (Avenue by Capel Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Fraxinus excelsior 2 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Avenue by Flats plus 2 dead trees by road
Tilia sp. 6 specs.
Ulmus sp. One or two nearly dead trees; lots of regeneration in ditch
(Bandstand circle)
Platanus x hybrida
H2 (An avenue of trees by Woodford Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Comprise that side of tree avenue by pond
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Tilia sp. 1 spec.
H3 (Lining Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Tilia sp. 4 specs.
Ulmus sp. 2 specs; one nearly dead, but regenerating in ditch.
H4 (By Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida 1 spec.
Populus x canadensis 5 specs.
Tilia sp. 3 specs.
Ulmus sp. 1 spec.
(Long Wood: western section)
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Carpinus betulus 5 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful. particularly at edge of wood.
Fagus sylvatica 2 specs. , one with white bark.
Ilex aquifolium Some bushes
Platanus x hybrida
Quercus sp. 2 unidentified oaks near Centre Road
Quercus robur Predominant species..
Sambucus nigra 1 or 2 bushes.
Tilia sp. 5 specs. plus one isolated to N. of Long Wood.
(Long Wood: middle section)
Betula sp. 1 dead tree.
Carpinus betulus 4 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful around edges and at E. end.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Quercus robur.
Quercus sp. One tree with large leaves.
Quercus borealis 2 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with Fagus sylvatica.
Sambucus nigra
(Long Wood: eastern section inc. part of I4)
Betula sp. 3 specs. alive; 1 dead
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Quercus robur.
Quercus sp. One unidentified tree.
Quercus borealis 2 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with Fagus sylvatica.
Sambucus nigra
Tilia sp. 3 specs.
Ulmus glabra 1 spec.
H5
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Ilex aquifolium 1 bush.
Quercus robur 1 tree plus some seedlings in grass.
Tilia sp. 1 spec. by track from spring to Centre Road.
Tilia x europaea 4 specs. by Aldersbrook Road.
Ulmus sp. 2 specs.
I1 (Copse west of changing rooms)
Fagus sylvatica 9 specs.
Quercus robur Dominant species.
(Lining Capel Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum
I2 (South Copse)
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Castanea sativa 1 spec.
Fagus sylvatica Dominant species in S. part of copse.
Quercus robur Dominant in N. part of copse.
Tilia x europaea 3 specs.
(Lining Capel Road
Aesculus hippocastanum
(For North Copse see I3)
I3 (West of Lake House Road)
Platanus x hybrida A number of trees.
Populus x canadensis 6 specs.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
(East of Lake House Road)
Betula sp. Only one spec. still alive.
Castanea sativa Approx. 9 specs.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant with Q. robur.
Quercus borealis Approx. 12 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant with F. sylvatica
Robinia pseudoacacia 3 specs.
Tilia x europaea 5 specs. amongst poplars
(For '1953' plantation see I4)
I4 ('1953' plantation including part of I3)
Betula sp. 1 spec.
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Quercus robur
(For Long Wood see H4)
I5 (Aldersbrook Road-side)
Acer pseudoplatanus One sapling among hawthorns
Crataegus monogyna Scattered along roadside
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
? Unidentified sapling planted by roadside opposite Brading Crescent.
(By bus stop)
Carpinus betulus Saplings
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica Saplings
Quercus robur Saplings
J1
Acer pseudoplatanus Three groups of young trees E. of changing rooms
Aesculus hippocastanum Lining Capel Road
Quercus robur One spec. opposite 86 Capel Road
J2
Aesculus hippocastanum Lining Capel Road
J2/3
Betula sp. Only 1 spec. alive
Fagus sylvatica About 16 specs.
Quercus borealis About 14 specs.
Quercus robur About 10 specs.
Sorbus sp. 2 specs.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
J4
(No trees)
J5
Aesculus x carnea Isolated small tree opposite Park Rd.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful
(West edge of walled area)
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 5 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Quercus robur 6 specs
Tilia x europaea 11 specs.
(South edge of walled area)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Fagus sylvatica 10-20 specs.
Fraxinus excelsior 1 spec.
Quercus robur 10-20 specs.
Tilia x europaea 10-20 specs.
(East edge of walled area)
Acer pseudoplatanus A few specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Q. robur
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with F. sylvatica
Tilia sp. A few specs.
Betula sp. In playing field building enclosure
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
K1/2 (Capel Road-side)
Acer pseudoplatanus One sapling opposite 111 Capel Road
Crataegus monogyna Roadside hedge
Crataegus oxyacanthoides One specimen opposite 94 Capel Road
Quercus robur Lining Road
K3 (For islands of Alexandra Lake see I3)
K4
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
L1
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 small trees, opposite 152 and 159
Crataegus monogyna Capel Road-side hedge
Quercus robur Lining Capel Road
L2 (By Capel Road-side)
Crataegus monogyna A few specs.
