Trees & plants

Is ragwort dangerous to humans or animals? Learn what it is, where it can be found, its benefits for wildlife and the dangers associated with it in our expert ragwort guide. 

As our summers become warmer and drier, it may be necessary for gardeners to change their habits. Our guide includes information on rainwater harvesting, when to water your garden and ways to make your garden more drought-resistant.

What is giant hogweed, what do its flowers and leaves look like and is it poisonous? Find out all this and more with our guide to this enormous member of the umbellifer family

Scientists say natural selection is helping the trees fight the deadly fungal disease, which has decimated forests across Britain and much of Europe.

What is hemlock, what makes it so poisonous, and how do you identify it? Find out all this and more with our guide to this highly toxic member of the umbellifer family

The 5,000-year-old tree, dug up during restoration works at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, offers a rare and remarkable glimpse into Britain’s past, say experts.

It lies in wait for the unwary and can cause serious skin burns, ulcers, even blindness. Richard Baynes reports from the frontline of the battle against giant hogweed, an invasive plant that’s remarkably hard to kill

They may look tasty but looks can be deceiving and these 9 poisonous berries should be avoided at all cost

For 200 years, a sycamore tree stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park – until it was felled in an act of vandalism in 2023.

Our countryside is home to a huge range of flowers, some much harder to find than others – here is a selection of Britain's rarest flowers, including how to identify and the threats that they face.

From ancient oaks to elegant silver birches, we explore the most common trees found across the UK

With grasses, nettles and the ever-present bracken dominating the countryside, which are actually the most commonly found plant species in the UK?

The Western Forest – the UK's first national forest for 30 years – will cover up to 50,000 hectares, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.

The UK is home to some truly bizarre blooms, from eerie ghost orchids to flowers that look like bees. Some of these plants are rare and elusive, while others could even thrive in your garden

Are tees talking to each another via vast underground fungal networks? Sara Maitland explores the fascinating claims of author Peter Wohlleben

As light flows slowly back into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom again. It's blossom season – but how do you tell the difference between blackthorn and hawthorn, rowan and wild cherry?

British woodlands are nature-rich and play a huge role in protecting our environment. But what's the difference between a copse, a wood and a forest? Wooden you like to know?

All you need to know about one of the UK - and possibly world'

Learn all about the leaf, berries and folklore of one of Britain's most festive tree species with our beginner's guide to holly.

JV Chamary explains all you need to know about fungi, from what it is and how it differs to plants to how it reproduces