Countdown to Wednesday Street Tree
A preview of what’s coming...
Starting Next Week
Last Wednesday I announced my new Wednesday Street Tree newsletter will be starting in earnest next week. Today’s is just a warm up, as you will see I have forgotten exactly where this tree is – it’s good to iron out the flaws during August when no one is looking…
Until next week!
So, What’s That Tree?
I’m currently sunning myself on the south coast, so I looked out an interesting tree from the archives to give you a taster. It’s a cultivar of Norway Maple known as ‘Drummondii’ which exhibits variegated leaves. But this cultivar is notorious for reverting, that is, the leaves revert to the regular green of the species. This results in some branches showing variation, while some do not, and, as the tree ages, more branches tend to revert, leading eventually to a tree you might never know was once a variegated cultivar.
Here is its full botanical name: Acer platanoides ‘Drummondii’, the variegated Norway maple.
Where Can I See This One?
Good question! I can’t exactly remember where this one is other than its somewhere between Ealing and Acton in west London. But, if you’d like to go hunting for it, join me on Sunday as it is on the route of the guided tree tour I’m leading. There’s still a few tickets left.
Can I Interest You in a Book?
If you’re interested in street trees, you may also like a copy of the newly published third edition of my book, London’s Street Trees. I have signed copies for sale!
At my previous address neighbours across the street had one of these. When we moved in the tree was totally variegated. By the time we moved, 20 years later, the leaves were about 50/50. Some variegated, some a solid green.
Common complaint at tree nurseries: Oy, that variegated maple I bought isn’t variegated!