Ulmus sp. One tree stump regenerating
(East of Alexandra Lake and elsewhere on Flats)
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 specs.
Betula pendula 1 spec. E. of Alexandra Lake
Crataegus monogyna Predominant species
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 1 spec. S.E. corner of Alexandra Lake
Ilex aquifolium Some small bushes
Sambucus nigra Some small trees
(For islands of Alexandra Lake see L3)
L3 (Wood north of Alexandra Lake)
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer platanoides
Acer pseudoplatanus 5 specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 4 specs.
Alnus glutinosa 1 spec.
Betula sp. 2 spec. alive
Carpinus betulus 10 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Common
Fagus sylvatica Most abundant species
Ilex aquifolium A few specs.
Pinus nigra laricio 1 spec.
Platanus x hybrida 1 spec. in wood; rest lining road
Quercus borealis 1 spec.
Quercus robur 15 specs.
Tilia x europaea 14 specs.
Ulmus glabra 1 tree; 1 stump
(Islands on Alexandra Lake; inc. K3 and L2)
The islands have not been closely studied but the following species are thought to be present: Betula sp.
Prunus sp.
Quercus robur
Salix caprea caprea
M1 (West side of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus One small tree among hawthorns
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
M2 (West side of Forest Drive)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered in rough grass and in wood
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive
(Wood west of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Carpinus betulus 4 specs.
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Pyrus communis 12 spec. by roadside
Quercus borealis 1 specs
Quercus robur Predominant species
(East side of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus 3 specs. in W. part of wood
Carpinus betulus 5 specs. in W. part of wood; 1 in E.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant with Q. robur in wood
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive
Quercus borealis 1 spec. in W. part of wood
Quercus robur Co-dominant with F. sylvatica
Tilia x europaea 4 specs. in W. part of wood
M3 (South side of Aldersbrook Road)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
N1
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 2 specs.
Malus sp. 1 or more specs.
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive and Forest View Road; and surrounding the fenced area.
Prunus avium 2 or 3 trees in S.W. corner of square; 2 trees in N. edge of square
Prunus serrulata 8 specs.
N2
Acer pseudoplatanus Both sides of Aldersbrook Road
Platanus x hybrida Both sides of Aldersbrook Road
O1
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 3 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest View Road and Aldersbrook Road
SPECIES LIST OF TREES OF WANSTEAD FLATS
1 Acer campestre FIELD MAPLE
2 Acer platanoides NORWAY MAPLE
3 Acer pseudoplatanus SYCAMORE
4 Aesculus x carnea RED HORSE CHESTNUT
5 Aesculus hippocastanum HORSE CHESTNUT
6 Betula sp. BIRCH
7 Alnus glutinosa ALDER
8 Carpinus betulus HORNBEAM
9 Castanea sativa SWEET CHESTNUT
10 Crataegus monogyna HAWTHORN
11 Crataegus oxyacanthoides MIDLAND HAWTHORN
12 Fagus sylvatica BEECH
13 Fraxinus excelsior ASH
14 Ilex aquifolium HOLLY
15 Laburnum anagyroides LABURNUM
16 Malus sp. APPLE
17 Pinus nigra laricio CORSICAN PINE
18 Platanus x hybrida LONDON PLANE
19 Populus nigra 'Italica' LOMBARDY POPLAR
20 Populus tremula ASPEN
21 Populus x canadensis HYBRID POPLAR
22 Pyrus communis PEAR
23 Prunus avium WILD CHERRY
24 Prunus serrulata JAPANESE CHERRY
25 Quercus borealis RED OAK
26 Quercus robur PEDUNCULATE OAK
27 Quercus serrulata TURKEY OAK
28 Robinia pseudoacacia LOCUST TREE
29 Salix caprea caprea GREAT SALLOW
30 Sambucus nigra ELDER
31 Sorbus aria WHITEBEAM
32 Sorbus aucuparia ROWAN
33 Tilia cordata SMALL-LEAVED LIME
34 Tilia x europaea COMMON LIME
35 Ulmus glabra WYCH ELM
36 Ulmus procera ENGLISH ELM
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LIST OF FLOWERING PLANTS AND CONIFERS IN WANSTEAD PARK DISTRICT.
By Gulielma Lister F.L.S.
