Welcome to the Belgrade garden!
There are 29 trees of 12 different species growing along the perimeter of the Belgrade garden. Enjoy a tree-watching tour: walk around the garden and read the provided texts to get to know the trees that live here.(It's similar to a museum tour, but instead of paintings, you learn about trees).
If you are using your mobile, see the tree menu ☰ in the upper left corner for a smoother experience.
① Linden
When visiting the Belgrade garden, you are welcomed in by the two towering Linden trees. These giants are not the only Linden trees in the garden — there's a trio in the corner to the right and several younger Lindens growing to the left from the entrance. It almost seems like someone envisioned a charming row of Lindens along Bregalnička Street - the district is called Lipov Lad for a reason.
♡ Linden trees are easily recognisable by their distinctive heart-shaped leaves ♡ Their fruits resemble small drumsticks, each attached to a little leaf that acts as a parachute when the fruits gracefully descend to the ground. Another thing you can easily recognise a Linden tree by (even before you see it) is the sweet fragrant scent of its blossoms. Have you tried the delicious and calming Linden tea made from the Linden blossoms?
When visiting the Belgrade garden, you are welcomed in by the two towering Linden trees. These giants are not the only Linden trees in the garden — there's a trio in the corner to the right and several younger Lindens growing to the left from the entrance. It almost seems like someone envisioned a charming row of Lindens along Bregalnička Street - the district is called Lipov Lad for a reason.
♡ Linden trees are easily recognisable by their distinctive heart-shaped leaves ♡ Their fruits resemble small drumsticks, each attached to a little leaf that acts as a parachute when the fruits gracefully descend to the ground. Another thing you can easily recognise a Linden tree by (even before you see it) is the sweet fragrant scent of its blossoms. Have you tried the delicious and calming Linden tea made from the Linden blossoms?
② Yew
A bit to the left from the entrance you'll find an intriguing resident - Táxus Baccáta, commonly known as the European Yew. This remarkable evergreen tree is truly unique.
First and foremost, be aware that almost all parts of the Yew are toxic to humans. It's best to admire the tree from a distance and avoid touching it. However, Yew's toxicity also affects bacteria and disinfects the air nearby, so it’s extra fresh and therefore standing by the tree can have some health benefits.
One of the most astonishing aspects of the European Yew is its extraordinary longevity. With incredibly hard wood, this tree can live up to 400 - 600 years, earning it the nickname "eternal tree". ⁺₊✧ This remarkable trait is likely why, in the Harry Potter franchise, Lord Voldemort, who famously wanted to live forever, had a magic wand made from yew wood ✧₊⁺
The second part of the latin name Baccáta means “bearing berries”. Indeed, the European Yew produces bright red berries. However, you won't find any in the Belgrade garden, as both Yew trees here are male and do not bear fruit. If you want to see a female Yew tree, there is one growing on Gvozdićeva street, approximately 2 minutes from the garden by foot.
A bit to the left from the entrance you'll find an intriguing resident - Táxus Baccáta, commonly known as the European Yew. This remarkable evergreen tree is truly unique.
First and foremost, be aware that almost all parts of the Yew are toxic to humans. It's best to admire the tree from a distance and avoid touching it. However, Yew's toxicity also affects bacteria and disinfects the air nearby, so it’s extra fresh and therefore standing by the tree can have some health benefits.
One of the most astonishing aspects of the European Yew is its extraordinary longevity. With incredibly hard wood, this tree can live up to 400 - 600 years, earning it the nickname "eternal tree". ⁺₊✧ This remarkable trait is likely why, in the Harry Potter franchise, Lord Voldemort, who famously wanted to live forever, had a magic wand made from yew wood ✧₊⁺
The second part of the latin name Baccáta means “bearing berries”. Indeed, the European Yew produces bright red berries. However, you won't find any in the Belgrade garden, as both Yew trees here are male and do not bear fruit. If you want to see a female Yew tree, there is one growing on Gvozdićeva street, approximately 2 minutes from the garden by foot.
