Fortunately, and increasingly so, we are beginning to see a growing interest in preserving and planting native species from each region.
In this regard, we present to you a list with most of the native species of each region.
Resinous species:
Juniperus communis
Common juniper, dwarf juniper
Almost always shrub-like in size, it is characteristic of the higher altitudes of the Gerês and Estrela mountain ranges . It is distributed throughout the colder regions of the entire Northern Hemisphere. Its "berries" are used to produce juniper brandy and to season regional dishes.
Juniperus navicularis
Piorro
Typically a shrub, but it can exceed 6 meters in height, with a very distinctive trunk. Highly ornamental, it is a tree species exclusive to the coastal sands of the Central and Southwestern regions , providing shade to the pine forests.
Juniperus oxycedrus
Oxycedar, juniper
A highly ornamental tree, it adapts well to hot, dry inland regions , sometimes growing on rocky outcrops. With slow growth, it can reach a medium size (up to 15 m tall), and its leaves and berries have wide cosmetic and medicinal applications.
Juniperus turbinata
Sabina-da-praia
A species with a wide distribution in the Mediterranean and Macronesia, on the mainland it occurs spontaneously south of Cabo Mondego . A shrub or small tree up to 8m tall, in the Mata Nacional dos Medos it is associated with the stone pine to form one of the most beautiful Portuguese forest landscapes.
Pinus pinaster
Maritime pine
The most abundant resinous tree in our country , it can reach 40 m in height. It plays an important economic and ecological role and was crucial in the history of Portugal. The Leiria Pine Forest (12th century) is considered the oldest example of reforestation in the world.
Stone pine
Just like the Pinus Pinaster, it is also abundant in most of the national territory . It is a tree with a wide crown, with an unmistakable silhouette, up to 30 m tall. A species with increasing economic value, it was very important for shipbuilding at least since the time of the Arabs. The Portuguese pine nut has a high price in international markets.
Scots pine
With a widespread expansion until Roman times, human pressure extinguished it in all the mountains of the North and Center, with the exception of Gerês . Large in size (up to 40 m) and with valuable wood, it was widely used in the reforestation of the mountains, mainly for protection and soil restoration.
Taxus baccata
Yew
Once very abundant throughout Europe, today it is one of the most threatened trees in the natural environment.
It can reach a height of 20 m. This species holds great symbolic importance for the Galician-Lusitanian peoples, frequently appearing in ancient place names and pagan religious practices.
Leafy species:
Acer monspessulanum
Maple
A deciduous species characteristic of Mediterranean climate regions with deeper soils (or rocky soils, provided they are in shady areas). Reaching up to 15 m in height, it is a very ornamental tree, displaying interesting autumnal coloration.
Father, bastard plane tree
This species is locally abundant in the oceanic climate regions of the Northwest , forming part of the deciduous oak forests. The tree, reaching up to 35 m in height, is widely used for ornamental purposes and regenerates spontaneously very easily ( it is invasive in Madeira ).
Alnus glutinosa
Alder
One of the most characteristic trees of riparian galleries , following permanent watercourses. It is a large species (up to 30 m tall), with numerous applications for its wood, bark and leaves (including for medicinal purposes).
Amelanchier ovalis
Rock Loquat
A tree species, relatively rare in our country , not usually exceeding 3-4 m in height. It has numerous medicinal applications and great ornamental value.
Strawberry tree, herb maker
One of the most widespread tree species in the country , only absent from the coldest or driest regions. It is used to produce the famous "medronho brandy". Very ornamental, it can reach 15 m in height in the most humid sites.
Betula pubescens (spp Celtiberica )
Bidoeiro
The birch tree is characteristic of humid areas at higher altitudes in the North and Central regions of Brazil , being a pioneer species in these areas. It reaches 20 m in height and was widely used in afforestation projects by the Forestry Services, due to its ease of propagation and regeneration after fire.
Boxwood
It is a tree-like species, frequently used in landscaping (to form hedges and shrub sculptures), but which, when growing freely, can reach 10 m in height. It is characteristic of the river valleys of the Douro basin .