( from THE FLORA OF WANSTEAD PARK DISTRICT, By GULIELMA LISTER, F.L.S. (Read 29th November, 1941) (Essex Naturalist, Vol. 27))
Latin names taken from Hooker's Student's Flora of the British Islands, Third Edition, 1884 ; reprinted in 1930. Names not included in the Student's Flora, from Liuce's List of British Plants ; Kew Hand-lists of Herbaceous Plants, and Trees and Shrubs, Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles, and Dallimore and Jackson's Handbook of Coniferae. English names taken from Hooker's Student's Flora where given, with additions from Bentham and Hooker's Handbook of the British Flora, and Hayward's Botanist's Pocket Book, 15th Edition, revised by Claridge Druce, 1917.
See HERE for more on Gulielma Lister.
(amendments to Lister's Flora in green)
ABBREVIATIONS OF LOCALITIES
P. Wanstead Park. W. "The Warren" Estate. C. St. Mary's Churchyard. G. Wanstead Golf Links.
B. Bushwood. F. Friends' Graveyard, Wanstead. An asterisk * indicates a cultivated plant.
RANUNCULACEAE.
Anemone nemorosa L. ; Wood Anemone. P. W.
Ranunculus heterophyllus Fries.; Water Crowfoot. P.
R. Flammula L. ; Lesser Spear-wort. B.
R. sceleratus L. ; Celery-leaved Buttercup. P.
R. acris L. ; Meadow Buttercup. P. W. C. G.
R. repens L. ; Creeping Buttercup. P. W. C. B.
R. bulbosus L. ; Bulbous Buttercup. P. W. G.
R. Ficaria L. ; Lesser Celandine. P. W. B.
BERBERIDEAE.
*Berberis Wilsonae Hems. Mrs. Wilson's Barberry. W.
*B. aquifolium Pursh. (syn. Mahonia Aquifolium Nutt.) ; Oregon Grape. G.
NYMPHAEACEAE.
Nuphar luteum Sm.; Yellow Water-lily. P.
Nymphaea alba L. ; White Water-lily. P.
FUMARIACEAE.
Corydalis lutea DC.; Yellow Fumitory. W.
CRUCIFERAE.
Nasturtium sylvestre Br. ; Creeping Watercress. P.
N. palustre DC. ; Marsh Watercress. P.
N. amphibium Br. : Great Watercress. P. W.
Barbarea vulgaris Br. ; Common Winter Cress. P. W.
Cardamine pratensis L. ; Cuckoo Flower. P. W.
Sisymbrium officinale Scop. ; Hedge Mustard. P. W.
S. Alliaria Scop. ; Garlic Mustard. P. W.
S. altissimum L. ; Tall Rocket. W.
Erysimum cheiranthoides L. ; Treacle Mustard. P.
*Brassica oleracea L. ; Cabbage. W.
*B. campestris sub-sp. Rapa L. ; Turnip. W.
B. nigra Koch. ; Black Mustard. W.
B. Sinapis Vis. ; Charlock. W.
B. alba Boiss. ; White Mustard. W.
Capsella Bursa-pastoris Moench. ; Shepherd's Purse. P. W. C. B.
Senebiera didyma Pers. ; Wart Cress. W.
S. Coronopus Poir. ; Swine's Cress. W.
Lepidium ruderale L. ; Narrow-leaved Cress. W. B.
Raphanus Raphanistrum L. ; Wild Radish. W.
RESEDACEAE.
Reseda Luteola L.; Dyer's weed. P.
CARYOPHYLLEAE.
Silene Cucubalus Wibel. ; Bladder Campion. W.
Lychnis diurna Sibth. ; Red Campion. P. W.
L. vespertina Sibth.; White Campion. W.
Cerastium glomeratum Thuill. ; Broad-leaved Mouse-ear Chickweed. P. W. C. G. B.
C. triviale Link. ; Common Mouse-ear Chickweed. P.
Stellaria aquatica Scop. ; Water Chickweed. P.
S. media Vill. ; Common Chickweed. P. W. C. B.
S. graminea L. ; Heath Stitchwort. P. W. G. B.
Arenaria trinervia L. ; Three-nerved Sandwort. P.
A. serpyllifolia L. ; Thyme-leaved Sandwort. W.
Sagina procumbens L. ; Common Pearlwort. P. W. C.
MALVACEAE.
Malva sylvestris L. ; Common Mallow. W.
TILIACEAE.
Tilia vulgaris Hayne ; Common Lime. W. B.
LINEAE.
Linum Sp. (very near L. usitatissimum L.) F.
GERANIACEAE.
Geranium Robertianum L. ; Herb-Robert. C.
Oxalis Acetosella L. ; Wood-sorrel. B.
Impatiens parviflora DC. ; Small Yellow Balsam. B.
ILICINEAE.
Ilex aquifolium L. ; Holly. P. W. B. F.
