Christmas Quiz — the answers

Two weeks ago we presented a Christmas Quiz. You were asked to identify winter twigs displayed in Chris Jeffree’s photographs. This week we give the answers.

Figure 1. A Japanese species often planted in parks and gardens. Answer Acer palmatum.

Figure 2. They look like cones but this is not a conifer. Answer Alnus glutinosa.

Figure 3. A common relative of Figure 1; Answer Acer pseudoplatanus. Figure 4. The same as Figure 2; Answer Alnus glutinosa. Figure 5. Cigar-shaped buds tell us the genus but this species is useful; Answer Betula utilis. Figure 6. Feeling horny? Answer Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam).

Figure 7. Look at the hairs and see the wonderful red; Answer Corylus avellana Figure 8. Cigars of a native; Answer Fagus sylvatica Figure 9. A native that may be unwell at present. Answer Fraxinus excelsior.

Figure 10. A new one from down under; Answer Nothofagus antarctica Figure 11. Black and popular; Answer Populus nigra Figure 12. Sounds like a cheerful bird Answer Prunus avium.

Figure 13. Same as Figure 12; Answer Prunus avium Figure 14. Birds should like this one; Answer Prunus padus Figure 15. Pigs like its fruits Answer Quercus robur.

Figure 16. My love is like a red one; Answer Rosa sp. Figure 17. Goats found in damp places; Answer Salix caprea Figure 18. Makes a nice cordial Answer Sambucus nigra.

Figure 19. Same as 18. Answer Sambucus nigra Figure 20. When is an ash not an ash?; Sorbus aucuparia Figure 21 Japanese version of 20. Answer Sorbus commixta

Figure 22. Sweet scented and a restful colour; Answer Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) Figure 23. Bursting flower bud of a common tree chêne pédonculé Answer Ulmus glabra (apologies for my error, chêne pédonculé is oak, Quercus robur).

Reference

Poland J (2018) The field key to winter twigs. BSBI.

© Chris Jeffree (images)

© John Grace (text)