Tree

Juniperus virginiana This native conifer is actually a juniper, not a cedar. Growing to 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide, cultivars range from pyramidal to columnar, while volunteers vary greatly. Trunks have reddish peeling bark and can be handsomely fluted. With age the tree’s lower trunk often...

Nyssa sylvatica Now this is one you should run out and buy if you need a shade tree. A native that grows up to fifty feet in height and a width of thirty feet, black gum is one of the best trees for fall color going from yellow to orange to red to purple. Although the flowers are not spectacular,...

Koelreuteria bipinnata Rare is the tree that blooms spectacularly in late summer. Goldenrain’s fragrant yellow-flowered panicles up to two feet long and 18 inches wide are followed by rosy pink seed capsules that hold color for weeks before browning. Fall leaf color is yellow. Dry seed pods can be...

Stewartia pseudocamellia Japanese stewartia is always a choice tree, but a special treasure for small city gardens or an accent plant near patio, window or walk. Four season interest begins when camellia-like white flowers with prominent orange anthers appear in June/July, a time when few other...

Salix chaenomeloides You have to feel fond of a plant you can pet. The furry catkins on this variety of pussy willow grow so large they resemble little bunnies. Some even sport “toes”. This fun small tree reaches 15-25 feet tall at a fast rate. Its narrow dark green leaves are a lighter tone...

Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ Yearning for winter interest in your bare garden? The craggy trunk of river birch ‘Heritage’ can spice up your garden with exfoliating bark in shades of salmon pink, cinnamon, and white. At 40-70 feet tall, this medium-sized tree fits most landscapes. The glossy green leaves...

Malas species Crabapple trees can to be more than a one-season wonder. Besides fabulous spring flowers, winter trees can be red with crabapples and alive with feasting birds. To attract birds, plant trees that produce small crabapples, less than ¾”. Birds also favor crabapples that must freeze and...

Photo by Virginia Williams ( Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘ Nana Gracilis’) The graceful undulations of this evergreen remind one of waving fans or a gently rolling sea. While its big brother, the full size Hinoki, may grow to 70’ tall, this dwarf variety attains a height of 6-8’, a very manageable size...