Whitebeam bud ( Sorbus aria )

The whitebeam is bursting buds at the moment.  It is a time of the year when I find it particularly attractive.  When the leaves are very young they are covered in soft grey hairs.  As they age and get soaked by rain the pubescence disappears.

Whitebeam are native but are rarely found in the wild.  They are however a popular ornaments tree for parks etc.  The wood is tough and orange when wet but dries to a pale yellow/white.