Chestnut
This tree, now more common in the colder inland regions , once played a significant role in rural societies throughout the country. It can reach 30 m in height and live for many centuries, providing numerous products (chestnuts, wood, firewood, strips for basketry, etc.).
Celtis australis
Bastard lobe
This species, found throughout the Mediterranean and Central European regions, is frequently used in urban landscaping. It can reach 25 meters in height and its fruits (small drupes) are edible and highly appreciated by birds.
Carob tree
This species, until recently cultivated mainly in the Algarve's Barrocal region, is now widely used for fruit production (carob) in regions with not very cold winters and clay soils. It is a small tree, not exceeding 10-15 m in height.
Chamaerops humilis
broom palm
It is the only palm species native to continental Europe , and under favorable conditions it can exceed 5 m in height, although it normally has a shrub-like form. Highly ornamental and resistant to desiccation, it is also of interest as a food source.
Cornus sanguinea
Legitimate blood
This species is typically shrubby, but sometimes reaches 6 m in height, with a single trunk. It displays beautiful flowering. A small tree of ornamental interest and, above all, medicinal and culinary value.
Hazel
A small tree characteristic of the humid valley bottoms and well-developed soils of the Northern and Central regions. Reaching up to 10 m in height, it is widely cultivated for fruit production, especially in regions with cold and dry climates.
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
Typically shrub-like or small tree-like, but can reach 15m in height and have trunks up to 1m in diameter. A very common species throughout the country, but with underutilized ornamental potential.
Tree heather, white heather
This species, widely distributed in Europe , Asia, and Africa, is primarily shrub-like in Portugal (up to 6 m tall). It produces highly prized firewood, and the wood from its roots and stumps is used to make high-quality pipes.
Euonimus europaeus
Priest's cap
A small, rare tree, occurring naturally only in Trás-os-Montes. Reaching up to 8 m in height, it appears mainly in riparian forests and hedgerows. It has numerous uses, from dyeing to timber production.
Beech
A large tree, typical of the more humid European regions with cool summers. Reaching a height of up to 40 meters, it was reintroduced in the 19th century to Gerês and other mountain ranges in the North and Center of Portugal, now forming extensive spontaneous stands in the valleys and shady areas.
Frangula alnus
Little Blood
A small tree, or more frequently a shrub, characteristic of the wetter forests and woodlands of the Northwest of the Continent . It reaches 10 m in height, and its bark, branches, and fruits have medicinal and dye properties.
Ash tree
A large tree, up to 25 m tall, found in riparian forests, in locations with a slightly deeper water table . Widely used for ornamental purposes, it produces prized wood, and its leaves have forage value.
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
A typical tree of submontane and montane oak forests, it can reach 25 m in height. It has high ornamental value, not only for its fruits, which are strongly associated with Christmas festivities, but also for its dense, evergreen canopy.
Laurus nobilis
Laurel
A tree species typical of coastal regions with mild winter climates . It prefers wetter seasons and can reach a height of 20 m. It is widely used in landscaping and urban afforestation, and its leaves are a traditional condiment.
Ligustrum vulgare
Privet
A shrub or, more rarely, a small tree up to 5 m tall, typical of regions with soils derived from basic rocks . It has ornamental value, being used for hedges, and its leaves have medicinal properties.
Malus sylvestris
wild apple tree
This small tree, up to 15 m tall, is found in the cooler regions of northern and central Brazil , in pine and oak forests. It is primarily of ornamental and ecological interest and differs from the cultivated apple tree by its glabrous leaves and abundant thorns.
Myrica faya
Samouco
A small tree species, up to 12 m tall, that occurs mainly in the pine forests of the sandy western coast of the mainland , sheltered from the extreme cold. It is also common in the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, at low altitudes, producing edible fruits.
Myrica gale
Brabant's eel
Small tree or, more frequently, shrub, occurring in rare, very humid coastal areas , especially sandy ones (peat bogs and riparian galleries). Grows up to 3 m tall.
Myrtle
Shrub or small tree (up to 5 m), typical of Mediterranean forest ecosystems . It is often used for ornamental purposes, possessing very aromatic leaves. It also has medicinal interest.