③ Cedar
You might be surprised when you see the Cedar tree on the map, as it technically doesn’t grow in the Belgrade garden. It is indeed behind the fence in the yard of a nearby house. But, you see, trees don't really care for fences: the Cedar is not only towering over the fence but it also may be connected to the Belgrade garden underground. The latest scientific research shows that tree roots, together with fungi, create a huge underground web called mycorrhiza. Through this web, trees can communicate with each other, sending messages, asking for extra nutrients or water, or alerting neighbouring trees about invasive insects.
This type of Cedar is a Himalayan Cedar or Deodar (latin: Cedrus deodara). Deodar is a monoecious species, meaning it has separate male and female cones that grow on the same tree. Male cones are typically located in the lower branches of the tree. Female cones grow at the tips of the upper branches of the tree. The wind carries pollen from the male cones to the female ones. Pollinated female cones grow for approximately 1.5 years, then they fall apart, releasing the seeds. As the branches of the Cedar hang over the fence, you can find seeds as well as bits and pieces of the Cedar cones in the Belgrade garden.
You might be surprised when you see the Cedar tree on the map, as it technically doesn’t grow in the Belgrade garden. It is indeed behind the fence in the yard of a nearby house. But, you see, trees don't really care for fences: the Cedar is not only towering over the fence but it also may be connected to the Belgrade garden underground. The latest scientific research shows that tree roots, together with fungi, create a huge underground web called mycorrhiza. Through this web, trees can communicate with each other, sending messages, asking for extra nutrients or water, or alerting neighbouring trees about invasive insects.
This type of Cedar is a Himalayan Cedar or Deodar (latin: Cedrus deodara). Deodar is a monoecious species, meaning it has separate male and female cones that grow on the same tree. Male cones are typically located in the lower branches of the tree. Female cones grow at the tips of the upper branches of the tree. The wind carries pollen from the male cones to the female ones. Pollinated female cones grow for approximately 1.5 years, then they fall apart, releasing the seeds. As the branches of the Cedar hang over the fence, you can find seeds as well as bits and pieces of the Cedar cones in the Belgrade garden.
④ Walnut
There are several Walnut trees in the Belgrade garden. You will notice that they do not have the same size and shape. This can be due to different factors, such as people cutting the branches, the lack of sunlight, or the soil composition in different parts of the garden. In general, Walnut trees grow up to 35 meters tall and have a broad, majestic crown.
Other plants often won't grow under Walnut trees because through its fallen leaves and husks the Walnut spreads a chemical called juglone. Juglone acts as a natural weed killer. All together it's a clever way for the tree to keep all the good stuff in the soil and the sunlight to itself!
Fun fact: In the Belgrade garden, you can spot some Walnut trees growing right by the fence. This probably means that a bird planted them, as people typically plant trees at least some distance away from walls and buildings. The chain of events could have gone somewhat like this: a bird, let's say a crow, wanted to save a nut of a Walnut tree for later, so it hid it in the ground (or simply dropped it by accident while sitting on the fence). Time went by and the crow forgot about the nut. And here we are now standing in the shade of a huge Walnut tree.
There are several Walnut trees in the Belgrade garden. You will notice that they do not have the same size and shape. This can be due to different factors, such as people cutting the branches, the lack of sunlight, or the soil composition in different parts of the garden. In general, Walnut trees grow up to 35 meters tall and have a broad, majestic crown.
Other plants often won't grow under Walnut trees because through its fallen leaves and husks the Walnut spreads a chemical called juglone. Juglone acts as a natural weed killer. All together it's a clever way for the tree to keep all the good stuff in the soil and the sunlight to itself!
Fun fact: In the Belgrade garden, you can spot some Walnut trees growing right by the fence. This probably means that a bird planted them, as people typically plant trees at least some distance away from walls and buildings. The chain of events could have gone somewhat like this: a bird, let's say a crow, wanted to save a nut of a Walnut tree for later, so it hid it in the ground (or simply dropped it by accident while sitting on the fence). Time went by and the crow forgot about the nut. And here we are now standing in the shade of a huge Walnut tree.
⑤ Birch
The Birch tree is easily recognisable by both its leaves, almost triangular in shape, and its distinctive white trunk that has black stains on it.
The bark of Birch trees is white due to a rare pigment called betulin. The more betulin present in the bark, the lighter the tree appears. The exact purpose of betulin for Birch trees is not fully understood. However, it is likely that betulin protects the tree from fungi.* As Birch trees age, the lower part of their trunk is often covered with dark bark and deep cracks.
