Folklore of Trees The fascinating stories behind nature's guardians

Did you know that the word ‘Druid' may derive from Celtic words meaning ‘wisdom of the oak tree’?

Did you know that yews are often planted near graveyards to keep the devil out?

Discover the fascinating folklore behind the forest’s most steadfast guardians.

Whether it’s the Major Oak, a 1,000-year-old tree where Robin Hood is thought to have sheltered, or the 2,800-year-old Baobabs in Madagascar, trees are tourist destinations, world heritage sites and much-beloved landmarks. They play a vital role in our imaginations and are inextricably woven into the story of humankind. It’s unsurprising, then, that an astonishingly rich body of myth, legend and superstition has grown up around them. This beautifully illustrated guide introduces us to thirty-five iconic trees and explores the stories that have been told about them. It is the perfect bedside companion for every lover of the natural - and supernatural - world.

Aidan Meighan is an illustrator, author and dendrophile living in Somerset, With a passion for nature and mythology. He has found a distinctive style of design for his work, and has been passionately drawing trees and maps for more than 15 years.

Adansonia spp.

Baobab

Alnus glutinosa

Black alder

Betula pendula

Silver birch

Boswellia sacra

Frankincense

Cedrus libani

Cedar of Lebanon

Ceiba pentandra

Kapok

Cocos nucifera

Coconut

Corylus spp.

Hazel

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

Cupressus sempervirens

Mediterranean cypress

Dracaena cinnabari

Dragon blood

Eucalyptus spp.

Eucalyptus

Ficus spp.

Banyans & stranglers

Ficus spp.

Edible figs

Fraxinus excelsior

Ash

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

Juglans spp.

Walnut

Laurus nobilis

Laurel

Mangifera indica

Mango

Malus domestica

Apple

Morus alba

White mulberry

Olea europaea

Olive

Phoenix dactylifera

Date palm

Picea abies

Norway spruce

Pinus spp.

Pine

Populus spp.

Poplar

Prunus serrulata

Japanese cherry

Punica granatum

Pomegranate

Quercus spp.

Oak

Salix spp.

Willow

Sambucus nigra

Elder

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan

Taxus baccata

Yew

Theobroma cacao

Cacao

Ziziphus jujuba

Jujube