Nerium oleander
Barley, oleander
A multi-stemmed shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall, naturally distributed along the banks of temporary watercourses in the south. Frequently used for ornamental purposes, with varieties ranging from white to red flowers (blooms in summer). It is a highly toxic plant .
Olea europaea sylvestris
Zambujeiro
A medium-sized tree (up to 15 m), typical of very hot Mediterranean regions or basic soils. It is a wild relative of the cultivated olive tree, having ornamental interest and producing excellent wood. It can live for more than 2000 years.
Phillyrea angustifolia
Lentisk
This shrubby species, rarely reaching tree size (up to 4 m), is one of the most characteristic of the more thermophilic Mediterranean forests , tolerating great soil dryness. It is a plant of interest to beekeepers.
Phillyrea latifolia
Broadleaf alder
A tree up to 15 m tall, sometimes reduced to a shrub-like size. It is sensitive to intense cold, and is mainly found in sunny regions with mild winters. It has ornamental and medicinal uses.
Pistacia lentiscus
Aroeira
Shrub or, rarely, tree-like, up to 6 m tall. It occurs in cerrado and sclerophyllous forests, in regions with not very cold climates . It produces tannins and a resin (mastic) widely used for medicinal, food, and religious purposes.
Pistacia terebinthus
Cornalheira, terebinth
A shrub or small tree up to 8 m tall, found mainly in the Douro and Tagus river basins and in the eastern Algarve. It produces turpentine, obtained from incisions in the trunk, and good quality wood.
Populus alba
White poplar
A typical tree found along the banks of temporary watercourses and other locations with some humidity, but in regions with hot summers. It can reach 30 m in height, and its natural distribution area is now difficult to determine.
It is worth evaluating, given its long history of cultivation. It has ornamental varieties.
Populus nigra
Black poplar
A tree up to 30 m tall, characteristic of the banks of permanent watercourses (especially major rivers). Certain varieties have been used for ornamental purposes in urban areas and infrastructure since ancient times.
Prunus avium
Wild Cherry
This species has a wide distribution area in colder, continental climates and can reach a relatively tall size (25 m). It is widely used in forestry, especially in agricultural landscaping, due to the quality of its wood.
Prunus insititia
Blackthorn
A tree up to 6 m tall, occurring mainly in forests and hedgerows across much of the continent, and is related to the cultivated plum tree. Its fruits can be used in jams and liqueurs.
Prunus lusitanica
Azero
One of the evergreen tree species that prefers the mild oceanic climates characteristic of the wetter regions of Northern and Central Europe . It reaches 20 m in height and has ornamental value, as does its wood (which has a pinkish hue).
Prunus mahaleb
St. Lucia cherry
A rare tree from the interior of Trás-os-Montes , appearing sporadically on dry slopes and forests in this region. Reaches a height of up to 10m and has very fragrant flowers. An ornamental species with valuable hardwood.
Prunus padus
Pado
Small deciduous tree up to 10 m tall. Very rare , but with great potential as an ornamental plant, having exuberant flowering and tolerating cold and shady locations well. It reproduces easily by cuttings and the fruits are edible.
Prunus spinosa
Wild blackthorn
Shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall, characteristic of hedges, shrubs and woodland edges. In the western part of the Central region, in calcareous or basaltic soils, there is a subspecies endemic to our country (ssp. Insititioides).
Pyrus bourgaeana
Catapereiro
Wild pear, common in southern and inland Mediterranean ecosystems, mainly associated with holm oak and cork oak. It is small in size (up to 10 m), although it is often a shrub due to edaphic and climatic restrictions.
Pyrus communis
wild pear
A species reaching up to 12 m in height, found in Portugal exclusively in the mountainous regions of Gerês and Cabreira. Of rare occurrence, it is presumed to have originated from the wilding of cultivated pear trees, of which it is a variety or simple form (var. pyraster).
Pyrus cordata
wild pear
A very common species in the wetter regions of the North and Central regions , in pine, oak, and even eucalyptus forests. Up to 8 m tall. The fruits are edible (when fully ripe) and its wood is very resistant. Rarely cultivated.
