Trees of Ireland

Ireland Post annually issued the stamps feature fauna and flora series since 1978. On March 7, 2006, they launched  subject , flora theme, ” Trees of Ireland “ on four postage stamp, one miniature sheet and one First Day Cover. The issue stamps featuring Ireland’s Tree species, such as: Sessile oak, Strawberry-tree, Ash, and Yew.

The Yew (Taxus baccata) is one of Ireland’s native evergreen conifers. Its dark green leaves are striking in appearance, long and narrow and complemented by scarlet berries and mahogany-coloured bark.

Yew makes an excellent hedge, but its leaves and seeds are poisonous which makes it a hazard for children and livestock. Yew found in woods, but  easily found almost close to the old churches in Ireland.

The Strawberry-tree (butus unedo) is one of Ireland’s rarest native tree. This is  proofed by the founding of its pollen in peat bogs 6,000 years old in Ireland. Similar species found in the Mediterranean and western France, not in Britain.

The Strawberry-tree is finest in autumn, with delicate, white dropping cluster of flowers. The fruits are round, red colour resembling strawberries, taken one year to ripen, are quite tough and apparently not very tasty.

Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is Ireland’s national tree. Sessile oak leves grow on a long stalk and directly from the branch, and produce their acorns with little or no stalk. Sessile oak can tolerate thin, poor soil but does not tolerate flooding.

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is common tree in Ireland and is a member of the olive family. Its paired leaves on the stem make it easily recognizable and its timbers are used for tool handles, oars, agricultural implements and, arguably most importantly, for hurleys. This was reputed to have a girth of 42 feet and a small school in its hollowed cavity.