* Fungi can get inside the tree through cuts, for example when a branch breaks or when nails are driven into the trunk. To avoid this, always use rope if you need to hang something on a tree.
The Birch tree is easily recognisable by both its leaves, almost triangular in shape, and its distinctive white trunk that has black stains on it.
The bark of Birch trees is white due to a rare pigment called betulin. The more betulin present in the bark, the lighter the tree appears. The exact purpose of betulin for Birch trees is not fully understood. However, it is likely that betulin protects the tree from fungi.* As Birch trees age, the lower part of their trunk is often covered with dark bark and deep cracks.
* Fungi can get inside the tree through cuts, for example when a branch breaks or when nails are driven into the trunk. To avoid this, always use rope if you need to hang something on a tree.
⑥ Mulberry
In the corner behind the two Birch trees, you’ll find a Mulberry tree. The majority of Mulberry species originate from Asia. In Serbia, people mainly cultivate white and black Mulberries (the one in the Belgrade garden is a white Mulberry tree). Ripe Mulberry fruits are delicious both fresh and in sweet dishes such as pies and cakes. They are also used to make sweet wines and rakia.
Apart from humans, mulberry is greatly enjoyed by Silkworm larvae (lat. Bombyx mori). In fact, the leaves of white mulberry are the silkworms' main food source. During the construction of their cocoon, silkworm larvae emit a secretion that transforms into thin threads used in silk production.
Fun facts:
In the corner behind the two Birch trees, you’ll find a Mulberry tree. The majority of Mulberry species originate from Asia. In Serbia, people mainly cultivate white and black Mulberries (the one in the Belgrade garden is a white Mulberry tree). Ripe Mulberry fruits are delicious both fresh and in sweet dishes such as pies and cakes. They are also used to make sweet wines and rakia.
Apart from humans, mulberry is greatly enjoyed by Silkworm larvae (lat. Bombyx mori). In fact, the leaves of white mulberry are the silkworms' main food source. During the construction of their cocoon, silkworm larvae emit a secretion that transforms into thin threads used in silk production.
Fun facts:
- The phase of embryonic development in humans and other mammals has been named after the shape and structure of the Mulberry fruit: morula.
- Vincent van Gogh featured the mulberry tree in some of his paintings, one of them is even called 'Mulberry Tree' (Mûrier, 1889).
⑦ Pine
We admire the towering presence of the Pine in the Belgrade garden and enjoy the shade it provides during summertime. But Pines, with their evergreen needles, are more than just beautiful; they play a vital role in our ecosystem. For example, Pine trees produce resin, which has been used for centuries in various applications, from making glue to treating coughs and colds. This resin gives pines their distinct scent, often associated with the great outdoors and fresh air.
Pines aren’t only an important part of the ecosystem we all live in, but these trees are also bustling ecosystems in themselves, meaning that Pines are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and insects find shelter and food among their branches and cones. Did you see a Great Tit just flew and sat on one of the branches?
We admire the towering presence of the Pine in the Belgrade garden and enjoy the shade it provides during summertime. But Pines, with their evergreen needles, are more than just beautiful; they play a vital role in our ecosystem. For example, Pine trees produce resin, which has been used for centuries in various applications, from making glue to treating coughs and colds. This resin gives pines their distinct scent, often associated with the great outdoors and fresh air.
Pines aren’t only an important part of the ecosystem we all live in, but these trees are also bustling ecosystems in themselves, meaning that Pines are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and insects find shelter and food among their branches and cones. Did you see a Great Tit just flew and sat on one of the branches?
⑧ Boxelder maple
There are two types of Maple growing in the Belgrade garden. One of them is a Boxelder Maple and the other is a Norway Maple (⑪ on the map). Boxelder leaves however do not have the familiar five-pointed shape, they are divided into 3-5 smaller leaflets and actually look more like Ash leaves.
Boxelder fruits just like Norway Maple fruits (samaras) remind people of helicopters, because when they fall, they spin around in the air like the blades of a helicopter. That way the seeds are carried away by the wind from the parent tree. Samaras of the Boxelder are smaller and have a v-shape, while the Norway Maple samaras are more widely spread apart, forming a nearly straight line or a wide angle.