Quercus canariensis
Monchique Oak
One of the rarest oaks in our country , it occurs only in the Southwest (some authors argue that Q. canariensis does not exist in Portugal, but only a related species, Q. marianica). It can reach a very tall size (up to 30 m) and has ornamental value.
Quercus coccifera
Executioner
Oak is abundant in regions with a more pronounced Mediterranean climate. It sometimes occurs in extensive shrubby formations (holm oak thickets), in degraded or calcareous soils, but can reach the size of a small tree (up to 4 m).
Quercus faginea
Portuguese oak, rockwood
There are several subspecies of this oak, including ssp. alpestris (Algarve Barrocal), broteroi (Central and Southwestern regions) and faginea (Douro basin). A marcescent tree, it can reach 25 m in height, occurring mainly in isolation or associated with other oaks and Mediterranean species.
Pyrenean thorn (Quercus pyrenaica)
Black oak
The most abundant deciduous oak in Portugal , it forms extensive forest areas, especially in Trás-os-Montes and Beira Interior. It has a diverse size, ranging from thickets 1-2 m high to forests with trees 25 m tall, or even wooded areas.
Quercus rivas-martinezii
Tree holm oak
This recently described species is exclusive to mainland Portugal (from the Pinhal de Leiria forest to Sines). It reaches a height of 17 m and is associated with the Portuguese oak in calcareous, sandy or schistose soils with some fertility.
Alvarinho oak
Oak, very common in oceanic climate regions , is the most abundant oak in Europe and in the northwest of the continent, appearing in enclaves in the south (as far as the Algarve). Sometimes it has a majestic size (up to 45 m), easily distinguished by its glabrous leaves and fruits with a long peduncle.
Quercus rotundifolia
Holm oak
The holm oak is distributed over a vast area, only avoiding coastal regions with humid climates . It occurs either as a small shrub on rocky outcrops, or as a large tree in wooded formations (up to 20 m) or, more commonly, in open savannas.
Cork oak
The oak tree, with its unique characteristics (it is the only tree that regenerates its bark after it is removed), has its native habitat in our country. It can reach 20 meters in height and, due to its economic and ecological value, it was established as the "National Tree of Portugal".
Monosperm retama
White-pepper
A shrubby species, or sometimes a small tree up to 4 m tall, characteristic of the coastal sands of the Algarve and the southwest coast . Widely used for ornamental purposes, both along roads and in urban areas.
Rhamnus alaternus
Hedgehog
Shrub or small tree (up to 4 m), common in regions dominated by evergreen or deciduous forests . It has many medicinal properties and can be grown as a hedge.
Rhamnus cathartica
Escambroeiro
A shrub or small tree (up to 6 m), uncommon in Portugal, occurring naturally only in Trás-os-Montes . Its fruits have medicinal and coloring properties, and are also of some ornamental interest.
Rhododendron ponticum
Rhododendron, oleander
Although it typically appears forming dense shrub formations up to 4 m tall, it can also occur as a tree, especially when cultivated. It displays spectacular flowering (from April to May) and is a paleobotanical relic.
Salix alba
White willow
It is a tree that grows up to 25 m tall, and its silvery crown is unmistakable when stirred by the wind. It is distributed throughout the continent , but occurs preferentially in the final stretches of large rivers. It is a producer of wicker.
Salix atrocinerea
Black stingray
It is the most widespread willow in our country , having enormous importance in the protection and conservation of the banks of watercourses and wetlands . It has a shrubby or, frequently, arboreal habit, reaching up to 15 m in height.
Salix caprea
Willow
A species similar to the previous one, in our country it was only identified very recently, being restricted to the Gerês and Montesinho regions . It exhibits a tree-like size (up to 10 m) and occurs mainly in recently disturbed wetlands.
Salix neotricha
Willow
This species is widely distributed in the country , although there is still no consensus on its autonomous classification within the genus Salix. It is a tree up to 20 meters tall, and like many other species in this genus, its bark has medicinal properties.
