TREES

Lismore was well wooded in the past but most of the trees were felled for fuel. Nowadays, with the exception of Birgidle on Frackersaig farm, remnants of the native woodland cover survive only on the cliffs above the shoreline. However, in recent years, some small planting schemes of native trees have helped to improve things. Mature trees of any stature are restricted to areas where they were planted near houses and steadings -- Kilcheran is a good example.

The list below shows all species considered to be native to the island  plus others which are of interest. Native species are marked *

All sorts of exotic trees have been planted around the island (Eucalypts, Palms, Chile pines etc.), but are not included in the list.

	Scientific name	Gaelic	Photo	Comments
Alder *	Alnus glutinosa			Not naturally common. Grows well, so often planted.
Ash *	Fraxinus excelsior			Common
Aspen *	Populus tremula			Rare. Restricted to cliffs at Salen and elsewhere.
Birch *	Betula pubescens			Common
Bird Cherry *	Prunus padus			Rare. Some planted.
Wild Cherry/ Gean *	Prunus avium			Not naturally common. Some planted.
Rowan *	Sorbus aucuparia			Common
Hazel *	Corylus avellana			Very common
Hawthorn *	Crataegus monogyna			Common
Blackthorn *	Prunus spinosa			Common
Oak *	Quercus robur/petraea			Very few specimens - mostly planted.
Goat Willow *	Salix caprea			Common
Eared Willow *	Salix aurita			Common
Wych Elm *	Ulmus glabra			Rare. Below cliffs at Frackersaig
Rock Whitebeam *	Sorbus rupicola			Rare. Restricted to cliffs and Bernera.
Yew *	Taxus baccata			Rare. Ancient specimen on Bernera
Beech	Fagus sylvatica			A few planted
Horse Chestnut	Aesculus hippocastanum			A few planted
Sycamore	Acer pseudoplatanus			Commonly planted.
Scots Pine	Pinus sylvestris			Not considered native to Lismore (debatable) Some planted.
Larch	Larix decidua			Frequently planted

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