Boxelder maple spreads easily and quickly, so it can take over areas and push out native plants. This sometimes becomes a problem for the local environment. On the other hand Boxelder too plays an important role in urban environments by helping to improve air quality and providing greenery.
These trees don't live very long (they usually only reach around 25-30 years old). The two big Boxelder maples in the Belgrade garden are probably reaching their “third age”. But you might find some young saplings around. Boxelder maples are dioicous trees, meaning these young saplings have two “parents” – a male and a female tree. Pollen from male flowers has to be carried to female flowers for seed production.
There are two types of Maple growing in the Belgrade garden. One of them is a Boxelder Maple and the other is a Norway Maple (⑪ on the map). Boxelder leaves however do not have the familiar five-pointed shape, they are divided into 3-5 smaller leaflets and actually look more like Ash leaves.
Boxelder fruits just like Norway Maple fruits (samaras) remind people of helicopters, because when they fall, they spin around in the air like the blades of a helicopter. That way the seeds are carried away by the wind from the parent tree. Samaras of the Boxelder are smaller and have a v-shape, while the Norway Maple samaras are more widely spread apart, forming a nearly straight line or a wide angle.
Boxelder maple spreads easily and quickly, so it can take over areas and push out native plants. This sometimes becomes a problem for the local environment. On the other hand Boxelder too plays an important role in urban environments by helping to improve air quality and providing greenery.
These trees don't live very long (they usually only reach around 25-30 years old). The two big Boxelder maples in the Belgrade garden are probably reaching their “third age”. But you might find some young saplings around. Boxelder maples are dioicous trees, meaning these young saplings have two “parents” – a male and a female tree. Pollen from male flowers has to be carried to female flowers for seed production.
⑨ Spruce
Serbian spruce (lat. Picea omorika), also known as the Pančić spruce, is an extraordinary tree, native to the Balkan Peninsula. It is named after Josif Pančić, the Serbian botanist who first encountered it in 1875 on Mount Tara near the village of Zaovine.
Millions of years ago, during the warm Tertiary period, the Serbian spruce thrived across a much larger area. However, with the onset of the Ice Age, the Serbian Spruce retreated to its sole refuge near the river Drina in Western Serbia and Eastern Bosnia. Today, the largest population of the Serbian spruce can be found within the pristine confines of Tara National Park.
Besides the one Serbian spruce in the Belgrade garden you can see several more on the other side of Bregalnička street. They are easily recognised by their distinctive slender crown shape.
Serbian spruce (lat. Picea omorika), also known as the Pančić spruce, is an extraordinary tree, native to the Balkan Peninsula. It is named after Josif Pančić, the Serbian botanist who first encountered it in 1875 on Mount Tara near the village of Zaovine.
Millions of years ago, during the warm Tertiary period, the Serbian spruce thrived across a much larger area. However, with the onset of the Ice Age, the Serbian Spruce retreated to its sole refuge near the river Drina in Western Serbia and Eastern Bosnia. Today, the largest population of the Serbian spruce can be found within the pristine confines of Tara National Park.
Besides the one Serbian spruce in the Belgrade garden you can see several more on the other side of Bregalnička street. They are easily recognised by their distinctive slender crown shape.
⑩ Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven)
Ailanthus, originating from China and Taiwan, was brought to Europe in 1751. At that time, people didn’t consider the consequences of such a transfer, but they soon realized it wasn’t a great idea. The conditions in Europe are more favorable for Ailanthus than in its natural habitat, so it germinates easily and can thrive in almost any suitable environment. It is now considered an invasive species because it can easily endanger the survival of native species by occupying all the space. Nevertheless, one can't help but be amazed by the strength of this tree: it is one of the most tolerant plants to air pollution.
Among the few people who admire Ailanthus are archaeologists. The reason is that this tree doesn't have long, deeply planted roots, which means it doesn't destroy anything underneath it. This allows some interesting archaeological finds to be preserved.