Salix purpurea
Purple willow
Willow, whose natural distribution area is limited to the Douro basin, in the Trás-os-Montes region. It is usually a shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall.
Salix repens
Dwarf willow
A shrub that rarely grows into a small tree (up to 4 m in sheltered locations), represented by 2 subspecies: ssp. argentea (=S. arenaria), from coastal dunes, and ssp. repens, from the higher altitudes of the Serra Gaúcha. It has ornamental value.
Salix salviifolia
White willow
It is a characteristic tree of the banks of torrential watercourses throughout the country. The australis subspecies is very rare and has special protection status, occurring only in the south of the continent.
Salix triandra
Almond-leafed willow
This species occurs naturally only in Trás-os-Montes , almost always in the form of a shrub or small tree.
6 m. It is important for stabilizing the banks of unstable waterways and in the production of wicker.
Sambucus nigra
Elderberry
Elderberry is a shrub that frequently grows to a tree-like size (up to 6m, rarely up to 10m) and occurs throughout the country in cool locations , either spontaneously or cultivated. It has beautiful spring blooms and is of great medicinal interest.
Sorbus aria
White rowan
The white rowan tree is a tree that can reach up to 25 m in height, characteristic of colder, higher altitude regions . It is a species of great ecological and ornamental value, but very little cultivated in our country. Its wood is very light in color, which gave rise to its common name.
Sorbus aucuparia
Tramazeira
A tree up to 15 m tall, sometimes with a shrub-like habit in thinner soils or exposed sites. It is common in the higher altitudes of the northern and central mountain ranges . When cultivated for forestry, the fruits have nutritional value (jams and drinks) and are important for wildlife conservation.
Sorbus domestica
Sorveira
A rare tree, formerly cultivated for its fruit, which is edible when very ripe (sorvados). Reaches a height of up to 10 m. Typical of sites with deep soils in the more humid limestone regions (Arrábida, Estremenho Limestone Massif), it can also be found in large gardens and forest parks.
Sorbus latifolia
Mostajeiro
It is a tree that is locally abundant in the plateau region of Beira Interior (Guarda and Sabugal region) where, due to fires, it has a bushy habit. However, it can grow up to 10 m tall and has ornamental value.
Sorbus stormialis
Mostajeiro
A rare tree , usually small to medium in size (up to 25 m). Typical of the colder areas of the continent, in open areas of deciduous forests. The fruits are edible after being sucked on and have high decorative value.
African tamarin
Tamarisk
A shrubby or small tree species, up to 8 m tall. It frequently occurs in riparian areas with strong torrential conditions or, in coastal regions , on the banks of brackish watercourses (rias, coastal lagoons and estuaries) and saline areas.
Tamarix canariensis
Tamarisk
This species is very similar to the previous one, differing only in the morphological details of its flowers. It is mainly distributed along the coast north of Aveiro .
Ulmus glabra
Elm
It is a large tree (up to 40 m), relatively rare in mainland Portugal , but its natural distribution area has been increasing after botanical characterization studies in some mountainous regions. It has ecological and ornamental interest, despite its black nightshade.
Lesser Ulmus
Elm
This species, which was very common in all regions of the country until a few decades ago, has been decimated by successive new strains of the flaxseed fungus (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi). It can reach a size of 30 meters and has great value as a forestry, ornamental, and forage plant.
Viburnum lantana
Soap opera fan
A very rare tree species from the Trás-os-Montes region , recently discovered, occurring in the far west of the Montesinho Natural Park (parish of Vilar Seco de Lomba). However, it is used for ornamental purposes and can reach a height of 6 m.
Soap opera fan
Typically a shrub up to 4 m tall, it can, however, reach tree size, up to 6 m. Widely distributed in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, in Portugal it occurs naturally only in certain locations in Trás-os-Montes.
Puff pastry
Typically a tall shrub, under favorable conditions it reaches a tree-like size, up to 7 m in height. It thrives in oceanic climates, tolerating some drought in the summer , and is widely used for ornamental purposes, especially in Central and Southern Brazil.
Credits/Information retrieved from: https://www.icnf.pt/api/file/doc/adcdbb835d1a032a
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