CELASTRINEAE.
*Euonymus japonica L. ; Evergreen Spindle-tree. C.
SAPINDACEAE.
*Acer pseudoplatanus L. ; Sycamore. P. W. C.
*A. Platanoides L. ; Norway Maple. C.
*Aesculus hippocastanum L. ; Horse-Chestnut. P. W. C. B.
SIMARUBIACEAE.
*Ailanthus glandulosa Desr. ; Tree of Heaven. W.
LEGUMINOSAE.
Genista anglica L. ; Needle Furze. F.
Ulex europaeus L. ; Gorse. P. B.
Cytisus scoparius Link. ; Broom. P. W. G. B.
*Laburnum vulgare Presl. ; Common Laburnum. W.
Medicago lupulina L. ; Black Medick. W. C.
Melilotus officinalis Desr. ; Field Melilot. W.
M. altissima Thuill. ; Common Melilot. W.
*Lupinus nootkatensis Donn. ? ; Lupine. W.
Trifolium pratense L. ; Red Clover. P. W. B.
T. hybridum L. ; Alsike Clover. P. W. B.
T. repens L. ; White Clover. P. W. C.
T. dubium Sibth. ; Lesser Clover. P. W.
Lotus corniculatus L. ; Bird's-foot Trefoil. P. W. C. G. F.
*Coronilla varia ; Crown Vetch L. W.
Vicia tetrasperma Moench ; Smooth Tare. W.
V. Cracca L. ; Tufted Vetch. P. C.
V. sativa L. ; Common Vetch. W.
Lathyrus pratensis L. ; Yellow Meadow Vetchling. P. W.B.
ROSACEAE.
Prunus communis Huds. ; Blackthorn. P. W. B. F.
P. Cerasus L. ; Wild Cherry. W. B.
*P. Amygdalus Stokes ; Almond. W.
*P. lusitanica L ; Portugal Laurel. W.
Spiraea Ulmaria L. ; Meadow-sweet. P. W.
Rubus idaeus L. ; Raspberry. B. C.
R. fruticosus L. ; Bramble.
sub-sp. R. rhamnifolius W. & N. B.
sub-sp. R. caesius L. ; Dewberry. P. W. C.
sub-sp. R. discolor W. & N. P. W. B.
sub-sp. R. Radula Weihe. B.
sub-sp. R. pallidus Weihe. B. F.
R. laciniatus Willd. ; Cut-leaved Bramble. B.
Geum urbanum L. ; Wood Avens. P. W.
Potentilla tormentilla Scop. ; Tormentil. P. W. F.
Potentilla tormentilla sub-sp. P. procumbens Sibth. P.
P. reptans L. ; Creeping Cinquefoil. P. W. G. B.
P. norvegica L. ; Norwegian Potentilla. W.
*Waldsteinia trifolia Koch. (= W. ternata) Barren Strawberry. B.
Rosa canina L. ; Dog Rose. P. W. B.
R. arvensis Huds. ; Field Rose. B.
Pyrus Aria L. ; sub-sp. latifolia Pers. (= P. Aria Sm. x P. torminalis Ehrh.) B. P.
Aucuparia Gaertn. ; Rowan Tree. W. C. P.
Malus L. ; Crab-apple. B.
*Malus toringoides Hughes. Cut-leaved Crab. W.
Crataegus Oxyacantha L. ; Hawthorn.
Oxyacantha proper (syn. C. Oxyacanthoides Thuill.) P. B.
sub-sp monogyna Jacq. P. W. C. B. F.
SAXIFRAGEAE.
Ribes rubrum L. ; Red Currant. P.
*Philadelphus coronarius L. ; Syringa. W.
HALORAGEAE.
Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. ; Alternate-flowered Water Milfoil. P.
Callitriche verna L. ; Water Starwort. P.
C. autumnalis L. ; Water Starwort. B.
LYTHRARIEAE.
Lythrum Salicaria L. ; Purple Loosestrife. P.
Peplis Portula L. ; Water-Purslane. B.
ONAGRARIEAE.
Epilobium angustifolium L. ; Rose-bay Willow-herb. P. W. B. C. F.
E. hirsutum L. ; Codlins-and-Cream. P. W.
E. parviflorum Schreb. ; Hoary Willow-herb. W. B.
E. montanum L. ; Broad-leaved Willow-herb. W.
E. lanceolatum Sebast. & Maur. ; Spear-leaved Willow-herb. P.
E. roseum Schreb. ; Pale Willow-herb. W.
E. tetragonum L. ; Square-stalked Willow-herb. W.
Circaea lutetiana L. ; Enchanter's Nightshade. P. W.
CUCURBITACEAE.
