The whitebeam, like the cherry and the apple, is not common in central London but is very common in the suburbs because it is a relatively small tree and makes a good garden tree and is quite a popular tree for suburban roads where the residents get annoyed with the council if they plant large trees which obscure the sun from their front windows, and who fear that the roots are going to smash down the foundations of their houses.

        Because there are both Swedish whitebeams and the native common whitebeam present at Euston, an opportunity is presented to make a comparison. They both produce berries, and they both have the same basic shape; the difference comes in the leaves; those of the Swedish whitebeam are slightly lobed. Both have leaves that are slightly leathery on the top side and velvety on the bottom.

      The fruit of the whitebeam is particularly appealing to birds and once a flock, usually of migrating birds, have discovered the tree, the berries do not last long. However, they are not pleasant to humans.