Ailanthus, originating from China and Taiwan, was brought to Europe in 1751. At that time, people didn’t consider the consequences of such a transfer, but they soon realized it wasn’t a great idea. The conditions in Europe are more favorable for Ailanthus than in its natural habitat, so it germinates easily and can thrive in almost any suitable environment. It is now considered an invasive species because it can easily endanger the survival of native species by occupying all the space. Nevertheless, one can't help but be amazed by the strength of this tree: it is one of the most tolerant plants to air pollution.
Among the few people who admire Ailanthus are archaeologists. The reason is that this tree doesn't have long, deeply planted roots, which means it doesn't destroy anything underneath it. This allows some interesting archaeological finds to be preserved.
⑪ Maple
This Maple was broken by wind during a stormy night in spring 2024. Despite this, its remaining branches are resilient, promising a colorful crown in the autumn.
Maple trees have a relatively short lifespan, rarely exceeding 150 years. They are susceptible to fungal infestations, as is the Maple in Belgrade Garden. Look closer, maybe you’ll see some polypores on the stem.
In Canada, Maple trees grow in groups, forming extensive forests. The sugar content in the sap of Canadian Maples is relatively high due to the weather conditions, which is why it's possible to make the famous maple syrup. While Maple trees in Serbia do not have as much sugar in their sap to produce syrup, bees can gather nectar from maple flowers to make honey. This maple honey has a thick consistency and a light brown color, similar to amber, with an aromatic flavour that can include citrus notes. Have you ever tried maple honey or maple syrup?
This Maple was broken by wind during a stormy night in spring 2024. Despite this, its remaining branches are resilient, promising a colorful crown in the autumn.
Maple trees have a relatively short lifespan, rarely exceeding 150 years. They are susceptible to fungal infestations, as is the Maple in Belgrade Garden. Look closer, maybe you’ll see some polypores on the stem.
In Canada, Maple trees grow in groups, forming extensive forests. The sugar content in the sap of Canadian Maples is relatively high due to the weather conditions, which is why it's possible to make the famous maple syrup. While Maple trees in Serbia do not have as much sugar in their sap to produce syrup, bees can gather nectar from maple flowers to make honey. This maple honey has a thick consistency and a light brown color, similar to amber, with an aromatic flavour that can include citrus notes. Have you ever tried maple honey or maple syrup?
⑫ Ginkgo
Right next to the Linden trees by the entrance, you'll find a giant Ginkgo. This tree is a guest from afar — in nature today, it only grows in some parts of China, but it is cultivated all over the world.
Whether in the wild or cultivated, modern Ginkgo trees belong to the species Ginkgo Biloba. About 250 000 000 years ago, numerous species of Ginkgo grew worldwide, but all of them except the Ginkgo Biloba became extinct. Despite such a long history, Ginkgo today looks pretty much the same as the prehistoric Ginkgo. The leaves, for example, are identical in shape and structure to leaves found in fossil form. That is why Gingko is called "a living fossil".
The unique shape of Ginkgo leaves inspired one of the names this tree has in Japanese: “I-cho”(銀杏), meaning “tree with leaves like a duck's foot”.
A fascinating fact about Ginkgo is its impressive lifespan that can extend for thousands of years. One can't help but wonder how many generations of people entering the Belgrade garden — whether to enjoy an open-air movie, walk the dogs, or simply take a break in the garden — has this Ginkgo seen?
Right next to the Linden trees by the entrance, you'll find a giant Ginkgo. This tree is a guest from afar — in nature today, it only grows in some parts of China, but it is cultivated all over the world.
Whether in the wild or cultivated, modern Ginkgo trees belong to the species Ginkgo Biloba. About 250 000 000 years ago, numerous species of Ginkgo grew worldwide, but all of them except the Ginkgo Biloba became extinct. Despite such a long history, Ginkgo today looks pretty much the same as the prehistoric Ginkgo. The leaves, for example, are identical in shape and structure to leaves found in fossil form. That is why Gingko is called "a living fossil".
The unique shape of Ginkgo leaves inspired one of the names this tree has in Japanese: “I-cho”(銀杏), meaning “tree with leaves like a duck's foot”.
A fascinating fact about Ginkgo is its impressive lifespan that can extend for thousands of years. One can't help but wonder how many generations of people entering the Belgrade garden — whether to enjoy an open-air movie, walk the dogs, or simply take a break in the garden — has this Ginkgo seen?
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