Bryonia dioica L. ; White Bryony. W. C.
UMBELLIFERAE.
Conium maculatum L. ; Hemlock. W.
Apium nodiflorum Reich. ; Marsh Wort. P.
Aegopodium podagraria L. ; Gout Weed. P. W.
Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm. ; Wild Chervil. P. B.
Angelica sylvestris L. ; Wild Angelica. P. W.
Heracleum sphondylium L. ; Hogweed. P. W. B.
Caucalis Anthriscus Huds. ; Hedge Parsley. P.
ARALICEAE.
Hedera Helix L. ; Ivy. P. W. C. B. F.
CORNACEAE.
*Aucuba japonica Thunb. W. C. F.
CAPRIFOLIACEAE.
Sambucus nigra L. ; Elder. P. W. C. G. B. F.
Lonicera Periclymenum L. ; Honeysuckle. P.
*Viburnum Tinus L. ; Lauristinus. C.
RUBIACEAE.
Galium verum L. ; Lady's Bedstraw. P. W. C. G. B.
G. saxatile L. ; Heath Bedstraw. P. F.
G. Aparine L. ; Cleavers. P. W.
DIPSACEAE.
Dipsacus sylvestris L. ; Wild Teasel. C.
Scabiosa succisa L. ; Devil's Scabious. P. F. (noted in 2007 in Society of Friends graveyard, B.W.)
COMPOSITEAE.
Eupatorium cannabinum L. ; Hemp Agrimony. P.
*Aster novi-belgii L. ; Michaelmas Daisy. W.
Erigeron canadense L. ; Canadian Fleabane. P. W. C. G.
Bellis perennis L. ; Daisy. P. W. C. B.
*Solidago canadensis L. ; Canadian Golden Rod. W.
Gnaphalium uliginosum L. ; Marsh Cudweed. W. C
Bidens cernua L. ; Nodding Bur-Marigold. P. B.
B. tripartita L. ; Three-cleft Bur-Marigold P.
Anthemis Cotula L. ; Stinking Mayweed. P. W.
A. nobilis L. ; Chamomile. P.
Achillea Millefolium L. ; Yarrow. P. W. C. G. B.
Matricaria Chamomilla L. ; Wild Chamomile. P. W.
M. inodora L. ; Scentless Mayweed. P. W.
M. discoidea DC. (Syn. M. suaveolens). P. W. C. B.
Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum L. ; Ox-eye Daisy. W. C.
Artemisia vulgaris L. ; Mugwort. W. B.
Petasites vulgaris Desf. ; Butter-bur. P. W.
Tussilago Farfara L. ; Coltsfoot. P. W.
Senecio vulgaris L. ; Groundsel. P. W.
S. sylvaticus L. ; Heath Groundsel. W.
S. viscosus L. ; Stinking Groundsel. P. W. C. G.
S. Jacobaea L. ; Ragwort. P. W.
S. squalidus L. ; Oxford Ragwort. W.
*Calendula officinalis L. ; Marigold. W.
Arctium Lappa L. ; sub-sp. minus Schkuhr ; Small Burdock. P. W. C. G.
Centaurea nigra L. ; Knapweed. P. W. C.
Cnicus lanceolatus Hoffm. ; Spear Thistle. P. W. C. G.
C. arvensis Hoffm. ; Creeping Thistle. P. W. C. G.
Lapsana communis L. ; Nipplewort. P. W. C.
Picris echioides L. (syn. Helmintha echiodes Gaertn.) Ox-tongue. P. W.
Crepis virens L. ; Smooth Hawk's-beard. P. W. C. G.
C. taraxacifolia Thuill. ; Beaked Crepis. P. W.
Hieracium Pilosella L. ; Mouse-ear Hawkweed. P. W. C.
H. boreale Fries; Savoy Hawkweed. P. W.
Hypochoeris radicata L. ; Long-rooted Cat's-ear. P. W. C.
Leontodon autumnalis L. ; Autumnal Hawkbit. P. W.
Taraxacum officinale Web. ; Dandelion. P. W.
Lactuca Scariola L. ; Prickly Lettuce. W.
Sonchus oleraceus L. ;
S. oleraceus proper ; Common Sowthistle. P. W. C.
sub-sp. Hoffm. ; Rough Sowthistle. P. W. C.
Tragopogan pratensis L. ; var. minor Fries ; Goat's-beard. P. W. G.
CAMPANULACEAE.
Campanula rotundifolia L. ; Hare-bell. P. W. F.
ERICACEAE.
*Arbutus Unedo L. ; Strawberry-tree. C.
*Rhododendron ponticum L. P. W.
PLUMBAGINACEAE
*Armeria vulgaris Willd. ; Thrift. C.
