Step Back in Time with Every Leaf and Branch
The Riccarton House Tree Trail is more than just a walk through nature—it’s a journey through history. Nestled within the heritage grounds of Riccarton House and Bush, this curated collection of trees tells the story of Canterbury’s early European settlers, their botanical ambitions, and the rich natural heritage of New Zealand. Each tree has a tale to tell, from those planted by the pioneering Deans family in the mid-19th century to rare international specimens brought from across the world.
Tasmanian Blue Gum
Eucalyptus globulus
Planted in 1857, a magnificent specimen of the Blue Gum and one of our taller trees. This Australian native has benefited due to its close proximity to the river and its relative isolation from surrounding trees.
Indian Bean Tree
Catalpa bignonioides
A native of the southern states of America. This interesting tree displays a late Spring/ early summer crop of Lily like flowers and large heart shaped leaves. Later in the season, long 'bean' like seeds are formed, giving it it's common name. Unfortunately, this tree has suffered from the nearby bush fence and has been repeatedly cut back both at crown and root levels. We are attempting to prolong its life by fencing it off to protect the root systems.
Golden Elm
Ulmus procera
This is currently the youngest tree on our list, but it is a very attractive and distinctive specimen. It bears lime green seed heads followed by yellow/ green leaves, making it stand out from the trees around it.
Beurre Diel Pear
Pyrus communis
Despite its small, stunted size, this pear tree is very important to the garden as it is thought to be the oldest planted tree in Christchurch. An old photo shows John Deans the 3rd standing under it to perhaps show its authenticity and he made note of this during a retrospective walk around the grounds in the 1950's. Despite its age and position under nearby larger trees, the tree still bears a crop of large green Pears each Autumn.
Spanish Fir
Abies pinsapo
Planted in 1894 this tree is a further example of the fashion of the Victorian era, of planting specimen fir trees close to the house. This unusual tree has a distinctive look in which the leaves are arranged radially round the shoots. The colour is an attractive blue/green and it bears large pinecones.
Soldat Laboureur Pear
Pyrus communis
Another one of four surviving Pear trees from the former Deans orchard. This Belgium variety of Pear has no definitive planting date. But was most likely planted around the same time as the two older trees nearby.
Lawson Cypress
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
As with the Cedar of Lebanon and the Sequoia, this tree would have formed part of the 'Gentlemen's Arboretum'. An area of the grounds for the men to walk and talk business. A fashionable feature during the Victorian era. This tree has unfortunately suffered some weather damage to its top but is still a notable tree.
Jargonelle Pear
Pyrus communis
One of our more interesting trees. This 'Jargonelle' or sweet pear was planted in 1855 and is thought to be the tallest pear tree in NZ. It displays a spectacular spring blossom, followed by a large crop of small, sweet tasting pears in summer. Time has not been kind to this tree as it has a large split low down in the base of the trunk and has been 'cable braced 'in an attempt to support the weight of the limbs above. So far it remains one piece and continues to thrive.
Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Bull bay' These four old Magnolias once had a path running between them to the House, which was planted out with flowers. It is one of the few surviving landscaping features in the garden.
English Oak
Quercus robur
The Oak is the most represented tree in the grounds, and we have several different varieties. The English Oak is the most prominent and this is probably the best example, despite some storm damage to its northern side.
Caucasian Oak
Quercus macranthera
Also known as the Persian Oak, native to western Asia. Introduced in the late 1800s. Not a common tree in NZ.
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
The classic Conker tree with its beautiful dark brown fruit/seeds in the Autumn.
Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus
Another widely planted tree with its distinctive 'Helicopter' style seed pods. It has a tendency to self-seed and can be a problem in the country if it gets a foothold.
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
The best of two surviving examples. The Beech is another commonly planted tree in the northern hemisphere, as well as parks and gardens here in NZ. Originally one of several planted in this part of the garden to form a small wood.
Common Lime
Tilia x europaea
Part of a fine example of a Victorian carriage driveway. Planted in 1867, and officially opened by the then Duke of Edinburgh two years later, these trees were once part of a much longer avenue stretching down to the Straven Road. Half of this driveway was sold off along with the adjoining land in the 1920s but a few of the trees are still with us in people's gardens.
Silver Pendant Lime
Tillia tomentosa
Planted in 1855, this is surely one of our best specimen trees as far as size and form is concerned. During summer the leaves turn to show a silver underside and small highly scented flowers appear which can be smelt from some distance. Sadly, these are toxic to bees who are attracted to the scent. It is still possible to see the graft ring around the base of this tree. Also called a weeping Lime or Linden tree.
English Oak
Quercus robur
Planted in 1849, these are possibly the oldest English Oaks in Canterbury. They were a donation from the then governor Sir George Grey. It is possible that they travelled via the tip of South Africa as they are known by the Deans family as the 'Cape Oaks'.
Totara
Podocarpus totara
Mentioned by John Deans III in his 1950's description of the grounds. This was possibly once part of the Bush itself. It is one of several surviving bush trees still in the grounds.
Coast Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Raised from a cutting taken from the garden of John Watts- Russell of Ilam, this tree was planted in 1862 and like the Cedar is a fashionable tree from the 1800s. Generally a long-lived large Conifer, our specimen is a little on the small side due to soil compaction and the proximity of other trees.
Field Maple
Acer campestre
A common tree, widely planted in Europe and north America. Often used for furniture or musical instruments. We do not have a planting date for this specimen, but it is likely circa 1850s/1860s.
Cedar of Lebanon
Cedrus libani
Planted in 1855, this is one of several conifers in the former gentlemen's Arboretum. The Cedar of Lebanon was a very fashionable tree to have in the grounds of your property during the Victorian era and was planted as close to the house as possible to show status.
