trading for development in collaboration with University Parks Oxford has created a permanent celebration of trees.  Celebrating the beauty of trees in the parks.

Sequoiadendron giganteum

  “Wellingtonia”

Planted c 1888

The Wellingtonia is regarded as being one of the oldest living things in the world. It is a native of California, where several specimens are estimated to be 1,500 – 2,000 years old.

     Liriodendron tulipifera

  “Tulip Tree”

Distinctive oddly shaped leaves, which turn a rich butter-yellow in autumn. Bears Tulip-shaped, yellow-green flowers with orange at the base of the petals in June-July.

Catalpa bignonoides

  “Indian Bean Tree”

Very large soft leaves. Long black bean pods that remain of the tree through autumn.  

 Beautiful foxglove-like flowers, white with purple & yellow markings, in July and August.

Sophora japonica

  “Japanese Pagoda Tree”

 Planted 1888

Also known as “The Scholar Tree”. Native of China.

The girth of this tree was last measured at 10ft 5ins (3.17m).

Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’

  “Weeping Beech”

This tree was named Gabriel by local artist and poet Zoe Peterssen, who sadly died in August this year. 

The staff of the University Parks remember Zoe with affection.

Liquidamber styraciflua

 “Sweet Gum”  

Beautiful all year round – but absolutely stunning in autumn, with leaves turning from green to crimson, with many variations in between.