PRIMULACEAE
Lysimachia vulgaris L. ; Yellow Loosestrife. P.
L. Nummularia L. ; Creeping Jenny. P.
Anagallis arvensis L. ; Scarlet Pimpernel. P. W.
OLEACEA.
Fraxinus excelsior L. ; Ash. P. W. C.
*Ligustrum vulgare L. ; Privet. P. W. C. B. F.
*Syringa vulgaris L. ; Common Lilac. W.
LOGANIACEAE.
*Buddleia Variabilis Hemsl. W.
BORAGINEAE.
Symphytum officinale L. ; Common Comfrey. P.
Myosotis palustris With. ; Forget-me-not. P.
CONVOLVULACEAE.
Convolvulus arvensis L. ; Corn Bindweed. P. W. B.
C. sepium L. ; Large Bindweed. P. W. B.
SOLONACEAE.
Solanum Dulcamara L. ; Bittersweet. P. W. C. B.
S. nigrum L. ; Black Nightshade. P. W. C.
PLANTAGINEAE.
Plantago major L. ; Great Plantain. P. W. C.
P. lanceolata L. ; Ribwort Plantain. P. W.
SCROPHULARINEAE.
Scrophularia nodosa L. ; Knotted Figwort. P.
Digitalis purpurea L. ; Foxglove. W. C.
Veronica Buxbaumii Ten. ; Large Field Speedwell. C.
V. hederifolia L. ; Ivy-leaved Speedwell. P. W.
LABIATAE.
Lycopus europaeus L. ; Gipsy-wort. P.
Nepeta Glechoma Benth.; Ground Ivy. P. W.
Prunella vulgaris L. ; Self-heal. P. W. C.
Scutellaria galericulata L. ; Skull-cap. P.
Stachys sylvatica L. ; Hedge Woundwort. P. W. B.
Galeopsis Tetrahit L. ; Common Hemp-nettle. P. W. C.
Lamium purpureum L. ; Red Dead-nettle. W. B.
L. album L. ; White Dead-nettle. P. W.
Ballota nigra L. ; Black Horehound. P. W.
Teucrium Scorodonia L. ; Wood Sage. P. B. .
CHENOPODIACEAE.
Chenopodium polyspermum L. ; Many-seeded Goose-foot. P.
C. album L. ; Fat Hen. P. W.
C. rubrum L. ; Red Goosefoot. P. W.
Atriplex patula L. ; Common Orache. W. sub-sp. hastata L. P.
POLYGONACEAE.
Polygonum amphibium L. ; Floating Persicaria. P. B.
P. lapathifolium L. ; Pale Persicaria. sub-sp. maculatum Dyer & Trimen. P. G.
P. Persicaria L. ; Persicaria. P. W. C. B.
P. Hydropiper L. ; Water Pepper. P.
P. aviculare L. ; Knotgrass. P. W. B.
P. Convulvulus L. ; Black Bindweed. P. W. C.
Rumex obtusifolius L. ; Broad-leaved Dock. P. W.
R. pulcher L. ; Fiddle Dock. G.
R. crispus L. ; Curled Dock. P. W.
R. sanquineus L. ; Red-veined Dock. var. viridis Sibth. P. W.
R. conglomeratus Murr. ; Clustered Dock. P.
R. Acetosa L. ; Sorrel. P. W. G.
R. acetosella L. ; Sheep's Sorrel. P. W. G. B.
LAURINEAE.
*Laurus nobilis L. ; Bay Laurel. C.
EUPHORBIACEAE.
Euphorbia Helioscopia L. ; Sun Spurge. W.
E. Peplus L. ; Petty Spurge. P. W. B.
*E. virgata Waldst. & K. F.
Mercurialis perennis L. ; Dog's Mercury. P.
*Buxus sempervirens L. ; Box. C.
URTICACEAE.
ULMAEAE.
Ulmus montana SM. ; Wych Elm. W.
U. campestris SM (in part) ; Common Elm. P. W.
U. hollandica Miller ; Dutch Elm. W.
URTICEAE
Urtica dioica L. ; Stinging Nettle. P. W. C. G. B.
Urtica dioica var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. P.
CANNABINEAE
Humulus Lupulus L. ; Wild Hop. P.
PLATANACEAE
*Platanus acerifolia Willd. ; London Plane. P. B.
CUPULIFERAE.
BETULEAE
Betula alba L. ; Birch. P. B.
Alnus glutinosa Gaertn. ; Alder. P.
QUERCINEAE
Quercus robur L. ; Common Oak. P. W. B. F.
Quercus robur var. sessiliflora Salisb. ; Durmast Oak. P.
Fagus sylvatica L. ; Beech. P. W. B.
*Castanea vulgaris Lamk. ; Sweet Chestnut. P. B.
CORYLEAE.
Carpinus Betula L. ; Hornbeam. P. W. B.
SALICINEAE.
Populus alba L. ; sub-sp canescens Sm. ; Grey Poplar. B.
Salix fragilis L. ; Crack Willow. P. C.
S. alba L. ; White Willow. P.
S. Caprea L. ; Sallow. W. G.
CERATOPHYLLEAE.
Ceratophyllum demersum L. ; Hornwort. P.
HYDROCHARIDEAE.
Elodea canadensis Michx. ; Canadian Water Thyme. P.
IRIDEAE.
Iris pseudacorus L. ; Yellow Flag. P.
AMARYLLIEAE.
*Galanthus nivalis L. ; Snowdrop. P.
LILIACEAE.
Scilla nutans Sm. ; Bluebell. P. B.
JUNCEAE.
Juncus effusus L. ;
Juncus effusus proper ; Common Rush. P.
var. conglomeratus L. B.
J. squarrosus L. ; Heath Rush. F.
J. bufonius L. ; Toad Rush. F.
Luzula campestris Willd. ; Field Wood-rush. P. B. F.
TYPHACEAE.
Sparganium ramosum Huds. ; Branched Bur-reed. P.
S. simplex Huds. ; Unbranched Bur-reed. B.
Typha latifolia L. ; Great Reedmace. P.
AROIDEAE.
Arum maculatum L. ; Lords and Ladies. P.
LEMNACEAE.
Lemna minor L. ; Small Duckweed. P.
L. trisulca L. ; Ivy-leaved Duckweed. P.
ALISMACEAE.
Alisma Plantago L. ; Water Plantain. P.
Saggitaria sagittifolia L. ; Arrow-head. P.
NAIADACEAE.
Potamogeton obtusifolius Mert. & Koch. ; Obtuse-leaved Pondweed. P.
CYPERACEAE.
Helocharis palustris Br. ; Marsh Club Rush. B.
Carex remota L. ; Distant-spiked Sedge. P.
C. acuta L. ; (syn. C. gracilis Curtis.) ; Slender-spiked sedge. P.
C. goodenovii Gay. (syn. C. vulgaris Fries) ; Common Sedge. B.
GRAMINEAE.
Phalaris arundinacea L. ; Reed Grass. P.
*P. canariensis L. ; Canary Grass. W.
Anthoxanthum odoratum L. ; Sweet Vernal Grass. W.
Alopecurus pratensis L. ; Meadow Fox-tail. P. W. B.
A. geniculatus L. ; Marsh Fox-tail. P. B.
Phleum pratense L. ; Timothy. P. W. C.
Agrostis vulgaris With. ; Fine Bent Grass. P. W. F.
A. alba L. ; Fiorin Grass. P. W. C.
Deschampsia flexuosa Trin. (syn. Aira flexuosa L.) ; Waved Hair Grass. F.
D. caespitosa Beauv. (syn. Aira caespitosa L.) ; Tufted Hair Grass. P. W. G. F.
Holcus lanatus L. ; Yorkshire Fog. P. W. C. B. F.
H. mollis L. ; Soft-grass. P. W. F.
Trisetum flavescens Beauv. (syn. Avena flavescens L.) ; Yellow Oat Grass. W.
Avena fatua L. ; Wild Oat. P. W.
Arrhenatherum avenaceum Beauv. (syn. Avena elatior L.) ; False Oat. P. W.
Triodia decumbens Beauv. ; Heath Grass. B.
Cynosurus cristatus L. ; Crested Dog's-tail. W.
Dactylis glomerata L. ; Cock's-foot. P. W. B.
Poa annua L. ; Annual Meadow Grass. P. W. C. B.
P. pratensis L. ; Smooth Meadow Grass. P. W. C.
P. trivialis L. ; Rough Meadow Grass. P. W.
var. parviflora Parn. P.
Glyceria aquatica Sm. ; Reed Meadow Grass. P.
G. fluitans Br. ; Floating Meadow Grass. P. B. var. plicata Fr. B.
Festuca pratensis Huds. ; Meadow Fescue. P. W.
F. gigantea Vill. (syn. Bromus giganteus L., Tall Brome) ; Large Fescue. P.
F. ovina L. ;
F. ovina proper ; Sheep's Fescue. P. C. G. B.
F. ovina sub-sp. rubra L. ; Red Fescue. B.
Bromus sterilis L. ; Barren Brome. B.
Brachypodium sylvaticum R. & S. ; False Brome. P.
Lolium perenne L. ; Rye Grass. P. W. C. B.
Agropyron repens Beauv. (syn. Triticum repens L.) Couch Grass. P. W.
Nardus stricta L. ; Mat-weed. B. F.
Hordeum pratense Huds. Meadow Barley. W.
H. murinum L. ; Wall Barley. P. W. C. B.
CONIFERAE (not native in this district)
PINACEAE
Araucaria imbricata Pav. ; Chile Pine or Monkey Puzzle. F.
Pinus sylvestris L. Scots Pine. P. W. C.
P. austriaca Hoess. (syn. P. Laricio Poir.) ; var. nigricans Parl.) ; Austrian Pine. W.
Picea excelsa Link. ; Common Spruce. C.
Cedrus atlantica Manetti ; Atlas Cedar. W.
C. Deodara Loud. ; Deodar. W.
C. Cupressa nootkatensis Don. ; Yellow Cypress. C.
C. Lawsoniana Murr. ; Lawson Cypress. C. G. F.
C. pisifera Koch. ; Sawara Cypress. C. G.
var. plumosa Mast. G.
Thuja orientalis L. ; Chinese Arbor-vitae. C.
var. aurea Hort. C.
Juniperus Sabina L. ; Savin. C.
TAXACEAE.
Taxus baccata L. ; Common Yew. P. W. C.
GINKGOEACEAE.
Ginkgoe biloba Kaempf. ; Maidenhair Tree. W.
Gulielma Lister 1860-1949
Biography
Gulielma Lister was the daughter of Arthur Lister (1830-1908) and the niece of the famous Quaker surgeon Joseph Lister (1827-1912). She and her father were both amateur naturalists as well as accomplished artists. They lived in Leytonstone and so visited the southern end of Epping Forest and in particular Wanstead Park on many occasions.
Their work on fungi in particular was important in the classification of these plants. Gulielma Lister's classic work on the Essex Mycetozoa (Lister, G.1918. The Mycetozoa. Essex Field Club Special Memoirs vi. Essex Field Club; Stratford, Essex) listed 18 species from Epping Forest as a whole, fourteen of which are noted as specifically occuring in Wanstead Park.
Educated primarily at home, Gulielma Lister was a founding member of the British Mycological Society (president in 1912 and 1932). She was a fellow, a council member and Vice-President of the Linnaean Society as well as President of the Essex Field Club. These were substantial accomplishments in a time before "women's rights"!
In 1941 she presented a paper :- THE FLORA OF WANSTEAD PARK DISTRICT, By GULIELMA LISTER, F.L.S. (Read 29th November, 1941) (Essex Naturalist, Vol. 27).
In this she lists about three hundred flowering plants growing in Wanstead Park and in those areas nearby which were formerly under the direction of the owners of Wanstead House. The areas covered are Wanstead Park proper, i.e., the part closed to the public at night, and also including the part always free of access lying between Heronry Pond ("the Boating pond") and the Blake Hall Road, the Warren Estate, the grave-yard of St. Mary's Church, the links of the Wanstead Golf Club, Bushwood and the Forest land around it and the grave-yard of the Society of Friends.
To view this list, together with amendments which indicate whether the species has been found in the same area in recent years, click here
Gulielma Lister died on May 18th 1949 in Sycamore House, 881 High Road, Leytonstone - the house in which she was born on October 28th 1860. Her ashes were scattered in the burial ground of the Quaker Meeting House in Bush Road, and she is commemorated at grave number 07.
Paul Ferris, 2009
Plants of the Wanstead Area - an introduction
In the order of 780 species of flowering plants and ferns have been recorded in the area covered, but this does not include algae, lichens, slime moulds, fungi, liverworts or mosses.
For Algae, Lichens, Slime Moulds, Fungi, Liverworts and Mosses use the respective "Type of Wildlife" menu to the left.
For Flowering Plants (including ferns) use the "Wildlife Sites" menu to the left to see the pages relating to those found in specific areas such as Wanstead Park, Wanstead Flats, etc.
In the main, the plants covered on the website are those that appear to occur naturally here - in other words 'wild'. Some of these are native, of course, but others have been introduced, either deliberately or by accident. As such it is difficult to say at times whether they are truely wild. And it would be a shame to leave out so many species that may have immense value to the local wildlife of all sorts. So, many trees - for example - have been included, even though these may be in the form of 'specimens' in cemeteries, churchyards, parks or gardens, and some shrubs, too. But generally I have tried to avoid including all of the plants and flowers that may crop up in such places. That would be an immense task! Only if such a species has 'jumped the wall' and found a space outside its original garden wall, or perhaps has spread beyond the gravestone planting, have I included these.
The well-known Cedar of Lebanon, by the Ornamental Water in Wanstead Park